bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tripchlorolide improves cognitive deficits by reducing amyloid β and upregulating synapse‐related proteins in a transgenic model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zeng Yuqi , Zhang Jian , Zhu Yuangui , Zhang Jing , Shen Hui , Lu Jianping , Pan Xiaodong , Lin Nan , Dai Xiaoman , Zhou Meng , Chen Xiaochun 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by early impairments in memory and progressive neurodegeneration. Disruption of synaptic plasticity processes that underlie learning and memory contribute partly to this pathophysiology. Tripchlorolide (T4), an extract from a traditional Chinese herbal Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been shown to be neuroprotective in animal models of Parkinson's disease and to improve cognitive deficits in senescence‐accelerated mouse P8. In this study, we investigated the effect of T4 on cognitive decline and synaptic plasticity in five times familial AD (5XFAD) mice co‐expressing mutated amyloid precursor protein and presenilin‐1. Five‐month‐old 5XFAD mice and wild type littermates were intraperitoneally injected with T4, 5 μg/kg or 25 μg/kg, every other day for 60 days. T4 treatment significantly improved spatial learning and memory, alleviated synaptic ultrastructure degradation, up‐regulated expression of synapse‐related proteins, including synaptophysin, post‐synaptic density‐95, N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor subunit 1, phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II α, and phosphorylation of cyclic AMP‐response element binding protein, and promoted activation of the phophoinositide‐3‐kinase‐Akt‐mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway in 5XFAD mice. Accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) may contribute to synapse dysfunction and memory impairment in AD. We found that T4 treatment significantly reduced cerebral Aβ deposits and lowered Aβ levels in brain homogenates. These effects coincided with a reduction in cleavage of β‐carboxyl‐terminal amyloid precursor protein (APP) fragment, levels of soluble APPβ, and protein expression of β‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1. Taken together, our findings identify T4 as a potent negative regulator of brain Aβ levels and show that it significantly ameliorates synaptic degeneration and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of AD.
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Tripchlorolide (T4), a traditional Chinese herbal compound, was shown to be neuroprotective, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study demonstrates that T4 alleviates cognitive decline in five times familial AD (5XFAD) mice. T4 acts against cognition impairment through downregulating BACE1 activity, reducing Aβ deposits, upregulating synapse‐related proteins expression, in particular the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway. The findings suggest that T4 may be a promising novel therapeutic option for treating AD. Akt = protein kinase B; Aβ = amyloid β; AD = Alzheimeŕs disease; BACE1 = beta‐secretase 1; PI3K = phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase; mTOR = mammalian target of rapamycin
Possible involvement of 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 in the development of leptin resistance
Authors: Hosoi Toru , Matsuzaki Syu , Miyahara Tsuyoshi , Shimizu Kaori , Hasegawa Yuki , Ozawa Koichiro 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObesity is a worldwide health problem that urgently needs to be solved. Leptin is an anti‐obesity hormone that activates satiety signals to the brain. Evidence to suggest that leptin resistance is involved in the development of obesity is increasing; however, the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. We herein demonstrated that 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) was involved in the development of leptin resistance. A treatment with 15d‐PGJ2 inhibited the leptin‐induced activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in neuronal cells (SH‐SY5Y‐Ob‐Rb cells). Furthermore, the intracerebroventricular administration of 15d‐PGJ2 reversed the inhibitory effects of leptin on food intake in rats. The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) antagonist, GW9662, slightly reversed the inhibitory effects of 15d‐PGJ2 on the leptin‐induced activation of STAT3 in neuronal cells. The PPAR‐γ agonist, rosiglitazone, also inhibited leptin‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Therefore, the inhibitory effects of 15d‐PGJ2 may be mediated through PPAR‐γ. On the other hand, 15d‐PGJ2‐induced leptin resistance may not be mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress or suppressor of cytokine signaling 3. The results of the present study suggest that 15d‐PGJ2 is a novel factor for the development of leptin resistance in obesity.
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Leptin resistance, an insensitivity to the actions of leptin, is involved in the development of obesity. Here, we found 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) may be involved in the development of leptin resistance. The present results suggest that the 15d‐PGJ2 may be a novel factor for the development of leptin resistance in obesity. 15d‐PGJ2, 15‐Deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2; STAT3, signal tranducer and activator of transcription 3.
Development and validation of an instrument to assess knowledge and skills of evidence‐based nursing
Authors: Gu Mee Ock , Ha Yeongmi , Kim Jeongsook 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo develop an objective instrument to measure nurses' entry‐level knowledge of and skills in evidence‐based practice, and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the instrument.BackgroundTo promote evidence‐based practice in nursing, nurses should initially receive education about evidence‐based practice knowledge and learn the skills, and this should be followed by measurement with an instrument that was developed to evaluate the extent to which they are prepared to use evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills. Although some self‐report instruments have been developed to measure evidence‐based practice in nursing, an objective instrument to evaluate nurses' evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills is not available at present.DesignA methodological study.MethodsThis study was conducted in two stages: the instrument development and its psychometric evaluation, including its validity and reliability. An instrument, ‘Knowledge and Skills of Evidence‐based Nursing,’ was developed. Content validity was assessed by five experts in evidence‐based nursing, and the construct validity was evaluated by the known‐groups method. Reliability was examined with internal consistency reliability and inter‐rater reliability.ResultsA content validity index >0·80 was achieved. For construct validity, there were statistically significant differences between the evidence‐based practice and nonevidence‐based practice groups in total scores and in the scores on each subscale of the Knowledge and Skills of Evidence‐based Nursing. Cronbach's alpha was 0·96, and the inter‐rater reliability was excellent.ConclusionsThe Knowledge and Skills of Evidence‐based Nursing is a valid and reliable instrument for objectively assessing nurses' evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills; it is quick to complete and to score the answers.Relevance to clinical practiceBecause the Knowledge and Skills of Evidence‐based Nursing objectively assesses nurses' evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills, it can be used to examine the effects of evidence‐based practice education. Moreover, the Knowledge and Skills of Evidence‐based Nursing may contribute to the promotion of evidence‐based practice projects in clinical settings because it can measure the extent to which nurses are prepared to use their evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills.
Pediatric dental clinic location and utilization in a high‐resource setting
Authors: Dumas S. Amanda , Polk Deborah 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesExamine dental utilization by Medicaid‐insured children living in a high‐resource area. Characterize distance and travel‐related variables to accessing care.MethodsCross‐sectional data were collected on dental clinics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, caring for Medicaid‐insured children ≥1 year. Shortest distances, drive times, and bus travel between dental clinics and high‐poverty census tracts were determined through geographical information systems analysis. Primary care clinic (PCC) survey data were analyzed for children's dental use. Demographic characteristics and travel‐related variables were compared between children who had and had not been to a dentist.ResultsTen dental clinics accepted Medicaid‐insured children ≥1 year. Mean distance between high‐poverty census tracts and their nearest clinic was 1.2 miles [standard deviation (SD) 0.2 miles], with mean bus travel time 15.6 minutes (SD 12.3 minutes). Overall, 46 percent of PCC children reported a dental visit, and this was not significantly different between those who lived in a high‐poverty census tract versus those who did not (41 percent and 35 percent, respectively, P = 0.58). Children traveled a mean distance of 4.75 miles (SD 2.37 miles) to their dental clinic. Mean distance to their nearest dental clinic was 2.81 miles (SD 2.12 miles).ConclusionDental clinics in a high‐resource area are in close proximity to where young Medicaid‐insured children live; and distances between children's homes and dental clinics are not significantly different between children who had and had not reported a dental visit, suggesting that barriers persist despite close proximity. Regardless, closer proximity may contribute to the higher utilization of services observed compared with national rates.
Throat Sensations of Beverages Evaluated by In Vivo Measurements of Swallowing
Authors: Funami Takahiro , Isono Mai , Ikegami Akira , Nakao Satomi , Nakauma Makoto , Fujiwara Shigehiro , Minagi Yoshitomo , Hori Kazuhiro , Ono Takahiro 
Published: February 2015

AbstractRelationship between throat sensations of beverages and some parameters from two types of in vivo measurements of swallowing was investigated. It was indicated using carbonated water that sparkling sensation can be assessed by the acoustic analysis of the swallowing sound, where both the intensity and the occurrence of the sound detected at a particular frequency of 4.0 kHz during the bolus flow through the pharynx were increased by sparkling sensation. It was also indicated using beer that bodying sensation can be assessed by the kinetic analysis of the laryngeal movement, where both the duration and the activity of the larynx required for one swallowing cycle and detected on a bend sensor were increased by bodying sensation. Furthermore, it was demonstrated by these in vivo measurements that human swallowing behavior can be modified by the addition of flavor compounds, which was sometimes accompanied with enhanced perception in each sensation.Practical ApplicationsConsumers' palatability is becoming more diverse not only in solid or semi‐solid foods but also liquid foods such as beverages. In the development of beverage products, including soft drinks and beers, throat sensations perceived during drinking should be designed proficiently because they can greatly impact the consumers' preference. Although the design of throat sensation of beverage products can be the key for the commercial success, the industry is still looking for any suitable measurement to quantify these human perceptions in an objective, reproducible and easy manner. Evaluation protocol established in the present study meets these requirements and should contribute to the development of high‐value added products. In this aged society, usage of the protocol can be expanded to the development of beverage products for dysphagia patients in terms of prevented misleading, for example.
Effects of Galactomannan Addition on Rheological, Pasting and Physical Properties of Water Chestnut Starch
Authors: Lee Youngseung , Chang Yoon Hyuk 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of galactomannans (guar gum, tara gum and locust bean gum) on the rheological, pasting and physical properties of water chestnut starch. All water chestnut starch–galactomannan mixtures (0.5% w/w) had significantly higher shear‐thinning fluid characteristics than the control (0% gum). Adding all of galactomannans significantly increased the values of apparent viscosity (ηa,100), consistency index (K) and yield stress (σoc) for water chestnut starch. In the dynamic rheological analysis, the dynamic moduli (G′, G″) and complex viscosity (η*) for water chestnut starch–galactomannan mixtures were significantly greater than those for the control. The water chestnut starch–guar gum mixture in particular had significantly higher viscoelastic properties compared with the starch–tara gum or starch–locust bean gum mixtures. The incorporation of all galactomannans increased the peak viscosity and gel strength, but decreased the syneresis values of water chestnut starch. The guar mixtures seemed to be the most stable over freeze‐thaw cycles.Practical ApplicationsMixed starch and gum gels are gaining popularity in the food industry. This study elucidated the effects of galactomannans (guar gum, tara gum and locust bean gum) on the rheological, pasting and physical properties of water chestnut starch. The results indicated that galactommanns can be used as a thickener for improving the rheological properties of water chestnut starch and stabilizer for reducing the syneresis of the starch during freezing‐thaw cycles in the food industry. Furthermore, galactomannans can be used to enhance the physical and pasting properties of water chestnut starch‐based food products.
Anthropogenic factors and habitat complexity influence biodiversity but wave exposure drives species turnover of a subtropical rocky inter‐tidal metacommunity
Authors: Bloch Christopher P. , Klingbeil Brian T. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCoastal ecosystems are complex and species rich, but are vulnerable to degradation from a variety of anthropogenic activities. Nevertheless, information on inter‐tidal community composition in the Caribbean Basin and at other oceanic sites is lacking. Such information is essential to developing a more comprehensive understanding of rocky inter‐tidal systems and their responses to global change. The goals of this study were to determine the relative importance of environmental (wave power density, wave height), habitat (e.g. algal cover, slope, complexity of rock surfaces) and anthropogenic (distance to roads, population density) factors associated with the structure of local assemblages at multiple shore heights and the regional metacommunity of mobile invertebrates on oceanic rocky inter‐tidal habitats. Environmental characteristics associated with habitat complexity (algal cover, rock surface complexity) and human population density were most strongly associated with abundance and biodiversity of invertebrates. Species richness was positively correlated with surface complexity, but abundance was negatively correlated with both surface complexity and per cent algal cover. By contrast, abundance of invertebrates was positively correlated with human population density, and diversity was negatively correlated with human population density. Abundance of invertebrates was greatest in the mid inter‐tidal zone, whereas diversity was greatest in the lower inter‐tidal zone. Metacommunity structure was Gleasonian, but the gradient along which species turnover occurred was correlated with measures of wave exposure, rather than anthropogenic activity. Unlike in previous studies, mostly at mainland sites, human activity primarily altered dominance patterns of communities, while having relatively little effect on species richness or composition.
Listeria monocytogenes exopolysaccharide: origin, structure, biosynthetic machinery and c‐di‐GMP‐dependent regulation
Authors: Köseoğlu Volkan K. , Heiss Christian , Azadi Parastoo , Topchiy Elena , Güvener Zehra T. , Lehmann Teresa E. , Miller Kurt W. , Gomelsky Mark 
Published: February 2015

SummaryElevated levels of the second messenger c‐di‐GMP activate biosynthesis of an unknown exopolysaccharide (EPS) in the food‐borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. This EPS strongly protects cells against disinfectants and desiccation, indicating its potential significance for listerial persistence in the environment and for food safety. We analyzed the potential phylogenetic origin of this EPS, determined its complete structure, characterized genes involved in its biosynthesis and hydrolysis and identified diguanylate cyclases activating its synthesis. Phylogenetic analysis of EPS biosynthesis proteins suggests that they have evolved within monoderms. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that L. monocytogenes EPS is cell surface‐bound. Secreted carbohydrates represent exclusively cell‐wall debris. Based on carbohydrate composition, linkage and NMR analysis, the structure of the purified EPS is identified as a β‐1,4‐linked N‐acetylmannosamine chain decorated with terminal α‐1,6‐linked galactose. All genes of the pssA‐E operon are required for EPS production and so is a separately located pssZ gene. We show that PssZ has an EPS‐specific glycosylhydrolase activity. Exogenously added PssZ prevents EPS‐mediated cell aggregation and disperses preformed aggregates, whereas an E72Q mutant in the presumed catalytic residue is much less active. The diguanylate cyclases DgcA and DgcB, whose genes are located next to pssZ, are primarily responsible for c‐di‐GMP‐dependent EPS production.
The induction of two biosynthetic enzymes helps Escherichia coli sustain heme synthesis and activate catalase during hydrogen peroxide stress
Authors: Mancini Stefano , Imlay James A. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryHydrogen peroxide pervades many natural environments, including the phagosomes that mediate cell‐based immunity. Transcriptomic analysis showed that during protracted low‐grade H2O2 stress, Escherichia coli responds by activating both the OxyR defensive regulon and the Fur iron‐starvation response. OxyR induced synthesis of two members of the nine‐step heme biosynthetic pathway: ferrochelatase (HemH) and an isozyme of coproporphyrinogen III oxidase (HemF). Mutations that blocked either adaptation caused the accumulation of porphyrin intermediates, inadequate activation of heme enzymes, low catalase activity, defective clearance of H2O2 and a failure to grow. Genetic analysis indicated that HemH induction is needed to compensate for iron sequestration by the mini‐ferritin Dps. Dps activity protects DNA and proteins by limiting Fenton chemistry, but it interferes with the ability of HemH to acquire the iron that it needs to complete heme synthesis. HemF is a manganoprotein that displaces HemN, an iron–sulfur enzyme whose synthesis and/or stability is apparently problematic during H2O2 stress. Thus, the primary responses to H2O2, including the sequestration of iron, require compensatory adjustments in the mechanisms of iron‐cofactor synthesis. The results support the growing evidence that oxidative stress is primarily an iron pathology.
Reciprocal herkogamy promotes disassortative mating in a distylous species with intramorph compatibility
Authors: Zhou Wei , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Wang Hong , Li De‐Zhu 
Published: February 2015

SummaryMating patterns in heterostylous species with intramorph compatibility have the potential to deviate from symmetrical disassortative mating owing to ecological and reproductive factors influencing pollen dispersal. Here, we investigate potential and realized patterns of mating in distylousLuculia pinceana(Rubiaceae), a species with intramorph compatibility. Our analysis provides an opportunity to test Darwin's hypothesis that reciprocal herkogamy promotes disassortative pollen transfer.We combined measurements of sex‐organ reciprocity and pollen production to predict potential pollen transfer and mating patterns in a population from SW China. Marker‐based paternity analysis was then used to estimate realized patterns of disassortative and assortative mating at the individual and floral morph levels.Both potential and realized mating patterns indicated a significant component of disassortative mating, satisfying theoretical conditions for the maintenance of floral dimorphism. Levels of assortative mating (37.7%) were significantly lower than disassortative mating (62.3%), but numerous offspring resulting from intramorph mating were detected in the majority of maternal seed families in both floral morphs.Our results provide empirical support for Darwin's cross‐promotion hypothesis on the function of reciprocal herkogamy, but indicate that in most heterostylous species strong diallelic incompatibility may be a general requirement for complete disassortative mating.
Risk of perimetric blindness among juvenile glaucoma patients
Authors: Gupta Viney , Devi K Saranya , Kumar Sandip , Pandey Ravindra Mohan , Sihota Ramanjit , Sharma Ajay , Gupta Shikha 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTo estimate rates of progression and to asssess the projected lifetime risk of blindness among treated eyes of juvenile‐onset primary open glaucoma (JOAG) patients.MethodsRates of change of the visual field index of JOAG patients (diagnosed between the age of 10–40 years), with at least 5 year follow up, were used to estimate the lifetime risk of perimetric blindness. Both the eyes of patients were included in the analysis wherever possible. Average life expectancy of the population was used to calculate the lifetime risk of perimetric blindness. A regression analysis of factors contributing to faster rates of progression was performed.ResultsOne hundred and two eyes of 54 patients were included in the study. Mean age at the time of baseline visual field was 26.6 ± 9.8 years (15–40 years). The average visual field index change per year was −0.9% (range −6.4 to +2.0% per year) and 18 eyes (17%) showed a progression greater than −2% per year. The cumulative risk of an eye losing 50% and 100% of its visual field index was 30% and 22% respectively over the patients' lifetime. The projected risk of bilateral blindness among JOAG patients over their lifetime was 10%. Long term IOP fluctuation was significantly associated with faster rates of progression (Odds ratio = 2.74; p = 0.012).ConclusionsThough the rate of visual field deterioration with treatment, among juvenile glaucoma patients is lower compared to that among other types of primary glaucoma, the projected lifetime risk of perimetric blindness in these eyes is similar, despite the longer duration of disease in this age group.
Identification and confirmation of quantitative trait loci for stachyose content in soybean seed
Authors: Zeng Ailan , Chen Pengyin , Zhang Bo , Orazaly Moldir , Florez‐Palacios Liliana , Brye Kristofor R. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractStachyose is an unfavorable sugar in soybean meal that causes flatulence for non‐ruminant animals. Understanding the genetic control of stachyose in soybean will facilitate the modification of stachyose content at the molecular level. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed stachyose content using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A normal stachyose cultivar, ‘Osage’, was crossed with a low stachyose line, V99‐5089, to develop a QTL mapping population. Two parents were screened with 33 SSR and 37 SNP markers randomly distributed on chromosome 10, and 20 SSR and 19 SNP markers surrounding a previously reported stachyose QTL region on chromosome 11. Of these, 5 SSR and 16 SNP markers were used to screen the F3:4 lines derived from ‘Osage’ x V99‐5089. Seed samples from F3:5 and F3:6 lines were analyzed for stachyose content using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Composite interval mapping analysis indicated that two stachyose QTL were mapped to chromosome 10 and 11, explaining 11% and 79% of phenotypic variation for stachyose content, respectively. The SSR/SNP markers linked to stachyose QTL could be used in breeding soybean lines with desired stachyose contents. Chi‐square tests further indicated that these two QTL probably represent two independent genes for stachyose content. Therefore, a major QTL was confirmed on chromosome 11 and a novel QTL was found on chromosome 10 for stachyose content.