bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sodium butyrate epigenetically modulates high‐fat diet‐induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptation, obesity and insulin resistance through nucleosome positioning
Authors: Henagan Tara M , Stefanska Barbara , Fang Zhide , Navard Alexandra M , Ye Jianping , Lenard Natalie R , Devarshi Prasad P 
Published: January 2015

Background and PurposeSodium butyrate (NaB), an epigenetic modifier, is effective in promoting insulin sensitivity. The specific genomic loci and mechanisms underlying epigenetically induced obesity and insulin resistance and the targets of NaB are not fully understood.Experimental ApproachThe anti‐diabetic and anti‐obesity effects of NaB treatment were measured by comparing phenotypes and physiologies of C57BL/6J mice fed a low‐fat diet (LF), high‐fat diet (HF) or high‐fat diet plus NaB (HF + NaB) for 10 weeks. We determined a possible mechanism of NaB action through induction of beneficial skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptations and applied microccocal nuclease digestion with sequencing (MNase‐seq) to assess whole genome differences in nucleosome occupancy or positioning and to identify associated epigenetic targets of NaB.Key ResultsNaB prevented HF diet‐induced increases in body weight and adiposity without altering food intake or energy expenditure, improved insulin sensitivity as measured by glucose and insulin tolerance tests, and decreased respiratory exchange ratio. In skeletal muscle, NaB increased the percentage of type 1 fibres, improved acylcarnitine profiles as measured by metabolomics and produced a chromatin structure, determined by MNase‐seq, similar to that seen in LF. Targeted analysis of representative nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial genes showed specific repositioning of the −1 nucleosome in association with altered gene expression.Conclusions and ImplicationsNaB treatment may be an effective pharmacological approach for type 2 diabetes and obesity by inducing −1 nucleosome repositioning within nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial genes, causing skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptations that result in more complete β‐oxidation and a lean, insulin sensitive phenotype.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Epigenetics and Therapy. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐11
Ischaemic conditioning: pitfalls on the path to clinical translation
Authors: Przyklenk Karin 
Published: January 2015

The development of novel adjuvant strategies capable of attenuating myocardial ischaemia‐reperfusion injury and reducing infarct size remains a major, unmet clinical need. A wealth of preclinical evidence has established that ischaemic ‘conditioning’ is profoundly cardioprotective, and has positioned the phenomenon (in particular, the paradigms of postconditioning and remote conditioning) as the most promising and potent candidate for clinical translation identified to date. However, despite this preclinical consensus, current phase II trials have been plagued by heterogeneity, and the outcomes of recent meta‐analyses have largely failed to confirm significant benefit. As a result, the path to clinical application has been perceived as ‘disappointing’ and ‘frustrating’. The goal of the current review is to discuss the pitfalls that may be stalling the successful clinical translation of ischaemic conditioning, with an emphasis on concerns regarding: (i) appropriate clinical study design and (ii) the choice of the ‘right’ preclinical models to facilitate clinical translation.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Conditioning the Heart – Pathways to Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐8
Cord serum dipeptidyl‐peptidase 4 activity in gestational diabetes
Authors: Al‐Aissa Zahra , Rosta Klára , Hadarits Orsolya , Harreiter Jürgen , Zóka András , Bancher‐Todesca Dagmar , Patócs Attila , Kiss Katalin , Sármán Beatrix , Pusztai Péter , Sziller István , Rigó János , Rácz Károly , Somogyi Anikó , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra , Firneisz Gábor 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundTissue‐specific dipeptidyl‐peptidase 4 (DPP4) dysregulation has been described in adults with diabetes mellitus. The DPP4 ‐incretin system has not been studied in foetal life. In this study, DPP4 activity and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) levels were assessed in cord blood of neonates born to women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and nondiabetic controls.Material and methodsThis study has been conducted in two Hungarian and one Austrian centres. Patients: A total of 568 pregnant women were enrolled in the study after their OGTT between the 24th and 28th gestational week. Cord blood samplings with DPP4 activity and GLP‐1 level measurements were possible in 270 (DPP4: 159 control, 111 GDM) and 112 (GLP‐1: 72 control, 40 GDM) cases. OGTT (24–28th gestational week) and cord blood sampling at delivery were performed. Cord serum DPP4 activity was determined in a continuous monitoring microplate‐based kinetic assay, and cord plasma GLP‐1 was measured using a fluorescence ELISA method.ResultsCord serum DPP4 activity was lower in GDM [mean (95% CI): 28·07 U/L (26·32–29·82 U/L)] than in controls [31·61 U/L (29·93–33·29 U/L), MWU P = 0·0015]. Cord plasma active GLP‐1 levels were close to the lower detection limit and were not altered in GDM (control: mean = 3·43 pM, 95% CI: 3·04–3·82 pM, GDM: mean = 3·61 pM, 95% CI: 2·96–4·28 pM – MWU test P = 0·6).ConclusionsDecreased cord serum DPP4 activity in gestational diabetes mellitus might be the result of an adaptive foetal response or an early dysregulation in the entero‐insular axis with consequences beyond the incretin system. Cord plasma GLP‐1 levels may reflect the missing oral intake with a limited glucose sensing of L cells via the circulation in foetal life.
Taxonomic revision of the Tuberculatus quercicola group (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Drepanosiphinae), myrmecophilous aphids associated with Quercus species, based on morphometric and molecular phylogenetic studies
Authors: Watanabe Tomoko , Yao Izumi , Akimoto Shin‐ichi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we revised the taxonomy of the Tuberculatus quercicola group, myrmecophilous drepanosiphine aphids that are associated with Quercus dentata and Q. crispula in Japan, based on morphometry and molecular phylogeny. This species group has been recognized as T. quercicola with some junior synonyms. Morphometric analysis of 11 morphological characters divided the group into three clusters: (i) the Q. crispula‐associated population; (ii) the central Hokkaido group of the Q. dentata‐associated population; and (iii) the eastern Hokkaido group of the Q. dentata‐associated population. Most parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I COI gene indicated that samples of the T. quercicola group are separated, with high bootstrap supports, into two monophyletic groups that are associated with either Q. dentata or Q. crispula. However, no genetic differentiation was detected between the central Hokkaido group and the eastern Hokkaido group of the Q. dentata‐associated population. These results led us to conclude that populations associated with Q. dentata are genetically and morphologically distinct from those associated with Q. crispula, and thus they are in a full specific status. On the other hand, we treated the two local groups of the Q. dentata‐associated population as local races based on morphology. We formally redescribed the Q. crispula‐associated and Q. dentata‐associated populations under the names T. quercicola and T. macrotuberculatus stat. rev., respectively.
Novel KRT83 and KRT86 mutations associated with monilethrix
Authors: van Steensel Maurice , Vreeburg Maaike , Urbina Maria T. , López Paul , Morice‐Picard Fanny , van Geel Michel 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMonilethrix is an autosomal dominant hair disorder caused by mutations in the hard keratins KRT81, KRT83 and KRT86. The affected hairs are fragile and break easily, leading to scarring alopecia. Follicular hyperkeratosis in the neck and on extensor sides of extremities is a frequently associated finding. The disorder is rare, but probably underreported because its manifestations may be mild. Mutations in KRT81 and KRT86 are the most common. Here, we report new cases from Venezuela, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. The Venezuelan kindred is special for having patients with digenic novel nucleotide changes, a KRT86 mutation associated with monilethrix and a KRT81 variant of unknown clinical significance. In the French and Dutch patients, we found novel KRT86 and KRT83 mutations. Our findings expand the mutational spectrum associated with monilethrix.
‘Do I need to become someone else?’ A qualitative exploratory study into the experiences and needs of adults with ADHD
Authors: Schrevel Samuel J. C. , Dedding Christine , van Aken Jeroen A. , Broerse Jacqueline E. W. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric disorder in childhood which has recently been acknowledged to persist into adulthood in two‐thirds of cases. However, the problems faced by adults with ADHD in their daily lives remain largely unexplored.ObjectiveTo assess the perspectives, problems and needs of adults with ADHD.Design and ParticipantsIn this exploratory qualitative study, adults (n = 52) with a primary ADHD or ADD diagnosis, aged 21 years or older, participated in eight focus groups in five cities in the Netherlands.ResultsAlthough core symptoms of ADHD were perceived as a problem, participants placed greater emphasis on social problems that arise from living with ADHD and their subsequent effects on self‐image. Accompanying problems were feelings of powerlessness, lack of acceptance by their social environment and poor self‐image. Adults with ADHD would like to see greater acceptance of ADHD and its accompanying problems, together with appreciation for personal competences and strengths in certain domains, such as creative or associative thinking.ConclusionOur study adds to previous research by providing insight into how these problems are interrelated and their strong link to the social environment. Perceived powerlessness, failure and negative reactions of the social environment lead to a persistent low self‐image. This merits substantial attention in future research, particularly when considering on‐going care options.
Foreign Bodies: The New Victims of Unethical Experimentation
Authors: Rawlinson Paddy , Yadavendu Vijay Kumar 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDespite a number of beneficent outcomes, clinical trials on human subjects have exposed some of the worst forms of state crime, most notably in Nazi Germany. Even with the subsequent establishment of guidelines for the protection of human subjects, such as the Nuremberg Code, clinical trials resulting in death and injury is a continuing feature of medical research, especially as Western states outsource more trials to the private sector where profit margins often trump personal safety. Focusing on the clinical trials business in India, the article argues that the exploitation of human subjects in developing countries, affecting as it does the most vulnerable groups, must be understood as a form of state‐corporate crime. In this way, the moral distance we prefer to place between Nazi medical crimes and those committed in the interests of neoliberal values becomes less viable and the need for effective responses to unethical clinical trials more pressing.
Policing for Whom?
Authors: Whyte David 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis article presents an analysis of recent evidence emerging from the building industry about British state tolerance, and encouragement, of an illegal ‘blacklist’ of workers in the industry. As part of this process, the article argues that the form of policing/regulation that is observable in the case of the blacklisted workers is one that ultimately seeks to guarantee as its primary concern, not the rule of law, but the orderly reproduction of surplus value in the building industry. The article does not suggest that the latter purpose is all that concerns policing/regulation, but it does suggest that it is the principal effect of a combination of various policing and regulatory techniques. In order to achieve orderly reproduction of surplus value, it is argued that building workers are confronted by a form of economic force which is given shape by, and ultimately underpinned by, the system of policing/regulation that at the same time, claims to protect them.
Taxonomy of the Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina complex: an integrative approach using morphological, bioacoustic and multilocus DNA data
Authors: Dong Lu , Wei Min , Alström Per , Huang Xi , Olsson Urban , Shigeta Yoshimitsu , Zhang Yanyun , Zheng Guangmei 
Published: January 2015

The taxonomy of the Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina–Yellow‐rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia complex from East Asia has long been debated. Most authors recognize two species: F. narcissina, with the subspecies narcissina (most of Japan and Sakhalin Island), owstoni (south Japanese islands) and elisae (northeast China) and F. zanthopygia (monotypic), although species status has been proposed for elisae and sometimes for owstoni. Here, we revise the taxonomy of this complex based on an integrative approach utilizing morphology, songs and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA for all taxa. All taxa were diagnosably different in plumage, and there were also structural differences among them, although the northernmost populations of owstoni (sometimes recognized as jakuschima and shonis) were somewhat intermediate in plumage, structure and male plumage maturation between southern populations of owstoni and narcissina. All taxa had different songs, and a discriminant function analysis of four song variables correctly classified 100% of all songs. A strongly supported phylogeny was recovered based on three mitochondrial genes and three nuclear introns (total of 3543 bp), revealing a sister relationship between F. zanthopygia and the other taxa, between F. n. narcissina and F. n. owstoni, and between F. n. elisae and F. n. narcissina + F. n. owstoni. The corrected COI distances among the three F. narcissina subspecies ranged from 2.8% (narcissina–owstoni) to 8.2% (narcissina–elisae). We suggest that the congruent differences in multiple independent traits and the deep genetic divergences among the four taxa in the F. narcissina–F. zanthopygia complex support treatment of all of these taxa as separate species. However, we acknowledge the paucity of data for F. owstoni and recommend further studies of this taxon. We suggest listing both F. elisae and F. owstoni, which have small and fragmented populations, as globally threatened.
Do infant vocabulary skills predict school‐age language and literacy outcomes?
Authors: Duff Fiona J. , Reen Gurpreet , Plunkett Kim , Nation Kate 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundStrong associations between infant vocabulary and school‐age language and literacy skills would have important practical and theoretical implications: Preschool assessment of vocabulary skills could be used to identify children at risk of reading and language difficulties, and vocabulary could be viewed as a cognitive foundation for reading. However, evidence to date suggests predictive ability from infant vocabulary to later language and literacy is low. This study provides an investigation into, and interpretation of, the magnitude of such infant to school‐age relationships.MethodsThree hundred British infants whose vocabularies were assessed by parent report in the 2nd year of life (between 16 and 24 months) were followed up on average 5 years later (ages ranged from 4 to 9 years), when their vocabulary, phonological and reading skills were measured.ResultsStructural equation modelling of age‐regressed scores was used to assess the strength of longitudinal relationships. Infant vocabulary (a latent factor of receptive and expressive vocabulary) was a statistically significant predictor of later vocabulary, phonological awareness, reading accuracy and reading comprehension (accounting for between 4% and 18% of variance). Family risk for language or literacy difficulties explained additional variance in reading (approximately 10%) but not language outcomes.ConclusionsSignificant longitudinal relationships between preliteracy vocabulary knowledge and subsequent reading support the theory that vocabulary is a cognitive foundation of both reading accuracy and reading comprehension. Importantly however, the stability of vocabulary skills from infancy to later childhood is too low to be sufficiently predictive of language outcomes at an individual level – a finding that fits well with the observation that the majority of ‘late talkers’ resolve their early language difficulties. For reading outcomes, prediction of future difficulties is likely to be improved when considering family history of language/literacy difficulties alongside infant vocabulary levels.
Demography and treatment response in patients with predominant non‐erosive reflux disease or functional dyspepsia
Authors: Miwa Hiroto , Haruma Ken , Sakamoto Shigeru , Sanada Katsuyuki , Hiroi Shinzo , Kinoshita Yoshikazu 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) and functional dyspepsia (FD) share some common features, and the appropriateness of managing these diseases independently has been questioned. A post‐hoc subgroup analysis of the LEGEND study was performed to compare demographics and treatment response between patients with NERD and patients with FD.MethodsPatients with reflux and dyspepsia symptoms who had no endoscopic evidence of mucosal breaks and/or erosions were included and divided into groups with predominant NERD (n = 1546) or FD (n = 614). Patients received lansoprazole for 4 weeks, and their symptoms were evaluated using questionnaires.ResultsFD patients were significantly younger than NERD patients (54 vs 60 years), more likely to have a body mass index < 25 kg/m2 (72.4% vs 67.1%), less likely to have a hiatal hernia (24.0% vs 31.2%), and more likely to feel continuous stress (54.7% vs 48.0%). After 4 weeks of treatment, > 60% of both patients reported an improvement in reflux symptoms and in most dyspepsia symptoms. The improvement rate for reflux symptoms was lower in FD patients than in NERD patients (P < 0.05), whereas the improvement rate for dyspepsia symptoms did not differ between patient groups.ConclusionAlthough no clinically significant differences in pathophysiology exist between NERD and FD, there are some between‐group differences in demographic characteristics and improvement rates for reflux symptoms after treatment with lansoprazole. It remains to be discussed whether it is necessary to make a strict differential diagnosis between these two conditions.
The psychology of cooperation in animals: an ecological approach
Authors: McAuliffe K. , Thornton A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThere has been a recent push to study the psychological processes supporting cooperation in nonhuman animals. However, progress has been limited thus far due to differences in approaches between psychologists and behavioral ecologists. Although the former tend to use controlled experiments to pinpoint precise cognitive mechanisms, these experiments often lack ecological validity. In contrast, behavioral ecologists seek to understand the adaptive function of cooperative behavior of animals in the wild but typically neglect the underlying psychological mechanisms. Here we appraise and integrate evidence from these two approaches to understand the potential cognitive solutions to four fundamental challenges that animals face during cooperative interactions under natural conditions: (1) when to cooperate; (2) with whom to cooperate; (3) what to do in cooperative interactions; (4) how much to contribute to cooperation. We argue that an ecologically motivated approach is critical to understanding the psychological mechanisms of cooperation and how these mechanisms evolve.
The outcomes of adult liver transplants in the United States from 1987 to 2013
Authors: Stepanova Maria , Wai Homan , Saab Sammy , Mishra Alita , Venkatesan Chapy , Younossi Zobair M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsIn the past three decades, there have been major advances in the procedure and candidate selection for liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in outcomes of liver transplantations in the Unites States.MethodsThis observational study uses the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) that includes all liver transplants from 1987 to 2013 (N = 108 707 adults).ResultsFour study cycles were introduced: 1987–1993, 1994–2000, 2001–2006, 2007–2013. The length of inpatient stay for receiving liver transplant substantially shortened (42–20 days), and so did the rate of acute post‐transplant rejections (33–4%). The use of high risk donors and donors with chronic diseases increased significantly. Of transplant outcomes, despite recently reported unfavourable changes in clinico‐demographic profile of liver transplant recipients (older age, substantial increases in all major comorbidities), the proportion of patients discharged alive increased from 78.2 to 91.8%. On the other hand, post‐discharge 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year mortality varied between 6.7 and 8.0%, 15.2 to 17.2% and 22.5 to 24.5%, respectively, and no consistent trend was found. Despite this, the rates of graft failure decreased: an approximately two‐fold decrease in 1 year graft loss, and a 1.6‐fold decrease in 5 year graft loss were observed.ConclusionDespite all improvements in liver transplant technique and patient management, the changes in post‐transplant outcomes vary. While inpatient mortality, graft losses and post‐transplant infect‐ion rates improved substantially, post‐discharge mortality remains stable because of increasing losses to competing risks in patients with non‐liver comorbidities.
Distribution and mixing of old and new nonstructural carbon in two temperate trees
Authors: Richardson Andrew D. , Carbone Mariah S. , Huggett Brett A. , Furze Morgan E. , Czimczik Claudia I. , Walker Jennifer C. , Xu Xiaomei , Schaberg Paul G. , Murakami Paula 
Published: January 2015

Summary

We know surprisingly little about whole‐tree nonstructural carbon (NSC; primarily sugars and starch) budgets. Even less well understood is the mixing between recent photosynthetic assimilates (new NSC) and previously stored reserves. And, NSC turnover times are poorly constrained.

We characterized the distribution of NSC in the stemwood, branches, and roots of two temperate trees, and we used the continuous label offered by the radiocarbon (carbon‐14, 14C) bomb spike to estimate the mean age of NSC in different tissues.

NSC in branches and the outermost stemwood growth rings had the 14C signature of the current growing season. However, NSC in older aboveground and belowground tissues was enriched in 14C, indicating that it was produced from older assimilates. Radial patterns of 14C in stemwood NSC showed strong mixing of NSC across the youngest growth rings, with limited ‘mixing in’ of younger NSC to older rings.

Sugars in the outermost five growth rings, accounting for two‐thirds of the stemwood pool, had a mean age < 1 yr, whereas sugars in older growth rings had a mean age > 5 yr. Our results are thus consistent with a previously‐hypothesized two‐pool (‘fast’ and ‘slow’ cycling NSC) model structure. These pools appear to be physically distinct.