bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of the alternative pathway of complement during the acute phase of typical haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Authors: Ferraris J R , Ferraris V , Acquier A B , Sorroche P B , Saez M S , Ginaca A , Mendez C F 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. We studied the activation state of classical and alternative pathways of complement during the acute phase of Shiga toxin-associated HUS by performing a prospective study of 18 patients and 17 age-matched healthy controls to evaluate C3, C3c, C4, C4d, Bb and SC5b-9 levels. SC5b-9 levels were increased significantly in all patients at admission compared to healthy and end-stage renal disease controls, but were significantly higher in patients presenting with oliguria compared to those with preserved diuresis. C3 and C4 levels were elevated significantly at admission in the non-oliguric group when compared to controls. No significant differences were found for C4d values, whereas factor Bb was elevated in all patients and significantly higher in oliguric patients when compared to both controls and non-oliguric individuals. A positive and significant association was detected when Bb formation was plotted as a function of plasma SC5b-9 at admission. Bb levels declined rapidly during the first week, with values not significantly different from controls by days 3 and 5 for non-oligurics and oligurics, respectively. Our data demonstrate the activation of the alternative pathway of complement during the acute phase of Stx-associated HUS. This finding suggests that complement activation may represent an important trigger for the cell damage that occurs during the syndrome.
Characterization of a Synthetic Steroid 24‐keto‐cholest‐5‐en‐3β, 19‐diol as a Neuroprotectant
Authors: Yan Min , Liu Ai‐Ling , Zhou Shu‐Jia , Tang Li‐Peng , Ou Yan‐Qiu , Yin Wei , Chen Xin‐Ying , Su Xing‐Wen , Qiu Peng‐Xin , Huang Yi‐Jun , Zhang Jing‐Xia , Yan Guang‐Mei , Leng Tian‐Dong 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundNeuroactive steroids represent promising candidates for the treatment of neurological disorders. Our previous studies identified an endogenous steroid cholestane‐3β, 5α, 6β‐triol (Triol) as a novel neuroprotectant.AimWe aimed to identify a potent candidate for stroke treatment through a screening of Triol analogs.MethodsHypoxia‐ and glutamate‐induced neuronal injury models in vitro, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)‐induced cerebral ischemia model in vivo, fluorescein diacetate (FDA) for alive and propidium iodide (PI) for dead staining, LDH assay, and calcium imaging techniques were used.Results24‐keto‐cholest‐5‐en‐3β, 19‐diol (Diol) showed the most potent neuroprotective effect among the screened structurally related compounds. FDA and PI staining showed that Diol concentration dependently increased the survival rate of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) challenged with glutamate or hypoxia, with an effective threshold concentration of 2.5 μM. Consistently, the quantitative LDH release assay showed the same concentration‐dependent protection in both models. Diol, at 10 μM, potently decreased glutamate‐ and hypoxia‐induced LDH release from 51.6 to 18.2% and 62.1 to 21.7%, respectively, which values are close to the normal LDH release (~16–18%). Moreover, we found Diol effectively decreased MCAO‐induced infarction volume in mice from ~23% to 7%, at a dose of 6 mg/kg. We further explored the underlying mechanism and found that Diol attenuated NMDA‐induced intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) increase in cortical neurons, suggesting a negative modulatory effect on NMDA receptor.ConclusionTaken together, we identified Diol as a potent neuroprotectant. It may represent a novel and promising neuroprotectant for stroke intervention.
MicroRNA‐29c Correlates with Neuroprotection Induced by FNS by Targeting Both Birc2 and Bak1 in Rat Brain after Stroke
Authors: Huang Li‐Gang , Li Jin‐Pin , Pang Xiao‐Min , Chen Chun‐Yong , Xiang Hui‐Yao , Feng Ling‐Bo , Su Sheng‐You , Li Sheng‐Hua , Zhang Lei , Liu Jing‐Li 
Published: February 2015

SummaryAimsStudies showed fastigial nucleus stimulation (FNS) reduced brain damage, but the mechanisms of neuroprotection induced by FNS were not entirely understood; MicroRNAs are noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in a posttranscriptional manner, but their functional consequence in response to ischemia–reperfusion (IR) remains unknown. We investigated the role of microRNA‐29c in the neuroprotection induced by FNS in rat.MethodsThe IR rat models were conducted 1 day after FNS. Besides, miR‐29c antagomir (or agomir or control) was infused to the left intracerebroventricular 1 day before IR models were conducted. We detected differential expression of Birc2 mRNA (also Bak1mRNA and miR‐29c) level among different groups by RT‐qPCR. The differential expression of Birc2 protein (also Bak1 protein) level among different groups was surveyed via Western blot. The neuroprotective effects were assessed by infarct volume, neurological deficit, and apoptosis.ResultsMiR‐29c was decreased after FNS. Moreover, miR‐29c directly bound to the predicted 3′‐UTR target sites of Birc2 and Bak1 genes. Furthermore, over‐expression of miR‐29c effectively reduced Birc2 (also Bak1) mRNA and protein levels, increased infarct volume and apoptosis, and deteriorated neurological outcomes, whereas down‐regulation played a neuroprotective role.ConclusionsMiR‐29c correlates with the neuroprotection induced by FNS by negatively regulating Birc2 and Bak1.
A Proposal for the Feasible Exploitation of the Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus Clarkii in Introduced Regions
Authors: Conde Anxo , Domínguez Jorge 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe invasive red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii is a human‐mediated introduced species in the Iberian Peninsula. The species was introduced for economic reasons in the south of the Peninsula, but it is currently abundant and widespread in Portugal and Spain. As an invasive species, it is regulated by different laws in the Iberian Peninsula. Thus, although exploitation of this crayfish is permitted by the central government in Spain, the species is subjected to severe restrictions in Portugal. Moreover, regional governments in Spain only allow recreational fishing of P. clarki, except in southern Spain where there is an industrial activity based on the red swamp crayfish. We propose compromise measures in order to reconcile the economic exploitation of this aquatic resource and environmental concerns. The proposal mainly consists of the sale of live male specimens of P. clarkii and of dead (processed) female specimens. Biological invasion resulting in new established populations of P. clarkii in the wild would therefore be impossible. Transformation of P. clarkii into an economic resource with minimum environmental hazard seems feasible.
Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides regulate functions of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Tang J. , Wu T. , Xiong J. , Su Y. , Zhang C. , Wang S. , Tang Z. , Liu Y. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesPeriodontitis is one of the most widespread inflammatory diseases; it causes tooth loss and is also associated with a variety of systemic diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used to treat periodontitis. However, it is unknown whether bacterial toxins in the periodontal environment affect MSC‐mediated periodontal regeneration. Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides (Pg‐LPS) are key toxins for development of periodontitis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate effects of P. gingivalis LPS on biological properties of MSCs.Materials and methodsMesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow (BMMSCs) were treated with different concentrations of P. gingivalis LPS (0.1–10 μg/ml), then its effects were evaluated on biological properties of BMMSCs including proliferation, apoptosis, osteogenic differentiation and capacities to inhibit activated T cells.ResultsLow concentration of P. gingivalis LPS (0.1 μg/ml) accelerated MSC proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and capacities to inhibit activated T cells via up‐regulation of nitric oxide. However, high concentration of P. gingivalis LPS (10 μg/ml) reduced MSC proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and capacities to inhibit activated T cells.ConclusionsMesenchymal stem cells were functionally different following exposure to P. gingivalis LPS at the investigated concentrations. These findings suggest that MSC‐mediated periodontal regeneration may be regulated by P. gingivalis LPS.
Weight‐based hypoglycaemia treatment protocol for adults with Type 1 diabetes: a randomized crossover clinical trial
Authors: McTavish L. , Krebs J. D. , Weatherall M. , Wiltshire E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTo determine whether a weight‐based hypoglycaemia treatment using 0.3 g/kg (or 0.2 g/kg) glucose effectively treats adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus compared with an internationally recommended 15‐g treatment.MethodsPatients with frequent hypoglycaemia were recruited from hospital‐based diabetes clinics. The treatment for each hypoglycaemic episode, defined as capillary glucose <4.0 mmol/l, was randomly assigned to one of three protocols: 0.2 g/kg, 0.3 g/kg, or 15 g, using DextroTM glucose tablets (Dextro Energy, Krefeld, Germany). Each participant received each treatment in random order for up to 15 hypoglycaemic episodes. Capillary glucose was re‐tested 10 min after treatment, with a repeat dose if still < 4 mmol/l.ResultsThe study recruited 34 participants aged 22–71 years, whose mean (sd) BMI was 25.2 (3.1) kg/m2 and HbA1c 63 (10.4) mmol/mol [7.9 (0.9)%]. Two people withdrew because they did not like the taste of the Dextro tablets and one was excluded because they used their own glucose preparation. Unadjusted for clustering within participants, the mean (sd) capillary glucose after 10 min was 4.67 (1.25) mmol/l for 0.3 g/kg (141 episodes), 4.29 (0.94) mmol/l for 0.2 g/kg (132 episodes), and 4.37(0.99) mmol/l for 15 g (136 episodes). Capillary glucose, adjusted for clusters and baseline, was higher after 10 min for 0.3 g/kg glucose compared with 15 g glucose; a difference of 0.26 (95% CI 0.04–0.48) mmol/l (P = 0.02), but not for 0.2 g/kg; ‐0.07 (95% CI ‐0.29–0.16) mmol/l (P = 0.56). Capillary glucose for only three hypoglycaemic episodes rose above 8 mmol/l.ConclusionsA weight‐based protocol of 0.3 g/kg glucose appears more effective for treating symptomatic hypoglycaemia in adults with Type 1 diabetes than either the most common current recommendation of 15 g glucose or a 0.2 g/kg glucose dose.
When is rational to order a diagnostic test, or prescribe treatment: the threshold model as an explanation of practice variation
Authors: Djulbegovic Benjamin , van den Ende Jef , Hamm Robert M. , Mayrhofer Thomas , Hozo Iztok , Pauker Stephen G. ,   the International Threshold Working Group (ITWG)
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe threshold model represents an important advance in the field of medical decision‐making. It is a linchpin between evidence (which exists on the continuum of credibility) and decision‐making (which is a categorical exercise – we decide to act or not act). The threshold concept is closely related to the question of rational decision‐making. When should the physician act, that is order a diagnostic test, or prescribe treatment? The threshold model embodies the decision theoretic rationality that says the most rational decision is to prescribe treatment when the expected treatment benefit outweighs its expected harms. However, the well‐documented large variation in the way physicians order diagnostic tests or decide to administer treatments is consistent with a notion that physicians' individual action thresholds vary.MethodsWe present a narrative review summarizing the existing literature on physicians' use of a threshold strategy for decision‐making.ResultsWe found that the observed variation in decision action thresholds is partially due to the way people integrate benefits and harms. That is, explanation of variation in clinical practice can be reduced to a consideration of thresholds. Limited evidence suggests that non‐expected utility threshold (non‐EUT) models, such as regret‐based and dual‐processing models, may explain current medical practice better. However, inclusion of costs and recognition of risk attitudes towards uncertain treatment effects and comorbidities may improve the explanatory and predictive value of theEUT‐based threshold models.ConclusionsThe decision when to act is closely related to the question of rational choice. We conclude that the medical community has not yet fully defined criteria for rational clinical decision‐making. The traditional notion of rationality rooted inEUTmay need to be supplemented by reflective rationality, which strives to integrate all aspects of medical practice – medical, humanistic and socio‐economic – within a coherent reasoning system.
The slow‐growth high‐mortality hypothesis: direct experimental support in a leafmining fly
Authors: UESUGI AKANE 
Published: February 2015

1. Based on the slow‐growth high‐mortality (SGHM) hypothesis, which predicts that prolonged larval development increases mortality from their natural enemies, studies have often assumed that low quality of plants that slows larval development would function as a defence against insect herbivores. However, empirical support for the SGHM hypothesis has been limited, especially in natural and ecologically relevant contexts.2. In a leafminer Amauromyza flavifrons Meigen (Agromyzidae, Diptera), the SGHM hypothesis was tested along with four other hypotheses (e.g. prey size, mine appearance, density‐dependent parasitism, and plant quality hypotheses) to control for spurious associations between development time and parasitism that are primarily driven by other larval traits. Two host plant species, Saponaria officinalis and Silene latifolia, were grown under varying nitrogen levels, and leafminers developing on these plants were exposed to, or protected from, a natural assembly of parasitoids across the entire course of larval development.3. On both host plant species, leafminers that survived to an adult stage in the presence of parasitoids had a shorter development time than those in the absence of parasitoids, indicating that parasitoids disproportionately kill leafminers with longer larval development. The results provided concrete evidence for the SGHM hypothesis within the natural ecological context for these interacting species. Moreover, reduced plant quality was associated with higher larval mortality on Sa. officinalis only in the presence of parasitoids, suggesting that low quality could function as indirect plant resistance via SGHM under some tri‐trophic interactions.
Examination of lifestyle factors and diseases in teaching periodontology in dental education in the Nordic countries
Authors: Fiehn N.‐E. , Christensen L. B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionLifestyle and general diseases are important for the development of periodontitis and other diseases in the oral cavity. Therefore, knowledge on lifestyle factors must be part of the dental curriculum. However, a search for information in the literature databases gave meagre results. The aim of this study was to describe education of lifestyle in relation to diseases in the oral cavity with focus on periodontitis and to elucidate how education is practiced and reflected in dental education in the Nordic countries.Materials and MethodsA questionnaire, which consisted of 18 questions, was sent to the chairs of the departments of periodontology in the Nordic countries. The questions concerned extent, curriculum structure, educational method, content, assessment and evaluation of the education.ResultsEducation on lifestyle factors took place at all dental schools, but the extent, content and placement in the curriculum varied. In some schools, more than 10 lessons were scheduled; two schools had only 3–5 lessons. The education of lifestyle factors was prioritised highest in the departments of periodontology followed by cariology and general health. Despite differences in the content across the dental schools, there were also similarities. So, at all schools smoking, medication, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes type 2 had a high priority. Education of other factors such as alcohol, psychological stress, oral hygiene habits, hypotension and obesity varied.ConclusionDespite the general view that understanding of odontology is considered to be rather homogenous in the Nordic countries, the education varies across the dental schools. This variation may inspire dental educators in the future planning dental curricula.
Low‐molecular‐weight organic acids enhance desorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from soil
Authors: Ling W. , Sun R. , Gao X. , Xu R. , Li H. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe impact of low‐molecular‐weight organic acids (LMWOAs) on desorption of phenanthrene and pyrene as representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from a contaminated soil was investigated by using a laboratory batch experiment. Three LMWOAs were used in this study and were citric, oxalic and malic acids. The LMWOAs in aqueous solution promoted desorption of PAHs from soil significantly and demonstrated an increasing trend as the concentration of LMWOAs increased. When compared with desorption of phenanthrene and pyrene from soil to water, the addition of LMWOAs enhanced desorption of test PAHs by up to 285 and 299%, respectively. Among the three LMWOAs studied, citric acid demonstrated the greatest efficiency in promoting PAH desorption from soil. Solutions of LMWOA continuously promoted PAH removal from soil during the multiple cycles of desorption. Overall, the experimental results suggest that LMWOAs in aqueous solution could disrupt soil organic matter (SOM)–metal cation–mineral linkages in soils, resulting in the release of SOM from soil and simultaneous increase of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in solution. The loss of SOM from soil and increase of DOC in solution are responsible for the enhanced PAH desorption from soil. The positive correlation between DOC in solution and desorbed PAHs from soil suggests that the loss of SOM from soil plays an important role in LMWOA‐enhanced desorption of PAHs from soil.
Validation ofIgGcut‐off values and their association with survival in neonatal foals
Authors: Liepman R. S. , Dembek K. A. , Slovis N. M. , Reed S. M. , Toribio R. E. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studySerum immunoglobulin (IgG) assessment in neonatal foals is considered standard care in equine hospitals to determine immunity and overall health. However, cut‐off values ofIgGto predict complete or partial failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) were developed 30 years ago and are largely empirical with little prospective or statistical data to support their use or association with outcome.ObjectivesTo critically evaluate the traditional cut‐off values ofIgGin the assessment ofFTPI(IgG<8 g/l), determine the association between various degrees ofFTPIand likelihood of nonsurvival and examine whetherFTPIcan be predicted by serum total protein (TP), albumin and globulin in hospitalised foals.Study designMulticentre, cross‐sectional study.MethodsWe evaluated clinicopathological variables in 597 foals ≤7 days old from 3 equine hospitals including serumIgG, fibrinogen,TPand albumin concentrations. Foals were divided into 3 groups by diagnosis: healthy, sick nonseptic and septic. The aforementioned variables in addition to globulin concentrations were evaluated in a subset of 118 foals. Univariate, multivariate and multinomial logistic regression were used to compute odds ratios for nonsurvival in these foals.ResultsOur findings support use of the traditional cut‐off value of >8 g/l as adequate transfer of passive immunity (ATPI). Odds of nonsurvival increased in proportion to lowerIgGconcentrations. HigherTPconcentrations were associated with lower likelihood ofFTPI; however, higher albumin concentrations were associated with a greater likelihood ofFTPI. A regression equation was created to predictIgGin foals using serum proteins.ConclusionsSerumIgGvalues of <8 g/l in hospitalised foals were proportionally associated with mortality. We recommend immediate assessment ofIgGconcentrations in hospitalised foals and those withFTPIshould receive prompt immunotherapy.The summary is available in Chinese – seeSupporting informationSee also correspondences by Corley et al.andLiepman et al.
Synaptotagmin I, a molecular target for steroid hormone signaling controlling the maturation of sexual behavior in an insect
Authors: Bozzolan Françoise , Duportets Line , Limousin Denis , Wycke Marie‐Anne , Demondion Elodie , François Adrien , Abrieux Antoine , Debernard Stéphane 
Published: February 2015

As in vertebrates, the insect steroid hormones, especially 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E), initiate and regulate sexual behavior by acting on the central nervous system. This 20E action is, in part, triggered by transcriptional events mediated through the binding of 20E to a heterodimer comprising the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP). However, to date, our knowledge about this genomic steroid pathway remains incomplete. In moths, males detect female sex pheromones, eliciting stereotyped sexual behavior. In Agrotis ipsilon males, the behavioral response and the neuronal sensitivity to sex pheromone in the olfactory center, the antennal lobe (AL), increase with age. We recently showed that 20E controlled this age‐dependent olfactory plasticity via the activation of an EcR/USP‐dependent pathway in the AL. Here, we cloned the gene encoding A. ipsilon synaptotagmin I (AisytI), a presynaptic vesicle protein known to act as a calcium sensor in neurotransmitter release. AisytI was expressed in the AL, where its amount increased with age, whereas its knockdown inhibited the sex pheromone‐oriented flight of males. 20E administration to males induced AL AisytI expression in a dose‐dependent and time‐dependent manner. Moreover, A. ipsilon EcR silencing caused decreases in AL AisytI expression and the behavioral response to sex pheromone. Our results show that the synaptotagmin I gene is a target gene for the genomic steroid signaling that controls the expression of insect sexual behavior by acting on central sex pheromone processing. This study thus represents a significant advance in our understanding of the steroid actions that influence neural functions, and thereby behavioral plasticity, in various organisms.DatabaseThe nucleotide sequence of Agrotis ipsilon synaptotagmin I is available in the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank databases under the accession number KJ863735.
Extreme events in streams and rivers in arctic and subarctic regions in an uncertain future
Authors: Nilsson Christer , Polvi Lina E. , Lind Lovisa 
Published: February 2015

Summary

We review the predicted changes in extreme events following climate change in flowing waters in arctic and subarctic regions. These regions are characterised by tundra or taiga ecosystems in either erosional or depositional glacial landforms or presently glacierised areas of the Northern Hemisphere.

The ecological and geomorphic effects of extreme meteorological and hydrological events, such as episodes of strongly increased precipitation, temperatures and flows, can be exacerbated by altered base conditions. For example, winter temperature variations between frost and thaw will become more frequent at many places because mean temperature during the winter is closer to 0 °C, potentially leading to changes in the production of ice and intensified disturbance of riparian and aquatic habitats during extreme floods. Additionally, thawing of permafrost and glaciers can lead to increased bank erosion because of thaw slump and glacial outburst floods.

We discuss the abiotic and biotic effects of these and other extreme events, including heavy precipitation, floods, drought and extreme air or water temperatures, and summarise our findings in a model that aims to stimulate further research in this field.