bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recognition of viruses in the cytoplasm by RLRs and other helicases—how conformational changes, mitochondrial dynamics and ubiquitination control innate immune responses
Authors: Ng Chen Seng , Kato Hiroki , Fujita Takashi 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Mammalian cells possess multiple sensors for recognition of invasion by a broad range of microbes. This recognition occurs through specific molecular signatures found across various pathogens. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are the major cellular pathogen-recognition receptors (PRRs) responsible for this recognition. TLRs are transmembrane sensors, whereas other PRRs mainly localize in the cytoplasm for the activation of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Among these PRRs, RLRs are well known for their indispensable role in sensing the invasion of RNA viruses. This review summarizes recent advances in knowledge about viral recognition by RLRs and their signalling pathways, and introduces newly emerging RNA helicases involved in innate immune responses.
The escape fraction of ionizing photons from high-redshift galaxies from data-constrained reionization models
Authors: Mitra Sourav , Ferrara Andrea , Choudhury T. Roy 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The escape fraction, fesc, of ionizing photons from high-redshift galaxies is a key parameter to understand cosmic reionization and star formation history. Yet, in spite of many efforts, it remains largely uncertain. We propose a novel, semi-empirical approach based on a simultaneous match of the most recently determined luminosity functions of galaxies in the redshift range 6 ≤ z ≤ 10 with reionization models constrained by a large variety of experimental data. From this procedure, we obtain the evolution of the best-fitting values of fesc along with their 2σ limits. We find that, averaged over the galaxy population, (i) the escape fraction increases from fesc = 0.068+ 0.054− 0.047 at z = 6 to fesc = 0.179+ 0.331− 0.132 at z = 8 and (ii) at z = 10 we can only put a lower limit of fesc &gt; 0.146. Thus, although errors are large, there is an indication of a 2.6 times increase of the average escape fraction from z = 6 to 8, which might partially release the ‘starving reionization’ problem.
Effect of Predictive Cuing on Response Inhibition in Children with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: O'Brien Jessica W. , Norman Andria L. , Fryer Susanna L. , Tapert Susan F. , Paulus Martin P. , Jones Kenneth Lyons , Riley Edward P. , Mattson Sarah N. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundHeavy prenatal exposure to alcohol leads to widespread cognitive deficits, including problems with attention and response inhibition. This study examined blood oxygen level‐dependent response in children with and without histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure during a task of response inhibition consisting of cued and noncued trials.MethodsChildren and adolescents (ages 8 to 18 years) with (alcohol‐exposed [AE] = 20) and without (control [CON] = 15) histories of heavy prenatal exposure to alcohol underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing a go/no‐go task. Unbeknownst to subjects, a predictive cue preceded the no‐go stimulus in 87% of trials.ResultsGroups were matched on demographic variables and did not differ on most measures of task performance. However, following cued stimuli, the AE group demonstrated a lower hit rate to go stimuli and more conservative response bias than the CON group. AE participants demonstrated more activation during no‐go trials (inhibition) relative to go trials in the left precuneus, cingulate gyrus, anterior cingulate, and right medial frontal gyrus. During cue‐dependent response inhibition, the AE group demonstrated less activation in the left precentral and postcentral gyrus compared to the CON group.ConclusionsConsistent with previous studies of response inhibition, the AE group demonstrated greater frontal and parietal activation when attempting to inhibit prepotent responses than the CON group, despite similar rates of commission errors. This study further demonstrated that the AE group had impaired behavioral performance on cued trials and demonstrated less activation in precentral and postcentral gyri relative to the CON group on these trials. This investigation provides evidence of impaired behavioral and neural processing of sequential information in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can help improve inhibition in typical populations.
Analysis of F8 mRNA in haemophilia A patients with silent mutations or presumptive splice site mutations
Authors: Zimmermann M. A. , Gehrig A. , Oldenburg J. , Müller C. R. , Rost S. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryMutation screenings in haemophilia A (HA) patients identified a great variety of mutations in the factor VIII gene (F8): intron 22 or intron 1 inversions, missense mutations, nonsense mutations, small or large deletions, insertions, duplications and splice site mutations. Mutations which do not result in amino acid substitutions (silent mutations) and intronic variants located outside the splice site consensus sequences cannot be easily classified as causative for HA. In these cases, special prediction software algorithms are applied to estimate their impact on splicing. Here, we present mRNA analysis of novel F8 mutations with possible impact on splicing in four HA patients with silent mutations and seven patients with intronic variants close to or within splice site consensus sequences. Seven of eleven mutations examined in vitro could be shown to have an effect on F8 mRNA splicing and the results were compared to in silico predictions. In addition, to validate the splice site prediction software Alamut v2.0 (Interactive Biosoftware), we compared published F8 mRNA analyses with the results of the in silico prediction. In general, the results of the splice site prediction tools of Alamut were in good accordance with the experimental F8 mRNA analyses, but a fundamental discrepancy between in silico and in vitro analyses was obtained in some cases. In conclusion, this study shows that the functional classification of potential splicing mutations should not only rely on prediction software, but be rather based on mRNA analysis experiments.
Hair follicle stem cells can be driven into a urothelial‐like phenotype: An experimental study
Authors: Drewa Tomasz , Joachimiak Romana , Bajek Anna , Gagat Maciej , Grzanka Alina , Bodnar Magdalena , Marszalek Andrzej , Dębski Robert , Chłosta Piotr 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to show that conditioned medium might induce transdifferentiation of hair follicle stem cells into urothelial‐like cells. Several conditioned media and culture conditions (skeletal muscle cell conditioned medium, smooth muscle cell conditioned medium, fibroblast conditioned medium, transforming growth factor‐conditioned medium, urothelial cell conditioned medium, and co‐culture of hair follicle stem cells and urothelial cells) were used. The hair follicle stem cells phenotype from rat whisker hair follicles was checked by using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Cytokeratins 7, 8, 15 and 18 were used as markers. Urothelial cell conditioned medium increased the expression of urothelial markers (cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 8, cytokeratin 18), whereas it decreased a hair follicle stem cells marker (cytokeratin 15) after 2 weeks of culture. This process depended on the time of cultivation. This medium was able to sustain the epithelial phenotype of the culture. Other media including a co‐culture system failed to induce similar changes. Smooth muscle conditioned medium resulted in a loss of cells in culture. Hair follicle stem cells are capable of differentiating into urothelial‐like cells in vitro when exposed to a bladder‐specific microenvironment.
Effects of a comprehensive intervention program, including hot bathing, on overweight adults: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sakurai Ryota , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Saito Kyoko , Fukaya Taro , Kim Mi‐Ji , Yasunaga Masashi , Kim Hunkyung , Ogawa Kishiko , Tanaka Chiaki , Tsunoda Nobuyo , Muraki Etsuko , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Shinkai Shoji , Watanabe Shuichiro 
Published: October 2012

AimThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive overweight intervention program, which utilizes hot bathing, on overweight, community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults in a randomized controlled trial.MethodsThe program was carried out in a hot bath facility and included 66 community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older Japanese adults (mean age 61.6 years, SD 7.5, 77.3% were women). The participants were randomly assigned to an exercise, diet and hot bathing intervention group (group A), exercise and diet intervention group (group B), a hot‐bathing intervention group (group C) and a control group (group D). The participants in groups A and B participated in a comprehensive intervention program (including exercise and diet classes) twice a week for 3 months, and groups A and C had hot bathing.ResultsAfter 3 months, the participants in group A showed a reduction in weight, abdominal circumference, body mass index and body fat percentage compared with the other intervention groups. And the lower extremity function (i.e. walking speed) had greater improvement in the participants in groups A and B compared with groups C and D. In group C, in which only hot bathing was the intervention, there were no significant improvements in measurement items.ConclusionsOur study provides preliminary evidence that a comprehensive intervention program, including hot bathing, is useful for community residents with a tendency toward overweight. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 638–645.
Chronic disease risk among adults with cerebral palsy: the role of premature sarcopoenia, obesity and sedentary behaviour
Authors: Peterson M. D. , Gordon P. M. , Hurvitz E. A. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryPremature declines in function among adults with cerebral palsy (CP) are generally attributed to weakness, spasticity and orthopaedic abnormalities, as well as chronic pain and fatigue. Very little research or clinical attention has been devoted to the confluence and consequences of early muscle wasting and obesity as mediators of secondary comorbidity in this population, and perhaps more importantly, to the role of lifestyle to potentiate these outcomes. At present, there are no national surveillance programmes that monitor chronic health in adults with CP; however, mortality records have demonstrated a greater prevalence of coronary heart disease as compared with the general population. Although by definition, CP is a ‘non‐progressive’ condition, secondary factors such as habitual sedentary behaviour, obesity, and premature sarcoepenia may increase the severity of functional impairment throughout adulthood, and lead to cardiometabolic disease, fragility and/or early mortality. Herein we describe the heightened health risk represented in adults with CP, and discuss the hallmark phenotypic features that coincide with ageing, obesity and cardiometabolic disorders. Moreover, we provide discussion regarding the protective role of habitual physical activity to stimulate anti‐inflammatory pathways and to ameliorate global risk. Although physical therapeutic modalities are already widely acknowledged as a vital component to improve movement quality in CP, the purpose of this review was to present a compelling case for the value of lifelong physical activity participation for both function and cardiometabolic health preservation.
Make a lasting impression: The neural consequences of re‐encountering people who emote inappropriately
Authors: Bayliss Andrew P. , Naughtin Claire K. , Lipp Ottmar V. , Kritikos Ada , Dux Paul E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe can learn about the affective content of the environment by observing the behavior of others; their responses to stimuli tend to be appropriate to the context. To investigate the impact of observing such appropriate, compared with inappropriate, behaviors, we developed a novel behavioral task where participants observed different faces reacting to emotional scenes. We found that affective categorization of a scene was facilitated when it was presented alongside an appropriate facial expression (Experiment 1). Further, we observed that several brain areas in the right hemisphere—the putamen, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex—were more activate when viewing faces that were previously observed emoting inappropriately (Experiment 2). We contend that these areas form a network that codes for the retrieval of affective conflict information generated by observing individuals producing inappropriate emotions.
Public health nursing and interprofessional collaboration in Norwegian municipalities: a questionnaire study
Authors: Clancy Anne , Gressnes Thomas , Svensson Tommy 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to examine collaboration relating to public health nursing in different sized Norwegian municipalities. It sought to gain insight into factors that are important for successful collaboration, frequency of meeting points for collaborating activities and missing professionals in different sized municipalities. A cross‐sectional e‐post questionnaire study was carried out on a national sample of public health nurses and their collaborators. A total of 849 public health nurses (43.64%), 113 doctors at clinics and school health services (54.8%), 519 child protection workers (16.34%) and 115 midwives (41.3%) returned the questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Analysis of variance (anova), Kruskal–Wallis H and chi‐square tests were used to tests differences between groups. Trust, respect and collaborative competence were ranked highest by all the respondents and formalised structures, economy and leadership ranked least important in collaborative activity. The majority of the respondents stated that they do not have fewer meeting points compared with 5 years ago. Collaboration with mental health services was missed most by all respondents. There were associations between frequency of meeting points and statements on collaboration related to municipality size. Norway is in the throes of a major coordination reform. The fact that relational factors were deemed most important for successful collaboration is an important finding at a time when focus is on structural change. The findings indicate the need for further in depth qualitative studies on reasons for ‘missing collaborators,’ on professional cultures in different sized municipalities and on interpersonal relationships. Qualitative enquiry is necessary to gain a greater understanding of how relational concepts of respect, trust and conflict are understood by municipal public health professionals.
Treatment of Chronic Headache of Cervical Origin With Lipostructure: An Observational Study
Authors: Gaetani Paolo , Klinger Marco , Levi Daniel , Bussone Gennaro , Giannasi Silvia , Caviggioli Fabio , Marazzi Mario , Broggi Giovanni 
Published: October 2012

Objective.— To test feasibility, safety, and efficacy of local transplant of stromal fraction of adipose tissue in the treatment of chronic headaches of cervical origin.Background.— Chronic headaches of cervical origin (chronic cervicogenic headache and occipital neuralgia) are characterized by persistent pain due to the involvement of the great occipital nerve, with concurrent myofascial spasm and the consequent nerve entrapment within the trapezoid tunnel.Methods.— Tolerability and effectiveness of treatment of chronic cervicogenic headaches refractory to conventional therapies were evaluated in 24 patients. The visual analog scale of pain and the medication use diary were used in the 3 months preceding treatment; moreover, in order to verify the quality of life, patients are required to fill before surgery the Neck Pain Disability Index, the Headache Disability Index, migraine disability assessment scale questionnaire, and the short‐form 12 standard v1 questionnaire. Follow‐up examination was performed at 3 and 6 months.Results.— In 19 cases (79.2%), a good clinical response was recorded. At 6‐month follow‐up analysis, recurrence of occipital pain was recorded in 7 cases (29.2%); there is a significant reduction in disability and pain scores, and also a significant reduction of need for pharmacologic treatment and a fast return to previous work capacities.Conclusions.— The key point of our therapeutic strategy might be the regenerative role of stromal fraction of adipose tissue transplanted in the area of the occipital nerve entrapment; the results of the present study are encouraging both in terms of reduction of pain scores and in terms of quality of life improvement. The technique is minimally invasive, and no complications were recorded; indeed, the procedure seems to be safe and effective, and thus, a randomized study with larger follow‐up and in a large series will be started.
The Alberta Stroke Prevention in TIAs and Mild Strokes (ASPIRE) Intervention: Rationale and Design for Evaluating the Implementation of a Province-Wide TIA Triaging System
Authors: Jeerakathil Thomas , Shuaib Ashfaq , Majumdar Sumit R. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Butcher Kenneth S. , Watson Tim J. , Dean Naeem , Gordon Deb , Edmond Cathy , Coutts Shelagh B. ,   for the ASPIRE Investigators
Published: October 2012

Rationale Stroke risk after transient ischaemic attack is high and, it is a challenge worldwide to provide urgent assessment and preventive services to entire populations. Aims To determine whether a province-wide transient ischaemic attack Triaging algorithm and transient ischaemic attack hotline (the Alberta Stroke Prevention in transient ischaemic attacks and mild strokes intervention) can reduce the rate of stroke recurrence following transient ischaemic attack across the population of Alberta, Canada (population 3·7 million, 90-day rate of post-stroke transient ischaemic attack currently 9·5%). It also seeks to improve upon current transient ischaemic attack triaging rules by incorporating time from symptom onset as a predictive variable. Design The transient ischaemic attack algorithm and hotline were developed with a broad consensus of clinicians, patients, policy-makers, and researchers and based on local adaptation of the work of others and research and insights developed within the province. Because neither patient-level nor region-level randomization was possible, we conducted a quasi-experimental design examining changes in the post-transient ischaemic attack rate of stroke recurrence before and after the 15-month implementation period using an interrupted time-series regression analysis. The design controls for changes in case-mix, co-interventions, and secular trends. A prospective transient ischaemic attack cohort will also be concurrently created with telephone follow-up at seven-days and 90 days as well as passive follow-up over the longer term using linkages to provincial healthcare administrative databases. Study Outcomes The primary outcome measure is the change in recurrence rate of stroke following transient ischaemic attack at seven-days and 90 days, comparing a period of two-years before vs. two-years after the intervention is implemented. All cases of recurrent stroke will be validated. Secondary outcomes include functional status, hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality. Conclusions We are undertaking a rigorous evaluation of a population-based approach to improving quality of transient ischaemic attack care. Whether positive or negative, our work should provide important insights for all potential stakeholders.
Total Phenolics, Carotenoids, Ascorbic Acid, and Antioxidant Properties of Fresh‐cut Mango (Mangifera indica L., cv. Tommy Atkin) as Affected by Infrared Heat Treatment
Authors: Sogi D. S. , Siddiq M. , Roidoung S. , Dolan K. D. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a major tropical fruit that has not been exploited for fresh‐cut or minimally processed products on a scale similar to apples, pineapples, or melons. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of infrared (IR) treatment on total phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant properties of fresh‐cut cubes from ‘Tommy Atkin’ mangoes. Mango cubes were IR treated (5, 10, 15 min) and evaluated at 4‐d intervals during 16‐d storage at 4 ± 1 °C. Total phenolics, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid content in fresh‐cut control mango cubes were 43.33, 1.37, and 15.97 mg/100 g FW, respectively. IR treatments increased total phenolics (59.23 to 71.16 mg/100 g FW) and decreased ascorbic acid (12.14 to 15.38 mg/100 g, FW). Total carotenoids showed a mixed trend (1.13 to 1.66 mg/100 g, FW). The IR treatment showed a significant positive impact on antioxidant properties (μM TE/100 g, FW) of mango cubes, as assayed by ABTS (261.5 compared with 338.0 to 416.4), DPPH (270.5 compared with 289.4 to 360.5), and ORAC (6686 compared with 8450 to 12230). Total phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant capacity decreased over 16‐d storage. However, IR treated samples had consistently higher ABTS, DPPH, and total phenolics during storage. It was demonstrated that IR treatment can be effectively used in improving antioxidant properties of fresh‐cut mangoes with minimal effect on the visual appearance.Practical Application:  Various methods/treatments are in use for extending the quality of fresh‐cut fruits, including mild heat treatment. This study explored the application of infrared (IR) heat for processing fresh‐cut mango cubes and evaluated its effect on vitamin C and antioxidant capacity during 16‐d storage. This is the first study reporting on the use of IR heat in fresh‐cut fruits. IR treatment was shown to be effective in retaining antioxidant properties of fresh‐cut mango cubes with minimal effect on the visual appearance.
Porosity and Water Activity Effects on Stability of Crystalline β‐Carotene in Freeze‐Dried Solids
Authors: Harnkarnsujarit Nathdanai , Charoenrein Sanguansri , Roos Yrjö H. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  Stability of entrapped crystalline β‐carotene as affected by water activity, solids microstructure, and composition of freeze‐dried systems was investigated. Aliquots (1000 mm3, 20% w/w solids) of solutions of maltodextrins of various dextrose equivalents (M040: DE6, M100: DE11, and M250: DE25.5), M100‐sugars (1:1 glucose, fructose and sucrose), and agar for gelation with dispersed β‐carotene were frozen at −20, −40, or −80 °C and freeze‐dried. Glass transition and α‐relaxation temperatures were determined with differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. β‐Carotene contents were monitored spectrophotometrically. In the glassy solids, pore microstructure had a major effect on β‐carotene stability. Small pores with thin walls and large surface area allowed β‐carotene exposure to oxygen which led to a higher loss, whereas structural collapse enhanced stability of β‐carotene by decreasing exposure to oxygen. As water plasticized matrices, an increase in molecular mobility in the matrix enhanced β‐carotene degradation. Stability of dispersed β‐carotene was highest at around 0.2 aw, but decreasing structural relaxation times above the glass transition correlated well with the rate of β‐carotene degradation at higher aw. Microstructure, aw, and component mobility are important factors in the control of stability of β‐carotene in freeze‐dried solidsPractical Application:  β‐Carotene expresses various nutritional benefits; however, it is sensitive to oxygen and the degradation contributes to loss of nutritional values as well as product color. To increase stability of β‐carotene in freeze‐dried foods, the amount of oxygen penetration need to be limited. The modification of freeze‐dried food structures, for example, porosity and structural collapse, components, and humidity effectively enhance the stability of dispersed β‐carotene in freeze‐dried solids.