bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Alcohol Self‐Administration in Monkeys Shows Long‐Term Quantity/Frequency Categorical Stability
Authors: Baker Erich J. , Farro Jonathan , Gonzales Steven , Helms Christa , Grant Kathleen A. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe current criteria for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) do not include consumption (quantity/frequency) measures of alcohol intake, in part due to the difficulty of these measures in humans. Animal models of ethanol (EtOH) self‐administration have been fundamental in advancing our understanding of the neurobiological basis of AUD and can address quantity/frequency measures with accurate measurements over prolonged periods of time. The nonhuman primate model of voluntary oral alcohol self‐administration has documented both binge drinking and drinking to dependence and can be used to test the stability of consumption measures over time.MethodsHere, an extensive set of alcohol intakes (g/kg/d) was analyzed from a large multi‐cohort population of Rhesus (Macaca mulatta) monkeys (n = 31). Daily EtOH intake was uniformly distributed over chronic (12 months) access for all animals.ResultsUnderlying this distribution of intakes were subpopulations of monkeys that exhibited distinctive clustering of drinking patterns, allowing us to categorically define very heavy drinking (VHD), heavy drinking (HD), binge drinking (BD), and low drinking (LD). These categories were stable across the 12 months assessed by the protocol, but exhibited fluctuations when examined at shorter intervals.ConclusionsThe establishment of persistent drinking categories based on quantity/frequency suggests that consumption variables can be used to track long‐term changes in behavioral, molecular, or physiochemical mechanisms related to our understanding of diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and treatment efficacies.
TGFβ1 Mediates Alcohol‐Induced Nrf2 Suppression in Lung Fibroblasts
Authors: Sueblinvong Viranuj , Tseng Victor , Smith Tierra , Saghafi Ramin , Mills Stephen T. , Neujahr David C. , Guidot David M. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundChronic alcohol ingestion induces the expression of transforming growth factor beta‐1(TGFβ1), inhibits nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2)‐mediated activation of the antioxidant response element (ARE), depletes alveolar glutathione pools, and potentiates acute lung injury. In this study, we examined the mechanistic relationship between TGFβ1 and Nrf2‐ARE signaling in the experimental alcoholic lung.MethodsWild‐type mice were treated ± alcohol in drinking water for 8 weeks and their lungs were assessed for Nrf2 expression. In parallel, mouse lung fibroblasts were cultured ± alcohol and treated ± sulforaphane (SFP; an activator of Nrf2), ±TGFβ1, ±TGFβ1 neutralizing antibody, and/or ±activin receptor‐like kinase 5 inhibitors (to block TGβ1 receptor signaling) and then analyzed for the expression of Nrf2, Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) and TGFβ1, Nrf2‐ARE activity, and the expression of the Nrf2‐ARE‐dependent antioxidants glutathione s‐transferase theta 2 (GSTT2) and glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). Finally, silencing RNA (siRNA) of Nrf2 was then performed prior to alcohol exposure and subsequent analysis of TGFβ1 expression.ResultsAlcohol treatment in vivo or in vitro decreased Nrf2 expression in murine whole lung and lung fibroblasts, respectively. In parallel, alcohol exposure in vitro decreased Keap1 gene and protein expression in lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, alcohol exposure increased TGFβ1 expression but decreased Nrf2‐ARE activity and expression of the ARE‐dependent genes for GSTT2 and GCLC. These effects of alcohol were prevented by treatment with SFP; in contrast, Nrf2 SiRNA expression exacerbated alcohol‐induced TGFβ1 expression. Finally, TGFβ1 treatment directly suppressed Nrf2‐ARE activity whereas blocking TGFβ1 signaling attenuated alcohol‐induced suppression of Nrf2‐ARE activity.ConclusionsAlcohol‐induced oxidative stress is mediated by TGFβ1, which suppresses Nrf2‐ARE‐dependent expression of antioxidant defenses and creates a vicious cycle that feeds back to further increase TGFβ1 expression. These effects of alcohol can be mitigated by activation of Nrf2, suggesting a potential therapy in individuals at risk for lung injury due to alcohol abuse.
Genetic barcoding facilitates captive and wild management of three cryptic African crocodile species complexes
Authors: Shirley M. H. , Villanova V. L. , Vliet K. A. , Austin J. D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractManagement of threatened species with conserved morphology is hindered by misidentification and potential hybridization in captivity. African crocodiles of the genera Osteolaemus, Crocodylus and Mecistops were previously considered monotypic, but have recently been identified as consisting of three, two and two cryptic species, respectively. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) new and published sequences from 310 wild‐caught specimens were compared with 71 US zoological specimens to identify (barcode) species. We also sequenced either nuclear lactate dehydrogenase A or an anonymous microsatellite flanking sequence in both wild and captive specimens to identify potential first‐generation intra‐generic hybridization in captive populations. The Osteolaemus COI barcoding gap was 7–9% sequence divergence. In contrast, the two African Crocodylus species had a 4.7% barcoding gap. These results, in addition to a previously published Mecistops barcoding gap (4.9%), support the use of barcoding as a tool for diagnosing African crocodile species in captive populations. Captive individuals from 14 collections in the US represented five of the seven putative African taxa. Nuclear heterozygosity at fixed polymorphisms differentiating species within genera suggested that 23% of the captive Osteolaemus samples were admixed O. tetraspis × O. sp. nov. cf. tetraspis – West Africa, while no ex situ hybrids were found for Crocodylus or Mecistops. Our results underscore the need to formally recognize divergent crocodile taxa, especially in light of regional threats, and for proper captive breeding management.
The Predictive Value of Admission Fragmented QRS Complex for In‐Hospital Cardiovascular Mortality of Patients with Type 1 Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Kalkan Ali Kemal , Cakmak Huseyin Altug , Kalkan Mehmet Emin , Tuncer Mehmet Altug , Aydin Ebuzer , Yanartas Mehmed , Satilmisoglu Muhammet Hulusi , Aksu Hale Unal , Erturk Mehmet , Gul Mehmet , Arslantas Ugur , Kirali Mehmet Kaan 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundFragmented QRS (fQRS) arises from impaired ventricular depolarization due to heterogeneous electrical activation of ischemic and/or infarcted ventricular myocardium. The short‐ and long‐term prognostic values of fQRS have been reported for myocardial infarction, heart failure, fatal cardiac arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of admission fQRS complex for in‐hospital cardiovascular mortality of patients with type 1 acute aortic dissection (AAD).MethodsIn this retrospective study, 203 consecutive patients with type 1 AAD who had been admitted to either of two large‐volume tertiary hospitals between December 2008 and October 2013 were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of the fQRS complex on admission.ResultsIn‐hospital cardiovascular mortality (P < 0.001), major adverse cardiovascular events (P < 0.001), acute renal failure (P = 0.022), multiorgan dysfunction (P < 0.001), and acute decompensated heart failure (P < 0.001) were observed to be significantly more frequent in the fQRS‐positive group than in the fQRS‐negative group. fQRS (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 4.184 [1.927–9.082], P < 0.001), operation duration (4.184 [1.927–9.082], P = 0.001), and Killip class IV (3.900 [1.699–8.955], P = 0.001) were found to be significant independent predictors of in‐hospital cardiovascular mortality after adjustment of other risk factors in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionsfQRS is a simple, inexpensive, and readily available electrocardiographic entity that provides an additional risk stratification level beyond that provided by conventional risk parameters in predicting in‐hospital cardiovascular mortality in type 1 AAD.
The added predictive value of biphasic events in ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram for intrapartum fetal monitoring
Authors: Becker Jeroen H. , Krikhaar Anniek , Schuit Ewoud , Mårtendal Annika , Maršál Karel , Kwee Anneke , Visser Gerard H. A. , Amer‐Wåhlin Isis 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo study the predictive value of biphasic ST‐events for interventions for suspected fetal distress and adverse neonatal outcome, when using ST‐analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) for intrapartum fetal monitoring.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThree academic hospitals in Sweden.PopulationWomen in labor with a high‐risk singleton fetus in cephalic position beyond 36 weeks of gestation.MethodsIn women in labor who were monitored with conventional cardiotocography, ST‐waveform analysis was recorded and concealed. Traces with biphasic ST‐events of the FECG (index) were compared with traces without biphasic events of the FECG. The ability of biphasic events to predict interventions for suspected fetal distress and adverse outcome was assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.Main outcome measuresInterventions for suspected fetal distress and adverse outcome (defined as presence of metabolic acidosis (i.e. umbilical cord pH <7.05 and base deficit in extracellular fluid >12 mmol), umbilical cord pH <7.00, 5‐min Apgar score <7, admittance to neonatal intensive care unit or perinatal death).ResultsAlthough the presence of biphasic events of the FECG was associated with more interventions for fetal distress and an increased risk of adverse outcome compared with cases with no biphasic events, the presence of significant (i.e. intervention advised according to cardiotocography interpretation) biphasic events showed no independent association with interventions for fetal distress [odds ratio (OR) 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–4.50] or adverse outcome (OR 1.96, 95% CI 0.74–5.24).ConclusionThe presence of significant biphasic events did not discriminate in the prediction of interventions for fetal distress or adverse outcome. Therefore, biphasic events in relation to ST‐analysis monitoring during birth should be omitted if future studies confirm our findings.
Achieving uterine auto‐transplantation in a sheep model using iliac vessel anastomosis: a short‐term viability study
Authors: Saso Srdjan , Petts Gemma , Thum Meen‐Yau , Corless David , Boyd Michael , Noakes David , Del Priore Giuseppe , Ghaem‐Maghami Sadaf , Smith James Richard 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate, develop and evaluate anatomical, surgical and anastomotic aspects necessary for a successful uterine transplant in a large‐animal model.DesignSheep model; longitudinal study involving five ewes.SettingRoyal Veterinary College, London, UK.PopulationFive ewes of proven fertility.MethodsThe uterine allograft along with the internal iliacs, and uterine arterial and venous tree all intact were harvested en bloc. An end‐to‐side anastomosis was performed between the external iliac vessels and the internal iliac vessels of the graft using 6‐0 polypropylene. Successful reperfusion of the graft was initially judged by the color shift of the uterus during reperfusion. Blood flow past the venous and arterial anastomotic sites was also ensured by visual inspection, together with pulse oximetry and multispectral imaging.Main outcome measuresOperative details (retrieval, ischemic, clamping, reperfusion and recipient hysterectomy duration); physiological profiles; gross morphology and histopathology.ResultsFive autotransplants were performed. One procedure was abandoned because of the inappropriate size of sheep model. Another procedure was halted because the animal suffered from respiratory failure in the immediate intra‐operative period. Three transplants were completed. In those, at least two of four possible anastomoses were finished and the grafted uteri demonstrated immediate perfusion and appropriate viability 45 min post‐operatively.ConclusionsInternal to external iliac vessel anastomoses are an acceptable surgical technique that should be applied in a human model to ensure adequate subsequent uterine perfusion.
Estimation of soil organic carbon from airborne hyperspectral thermal infrared data: a case study
Authors: Pascucci S. , Casa R. , Belviso C. , Palombo A. , Pignatti S. , Castaldi F. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryAirborne hyperspectral imagery in the thermal infrared region (8.0–11.5 µm) was acquired with a thermal airborne spectrographic imager (TASI‐600) on bare soils in agricultural fields in Pontecagnano (southern Italy). These data were related to ground sampling in order to assess the capability of this technology to predict topsoil properties at the field scale. Emissivity spectra were used to calibrate prediction models for the prediction of clay, sand and soil organic carbon (SOC) by partial least squares regression (PLSR) and Cubist regression techniques. The TASI‐600 predictive models were validated by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation. The results were compared with those obtained under laboratory conditions using both Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and visible and near‐infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy. The accuracy of the predictive models was assessed in terms of R2, root mean square error (RMSE), the ratio of the performance to deviation (RPD) and the ratio of performance to interquartile range (RPIQ). In the laboratory, results obtained from the Fourier transform infrared were better than those obtained from visible and near‐infrared (VNIR) for the prediction of specific soil characteristics (sand, clay and SOC). The use of airborne data resulted in less accurate predictions than the FT‐IR data obtained in the laboratory (resampled to the TASI‐600 spectral characteristics). For TASI‐600 airborne data, SOC was predicted more accurately (RPIQ = 1.96; RMSE = 0.26%) than clay and sand content. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the good potential of long‐wave infrared (LWIR) remote sensing data for the quantitative estimation of the SOC content of topsoil.
Overexpression of eukaryotic initiation factor 5 rescues the translational defect of tpk1w in a manner that necessitates a novel phosphorylation site
Authors: Bavli‐Kertselli Ira , Melamed Daniel , Bar‐Ziv Lavi , Volf Hila , Arava Yoav 
Published: November 2014

Cells respond to changes in their environment through mechanisms that often necessitate reprogramming of the translation machinery. The fastest and strongest of all tested responses is the translation inhibition observed following abrupt depletion of glucose from the media of yeast cells. The speed of the response suggests a post‐translational modification of a key component of the translation machinery. This translation factor is as yet unknown. A cAMP‐dependent protein kinase mutant yeast strain (tpk1w) that does not respond properly to glucose depletion and maintains translation was described previously. We hypothesized that the inability of tpk1w to arrest translation results from abnormal expression of key translation mediators. Genome‐wide analysis of steady‐state mRNA levels in tpk1w revealed underexpression of several candidates. Elevating the cellular levels of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 5 by overexpression rescued the translational defect of tpk1w. Restoring ribosomal dissociation by eIF5 necessitated an active GAP domain and multiple regions throughout this protein. Phosphoproteomics analysis of wild‐type cells overexpressing eIF5 revealed increased phosphorylation in a novel site (Thr191) upon glucose depletion. Mutating this residue and introducing it into tpk1w abolished the ability of eIF5 to rescue the translational defect. Intriguingly, introducing this mutation into the wild‐type strain did not hamper its translational response. We further show that Thr191 is phosphorylated in vitro by Casein Kinase II (CKII), and yeast cells with a mutated CKII have a reduced response to glucose depletion. These results implicate phosphorylation of eIF5 at Thr191 by CKII as one of the pathways for regulating translation upon glucose depletion.
MicroRNA biogenesis factor DRB1 is a phosphorylation target of mitogen activated protein kinase MPK3 in both rice and Arabidopsis
Authors: Raghuram Badmi , Sheikh Arsheed H. , Rustagi Yashika , Sinha Alok K. 
Published: November 2014

MicroRNA (miRNA) biogenesis requires AtDRB1 (double‐stranded RNA binding protein)/HYL1 (Hyponastic Leaves1) protein for processing and maturation of miRNA precursors. The AtDRB1/HYL1 protein associates with AtDCL1 (Dicer‐Like1) and accurately processes primary‐miRNAs (pri‐mRNAs) first to precursor‐miRNAs (pre‐miRNAs) and finally to mature miRNAs. The dephosphorylation of AtDRB1/HYL1 protein is very important for the precise processing of miRNA precursors. The monocot model crop plant Oryza sativa encodes four orthologues of AtDRB1/HYL1 protein, the only one encoded by Arabidopsis thaliana. The present study focuses on the functionality of the O. sativa DRBs as the orthologues of AtDRB1/HYL1 by using RNA binding assays and in planta protein–protein interaction analysis. Further, mitogen‐activated protein kinase MPK3 is established as the kinase phosphorylating DRB1 protein in both the model plants, O. sativa and Arabidopsis. MicroRNA microarray analysis in atmpk3 and atmpk6 mutants indicate the importance of AtMPK3 in maintaining the level of miRNAs in the plant.
Deciphering protein–protein interactions during the biogenesis of cytochrome c oxidase from Paracoccus denitrificans
Authors: Gurumoorthy Priya , Ludwig Bernd 
Published: November 2014

Biogenesis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is a complex process due to its numerous subunits encoded by two genomes, as well as the localization of redox centers deep within the membrane. Here, we have assessed the biogenesis of the homologous aa3‐type oxidase of the soil bacterium Paracoccus denitrificans. First, protein partners were analyzed using various membrane solubilization strategies to show interactions between COX and CtaG, a chaperone implicated in CuB site metallation. Using an unbiased MS approach after immunological pull‐down from untreated or cross‐linked membranes, we then extend our view towards a hypothetical ‘biogenesis complex’ by identifying two further metal‐inserting chaperones, Surf1c and Sco, together with enzymes catalyzing heme a synthesis. Our study also tentatively supports previous speculation regarding the existence of a predominantly co‐translational mechanism for cofactor insertion during COX biogenesis.
Job satisfaction of overseas‐qualified nurses working in Australian hospitals
Authors: Timilsina Bhandari K.K. , Xiao L.D. , Belan I. 
Published: November 2014

AimsThe aims of this study were to explore factors associated with the job satisfaction of overseas‐qualified nurses working in public hospitals in South Australia and to compare whether factors associated with job satisfaction of overseas nurses from English‐speaking backgrounds differed from those from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds.BackgroundOverseas‐qualified nurses have become an essential part of the nursing workforce in Australia. Although this nurse population has different expectations and values in relation to their jobs when compared with local nurses, studies on job satisfaction among overseas nurses are scarce.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey using the Job Satisfaction of Overseas‐Qualified Nurses questionnaire was conducted in five major public hospitals in South Australia.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐one overseas‐qualified nurses completed the questionnaire. Four factors were found to influence job satisfaction: Supportive work environment, interpersonal relationships, communication in English, and salary and salary‐related benefits. Communication in English was the predominant factor that was associated with job satisfaction in nurses from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds. This group of nurses also showed a negative correlation between length of stay in Australia and satisfaction with their work environment. Participants' responses to open‐ended questions revealed issues relating to discrimination and racism.ConclusionSupportive work environment, interpersonal relationships,
communication in English, and salary and salary‐related benefits were major factors associated with job satisfaction in overseas‐qualified nurses in this study. Nurses from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds faced additional challenges in communication in the workplace and in dealing with issues of discrimination and racism.Implications for Nursing and/or Health PolicyNurses from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds need to be supported early in their employment, especially with their communication skills. Consideration also needs to be given to the education of local staff regarding cultural differences of overseas workers.
Factors associated with the quality of life of nursing home residents in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai C.K.Y. , Leung D.D.M. , Kwong E.W.Y. , Lee R.L.P. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe quality of life of nursing home residents has increasingly become an important dimension when evaluating care in a nursing home. Not a lot is known about the quality of life of nursing home residents in Hong Kong.AimTo investigate factors associated with the quality of life of nursing home residents to inform care management policies and service delivery.MethodsThis study reports data from 125 nursing home residents. The Hong Kong Chinese version of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life‐Brief version was used. Other measures used include the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Modified STRATIFY Falls Prediction Tool and the Modified Barthel Index. A univariate analysis and a multiple regression analysis were then performed to identify the influencing factors.ResultsThe participants reported a moderate level of quality of life, with the exception in the domain of social relationships. A univariate analysis found some associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and quality of life. A multiple regression analysis indicated that pain, being younger (65–74 years), having son(s) or daughter(s), and cognitive impairment were negatively associated factors.LimitationsThe smallness of the sample from a single study site limits the generalizability of the findings.ConclusionThis study provides information that has hitherto been lacking on the quality of life and associated factors among local nursing home residents in Hong Kong. The preliminary findings can help healthcare staff to identify those at risk of suffering from a low quality of life and to design appropriate care interventions to improve the quality of life of such residents.ImplicationsAdequate pain relief, family connectedness and special attention to the needs of those with cognitive impairment are important considerations in ensuring a better quality of life for older people in long‐term residential care.