bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive health assessment and five‐yr follow‐up of allogeneic islet transplant recipients
Authors: Radosevich D. M. , Jevne R. , Bellin M. , Kandaswamy R. , Sutherland D. E. R. , Hering B. J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) complicated by severe hypoglycemic episodes, fear of hypoglycemia can significantly impact daily life. We evaluated whether restoration of glycemic awareness and prevention of hypoglycemia by islet allotransplant could reduce fear and improve health status. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of patient‐based outcomes in 48 T1DM subjects screened for allogeneic islet transplant alone (ITA) and 27 subjects who received an ITA. A battery of generic health status and diabetes‐specific measures were used to assess ITA at evaluation, six months, and then annually after ITA. Allogeneic islet transplant was associated with a reduction in behaviors adopted in avoiding hypoglycemia (p Value < 0.001) and attenuation in concerns about hypoglycemic episodes (p Value < 0.001). Changes in hypoglycemia fear tracked most closely with insulin use. While there was a trend toward global improvement in health as measured by the EQ‐5D (p Value = 0.002) and in depression symptoms as measured by the Beck (p Value = 0.003), physical health remained unchanged following ITA. Our findings support the socioemotional benefits of ITA during the five years after ITA, which to some extent remains dependent on preservation of islet graft function.
Urine free light chains as a novel biomarker of acute kidney allograft injury
Authors: Zhang Rubin , Li Min , Chouhan Kanwaljit K. , Simon Eric E. , Hamm Lotuce Lee , Batuman Vecihil 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe evaluated urine free light chains (FLC) as a potential biomarker for acute kidney allograft injury (AKAI).MethodsUrine κ and λ FLC were compared with urine β‐2 microglobulin (β2‐M), retinol‐binding protein (RBP), kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM‐1), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), and microalbuminuria (MAB) in biopsy‐confirmed acute rejection (AR) and acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Healthy volunteers (normal) and transplant recipients with normal allograft function (control) were used as references.ResultsCompared with control or normal group (N = 15), urine FLC, MAB, and RBP were higher in ATN (N = 29) and AR (N = 41) groups (p < 0.05). There was no difference in KIM‐1, NGAL, or β2‐M between four groups. In the AR group, urine κFLC demonstrated the highest predictive value with sensitivity of 95.12% and specificity of 87.5% (p < 0.0001). Urine κFLC also performed best with a sensitivity of 96.55% and specificity of 93.33% (p < 0.0001) in the ATN group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) by ROC analysis is greatest in urine RBP (100%) and FLC (99%), and lowest in KIM‐1 (53.5%), then NGAL (71.5%) in the AR group. The AUC is also greatest in urine FLC (100%) and RBP (99%), and lowest in urine KIM‐1 (55.6%) and NGAL (69.9%) in the ATN group.ConclusionsUrine FLC appears sensitive for both AR and ATN, and it may be a novel AKAI biomarker.
Effects of chronic exposure of clonal β‐cells to elevated glucose and free fatty acids on incretin receptor gene expression and secretory responses to GIP and GLP‐1
Authors: Pathak V. , Vasu S. , Flatt P. R. , Irwin N. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe incretin effect, mediated by glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), is impaired in type 2 diabetes.MethodsThis study examines the effects of prolonged exposure to elevated glucose and free fatty acids in clonal BRIN BD11 cells on GIP and GLP‐1 action.ResultsGlucotoxic conditions (18 h) had no effect on GIP‐ or GLP‐1‐mediated insulinotropic responses. In contrast, 48 h glucotoxic culture impaired (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) insulin release in response to GLP‐1, and particularly GIP. Culture under lipotoxic conditions (18 h) impaired (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) the insulin‐releasing effect of GIP, but was without effect on GLP‐1. However, 48 h lipotoxic culture compromised both GIP (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) and GLP‐1 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) insulin‐releasing actions. Glucolipotoxic culture (18 h) completely annulled the insulinotropic action of GIP, whereas GLP‐1 effects were similar to control. However, when glucolipotoxic culture was extended to 48 h, both GIP‐ and GLP‐1‐mediated effects were (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) impaired. Assessment of cell viability, number and insulin content revealed detrimental (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) effects under all culture conditions, barring 18 h glucotoxic and lipotoxic culture. Finally, GIP‐R gene and protein expression was increased (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) under glucotoxic culture, with decreased (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) expression following glucolipotoxic culture. GLP‐1‐R gene expression followed a similar trend, but protein levels were generally reduced under all culture conditions.ConclusionThe results indicate that impaired insulinotropic response to GIP and GLP‐1 under diabetic milieu involves mechanisms beyond simple expression of respective receptors.
History of myocardial iron loading is a strong risk factor for diabetes mellitus and hypogonadism in adults with β thalassemia major
Authors: Ang Ai Leen , Tzoulis Ploutarchos , Prescott Emma , Davis Bernard A. , Barnard Maria , Shah Farrukh T. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEndocrinopathies are common complications of transfusional hemosiderosis among patients with β thalassemia major (TM). Previous studies had shown associations between some endocrinopathies and iron overload of the myocardium, liver and/or endocrine organs as assessed by MRI techniques. This retrospective analysis of 92 patients with TM (median age 36 yr) from a tertiary adult thalassemia unit in UK aimed to determine independent risk factors associated with endocrinopathies among these patients. Unlike previous studies, longitudinal data on routine measurements of iron load [worst myocardial and liver T2* values since 1999, worst LIC by MRI‐R2 since 2008 and average 10‐yr serum ferritin (SF)] up to April 2010 together with demographic features and age of initiating chelation were analyzed for associations with endocrinopathies. The most common endocrinopathies in this cohort were hypogonadism (67%) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (41%), and these were independently associated with myocardial T2* <20 ms (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively) and increased age (P = 0.002 and P = 0.016, respectively). DM and hypogonadism were independently associated with average SF >1250 μg/L (P = 0.003) and >2000 μg/L (P = 0.047), respectively. DM was also associated with initial detection of abnormal myocardial T2* at an older age (30 yr vs. 24 yr, P = 0.039). An abnormal myocardial T2* may therefore portend the development of DM and hypogonadism in patients with TM.
Evidence for multiple stressor interactions and effects on coral reefs
Authors: Ban Stephen S. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Connolly Sean R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractConcern is growing about the potential effects of interacting multiple stressors, especially as the global climate changes. We provide a comprehensive review of multiple stressor interactions in coral reef ecosystems, which are widely considered to be one of the most sensitive ecosystems to global change. First, we synthesized coral reef studies that examined interactions of two or more stressors, highlighting stressor interactions (where one stressor directly influences another) and potentially synergistic effects on response variables (where two stressors interact to produce an effect that is greater than purely additive). For stressor‐stressor interactions, we found 176 studies that examined at least 2 of the 13 stressors of interest. Applying network analysis to analyze relationships between stressors, we found that pathogens were exacerbated by more costressors than any other stressor, with ca. 78% of studies reporting an enhancing effect by another stressor. Sedimentation, storms, and water temperature directly affected the largest number of other stressors. Pathogens, nutrients, and crown‐of‐thorns starfish were the most‐influenced stressors. We found 187 studies that examined the effects of two or more stressors on a third dependent variable. The interaction of irradiance and temperature on corals has been the subject of more research (62 studies, 33% of the total) than any other combination of stressors, with many studies reporting a synergistic effect on coral symbiont photosynthetic performance (n = 19). Second, we performed a quantitative meta‐analysis of existing literature on this most‐studied interaction (irradiance and temperature). We found that the mean effect size of combined treatments was statistically indistinguishable from a purely additive interaction, although it should be noted that the sample size was relatively small (n = 26). Overall, although in aggregate a large body of literature examines stressor effects on coral reefs and coral organisms, considerable gaps remain for numerous stressor interactions and effects, and insufficient quantitative evidence exists to suggest that the prevailing type of stressor interaction is synergistic.
Sovereign Default Risk and Banks in a Monetary Union
Authors: Uhlig Harald 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This study seeks to understand the interplay between banks, bank regulation, sovereign default risk and central bank guarantees in a monetary union. I assume that banks can use sovereign bonds for repurchase agreements with a common central bank, and that their sovereign partially backs up any losses should the banks not be able to repurchase the bonds. I argue that regulators in risky countries have an incentive to allow their banks to hold home risky bonds and risk defaults, whereas regulators in other ‘safe’ countries will impose tighter regulation. As a result, governments in risky countries get to borrow more cheaply, effectively shifting the risk of some of the potential sovereign default losses on the common central bank.
Forage chain arrangement for sustainable livestock systems in a Mediterranean area
Authors: Cosentino S. L. , Gresta F. , Testa G. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMediterranean forage systems suffer from limited availability of fresh forage because of water deficits and extreme temperatures. Consequently, fresh forage is unavailable for at least 6–7 months a year, and farmers must buy feed to support livestock production. With the aim of overcoming these limitations, a 2‐year trial was conducted on three distinct sites in Sicily (at 10, 600 and 1200 m elevation) with thirty‐four varieties of forage species belonging to nine biennial/perennial and thirteen annual species. Results showed that by integrating grasses and legumes, species from environments with different climatic conditions enable the season of forage production to be extended from mid‐April to mid‐November. Quality traits of forage in different areas varied in relation to species and varieties. In general, the sown‐forage quality was better than in pastures and fallows in the same areas commonly used to feed animals. This also leads to a reduction in the use of supplementary feeds. Among the tested species, Lolium multiflorum and Medicago sativa emerged as the most promising for filling the forage‐deficit periods, and Trifolium spp. and Vicia sativa were found to be superior for increasing forage quality. The results are discussed in the context of adapting Mediterranean forage supplies for ensuring greater sustainability of livestock production in mountain, hill and plain areas. The proposed forage chain arrangement represents part of local potential adaptation to climate limitations and climate change.
Genetics and Morphology Characterize the Dinoflagellate Symbiodinium voratum, n. sp., (Dinophyceae) as the Sole Representative of Symbiodinium Clade E
Authors: Jeong Hae Jin , Lee Sung Yeon , Kang Nam Seon , Yoo Yeong Du , Lim An Suk , Lee Moo Joon , Kim Hyung Seop , Yih Wonho , Yamashita Hiroshi , LaJeunesse Todd C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium are ubiquitous in shallow marine habitats where they commonly exist in symbiosis with cnidarians. Attempts to culture them often retrieve isolates that may not be symbiotic, but instead exist as free‐living species. In particular, cultures of Symbiodinium clade E obtained from temperate environments were recently shown to feed phagotrophically on bacteria and microalgae. Genetic, behavioral, and morphological evidence indicate that strains of clade E obtained from the northwestern, southwestern, and northeastern temperate Pacific Ocean as well as the Mediterranean Sea constitute a single species: Symbiodinium voratum n. sp. Chloroplast ribosomal 23S and mitochondrial cytochrome b nucleotide sequences were the same for all isolates. The D1/D2 domains of nuclear ribosomal DNA were identical among Western Pacific strains, but single nucleotide substitutions differentiated isolates from California (USA) and Spain. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that S. voratum is well‐separated evolutionarily from other Symbiodinium spp. The motile, or mastigote, cells from different cultures were morphologically similar when observed using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy; and the first complete Kofoidian plate formula for a Symbiodinium sp. was characterized. As the largest of known Symbiodinium spp., the average coccoid cell diameters measured among cultured isolates ranged between 12.2 (± 0.2 SE) and 13.3 (± 0.2 SE) μm. Unique among species in the genus, a high proportion (approximately 10–20%) of cells remain motile in culture during the dark cycle. Although S. voratum occurs on surfaces of various substrates and is potentially common in the plankton of coastal areas, it may be incapable of forming stable mutualistic symbioses.
Expression of astrocytic genes coding for proteins implicated in neural excitation and brain edema is altered after acute liver failure
Authors: Thumburu Kiran K. , Dhiman Radha K. , Vasishta Rakesh K. , Chakraborti Anuradha , Butterworth Roger F. , Beauchesne Elizabeth , Desjardins Paul , Goyal Sandeep , Sharma Navneet , Duseja Ajay , Chawla Yogesh 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that reduced astrocytic uptake of neuronally released glutamate, alterations in expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and aquaporin‐4 (AQP‐4) contribute to brain edema in acute liver failure (ALF). However, there is no evidence to date to suggest that these alterations occur in patients with ALF. We analyzed the mRNA expression of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT‐1, EAAT‐2), GFAP, and AQP‐4 in the cerebral cortex obtained at autopsy from eight patients with ALF and from seven patients with no evidence of hepatic or neurological disorders by real‐time PCR, and protein expression was assessed using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated a significant decrease in GFAP mRNA and protein levels in ALF patients compared to controls. While the loss of EAAT‐2 protein in ALF samples was post‐translational in nature, EAAT‐1 protein remained within normal limits. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that, in all cases, the losses of EAAT‐2 and GFAP were uniquely astrocytic in their localization. AQP‐4 mRNA expression was significantly increased and its immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased AQP‐4 immunoreactivity in the glial end‐feet process surrounding the microvessels. These findings provide evidence of selective alterations in the expression of genes coding for key astrocytic proteins implicated in central nervous system (CNS) excitability and brain edema in human ALF.
imageWe investigated the gene expression of astrocytic proteins involved in astrocyte swelling causing brain edema in autopsied brain tissues of patients with acute liver failure. This study demonstrated loss of GFAP expression and up‐regulation of AQP‐4 protein expression leading to cerebral edema, and loss of EAAT‐2 expression implicated in excitatory neurotransmission. These findings may provide new drug targets against CNS complications of acute liver failure.
An endurance‐enhancing effect of peanut meal protein hydrolysate in mice: possible involvement of a specific peanut peptide
Authors: Liu J. , Chen L. W. , Ji K. M. , Yu L. , Zhang Z. J. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryTo improve the functional properties of peanut meal protein for wide utilization, hydrolysis was conducted by alcalase. Compared with saline and peanut meal protein, intragastric administration of low molecular weight (<1 kD) peanut meal peptide (PPH I) could significantly prolong swimming time, increase levels of blood sugar, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and liver glycogen and decrease blood lactate content in mice. Levels of Pro, Leu, Val and His in low molecular weight peanut meal peptides were higher significantly than those in other peanut meal protein hydrolysates. Hydrophobic amino acids, such as Pro, Tyr and His, could perhaps capture free radical and increase antioxidant capacity of peanut peptide and retard fatigue induced by free radical. After separation by HPLC, a primary peptide P1, Pro‐Glu‐Ile‐Glu‐Val, was sequenced. Its N‐terminal was Val, and it was rich in antioxidant amino acid, Pro and Ile. Levels of plasma glucose, NEFA and liver glycogen in PPH I group were higher than those in mice intragastric administration with peptide P1, and the swimming time is longer in PPH I group than in P1 group. So, the high content of P1 was one of the reason why PPH I had high endurance‐enhancing capacity.
Therapeutic strategies to attenuate hemorrhagic transformation after tissue plasminogen activator treatment for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Shimohata Takayoshi , Kanazawa Masato , Kawamura Kunio , Takahashi Tetsuya , Nishizawa Masatoyo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHere, we describe a therapeutic strategy for attenuating hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Recent studies have shown that tPA treatment is beneficial within 4.5 h of onset for patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, the risk of serious or fatal symptomatic hemorrhage increases with delayed initiation of treatment. HT is considered to be caused by ischemic/reperfusion injury, as well as the toxicity of tPA itself. Therapeutic strategies to attenuate HT after tPA treatment might involve (i) identification of risk factors for HT after tPA treatment and (ii) the development of thrombolytic drugs, which are less likely to cause bleeding, or drugs that can be concomitantly administered for vascular protection. Several studies have shown that matrix metalloproteinases and free radicals are potential therapeutic targets. In addition, we recently showed that inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway might be a promising therapeutic strategy for attenuating HT after tPA treatment. Further studies are required to link the results obtained in experimental animal models to human clinical trials.
Wheat syntenome unveils new evidences of contrasted evolutionary plasticity between paleo‐ and neoduplicated subgenomes
Authors: Pont Caroline , Murat Florent , Guizard Sébastien , Flores Raphael , Foucrier Séverine , Bidet Yannick , Quraishi Umar Masood , Alaux Michael , Doležel Jaroslav , Fahima Tzion , Budak Hikmet , Keller Beat , Salvi Silvio , Maccaferri Marco , Steinbach Delphine , Feuillet Catherine , Quesneville Hadi , Salse Jérôme 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBread wheat derives from a grass ancestor structured in seven protochromosomes followed by a paleotetraploidization to reach a 12 chromosomes intermediate and a neohexaploidization (involving subgenomes A, B and D) event that finally shaped the 21 modern chromosomes. Insights into wheat syntenome in sequencing conserved orthologous set (COS) genes unravelled differences in genomic structure (such as gene conservation and diversity) and genetical landscape (such as recombination pattern) between ancestral as well as recent duplicated blocks. Contrasted evolutionary plasticity is observed where the B subgenome appears more sensitive (i.e. plastic) in contrast to A as dominant (i.e. stable) in response to the neotetraploidization and D subgenome as supra‐dominant (i.e. pivotal) in response to the neohexaploidization event. Finally, the wheat syntenome, delivered through a public web interface PlantSyntenyViewer at http://urgi.versailles.inra.fr/synteny-wheat, can be considered as a guide for accelerated dissection of major agronomical traits in wheat.
Precise marker excision system using an animal‐derived piggyBac transposon in plants
Authors: Nishizawa‐Yokoi Ayako , Endo Masaki , Osakabe Keishi , Saika Hiroaki , Toki Seiichi 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAccurate and effective positive marker excision is indispensable for the introduction of desired mutations into the plant genome via gene targeting (GT) using a positive/negative counter selection system. In mammals, the moth‐derived piggyBac transposon system has been exploited successfully to eliminate a selectable marker from a GT locus without leaving a footprint. Here, we present evidence that the piggyBac transposon also functions in plant cells. To demonstrate the use of the piggyBac transposon for effective marker excision in plants, we designed a transposition assay system that allows the piggyBac transposition to be visualized as emerald luciferase (Eluc) luminescence in rice cells. The Eluc signal derived from piggyBac excision was observed in hyperactive piggyBac transposase‐expressing rice calli. Polymerase chain reaction, Southern blot analyses and sequencing revealed the efficient and precise transposition of piggyBac in these calli. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the excision of a selection marker from a reporter locus in T0 plants without concomitant re‐integration of the transposon and at a high frequency (44.0% of excision events), even in the absence of negative selection.