bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supportive interventions for enhancing dietary intake in malnourished or nutritionally at‐risk adults: a systematic review of nonrandomised studies
Authors: Kimber K. , Gibbs M. , Weekes C. E. , Baldwin C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundSupportive interventions for enhancing dietary intake in malnourished or nutritionally at risk adults are frequently recommended. A recent systematic review of randomised controlled trials identified limited and poor quality evidence to support their use. Observational studies have been shown to compliment and extend their evidence. This review aimed to synthesise evidence from nonrandomised studies aiming to improve nutritional intake in nutritionally vulnerable individuals and to describe their effects on cost, nutritional, clinical and patient centred outcomes.MethodsSystematic searches of 10 electronic databases were undertaken to May 2013. Reference lists of identified studies and systematic reviews were scrutinised and hand searching of relevant meeting abstracts was undertaken. Titles and abstracts were reviewed, data extracted by two research‐ers working independently and summarised using a structured narrative format.ResultsForty‐one studies (n = 3751 participants) were identified for inclusion. Interventions identified included changes to the organisation of nutritional care (n = 15), changes to the feeding environment (n = 11), modification to meals (n = 6), supplementation of meals (n = 7) and recipients of home delivered meals (n = 2). Eighteen of 23 studies reported improvements in nutritional intake; however, effects on nutritional status, clinical outcomes and costs were reported in few studies and findings were inconsistent. Eighteen studies reported patient experience, highlighting benefits to nutritional status most commonly as judged by the carers but the methods used lacked rigour.ConclusionsThis systematic review describes a range of interventions that may be implemented in clinical practice. A limited range of outcomes are reported and it is difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions on the effect of the different methods.
Hair care practices and structural evaluation of scalp and hair shaft parameters in African American and Caucasian women
Authors: Lewallen Robin , Francis Shani , Fisher Brian , Richards Jeanette , Li Jim , Dawson Tom , Swett Katrina , McMichael Amy 
Published: August 2015

SummaryHow African American hair fragility relates to hair care practices and biologic differences between races is not well understood. To assess the differences between perceptions of hair health, hair care practices, and several biologic hair parameters between Caucasian and African American women. A questionnaire on perceptions of hair health and hair care practices was administered. Biological and structural parameters of hair shaft and scalp, including growth, density, diameter, cycle, breakage, and scalp blood flow were also assessed in this case–control study. Significant differences between the Caucasian and African American women were observed in the questionnaire and biologic study data. Regarding self‐reported perceptions of hair health, there were differences in the following: hair shaft type (P < 0.001), hair breakage (P = 0.040), and desire to change hair (P = 0.001). Regarding self‐reported hair care practices, there were differences in the following: location of haircutting (P = 0.002) and washing (P = 0.010), washing frequency (P < 0.001), chemical relaxer use (P < 0.001), hooded hair dryer use (P < 0.001), and hair shaft conditioner use (P = 0.005). The two groups had similar practices in regard to the use of hair color, frequency of hair color use, chemical curling agents, and handheld blow dryer use. Regarding biological and structural parameters, there were differences in the following: hair growth rate (P < 0.001), density (P = 0.0016), diameter (P = 0.01), number of broken hairs (P < 0.001), and blood flow (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in hair cycle parameters.The differences in hair care practices and hair fiber morphology among African American women may contribute to clinically observed variation in hair fragility and growth.
Melatonin decreases breast cancer metastasis by modulating Rho‐associated kinase protein‐1 expression
Authors: Borin Thaiz Ferraz , Arbab Ali Syed , Gelaleti Gabriela Bottaro , Ferreira Lívia Carvalho , Moschetta Marina Gobbe , Jardim‐Perassi Bruna Victorasso , Iskander ASM , Varma Nadimpalli Ravi S. , Shankar Adarsh , Coimbra Verena Benedick , Fabri Vanessa Alves , de Oliveira Juliana Garcia , Zuccari Debora Aparecida Pires de Campos 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe occurrence of metastasis, an important breast cancer prognostic factor, depends on cell migration/invasion mechanisms, which can be controlled by regulatory and effector molecules such as Rho‐associated kinase protein (ROCK‐1). Increased expression of this protein promotes tumor growth and metastasis, which can be restricted by ROCK‐1 inhibitors. Melatonin has shown oncostatic, antimetastatic, and anti‐angiogenic effects and can modulate ROCK‐1 expression. Metastatic and nonmetastatic breast cancer cell lines were treated with melatonin as well as with specific ROCK‐1 inhibitor (Y27632). Cell viability, cell migration/invasion, and ROCK‐1 gene expression and protein expression were determined in vitro. In vivo lung metastasis study was performed using female athymic nude mice treated with either melatonin or Y27832 for 2 and 5 wk. The metastases were evaluated by X‐ray computed tomography and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and by immunohistochemistry for ROCK‐1 and cytokeratin proteins. Melatonin and Y27632 treatments reduced cell viability and invasion/migration of both cell lines and decreased ROCK‐1 gene expression in metastatic cells and protein expression in nonmetastatic cell line. The numbers of ‘hot’ spots (lung metastasis) identified by SPECT images were significantly lower in treated groups. ROCK‐1 protein expression also was decreased in metastatic foci of treated groups. Melatonin has shown to be effective in controlling metastatic breast cancer in vitro and in vivo, not only via inhibition of the proliferation of tumor cells but also through direct antagonism of metastatic mechanism of cells rendered by ROCK‐1 inhibition. When Y27632 was used, the effects were similar to those found with melatonin treatment.
Central Somatosensory Networks Respond to a De Novo Innervated Penis: A Proof of Concept in Three Spina Bifida Patients
Authors: Kortekaas Rudie , Nanetti Luca , Overgoor Max L.E. , de Jong Bauke M. , Georgiadis Janniko R. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Spina bifida (SB) causes low spinal lesions, and patients often have absent genital sensation and a highly impaired sex life. TOMAX (TO MAX-imize sensation, sexuality and quality of life) is a surgical procedure whereby the penis is newly innervated using a sensory nerve originally targeting the inguinal area. Most TOMAX-treated SB patients initially experience penile stimulation as inguinal sensation, but eventually, the perception shifts to penis sensation with erotic feelings. The brain mechanisms mediating this perceptual shift, which are completely unknown, could hold relevance for understanding the brain's role in sexual development.

Aim
The aim of this study was to study how a newly perceived penis would be mapped onto the brain after a lifelong disconnection.

Methods
Three TOMAX-treated SB patients participated in a functional magnetic resonance imagery experiment while glans penis, inguinal area, and index finger were stimulated with a paint brush.

Main Outcome Measure
Brush stimulation-induced activation of the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and functional connectivity between SI and remote cerebral regions.

Results
Stimulation of the re-innervated side of the glans penis and the intact contralateral inguinal area activated a very similar location on SI. Yet, connectivity analysis identified distinct SI functional networks. In all three subjects, the middle cingulate cortex (MCC) and the parietal operculum-insular cortex (OIC) were functionally connected to SI activity during glans penis stimulation, but not to SI activity induced by inguinal stimulation.

Conclusions
Investigating central somatosensory network activity to a de novo innervated penis in SB patients is feasible and informative. The consistent involvement of MCC and OIC above and beyond the brain network expected on the basis of inguinal stimulation suggests that these areas mediate the novel penis sensation in these patients. The potential role of MCC and OIC in this process is discussed, along with recommendations for further research.
Are unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) the future of wildlife monitoring? A review of accomplishments and challenges
Authors: Linchant Julie , Lisein Jonathan , Semeki Jean , Lejeune Philippe , Vermeulen Cédric 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Regular monitoring of animal populations must be established to ensure wildlife protection, especially when pressure on animals is high. The recent development of drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) opens new opportunities. UASs have several advantages, including providing data at high spatial and temporal resolution, providing systematic, permanent data, having low operational costs and being low‐risk for the operators. However, UASs have some constraints, such as short flight endurance.
We reviewed studies in which wildlife populations were monitored by using drones, described accomplishments to date and evaluated the range of possibilities UASs offer to provide new perspectives in future research.
We focused on four main topics: 1) the available systems and sensors; 2) the types of survey plan and detection possibilities; 3) contributions towards anti‐poaching surveillance; and 4) legislation and ethics.
We found that small fixed‐wing UASs are most commonly used because these aircraft provide a viable compromise between price, logistics and flight endurance. The sensors are typically electro‐optic or infrared cameras, but there is the potential to develop and test new sensors.
Despite various flight plan possibilities, mostly classical line transects have been employed, and it would be of great interest to test new methods to adapt to the limitations of UASs. Detection of many species is possible, but statistical approaches are unavailable if valid inventories of large mammals are the purpose.
Contributions of UASs to anti‐poaching surveillance are not yet well documented in the scientific literature, but initial studies indicate that this approach could make important contributions to conservation in the next few years.
Finally, we conclude that one of the main factors impeding the use of UASs is legislation. Restrictions in the use of airspace prevent researchers from testing all possibilities, and adaptations to the relevant legislation will be necessary in future.
Transcriptomics of colour patterning and coloration shifts in crows
Authors: Poelstra J. W. , Vijay N. , Hoeppner M. P. , Wolf J. B. W. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAnimal coloration is one of the most conspicuous phenotypic traits in natural populations and has important implications for adaptation and speciation. Changes in coloration can occur over surprisingly short evolutionary timescales, while recurrence of similar colour patterns across large phylogenetic distances is also common. Even though the genetic basis of pigment production is well understood, little is known about the mechanisms regulating colour patterning. In this study, we shed light on the molecular elements regulating regional pigment production in two genetically near‐identical crow taxa with striking differences in a eumelanin‐based phenotype: black carrion and grey‐coated hooded crows. We produced a high‐quality genome annotation and analysed transcriptome data from a 2 × 2 design of active melanogenic feather follicles from head (black in both taxa) and torso (black in carrion and grey in hooded crow). Extensive, parallel expression differences between body regions in both taxa, enriched for melanogenesis genes (e.g. ASIP, CORIN, and ALDH6), indicated the presence of cryptic prepatterning also in all‐black carrion crows. Meanwhile, colour‐specific expression (grey vs. black) was limited to a small number of melanogenesis genes in close association with the central transcription factor MITF (most notably HPGDS, NDP and RASGRF1). We conclude that colour pattern differences between the taxa likely result from an interaction between divergence in upstream elements of the melanogenesis pathway and genes that provide an underlying prepattern across the body through positional information. A model of evolutionary stable prepatterns that can be exposed and masked through simple regulatory changes may explain the phylogenetically independent recurrence of colour patterns that is observed across corvids and many other vertebrate groups.
Functional assignment to positively selected sites in the core type III effector RipG7 from Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Wang Keke , Remigi Philippe , Anisimova Maria , Lonjon Fabien , Kars Ilona , Kajava Andrey , Li Chien‐Hui , Cheng Chiu‐Ping , Vailleau Fabienne , Genin Stéphane , Peeters Nemo 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe soil‐borne pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt in a broad range of plants. The main virulence determinants of R. solanacearum are the type III secretion system (T3SS) and its associated type III effectors (T3Es), translocated into the host cells. Of the conserved T3Es among R. solanacearum strains, the Fbox protein RipG7 is required for R. solanacearum pathogenesis on Medicago truncatula. In this work, we describe the natural ripG7 variability existing in the R. solanacearum species complex. We show that eight representative ripG7 orthologues have different contributions to pathogenicity on M. truncatula: only ripG7 from Asian or African strains can complement the absence of ripG7 in GMI1000 (Asian reference strain). Nonetheless, RipG7 proteins from American and Indonesian strains can still interact with M. truncatula SKP1‐like/MSKa protein, essential for the function of RipG7 in virulence. This indicates that the absence of complementation is most likely a result of the variability in the leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) domain of RipG7. We identified 11 sites under positive selection in the LRR domains of RipG7. By studying the functional impact of these 11 sites, we show the contribution of five positively selected sites for the function of RipG7CMR15 in M. truncatula colonization. This work reveals the genetic and functional variation of the essential core T3E RipG7 from R. solanacearum. This analysis is the first of its kind on an essential disease‐controlling T3E, and sheds light on the co‐evolutionary arms race between the bacterium and its hosts.
Heritable alteration of DNA methylation induced by whole‐chromosome aneuploidy in wheat
Authors: Gao Lihong , Diarso Moussa , Zhang Ai , Zhang Huakun , Dong Yuzhu , Liu Lixia , Lv Zhenling , Liu Bao 
Published: August 2015

Summary

Aneuploidy causes changes in gene expression and phenotypes in all organisms studied. A previous study in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana showed that aneuploidy‐generated phenotypic changes can be inherited to euploid progenies and implicated an epigenetic underpinning of the heritable variations.

Based on an analysis by amplified fragment length polymorphism and methylation‐sensitive amplified fragment length polymorphism markers, we found that although genetic changes at the nucleotide sequence level were negligible, extensive changes in cytosine DNA methylation patterns occurred in all studied homeologous group 1 whole‐chromosome aneuploid lines of common wheat (Triticum aestivum), with monosomic 1A showing the greatest amount of methylation changes. The changed methylation patterns were inherited by euploid progenies derived from the aneuploid parents. The aneuploidy‐induced DNA methylation alterations and their heritability were verified at selected loci by bisulfite sequencing.

Our data have provided empirical evidence supporting earlier suggestions that heritability of aneuploidy‐generated, but aneuploidy‐independent, phenotypic variations may have an epigenetic basis.

That at least one type of aneuploidy – monosomic 1A – was able to cause significant epigenetic divergence of the aneuploid plants and their euploid progenies also lends support to recent suggestions that aneuploidy may have played an important and protracted role in polyploid genome evolution.
Boron bridging of rhamnogalacturonan‐II is promoted in vitro by cationic chaperones, including polyhistidine and wall glycoproteins
Authors: Chormova Dimitra , Fry Stephen C. 
Published: August 2015

Summary

Dimerization of rhamnogalacturonan‐II (RG‐II) via boron cross‐links contributes to the assembly and biophysical properties of the cell wall. Pure RG‐II is efficiently dimerized by boric acid (B(OH)3) in vitro only if nonbiological agents for example Pb2+ are added. By contrast, newly synthesized RG‐II domains dimerize very rapidly in vivo. We investigated biological agents that might enable this.

We tested for three such agents: novel enzymes, borate‐transferring ligands and cationic ‘chaperones’ that facilitate the close approach of two polyanionic RG‐II molecules. Dimerization was monitored electrophoretically.

Parsley shoot cell‐wall enzymes did not affect RG‐II dimerization in vitro. Borate‐binding ligands (apiose, dehydroascorbic acid, alditols) and small organic cations (including polyamines) also lacked consistent effects. Polylysine bound permanently to RG‐II, precluding electrophoretic analysis. However, another polycation, polyhistidine, strongly promoted RG‐II dimerization by B(OH)3 without irreversible polyhistidine–RG‐II complexation. Likewise, partially purified spinach extensins (histidine/lysine‐rich cationic glycoproteins), strongly promoted RG‐II dimerization by B(OH)3 in vitro.

Thus certain polycations, including polyhistidine and wall glycoproteins, can chaperone RG‐II, manoeuvring this polyanionic polysaccharide domain such that boron‐bridging is favoured. These chaperones dissociate from RG‐II after facilitating its dimerization, indicating that they act catalytically rather than stoichiometrically. We propose a natural role for extensin–RG‐II interaction in steering cell‐wall assembly.
Do changes in spring phenology affect earlywood vessels? Perspective from the xylogenesis monitoring of two sympatric ring‐porous oaks
Authors: Pérez‐de‐Lis Gonzalo , Rossi Sergio , Vázquez‐Ruiz Rosa Ana , Rozas Vicente , García‐González Ignacio 
Published: August 2015

Summary

This study addresses relationships between leaf phenology, xylogenesis, and functional xylem anatomy in two ring‐porous oak species, the temperate Quercus robur and the sub‐Mediterranean Q. pyrenaica.

Earlywood vessel (EV) formation and leaf phenology were monitored in 2012 and 2013. Ten individuals per species were sampled at each of three sites located in NW Iberian Peninsula. EV areas measured on microcore sections were used to calculate the hydraulic tree diameter (Dh), in order to model relationships to phenology. Thermal requirements were evaluated using growing degree days (GDD).

A species‐specific timing of growth resumption was found. The onset of EV formation and budburst were associated to a particular GDD in each species. The onset and duration of EV enlargement affected Dh (and EV size) in Q. robur, but hardly in Q. pyrenaica.

The relationship between the timings of EV formation and xylem structure appears to be stronger for the temperate oak, whose larger vessels may result from thermal‐induced earlier resumption. In contrast, the sub‐Mediterranean oak would maintain a more conservative hydraulic architecture under warming conditions.
Hyponatremia, hypo‐osmolality, and seizures in children early post‐kidney transplant
Authors: Drake Keri , Nehus Edward , Goebel Jens 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPost‐transplant seizures are uncommon in young kidney transplant recipients but can be harbingers of devastating outcomes such as cerebral edema and death. We reviewed all transplants performed at our institution from January 2013 to January 2014 and compared three patients who seized within 24 h post‐transplant (cases) with the remaining 33 transplant recipients (controls). Records were reviewed for hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, BUN clearance, osmolality shifts, and blood pressure control in the first 24 h post‐transplant. All cases had more pronounced (p < 0.001) shifts in serum sodium and calculated serum osmolality, with their sodium decreasing by >15 mmol/L to nadir values of 124, 131, and 131 mmol/L, respectively. There were no differences in serum calcium corrected for hypoalbuminemia, serum magnesium, urine output, or blood pressure control between the groups. Our study suggests that mild hyponatremia and an acute decrease in serum osmolality are risk factors for potentially severe postoperative neurologic complications following kidney transplantation. Thus, peri‐transplant management should be optimized to anticipate and prevent these abnormalities.
Further evidence for sustained systemic inflammation in xenograft recipients (SIXR)
Authors: Iwase Hayato , Ekser Burcin , Zhou Huidong , Liu Hong , Satyananda Vikas , Humar Rishab , Humar Pooja , Hara Hidetaka , Long Cassandra , Bhama Jay K. , Bajona Pietro , Wang Yi , Wijkstrom Martin , Ayares David , Ezzelarab Mohamed B. , Cooper David K. C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIntroductionIn pig‐to‐baboon heart/artery patch transplantation models, adequate costimulation blockade prevents a T‐cell response. After heart transplantation, coagulation dysfunction (thrombocytopenia, reduced fibrinogen, increased D‐dimer) and inflammation (increased C‐reactive protein [CRP]) develop. We evaluated whether coagulation dysfunction and/or inflammation can be detected following pig artery patch transplantation.MethodsBaboons received heart (n = 8) or artery patch (n = 16) transplants from genetically engineered pigs and a costimulation blockade‐based regimen. Heart grafts functioned for 15–130 days. Artery recipients were euthanized after 28–84 days. Platelet counts, fibrinogen, D‐dimer, and CRP were measured.ResultsThrombocytopenia and reduced fibrinogen developed only in recipients of hearts not expressing a coagulation‐regulatory protein (n = 4), but not in other heart or patch recipients. However, in heart recipients (n = 8), there were sustained increases in D‐dimer (<0.5 to 1.9 ug/ml [P < 0.01]) and CRP (0.26–2.2 mg/dl [P < 0.01]). In recipients of artery patches, there were also sustained increases in D‐dimer (<0.5 to 1.4 ug/ml [P < 0.01]) and CRP (0.26 to 1.5 mg/dl [P < 0.001]). An IL‐6R antagonist suppressed the increase in CRP, but not D‐dimer.ConclusionThe pig artery patch model has proved valuable for determining immunosuppressive regimens that prevent sensitization to pig antigens. This model also provides information on the sustained systemic inflammation in xenograft recipients (SIXR). An IL‐6R antagonist may help suppress this response.