bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher parity is associated with an increased risk of type‐II diabetes in Chinese women: the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Mueller NT , Mueller NJ , Odegaard AO , Gross MD , Koh WP , Yuan JM , Pereira MA 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveThe association between parity and type‐II diabetes has been studied primarily in Western populations, and the findings have been inconsistent. Here, we examine whether parity was positively associated with incident type‐II diabetes in Singaporean Chinese women.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingSingapore.PopulationA total of 25 021 Singaporean Chinese women aged 45–74 years from the Singapore Chinese Health Study who were free of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes at baseline (1993–1998).MethodsWomen were followed through 2004 for incident diabetes. Hazard ratios for type‐II diabetes were computed across parity (of live births) categories and adjusted for baseline age, interview year, dialect, education, smoking, dietary pattern, physical activity, age at menarche, oral contraceptive use, menopausal status, hormone therapy use, and body mass index (BMI).Main outcome measureSelf‐reported diabetes, as diagnosed by a doctor.ResultsOver an average of 5.7 person‐years of follow‐up, 1294 women were diagnosed with diabetes. Before and after multivariable adjustment there was a positive graded association between parity and type‐II diabetes risk (P < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model, which included adult BMI, the risk of type‐II diabetes increased by 31% (from −2 to 76%), 62% (from 22 to 116%), and 74% (from 29 to 133%) for women with one or two, three or four, and five or more live births, respectively, compared with women with no live births. Moreover, in a supplementary multivariate analysis in non‐diabetic women we found a positive monotonic association between parity and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (P = 0.01).ConclusionsIncreased parity may be a risk factor for type‐II diabetes in Chinese women. More research is needed on lifestyle and physiologic factors that may explain this association.
Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Their Health Implications
Authors: Liu Rui Hai 
Published: June 2013

Abstract There is strong scientific evidence suggesting that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is negatively associated with risk of developing chronic diseases. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day based on a 2000 kcal diet. However, the average person in the United States consumes 3.6 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. In order to achieve the goal of at least 9 servings, we should continue educating Americans about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables and recommend consumers to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The key is to increase the amount up to 9 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables a day in all forms. Fresh, cooked, and processed fruits and vegetables including frozen and canned, 100% fruit juices, 100% vegetable juices, and dried fruits are all considered as servings of fruits and vegetables. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables provide a range of nutrients and different bioactive compounds including phytochemicals (phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids), vitamins (vitamin C, folate, and provitamin A), minerals (potassium, calcium, and magnesium), and fibers. More and more evidence suggests that the health benefits of fruits and vegetables are attributed to the additive and synergistic interactions of the phytochemicals present in whole foods by targeting multiple signal transduction pathways. Therefore, consumers should obtain nutrients and bioactive compounds from a wide variety of whole foods for optimal nutrition and health well‐being, not from expensive dietary supplements.
Resveratrol exhibits differential protective effects on fast‐ and slow‐twitch muscles in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats (在链脲霉素诱导的糖尿病大鼠中，白藜芦醇对快反应与慢反应肌肉的保护效应具有差别)
Authors: Chang Chih‐Chun , Yang Meng‐Hsuan , Tung Hung‐Chun , Chang Chieh‐Yu , Tsai Yu‐Lin , Huang Jiung‐Pang , Yen Tzung‐Hai , Hung Li‐Man 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the differential protective effect of resveratrol (RSV) on oxidative stress and metabolic signaling pathways in fast‐ and slow‐twitch skeletal muscles of rats with diabetes.MethodsDiabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) for 2 weeks and then administered with RSV (1, 10 and 100 μg/kg per day) for 1 week. We determined oxidative stress and protein expression by lucigenin‐mediated chemiluminescence and Western immunoblot.ResultsThe superoxide anion production and copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) protein level were increased in fast‐twitch muscle than in slow‐twitch muscle of diabetes. The Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK‐3) phosphorylations were reduced in both fast‐ and slow‐twitch muscles of diabetes. Oxidative stress and GSK‐3 dephosphorylation were corrected by RSV treatment in both fast‐ and slow‐twitch muscles of diabetes. Furthermore, RSV treatment downregulated CuZnSOD protein level in diabetic fast‐twitch muscle. In diabetic slow‐twitch muscle, RSV treatment elevated manganese SOD (MnSOD) and phosphorylated Akt protein levels and reduced acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation.ConclusionsOur results suggested that fast‐twitch muscle incurred more oxidative stress, whereas slow‐twitch muscle altered metabolic signaling molecules activities under diabetic status. The antidiabetic effect of RSV on fast‐ and slow‐twitch skeletal muscles was mediated by different antioxidative and metabolic signals.
Do plants need nitrate? The mechanisms by which nitrogen form affects plants
Authors: Andrews M. , Raven J.A. , Lea P.J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe literature on nitrogen (N) form effects on plants at different stages of their development has been critically reviewed, assessing the possible mechanisms of these effects. In particular, nitrate (NO3−) was compared with the other forms of N utilised by plants. It is concluded that the form of N available to plants can affect their time and rate of seed germination, leaf expansion and function, dry matter partitioning between shoot and root, and root architecture. The magnitude of these effects is dependent on environmental factors outside the supply of N. The mechanism of these effects is variable. Assessment of the importance of root or shoot NO3− assimilation under different environmental conditions is an important area for further study.
Targeting the Sphingosine Kinase/Sphingosine 1‐Phosphate Pathway to Treat Chronic Inflammatory Kidney Diseases
Authors: Schwalm Stephanie , Pfeilschifter Josef , Huwiler Andrea 
Published: June 2013

AbstractChronic kidney diseases including glomerulonephritis are often accompanied by acute or chronic inflammation that leads to an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) production and subsequent glomerulosclerosis. Glomerulonephritis is one of the leading causes for end‐stage renal failure with high morbidity and mortality, and there are still only a limited number of drugs for treatment available. In this MiniReview, we discuss the possibility of targeting sphingolipids, specifically the sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) pathway, as new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of glomerulonephritis, as this pathway was demonstrated to be dysregulated under disease conditions. Sphingosine 1‐phosphate is a multifunctional signalling molecule, which was shown to influence several hallmarks of glomerulonephritis including mesangial cell proliferation, renal inflammation and fibrosis. Most importantly, the site of action of S1P determines the final effect on disease progression. Concerning renal fibrosis, extracellular S1P acts pro‐fibrotic via activation of cell surface S1P receptors, whereas intracellular S1P was shown to attenuate the fibrotic response. Interference with S1P signalling by treatment with FTY720, an S1P receptor modulator, resulted in beneficial effects in various animal models of chronic kidney diseases. Also, sonepcizumab, a monoclonal anti‐S1P antibody that neutralizes extracellular S1P, and a S1P‐degrading recombinant S1P lyase are promising new strategies for the treatment of glomerulonephritis. In summary, especially due to the bifunctionality of S1P, the SphK1/S1P pathway provides multiple target sites for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases.
Phase I clinical trial of oral rigosertib in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Komrokji Rami S. , Raza Azra , Lancet Jeffrey E. , Ren Chen , Taft David , Maniar Manoj , Wilhelm Francois , List Alan F. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe multi‐kinase inhibitor rigosertib (ON 01910.Na) induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis in myeloblasts, while sparing normal cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic profile, maximum‐tolerated dose (MTD), safety, and clinical activity of an oral formulation of rigosertib in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). For pharmacokinetic studies, patients received rigosertib in single escalating weekly doses. To determine the MTD, patient cohorts received escalating doses of rigosertib twice daily for 14 d of a 21‐d cycle. Overall, 37 patients were treated. Rigosertib exposure increased with escalating oral doses. Mean absolute oral bioavailability ranged from 13·9% (fed) to 34·8% (fasting) in 12 patients treated at the 560 mg b.i.d. dose level. Dose‐limiting toxicity (grade 3 dysuria and shortness of breath) occurred at the 700 mg b.i.d. dose. Five patients experienced grade 3 non‐haematological toxicity, including symptoms of urothelial inflammation, hypotension and syncope, fatigue and abdominal pain. Encouraging signs of clinical activity included two bone marrow complete remissions in refractory anaemia with excess blasts type 1 patients previously treated with azacitidine. In addition, four patients each achieved transfusion independence and haematological improvements. In conclusion, oral rigosertib is bioavailable and well tolerated, and has clinical activity in patients with MDS.
Influence of Patch Factors and Connectivity on the Avifauna of Fragmented Polylepis Forest in the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Tinoco Boris A. , Astudillo Pedro X. , Latta Steven C. , Strubbe Diederik , Graham Catherine H. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractHuman‐induced alteration of habitat is a major threat to biodiversity worldwide, especially in areas of high biological diversity and endemism. Polylepis (Rosaceae) forest, a unique forest habitat in the high Andes of South America, presently occurs as small and isolated patches in grassland dominated landscapes. We examine how the avian community is likely influenced by patch characteristics (i.e., area, plant species composition) and connectivity in a landscape composed of patches of Polylepis forest surrounded by páramo grasslands in Cajas National Park in the Andes of southern Ecuador. We used generalized linear mixed models and an information‐theoretic approach to identify the most important variables probably influencing birds inhabiting 26 forest patches. Our results indicated that species richness was associated with area of a patch and floristic composition, particularly the presence of Gynoxys (Asteraceae). However, connectivity of patches probably influenced the abundance of forest and generalists species. Elsewhere, it has been proposed that effective management plans for birds using Polylepis should promote the conservation of mature Polylepis patches. Our results not only suggest this but also show that there are additional factors, such as the presence of Gynoxys plants, which will probably play a role in conservation of birds. More generally, these findings show that while easily measured attributes of the patch and landscape may provide some insights into what influences patch use by birds, knowledge of other factors, such as plant species composition, is essential for better understanding the distribution of birds in fragmented landscapes.
Litterfall and Element Fluxes in a Natural Hardwood Forest and a Chinese‐fir Plantation Experiencing Frequent Typhoon Disturbance in Central Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hsueh‐Ching , Wang Su‐Fen , Lin Kuo‐Chuan , Lee Shaner Pei‐Jen , Lin Teng‐Chiu 
Published: June 2013

AbstractChinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is the most important forest plantation species in subtropical Asia and is rapidly replacing natural forests. Such land‐use change may affect ecosystem nutrient cycling through changes in litterfall nutrient flux. Tropical cyclones often cause pulses of litterfall. Previous studies, however, have mostly focused on the effects of a single cyclone with little effort examining the effects of repeated cyclones. We examined litterfall in a natural hardwood forest and a Chinese‐fir plantation in central Taiwan experiencing an average of one typhoon per year. The natural hardwood forest had 54 percent higher annual litterfall (11,400 kg/ha/yr) than the Chinese‐fir plantation (7400 kg/ha/yr). Four typhoon‐affected months (typhoon period) contributed to approximately 60 percent of the litterfall and litterfall element flux in the natural hardwood forest and 80 percent in the Chinese‐fir plantation, with contributions from individual typhoons varied by more than twofold. Litterfall N and P concentrations were significantly higher in typhoon period than in non‐typhoon period, likely the result of limited retranslocation. Precipitation was a better predictor of quantity of typhoon‐associated litterfall than wind velocity. Both types of forests in southeastern China beyond the reach of typhoons have litterfall peaks in the dry season. In contrast, we measured higher litterfall during the typhoon period than during the dry season, suggesting that in regions with frequent cyclones, cyclones drive temporal variation of litterfall. Global climate change is affecting the frequency and intensity of cyclones; therefore, knowledge of typhoon‐litterfall dynamics is indispensable for understanding the effects of climate change on ecosystem nutrient cycling.
Predictive Mapping of Species Richness and Plant Species' Distributions of a Peruvian Fog Oasis Along an Altitudinal Gradient
Authors: Muenchow Jannes , Bräuning Achim , Rodríguez Eric Frank , von Wehrden Henrik 
Published: June 2013

AbstractTropical arid to semi‐arid ecosystems are nearly as diverse as more humid forests and occupy large parts of the tropics. In comparison, however, they are vastly understudied. For instance, fog precipitation alone supports a unique vegetation formation, locally termed lomas, on coastal mountains in the Peruvian desert. To effectively protect these highly endemic and threatened ecosystems, we must increase our understanding of their diversity patterns in relation to environmental factors. Consequently, we recorded all vascular species from 100 random 4 × 4 m plots on the fog‐exposed southern slope of the mountain Mongón. We used topographic and remotely sensed covariates in statistical models to generate spatial predictions of alpha diversity and plant species' distribution probabilities. Altitude was the most important predictor in all models and may represent fog moisture levels. Other significant covariates in the models most likely refer also to water availability but on a finer spatial scale. Additionally, model‐based clustering revealed five altitudinal vegetation zones. This study contributes to a better spatial understanding of the biodiversity and spatial arrangement of vegetation belts of the largely unknown but highly unique lomas formations. Furthermore, mapping species richness and plant species' distributions could support a long‐needed lomas strategic conservation scheme.
MAG‐EPA resolves lung inflammation in an allergic model of asthma
Authors: Morin C. , Fortin S. , Cantin A. M. , Rousseau É. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryBackgroundAsthma is a chronic disease characterized by airways hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and airways remodelling involving reversible bronchial obstruction. Omega‐3 fatty acids and their derivatives are known to reduce inflammation in several tissues including lung.ObjectivesThe effects of eicosapentaenoic acid monoacylglyceride (MAG‐EPA), a newly synthesized EPA derivative, were determined on the resolution of lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in an in vivo model of allergic asthma.MethodsOvalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized guinea‐pigs were treated or not with MAG‐EPA administered per os. Isometric tension measurements, histological analyses, homogenate preparation for Western blot experiments or total RNA extraction for RT‐PCR were performed to assess the effect of MAG‐EPA treatments.ResultsMechanical tension measurements revealed that oral MAG‐EPA treatments reduced methacholine (MCh)‐induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness in OVA‐sensitized guinea‐pigs. Moreover, MAG‐EPA treatments also decreased Ca2+ hypersensitivity of bronchial smooth muscle. Histological analyses and leucocyte counts in bronchoalveolar lavages revealed that oral MAG‐EPA treatments led to less inflammatory cell recruitment in the lung of OVA‐sensitized guinea‐pigs when compared with lungs from control animals. Results also revealed a reduction in mucin production and MUC5AC expression level in OVA‐sensitized animals treated with MAG‐EPA. Following MAG‐EPA treatments, the transcript levels of pro‐inflammatory markers such as IL‐5, eotaxin, IL‐13 and IL‐4 were markedly reduced. Moreover, per os MAG‐EPA administrations reduced COX2 over‐expression in OVA‐sensitized animals.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceWe demonstrate that MAG‐EPA reduces airway hyperresponsiveness and lung inflammation in OVA‐sensitized animals, a finding consistent with a decrease in IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, COX‐2 and MUC5AC expression levels in the lung. The present data suggest that MAG‐EPA represents a new potential therapeutic strategy for resolving inflammation in allergic asthma.
High frequencies of activated B cells and T follicular helper cells are correlated with disease activity in patients with new-onset rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang J , Shan Y , Jiang Z , Feng J , Li C , Ma L , Jiang Y 
Published: June 2013

Summary
This study aimed to examine the frequency of different subsets of circulating B and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in patients with new-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and following standard therapies. Twenty-five RA patients and 15 healthy controls (HC) were recruited for characterizing the frequency of CD27+, immunoglobulin (Ig)D+, CD86+, CD95+, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-9+ B cells and inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) and programmed death 1 (PD-1)-positive Tfh cells and the level of serum interleukin (IL)-21. The potential correlation between the frequency of different subsets of B and Tfh cells and the values of clinical measures in RA patients was analysed. In comparison with HC, significantly higher percentages of circulating IgD+CD27−CD19+ naive B, CD86+CD19+ and CD95+CD19+ activated B, CD3+CD4+CXCR5+, CD3+CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+, CD3+CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+ and CD3+CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+PD-1+ Tfh cells but lower IgD+CD27+CD19+ preswitch memory B cells were detected, accompanied by significantly higher levels of serum IL-21 in the RA patients. Furthermore, the percentages of CD95+ B cells were correlated positively with the frequency of PD-1+ Tfh cells, but negatively with ICOS+ Tfh cells. The percentages of CD86+ B cells and ICOS+ Tfh cells were correlated positively with the values of disease activity score 28 (DAS28). Following the drug therapies for 1 month, the percentages of CD86+ B and PD-1+ Tfh cells were reduced significantly in the drug-responding patients. Our data suggest that activated B and Tfh cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of RA and the frequency of activated B and Tfh cells may be used as biomarkers for evaluating the therapeutic responses of individual patients with RA.
Close collaboration between local and specialist multidisciplinary teams allows ‘fast‐tracking’ of patients with colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Vasudevan S. P. , Cresswell A. B. , Wright J. M. , Rees M. , Stiff D. , Wordley A. , Motson R. W. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThe ongoing evolution of treatment strategies for colorectal liver metastases necessarily requires all patients to be reviewed at some point by the specialist hepatobiliary unit. This process can be streamlined through close collaboration with the local colorectal multidisciplinary team (MDT). The study was performed to see if a local colorectal MDT was able to make a correct decision regarding potential operability of liver metastases, by comparing its decision with that of two hepatobiliary surgeons in our referral centre.MethodCT scans of 38 patients found to have liver metastases from colorectal cancer were anonymized and sent to two hepatobiliary surgeons in our cancer network. They classified them into three categories: R, resectable; C, chemotherapy to downsize then consider resection; U, unresectable. The results were then compared with the opinion of our colorectal MDT, made before the referral to the hepatobiliary surgeons.ResultsThe two independent hepatobiliary surgeons agreed with each other on 35/38 (92%) of CT scans. Our colorectal MDT agreed with the hepatobiliary surgeons in 36/38 (95%) of cases. Only 9 (32%) of the 28 patients deemed suitable on the CT scan by the hepatobiliary surgeons actually had a liver resection.ConclusionThe results show that a local colorectal MDT is able to make an accurate assessment of the operability of liver metastases. Patients deemed to be inoperable by the colorectal MDT could be ‘fast‐tracked’ to the hepatobiliary MDT with review of imaging only, saving time and resources by avoiding referral of patients who are not suitable for liver resection.
Multicolony tracking reveals potential threats to little auks wintering in the North Atlantic from marine pollution and shrinking sea ice cover
Authors: Fort Jérôme , Moe Børge , Strøm Hallvard , Grémillet David , Welcker Jorg , Schultner Jannik , Jerstad Kurt , Johansen Kasper L. , Phillips Richard A. , Mosbech Anders 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimExtensive development of human activities in combination with ocean warming is rapidly modifying marine habitats in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. To understand the potential impacts on marine biodiversity, there is an urgent need to determine distributions and habitat preferences of potentially vulnerable species and to identify sensitive hotspots that might require particular protection. Our aims were to track one of the most abundant seabirds of the world, the little auk (Alle alle), to provide a large, meta‐population scale overview of its non‐breeding distribution and to document potential threats to this species from human activities and other environmental changes.LocationArctic North Atlantic.MethodsUsing light‐level geolocators, we investigated the 2010/11 non‐breeding distribution of 65 little auks from four major colonies distributed throughout the Arctic North Atlantic. Bird distribution during the moulting, wintering and pre‐breeding periods was compared with (1) the extent of the marginal ice zone and (2) the areas covered by the main shipping lanes and oil and gas activity licences.ResultsWe identify several hotspots for this species, including two key areas located in the Greenland Sea and off Newfoundland. Crucially, we show that some of these hotspots overlap extensively with areas of intensive human activities, including oil and gas extraction and shipping. As little auks, which spend the major part of their time on the sea surface, are extremely vulnerable to marine pollution, our results emphasize the risk associated with the projected expansion of these activities.Main conclusionsWe conclude that management of further human enterprises in the Arctic needs to be based on more thorough risk assessment, requiring a substantial improvement in our knowledge of the distribution of sensitive species.