bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunogenetic characterization of a captive colony of sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) used for SIV research
Authors: Smith Geary R. , Bauer Liesel , Crane Maria M. , Johnson Zachary P. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundAfrican non‐human primates are SIV natural hosts and do not develop disease following infection. Understanding disease avoidance mechanisms in these species is important for HIV vaccine development. The largest captive population of sooty mangabeys, a SIV natural host species, resides at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center.MethodsThirteen primer sets that amplify polymorphic microsatellite loci within the MHC region were used to genotype 144 animals. Immunogenetic Management Software (IMS) was used to identify MHC haplotypes and organize data.ResultsSeventy‐three haplotypes were identified. Limited haplotype diversity was observed in this population with 88.2% of included animals carrying one of 18 haplotypes. Differences in haplotype frequency were observed between SIV (+) and SIV (−) populations.ConclusionsWe have developed a novel tool for others to use in the analysis of the role of the MHC in a natural host non‐human primate model species used for SIV research.
Immunoregulatory actions of melatonin and zinc during chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Brazão Vânia , Santello Fabricia Helena , Filipin Marina Del Vecchio , Azevedo Angela Palamin , Toldo Míriam Paula Alonso , de Morais Fabiana Rossetto , Prado José Clóvis do 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAfter one century of the discovery of Chagas' disease and the development of an efficient drug with amplitude of actions both in the acute and chronic phase is still a challenge. Alternative immune modulators have been exhaustively used. For that purpose, melatonin and zinc were administered during chronic Trypanosoma cruzi‐infected Wistar rats and several endpoints were assessed. Melatonin has a remarkable functional versatility, being associated with important antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic effects. The cross‐talk between zinc and the immune system includes its ability to influence the production and signaling of numerous inflammatory cytokines in a variety of cell types. Our study showed that zinc triggered a decrease in the generation of IFN‐γ for TCD4+ cells. Reduced percentage of CD4+T cells producing TNF‐α was observed in control melatonin or zinc‐and‐melatonin‐treated animals as compared with untreated rats. On the other hand, a significant increase in the percentage of IL‐4 from CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes producers was observed 60 days after infection, for all zinc‐treated animals, whether infected or not. Melatonin and zinc therapies increased the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes IL‐10 producers. CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ T cells were also elevated in zinc‐ and melatonin‐treated animals. The modulation of the immune system influenced by these molecules affected cytokine production and the inflammatory process during chronic T. cruzi infection. Elucidation of the interplay between cytokine balance and the pathogenesis of Chagas’ disease is extremely relevant not only for the comprehension of the immune mechanisms and clinical forms but, most importantly, also for the implementation of efficient and adequate therapies.
Higher melatonin secretion is associated with lower leukocyte and platelet counts in the general elderly population: the HEIJO‐KYO cohort
Authors: Obayashi Kenji , Saeki Keigo , Kurumatani Norio 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCirculating white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts are widely available and inexpensive cellular biomarkers of systemic inflammation and have been associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality. Melatonin may reduce systemic inflammation through its direct and indirect antioxidative effect; however, the associations of melatonin secretion with systemic inflammation remain unclear. In this cross‐sectional study on 1088 elderly individuals (mean age, 71.8 years), we measured overnight urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin excretion (UME) and WBC and PLT counts as indices of melatonin secretion and systemic inflammation, respectively. UME was naturally log‐transformed for linear regression models because of skewed distribution (median, 6.8 μg; interquartile range, 4.1–10.6 μg). Univariate models revealed that higher log‐transformed UME levels were significantly associated with lower WBC and PLT counts (P = 0.046 and 0.018). After adjusting for potential confounding factors significantly associated with WBC or PLT counts, higher log‐transformed UME levels were significantly associated with lower WBC and PLT counts (WBC: β, −0.143; 95% confidence interval, −0.267 to −0.020; P = 0.023; PLT: β, −6.786; 95% confidence interval, −12.047 to −1.525; P = 0.012). Furthermore, the adjusted mean differences in WBC and PLT counts between the lowest and highest UME tertile groups were 0.225 × 109/L and 9.480 × 109/L, respectively. In conclusion, melatonin secretion was significantly and inversely associated with WBC and PLT counts in the general elderly population. The associations were independent of several major causes of systemic inflammation, including aging, obesity, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and physical inactivity.
Clinical course of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) presented with normal ALT in Asian American patients
Authors: Nguyen K. , Pan C. , Xia V. , Hu J. , Hu K.‐Q. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe clinical course for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal ALT and with or without minimal histologic activity remains unclear. We assessed frequency, amplitude, disease activities, and associated factors of ALT and/or AST flares in this subpopulation. Forty‐seven consecutive treatment naïve Asian patients with CHB were enrolled from two liver clinics between December 2003 and January 2013, who had normal baseline ALT by routine clinical biochemical testing performed 6 weeks before or after the liver biopsy. We defined a flare as elevation of ALT/AST above the upper limit of normal of ALT/AST. The mean follow‐up was 37.6 (CI = 12, 88) months, and the mean age at entry into the study was 43.3 (CI = 19, 65); 22/47 (46.8%) were males; 15/45 (33.3%), HBeAg+; 68.1% had stage 0–1 fibrosis; 63.8% had grade 0–1 inflammation. During follow‐up, 13/47 (27.7%) cases developed ALT flare at least once in a mean of 13.5 (CI = 2, 43) months after liver biopsy; ALT flare was not associated with baseline ALT level, fibrosis stage, inflammation grade, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA load, HBeAg status, HBV genotype, HBV precore and basal core promoter mutations. 11/13 (84/6%) of ALT flares resolved during follow‐up. 13/13 (100%) of ALT flares met AASLD treatment criteria, but only 6/13 (46.2%) were on HBV treatment. Serum ALT and/or AST flares occur frequently in CHB carriers who initially presented with normal ALT during pretreatment period. Thus, regular follow‐up is warranted despite status of ALT/AST. No clinical factors were found to be associated with ALT flares.
HCV genotype 3 and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA)‐IgM are independently associated with histological features of NASH in HCV‐infected patients
Authors: Martini A. , Fattovich G. , Guido M. , Bugianesi E. , Biasiolo A. , Ieluzzi D. , Gallotta A. , Fassina G. , Merkel C. , Gatta A. , Negro F. , Pontisso P. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryNonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) enhances the risk of progressive liver disease. In chronic hepatitis C (CHC), liver steatosis is frequent, especially in genotype 3, but its clinical significance is debated. As squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA)‐IgM has been associated with advanced liver disease and risk of tumour development, we evaluated its occurrence in CHC and the possible relation with NASH at liver biopsy. Using a validated ELISA, serum SCCA‐IgM was measured in 91 patients with CHC at the time of liver biopsy performed before antiviral treatment, at the end of treatment and 6 months thereafter, and in 93 HCV‐negative patients with histological diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, as controls. SCCA‐IgM was detected in 33% of CHC patients and in 4% of controls. This biomarker was found more elevated in CHC patients with histological NASH, and at multivariate analysis, SCCA‐IgM and HCV genotype 3 were independently associated with NASH [OR (95% CI): 6.94 (1.21–40) and 27.02 (4.44–166.6)]. As predictors of NASH, HCV genotype 3 and SCCA‐IgM had a specificity and a sensitivity of 97% and 44%, and of 95% and 27%, respectively. PPV and NPV were 80% and 86% for HCV genotype 3 vs 73% and 72% for SCCA‐IgM. In patients with sustained virologic response to therapy, SCCA‐IgM levels decreased significantly, while these remained unchanged in nonresponders. In conclusion, SCCA‐IgM is detectable in one‐third of patients with CHC and significantly correlates with histological NASH.
Transposable elements as agents of rapid adaptation may explain the genetic paradox of invasive species
Authors: Stapley Jessica , Santure Anna W. , Dennis Stuart R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRapid adaptation of invasive species to novel habitats has puzzled evolutionary biologists for decades, especially as this often occurs in the face of limited genetic variability. Although some ecological traits common to invasive species have been identified, little is known about the possible genomic/genetic mechanisms that may underlie their success. A common scenario in many introductions is that small founder population sizes will often lead to reduced genetic diversity, but that invading populations experience large environmental perturbations, such as changes in habitat and environmental stress. Although sudden and intense stress is usually considered in a negative context, these perturbations may actually facilitate rapid adaptation by affecting genome structure, organization and function via interactions with transposable elements (TEs), especially in populations with low genetic diversity. Stress‐induced changes in TE activity can alter gene action and can promote structural variation that may facilitate the rapid adaptation observed in new environments. We focus here on the adaptive potential of TEs in relation to invasive species and highlight their role as powerful mutational forces that can rapidly create genetic diversity. We hypothesize that activity of transposable elements can explain rapid adaptation despite low genetic variation (the genetic paradox of invasive species), and provide a framework under which this hypothesis can be tested using recently developed and emerging genomic technologies.
Rot is a key regulator of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation
Authors: Mootz Joe M. , Benson Meredith A. , Heim Cortney E. , Crosby Heidi A. , Kavanaugh Jeffrey S. , Dunman Paul M. , Kielian Tammy , Torres Victor J. , Horswill Alexander R. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryStaphylococcus aureus is a significant cause of chronic biofilm infections on medical implants. We investigated the biofilm regulatory cascade and discovered that the repressor of toxins (Rot) is part of this pathway. A USA300 community‐associated methicillin‐resistant S. aureus strain deficient in Rot was unable to form a biofilm using multiple different assays, and we found rot mutants in other strain lineages were also biofilm deficient. By performing a global analysis of transcripts and protein production controlled by Rot, we observed that all the secreted protease genes were up‐regulated in a rot mutant, and we hypothesized that this regulation could be responsible for the biofilm phenotype. To investigate this question, we determined that Rot bound to the protease promoters, and we observed that activity levels of these enzymes, in particular the cysteine proteases, were increased in a rot mutant. By inactivating these proteases, biofilm capacity was restored to the mutant, demonstrating they are responsible for the biofilm negative phenotype. Finally, we tested the rot mutant in a mouse catheter model of biofilm infection and observed a significant reduction in biofilm burden. Thus S. aureus uses the transcription factor Rot to repress secreted protease levels in order to build a biofilm.
Barnyard millet – a potential food and feed crop of future
Authors: Sood Salej , Khulbe Rajesh K. , Gupta Arun K. , Agrawal Pawan K. , Upadhyaya Hari D. , Bhatt Jagdish C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe two species under genus Echinochloa, E. frumentacea (Indian barnyard millet) and E. esculenta (Japanese barnyard millet), are cultivated for food and fodder by hilly and tribal communities in Asia particularly in India, China and Japan. The crop has wide adaptability and occupies a special place in marginal rainfed areas because of its short life cycle. Although the area under the crop has come down drastically in last 50 years, the crop ability to survive under harsh conditions makes it a better choice during famine years. In the Indian Himalayan region, the crop was traditionally used as a substitute for rice. It has been identified as a suitable choice for climate‐resilient agriculture. High nutrient content and antioxidant effects make it to be considered as a functional food crop. Recently, the demand of the crop has increased due to its highly nutritious grains. Thus, it has the potential to provide both food and nutritional security particularly in hills where nutritional deficiencies are in abundance. Despite enormous potential, the crop has not gained the popularity among masses and is still considered as poor man's food. This work therefore is an attempt to compile the meagre information available on crop history, evolution, crop breeding and present status to make the crop competitive and revamp its cultivation.
Metabolic change in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and its correlation with symptom severity in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 Tesla
Authors: Moon Chung‐Man , Kang Heoung‐Keun , Jeong Gwang‐Woo 
Published: January 2015

AimsA few neuroimaging studies have demonstrated the key brain areas associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, the brain metabolic changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of patients with GAD are unclear. This study utilized 3‐Tesla proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) to assess the DLPFC metabolic change and its correlation with symptom severity in patients with GAD.MethodsPatients with GAD diagnosed using the DSM‐IV‐TR and age‐matched healthy controls participated in this study. Brain metabolite concentrations were measured from a localized voxel on the DLPFC using 3‐Tesla 1H‐MRS. Also, the volumetric composition of the gray matter and white matter volumes was assessed using voxel‐based morphometry.ResultsThe choline/creatine and choline/N‐acetylaspartate ratios were significantly lower in patients than in controls. However, there were no significant differences in other metabolite ratios between the two groups. Choline concentrations were negatively correlated with anxiety levels as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7. There was no significant difference in the gray matter and white matter volumes in the MRS voxel between the two groups.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that GAD is associated with low a level of choline/N‐acetylaspartate in the DLPFC, which is closely related with symptom severity and cognitive dysfunction. This finding will be useful for an understanding of the neural mechanism associated with GAD.
Making a Difference in Migrant Summer School: Testing a Healthy Weight Intervention
Authors: Kilanowski Jill F. , Gordon Nahida H. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveEvaluate the effectiveness of a healthy weight intervention designed for children of migrant farmworkers embedded in a 7‐week summer Midwest Migrant Education Program (MEP) for changes in: weight; Body Mass Index (BMI); BMI‐percentiles (BMI‐p); muscle strength and muscle flexibility; nutrition knowledge; attitudes; and behaviors.Design and SampleThis is a two‐group pre‐post quasi‐experimental study. Latino children of migrant farmworkers attending summer MEP in grades one through eight were enrolled (n = 171: comparison n = 33, intervention n = 138).MeasuresWeight, BMI, BMI‐p, muscle strength and flexibility, knowledge, and healthy behaviors.InterventionClassroom content included: food variety; increasing fruits and vegetables; healthy breakfasts; more family meals; increasing family time; decreasing TV and electronic game time; increasing physical activity; limiting sugar‐sweetened drinks; portion sizes; and food labels.ResultsStatistically significant were increase in comparison group mean weight, decrease in intervention group BMI‐p, and improvements in muscle flexibility and healthy behavior attitudes. The intervention students showed trends toward healthy BMI. The number of MEP days attended was significantly correlated in four outcomes.ConclusionStudy findings have the potential to decrease incidence of unhealthy weight in Latino migrant children, reduce rates of premature adult diseases in these children, and a potential to decrease future health care costs.
Nanometal Surface Energy Transfer Optical Ruler for Measuring a Human Telomere Structure
Authors: Armstrong Rachel E. , Riskowski Ryan A. , Strouse Geoffrey F. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractNanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) techniques on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have become an essential tool in molecular biophysics to identify structural details at long‐range donor‐acceptor distances. The NSET mechanism is well described, but it has been suggested that the use of large AuNPs in NSET may manipulate natural biomolecular function. If, in fact, such nonspecific interactions with the AuNP surface can be quantified or contained, then NSET may offer more potential in tracking biomolecular folding than the most comprehensive methods in conformer determination (X‐ray crystallography, NMR, EPR). Here, we describe an NSET ruler capable of tracking Hybrid‐2 telomere quadruplex folding and we demonstrate that nucleic acid appendage to AuNPs up to 10 nm in diameter does not manipulate biomolecular function. The quadruplex folding of Hybrid‐2 sequences was tracked by monitoring the emission of a DY680 dye on selected basepairs in the telomere sequence when appended to the surface of AuNPs (5–10 nm). Emission‐derived distances extracted from NSET theory correlate well to reported NMR structures of the hybrid quadruplex. Moreover, NSET theory calculates identical donor‐acceptor distal points between DY680 and all sizes of AuNPs, indicating that the AuNP tether is not dominant or disruptive towards nucleic acid folding.
Is Knowledge of God a Cognitive Achievement?
Authors: Bolos Anthony 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis essay considers whether reformed epistemology is compatible with the claim that knowledge is a cognitive achievement. It is argued that knowledge of God is not only compatible with a more general achievement claim, but is also compatible with a much stronger achievement claim – namely, the strong achievement thesis where achievements are characterized by the overcoming of some obstacle. With respect to reformed epistemology, then, it is argued that the obstacle that is overcome is an environment that is not conducive to belief in God given the cognitive consequence of sin. This essay suggests two ways in which the agent is involved in the process of overcoming this obstacle.
The Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Profile and Acid–base Status in Preterm and Term Canine Neonates
Authors: Vannucchi CI , Kishi D , Regazzi FM , Silva LCG , Veiga GAL , Angrimani DSR , Lucio CF , Nichi M 
Published: January 2015

ContentsDuring the initiation of neonatal pulmonary respiration, there is an exponential increase in reactive oxygen species that must be scavenged by antioxidant defences. However, neonate and preterm newborns are known to possess immature antioxidant mechanisms to neutralize these toxic effects. The purposes of this study were to compare the development of antioxidant system between preterm and term canine neonates and to evaluate the magnitude of acid–base balance during the initial 4 h of life. A prospective study was conducted involving 18 neonatal puppies assigned to Term Group (63 days of gestation; n = 5), Preterm‐57 Group (57 days of gestation; n = 8) and Preterm‐55 Group (55 days of gestation; n = 5). Neonates were physically examined through Apgar score and venous haemogasometry within 5 min, 2 and 4 h after birth. No difference on amniotic fluid and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the marker of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS) was verified. Irrespective of prematurity, all neonates presented low vitality, hypothermia, acidosis, hypoxaemia and hypercapnia at birth. However, term puppies clinically evolved more rapidly than preterm newborns. During the course of the study, premature neonates presented more severe complications, such as prolonged hypoxaemia and even death. In conclusion, premature puppies have no signs of immature enzymatic mechanisms for controlling oxidative stress, although SOD and GPx may participate in achieving acid–base balance. Aside from initial unremarkable symptoms, premature puppies should be carefully followed up, as they are at high risk of succumbing to odds of prematurity.
Shallow frontal deformation related to active continental subduction: structure and recent stresses in the westernmost Betic Cordillera
Authors: González‐Castillo Lourdes , Galindo‐Zaldívar Jesús , Pedrera Antonio , Martínez‐Moreno Francisco José , Ruano Patricia 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe westernmost Betic Cordillera front is located along the arcuate alpine belt formed by the interaction of the Eurasian‐African plate boundary and the Alboran continental domain in between. Although classical geological data suggest that the western Cordillera front is inactive, recent GPS data show a westward–north‐westward motion of up to 3.4 mm a−1 with respect to the foreland. In addition, the increasing thickness of Guadalquivir sedimentary infill towards the Cordillera, and the rectilinear character of the front formed by soft sediments, suggest that the Cordillera is still active. Large ENE–WSW‐oriented open folds detected in the field, seismic reflection profiles and new audiomagnetotellurics data are consistent with active deformation. Fracture analysis in Quaternary deposits evidences recent NW–SE horizontal compression. The GPS motion and maximum stress orientation may be due to north‐westward tectonic collision of the westernmost Betic Cordillera, accommodated at depth by active continental subduction of the Iberian lithosphere.