bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative proteomic analysis of human lung telocytes with fibroblasts
Authors: Zheng Yonghua , Cretoiu Dragos , Yan Guoquan , Cretoiu Sanda Maria , Popescu Laurentiu M. , Wang Xiangdong 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTelocytes (TCs) were recently described as interstitial cells with very long prolongations named telopodes (Tps; www.telocytes.com). Establishing the TC proteome is a priority to show that TCs are a distinct type of cells. Therefore, we examined the molecular aspects of lung TCs by comparison with fibroblasts (FBs). Proteins extracted from primary cultures of these cells were analysed by automated 2‐dimensional nano‐electrospray ionization liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (2D Nano‐ESI LC‐MS/MS). Differentially expressed proteins were screened by two‐sample t‐test (P < 0.05) and fold change (>2), based on the bioinformatics analysis. We identified hundreds of proteins up‐ or down‐regulated, respectively, in TCs as compared with FBs. TC proteins with known identities are localized in the cytoskeleton (87%) and plasma membrane (13%), while FB up‐regulated proteins are in the cytoskeleton (75%) and destined to extracellular matrix (25%). These identified proteins were classified into different categories based on their molecular functions and biological processes. While the proteins identified in TCs are mainly involved in catalytic activity (43%) and as structural molecular activity (25%), the proteins in FBs are involved in catalytic activity (24%) and in structural molecular activity, particularly synthesis of collagen and other extracellular matrix components (25%). Anyway, our data show that TCs are completely different from FBs. In conclusion, we report here the first extensive identification of proteins from TCs using a quantitative proteomics approach. Protein expression profile shows many up‐regulated proteins e.g. myosin‐14, periplakin, suggesting that TCs might play specific roles in mechanical sensing and mechanochemical conversion task, tissue homoeostasis and remodelling/renewal. Furthermore, up‐regulated proteins matching those found in extracellular vesicles emphasize TCs roles in intercellular signalling and stem cell niche modulation. The novel proteins identified in TCs will be an important resource for further proteomic research and it will possibly allow biomarker identification for TCs. It also creates the premises for understanding the pathogenesis of some lung diseases involving TCs.
Increasing risk of diabetes mellitus according to liver function alterations in electronic workers
Authors: Lee Kyoungho , Han Joohee , Kim Soo‐Geun 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe sought to determine the association between change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and levels of liver enzymes, such as aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and gamma‐glutamyltransferase, from health examinations.Materials and MethodsA total of 9,393 health screen examinees with no evidence of viral hepatitis, liver diseases, abnormal liver function and diabetes in their past disease history were enrolled in the present study. All the participants underwent three health examinations. Group 1 and 4 were stationary groups of those with normal liver enzyme levels in the first and second health examinations (G1), and abnormal liver enzyme levels in the first and second health check‐up (G4). Groups 2 and 3 were altered groups of those with abnormal liver enzyme levels in the first health examination, which became normal in the second health examination (G2), and from a normal liver enzymes level to an abnormal liver enzymes level (G3).ResultsFPG levels were elevated in male participants (P < 0.01), and were related to old age (P < 0.01), drinking (P < 0.01), smoking (P < 0.01) and so on. There was a strong relationship between FPG levels in the last health examination and altered liver function enzyme levels from the first health examination to the second check‐up. In other words, group 4 had the highest level of FPG compared with the other groups (G1 < G2 < G3).ConclusionsAn association was observed between FPG levels and abnormal liver function in manufacturing workers. Abnormal liver function can be closely associated with the development of diabetes.
Reversal of reduced parvalbumin neurons in hippocampus and amygdala of Angelman syndrome model mice by chronic treatment of fluoxetine
Authors: Godavarthi Swetha K. , Sharma Ankit , Jana Nihar Ranjan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAngelman syndrome (AS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by autism, intellectual disability and motor disturbances. The disease is primarily caused by the loss of function of maternally inherited UBE3A. Ube3a maternal‐deficient mice recapitulates many essential feature of AS. These AS mice have been shown to be under chronic stress and exhibits anxiety‐like behaviour because of defective glucocorticoid receptor signalling. Here, we demonstrate that chronic stress in these mice could lead to down‐regulation of parvalbumin‐positive interneurons in the hippocampus and basolateral amygdala from early post‐natal days. Down‐regulation of parvalbumin‐positive interneurons number could be because of decrease in the expression of parvalbumin in these neurons. We also find that treatment with fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, results in restoration of impaired glucocorticoid signalling, elevated serum corticosterone level, parvalbumin‐positive interneurons and anxiety‐like behaviours. Our findings suggest that impaired glucocorticod signalling in hippocampus and amygdala of AS mice is critical for the decrease in parvalbumin interneurons number, emergence of anxiety and other behavioural deficits and highlights the importance of fluoxetine in the recovery of these abnormalities.
imageThis report showed that the reduction of parvalbumin (PV) in hippocampus and basolateral amygdala (BLA) along with altered glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling from early post‐natal days results in stress and anxiety in AS mice. Fluoxetine treatment rescues GR signalling and PV expression and partially restores anxiety‐like behaviour. These findings suggest critical evaluation of anxiety and therapeutic implication of fluoxetine in AS patients.
ASSESSING THE REGIONAL ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF DEFENSE ACTIVITIES: A SURVEY OF METHODS
Authors: Droff Josselin , Paloyo Alfredo R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDefense activities exercised in a specific region may alter the region's economic performance. An accurate assessment of the potential economic impacts of defense activities is a valuable undertaking to enable regional planners to prepare for changes. The variety in the methods (among others, input–output models, economic base models, Keynesian regional multipliers, fixed‐effects estimators, and case‐study approaches) inspired by geography, sociology, and political science can pose a dilemma. We detail the historical and theoretical background of each method, as well as select exemplary cases where these methods were applied. By examining old and “new” methods, we aim to construct a typology that could be valuable to all stakeholders. In this sense, defense economics can also contribute to the allied social sciences by outlining evaluation methods that may be applicable to other fields.
Erythropoietin attenuates oxidative stress and apoptosis in Schwann cells isolated from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Yu Ting , Li Lei , Bi Yanwen , Liu Zhen , Liu Huaxiang , Li Zhenzhong 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Objectives
High glucose-evoked oxidative stress and apoptosis within Schwann cells (SCs) are mechanisms facilitating the procession of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Although erythropoietin (EPO) was demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases, the effects of EPO on glucose-evoked oxidative stress and apoptosis of SCs remain unknown.

Methods
Primary cultured SCs isolated from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic peripheral neuropathic rats and normal control rats were exposed to high or normal glucose condition with or without EPO incubation for 72 h. Cell viability, apoptotic rate, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, total glutathione (GSH) level, EPO mRNA and erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) mRNA levels were assayed.

Key findings
SCs from diabetic rats showed a lower cell viability and a higher apoptotic rate. High glucose culture condition elevated ROS level and diminished total GSH level of SCs. EPO improved cell viability and decreased cell apoptotic rate of SCs. EPO also elevated total GSH level and decreased intracellular ROS level. SCs from diabetic rats exhibited higher EPO mRNA and EPOR mRNA levels than SCs from normal control rats.

Conclusions
The data of this study offered fresh viewpoints for interpreting the pathogenesis of DPN and novel pharmacological principles implicit in the therapeutic effect of EPO.
Effects of brefeldin A on the endomembrane system and germ tube formation of the tetraspore of Gelidium floridanum (Rhodophyta, Florideophyceae)
Authors: Simioni Carmen , Rover Ticiane , Schmidt Éder C. , de L. Felix Marthiellen R. , Polo Luz Karime , Santos Rodrigo dos , Costa Giulia Burle , Kreusch Marianne , Pereira Debora T. , Ouriques Luciane C. , Bouzon Zenilda L. 
Published: March 2014

Gelidium floridanum W.R. Taylor tetraspores are units of dispersal and are responsible for substrate attachment. This study aimed to examine evidence of direct interaction between germ tube formation and Golgi activity during tetraspore germination of G. floridanum. After release, the tetraspores were incubated with brefeldin A (BFA) in concentrations of 4 and 8 μM over a 6 h period. The controls and treatments were analyzed with light, fluorescence (FM4‐64 dye) and transmission electron microscopy. In the control samples, the Golgi bodies were responsible for germ tube formation. In contrast, BFA‐treated samples were observed to inhibit spore adhesion and germ tube formation. These tetraspores also showed an increase in volume (≥30 μm width). BFA treatment also resulted in the disassembly of Golgi cisternae and the formation of vesiculated areas of the cytoplasm, blocking the secretion of protein and amorphous matrix polysaccharides. When stained with FM4‐64, the control samples showed fluorescence in the apical region of the germ tube, but the treated samples showed an intense fluorescence throughout the cytoplasm. From these results, we can conclude that the germ tube is formed by the incorporation of vesicles derived from Golgi. Thus, vesicle secretion and Golgi organization are basic processes and essential in adhesion and tube formation. By blocking the secretion of protein and amorphous matrix polysaccharides, BFA treatment precluded tetraspore germination.
Phylogenetic analyses reveal three new genera of the Campanulaceae
Authors: WANG Qiang , MA Xin‐Tang , HONG De‐Yuan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe genus Codonopsis has been controversial in its circumscription. In the strict sense, the genus consists of three subgenera, Codonopsis, Pseudocodonopsis, and Obconicicapsula. Recent molecular and palynological analyses suggest that the latter two subgenera and Cod. purpurea Wall. are separated from rest Codonopsis. In the present study, extensive observations were carried out in wild populations and on more than 800 specimens of subg. Pseudocodonopsis, subg. Obconicicapsula, and Cod. purpurea. Their chromosome numbers were counted for the first time. Recent palynological and molecular data were also analyzed and reevaluated. Our integrated phylogenetic analyses revealed that the three groups are distinct from the rest of Codonopsis. Furthermore, they are also distinct from each other, and cannot be circumscribed in a single genus. Therefore, three new genera are here proposed based on molecular phylogenetics, palynology, cytology, and external morphology. New combinations are made in the present article.
Enhanced brain small‐worldness after sleep deprivation: a compensatory effect
Authors: Liu Huan , Li Hong , Wang Yulin , Lei Xu 
Published: March 2014

SummarySleep deprivation has a variable impact on extrinsic activities during multiple cognitive tasks, especially on mood and emotion processing. There is also a trait‐like individual vulnerability or compensatory effect in cognition. Previous studies have elucidated the altered functional connectivity after sleep deprivation. However, it remains unclear whether the small‐world properties of resting‐state network are sensitive to sleep deprivation. A small‐world network is a type of graph that combines a high local connectivity as well as a few long‐range connections, which ensures a higher information‐processing efficiency at a low cost. The complex network of the brain can be described as a small‐world network, in which a node is a brain region and an edge is present when there is a functional correlation between two nodes. Here, we investigated the topological properties of the human brain networks of 22 healthy subjects under sufficient sleep and sleep‐deprived conditions. Specifically, small‐worldness is utilized to quantify the small‐world property, by comparing the clustering coefficient and path length of a given network to an equivalent random network with same degree distribution. After sufficient sleep, the brain networks showed the property of small‐worldness. Compared with the resting state under sufficient sleep, the small‐world property was significantly enhanced in the sleep deprivation condition, suggesting a possible compensatory adaptation of the human brain. Specifically, the altered measurements were correlated with the neuroticism of subjects, indicating that individuals with low‐levels of neuroticism are more resilient to sleep deprivation.
Interobserver variability in transient elastography analysis of patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Perazzo Hugo , Fernandes Flavia F. , Gomes Amanda , Terra Carlos , Perez Renata M. , Figueiredo Fátima A. F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsTransient elastography based on liver stiffness measurement is a non‐invasive method to assess hepatic fibrosis. However, interobserver variability has led to controversy over its use in fibrosis evaluation. To evaluate the interobserver variation in transient elastography in chronic hepatitis C.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study, analysing findings from two experienced operators who each assessed 195 patients by transient elastography on the same day. Liver stiffness measurement used to define fibrosis stages, based on METAVIR score, was: <7.1 as F0F1, 7.1–9.4 as F2, 9.5–12.4, as F3 and >12.4 kPa as F4. We also assessed interobserver variation in identification of potential oesophageal varices screening based on transient elastography.ResultsThe interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.940 (95% CI 0.863–0.967) and measurements made by operators correlated [Spearman's ρ = 0.924; P < 0.001]. However, the median liver stiffness measurement assessed by first operators was higher (11.5 vs 9.8 kPa; P < 0.001). The discordance between operators was 35% for at least one stage of fibrosis and 5% for two or more stages. Interobserver reliability values were κ = 0.61 for fibrosis stages F ≥ 2 and κ = 0.80 for cirrhosis. Among the 74 patients determined to have cirrhosis by at least one operator, there was considerable discordance in identification of those with indication for oesophageal varices screening (κ values from 0.13 to 0.61) according to several cut‐offs.ConclusionAlthough a high correlation of liver stiffness measurement between operators, interobserver variability in transient elastography was not negligible. This method should not be used as the only screening tool for oesophageal varices in chronic hepatitis C.
Role of physical activity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in terms of visceral obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Kwak Min‐Sun , Kim Donghee , Chung Goh Eun , Kim Won , Kim Yoon Jun , Yoon Jung‐Hwan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsLimited evidence supports a role for physical activity (PA) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) independent of visceral obesity or/and insulin resistance. We investigated the association between PA and NAFLD while considering visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and insulin resistance in a large general population.MethodsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed based on typical ultrasonographic findings. A detailed PA questionnaire included type, frequency, duration and length of time that the subject engaged in PA. PA was determined by a metabolic equivalent. VAT was evaluated by computed tomography taken at the umbilicus level.ResultsA total of 3718 subjects were enrolled in the analysis. After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, soft drink and coffee consumption, the total PA was inversely associated with NAFLD [4th quartile (highest activities), odds ratio (OR) 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54–0.85; 3rd quartile, OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59–0.93 vs. 1st quartile (lowest activities), P for trend <0.001]. After further adjusting for VAT or insulin resistance or both (P for trend = 0.027, 0.001 and 0.040 respectively), this relationship was slightly attenuated but remained statistically significant. The leisure‐time PA and weighted PA also had inverse associations with NAFLD independent of the VAT or insulin resistance or both.ConclusionsThis study showed an inverse association between various types of PA and the prevalence of NAFLD in a dose‐dependent manner that was independent of visceral obesity and insulin resistance. This finding suggests a beneficial association between PA and NAFLD.
Bacterial abundance on the skin, gills and intestines of Cyprinus carpio in Lake Naivasha, Kenya: Implications for public health and fish quality
Authors: Donde Oscar O. , Ojwang William O. , Muia Anastacia W. , Wanga Lucy A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCyprinus carpio is the most important fish species in the Lake Naivasha fishery, comprising 51% of the total catch in the lake. Microflora, especially enteric bacteria of human or animal origin, are the causative agent for fish contamination and spoilage. Poor sanitation standards and poor sewage treatment and disposal methods within Lake Naivasha and its catchment pose a great threat for degrading the quality of C. carpio. The potential impact is rejection of the fish in the local, regional and international markets, risking the collapse of the Lake Naivasha fishery. This study determined the bacterial quality of water and C. carpio from three different sites within Lake Naivasha, namely Malewa River mouth, sewage discharge point and a mid‐lake site, based on plate count techniques. Physicochemical parameters characterizing the lake water also were also measured in situ. This study results indicated that both the fish and water in Lake Naivasha exhibited poor bacterial quality. All the physicochemical parameters were within the recommended range for fish culture, although they also were conducive to the proliferation of bacteria. Most of the sampling sites exhibited significant spatial variation in their bacterial abundance (P < 0.05). The sewage discharge sampling site exhibited the highest mean density values for bacterial densities and clearly degrade the quality of the fish in the lake. Proper sewage treatment, and the installation of modern sanitation facilities, is recommended to improve the bacterial quality of the fish.
Spatial variations in nutrients and other physicochemical variables in the topographically closed Lake Baringo freshwater basin (Kenya)
Authors: Ouma Henry , Mwamburi Job 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSpatial physicochemical parameters were determined from 39 sampling sites distributed throughout Lake Baringo during December 2010. Mean values of temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration and electrical conductivity decreased successively with depth, while the pH remained constant. Only the turbidity values increased marginally with depth. Of the surface water parameters, mean (range) values of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, electrical conductivity, water transparency and turbidity were 6.9 (4.5–8.4) mg L−1, 8.3 (7.8–8.5), 573 (556–601)μS cm−1, 33 (28–37) cm and 43.3 (32.7–54.6) NTU, respectively. Mean and range values of total nitrogen (TN), nitrate‐nitrogen(NO3‐N), ammonia nitrogen (NH4‐N), total phosphorus (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) were 788.4 (278–4486) μg L−1, 4.5 (2.4–10.0) μg L−1, 42.6 (33.8–56.3) μg L−1, 102.9 (20.3–585.3) μg L−1 and 23.5 (15.2–30.5) μg L−1, respectively. Dissolved silica concentrations ranged from 19.7 to 32.7 mg L−1, with a mean value of 24.7 mg L−1. The chlorophyll‐a concentrations were quite low, ranging from 1.4 to 4.9 μg L−1, with a mean value of 4.2 μg L−1. In contrast to previous reported values, a key finding in the present study is a relatively high water transparency, indicating a relatively clear water column, due possibly to the fact that the sampling was conducted during the dry period. The nutrient levels remained low, and the chlorophyll‐a concentration also was an almost all time low value. A TP value of 20 μg L−1 and higher confirms strongly eutrophic conditions prevailing in the lake, with an extremely low potential for fish production and low species diversity, consistent with other studies. The results of the present study, therefore, reinforce the database for future management and monitoring plans for the Lake Baringo ecosystem, which lies adjacent to known geothermally active zones and a saline Lake Bogoria.
Determining the spatial variation of phosphorus in a lake system using remote sensing techniques
Authors: Albert Moses Sheela , Janaki Letha , Joseph Sabu , Kizhur Kandathil Ramachandran 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLakes are versatile ecosystems, with eutrophication being a serious problem affecting their condition and trophic status. Eutrophication can lead to an over‐abundance of macrophytes in lakes, producing favourable conditions for mosquito larvae. Increased eutrophication is attributed in most to excessive phosphorus concentrations in lake water. Satellite imagery analysis now plays a prominent role for quickly assessing water quality over a large area. The present study is an attempt to illustrate the variation of phosphate and total phosphorus concentrations in Akkulam–Veli Lake, Kerala, India, using Indian Remote Sensing satellite (IRS P6‐ LISS III) imagery. A multiple regression equation derived using radiance in the red and MIR bands in the imagery was found to yield superior results for predicting the phosphate concentration, whereas a simple regression equation using radiance in red band was found to yield good results for the total phosphorus concentration in lake water. Accordingly, the trophic status of the lake system can be determined easily from satellite imagery in this manner.