bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐dependent loss of parvalbumin‐expressing hippocampal interneurons in mice deficient in CHL1, a mental retardation and schizophrenia susceptibility gene
Authors: Schmalbach Barbara , Lepsveridze Eka , Djogo Nevena , Papashvili Giorgi , Kuang Fang , Leshchyns'ka Iryna , Sytnyk Vladimir , Nikonenko Alexander G. , Dityatev Alexander , Jakovcevski Igor , Schachner Melitta 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn humans, deletions/mutations in the CHL1/CALL gene are associated with mental retardation and schizophrenia. Juvenile CHL1‐deficient (CHL1−/−) mice have been shown to display abnormally high numbers of parvalbumin‐expressing (PV+) hippocampal interneurons and, as adults, display behavioral traits observed in neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we addressed the question whether inhibitory interneurons and synaptic plasticity in the CHL1−/− mouse are affected during brain maturation and in adulthood. We found that hippocampal, but not neocortical, PV+ interneurons were reduced with age in CHL1−/− mice, from a surplus of +27% at 1 month to a deficit of ‐20% in adulthood compared with wild‐type littermates. This loss occurred during brain maturation, correlating with microgliosis and enhanced interleukin‐6 expression. In parallel with the loss of PV+ interneurons, the inhibitory input to adult CA1 pyramidal cells was reduced and a deficit in short‐ and long‐term potentiation developed at CA3–CA1 excitatory synapses between 2 and 9 months of age in CHL1−/− mice. This deficit could be abrogated by a GABAA receptor agonist. We propose that region‐specific aberrant GABAergic synaptic connectivity resulting from the mutation and a subsequently enhanced synaptic elimination during brain maturation lead to microgliosis, increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels, loss of interneurons, and impaired synaptic plasticity.
image
Close homolog of L1‐deficient (CHL1−/−) mice have abnormally high numbers of parvalbumin (PV)‐expressing hippocampal interneurons in juvenile animals, but in adult animals a loss of these cells is observed. This loss correlates with an increased density of microglia (M), enhanced interleukin‐6 (IL6) production and a deficit in short‐ and long‐term potentiation at CA3–CA1 excitatory synapses. Furthermore, adult CHL1−/− mice display behavioral traits similar to those observed in neuropsychiatric disorders of humans.
SAVINGS AND WEALTH ACCUMULATION: MEASUREMENT, INFLUENCES AND INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Claus Edda , Claus Iris 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSavings and wealth accumulation are important dimensions of policy and research debates. This special issue comprises a collection of survey articles on topical issues ranging from the effects of access to credit, the rise of Islamic finance and sovereign wealth funds, the measurement of wealth inequality and genuine savings, the distribution of wealth across generations and retirement savings.
A study on knowledge, attitudes and health behaviours regardingAlzheimer's disease among community residents inTianjin,China
Authors: Yang H.‐F. , Cong J.‐Y. , Zang X.‐Y. , Jiang N. , Zhao Y. 
Published: August 2015

Accessible summaryWhat is known on the subject?Several studies have measured the general public's knowledge and attitudes towards Alzheimer's disease; however, much of this work is based on western samples. Due to cultural differences, the western findings may be difficult to generalize to the Chinese general public. In addition, the few studies conducted in China were often restricted to a relatively narrow range of knowledge and attitudes.What this paper adds to existing knowledge?The general public had little knowledge of Alzheimer's disease, especially on the causes, symptoms and risk factors. In terms of attitudes, although the general public held positive attitudes towards persons with Alzheimer's disease, most of them were not sure whether or not to share a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease with the patient. In daily life, only a low proportion of people kept mentally active.What are the implications for practice?A popularization of a wide range of knowledge about Alzheimer's disease needs to be undertaken, especially focusing on persons with low educational level and emphasizing the causes, symptoms and risk factors. Besides, there is a significant need to draw up evidence‐based dietary and lifestyle guidelines for Alzheimer's disease risk reduction. Moreover, health promotion agencies should identify priority groups for Alzheimer's disease risk reduction initiatives, especially those with lower income, a lower level of knowledge on Alzheimer's disease and with chronic diseases.AbstractAimThe purpose of this descriptive correlational cross‐sectional study was to assess the current level of knowledge, attitudes and health behaviours regardingAlzheimer's disease among community residents inTianjin,China and to identify factors related to these attributes.MethodA convenience sample of 140 community‐dwelling adults aged 20–75 years was selected to complete a researcher‐designed questionnaire aboutAlzheimer's disease‐related knowledge, attitudes and health behaviours.ResultsThe findings revealed that 15.7% of the participants knew the risk factors forAlzheimer's disease. With regard to attitude, 138 participants (98.6%) believed that people withAlzheimer's disease should not be discriminated against, and 55.7% were not sure whether to share a diagnosis ofAlzheimer's disease with the patient. In daily life, 28.6% of the participants pursued their interests and hobbies. A lower level of health behaviours was associated with lower income, presence of chronic diseases and a lower level of knowledge aboutAlzheimer's disease.DiscussionThese findings provide a strong case for population‐level risk reduction initiatives to be undertaken, especially among people with lower income, a lower level of knowledge onAlzheimer's disease and with chronic diseases.
Hepatitis B: 50 years after the discovery of Australia antigen
Authors: Suk‐Fong Lok A. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryIt is an honour to be invited to recount the progress in our understanding and management of hepatitis B 50 years after the discovery of Australia antigen (Au Ag). During this half century, we have gone from identifying the causative agent – hepatitis B virus (HBV), understanding its biology and the disease it causes, to having vaccines that can prevent HBV infection and antiviral therapy that can suppress HBV replication and prevent progression of HBV‐related liver disease. As a result of the progress, prevalence of HBV infection and morbidity and mortality from chronic HBV infection has declined.
Relationships between gastrointestinal symptoms, uncertainty, and perceived recovery in patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy
Authors: Jeon Byeong Hee , Choi Mona , Lee JuHee , Noh Sung Hoon 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis study examines relationships between gastrointestinal symptoms, uncertainty, and perceived recovery in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy. Data were collected from 146 patients at an outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Seoul, Korea from October to November 2012. The Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale, the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, and questions on perceived recovery of physical, psychological, and social functions were analyzed. High gastrointestinal symptom scores were reported in women younger patients (F = 5.55, P = 0.005), and in patients without a family history of gastric cancer. The uncertainty score was higher in patients with low economic (F = 3.84, P = 0.024) and educational status and no family history. Regression analysis revealed uncertainty was the strongest factor associated with recovery. Nurses can assist patients and families to predict and deal with health problems by offering education on progress from diagnosis to postoperative management, promoting all aspects of recovery after gastrectomy.
Genomic scanning using AFLP to detect loci under selection in the moss Funaria hygrometrica along a climate gradient in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Spain
Authors: Magdy M. , Werner O. , McDaniel S. F. , Goffinet B. , Ros R. M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe common cord moss Funaria hygrometrica has a worldwide distribution and thrives in a wide variety of environments. Here, we studied the genetic diversity in F. hygrometrica along an abiotic gradient in the Mediterranean high mountain of Sierra Nevada (Spain) using a genome scan method. Eighty‐four samples from 17 locations from 24 to 2700 m were fingerprinted based on their amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) banding pattern. Using PCA and Bayesian inference we found that the genetic diversity was structured in three or four clusters, respectively. Using a genome scan method we identified 13 outlier loci, which showed a signature of positive selection. Partial Mantel tests were performed between the Euclidean distance matrices of geographic and climatic variables, versus the pair‐wise genetic distance of the AFLP dataset and AFLP‐positive outliers dataset. AFLP‐positive outlier data were significantly correlated with the gradient of the climatic variables, suggesting adaptive variation among populations of F. hygrometrica along the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We highlight the additional analyses necessary to identify the nature of these loci, and their biological role in the adaptation process.
Gene Expression of Monocarboxylate Transporters and Oocyte‐secreted Factors in Bovine Cumulus‐oocyte Complexes Selected by Brilliant Cresyl Blue
Authors: Lopes EF , Marques LS , Duranti RG , de Oliveira ATD , Lopes RFF , Rodrigues JL 
Published: August 2015

ContentsOocyte selection based on the brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining test has been successfully used to differentiate between competent and incompetent bovine oocytes. Here, the expression of genes involved in transport of monocarboxylates (Mct1‐4) and oogenesis specific genes (Bmp15, Gdf9 and Has2) in BCB+ and BCB‐ selected immature and mature bovine cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COC) was evaluated. In order to find specific molecular markers to characterize successful oocyte maturation, our study was also aimed at identifying the expression of Mcts and oogenesis specific genes in denuded oocytes and cumulus cells. Immature COCs morphological appropriate were (i) stained with 26 mm BCB for 90 min before IVM, (ii) exposed to same incubation conditions as stained COCs, but without BCB (holding group) or (iii) transferred into a maturation medium immediately after morphological selection (control group). mRNA expression was investigated by RT‐PCR in COCs before and after IVM. No relationship was observed in the relative expression of Has2, Gdf9, Bmp15 or Mct1, 2 and 4 transcripts between BCB+ and BCB− COCs. Transcripts analysis showed that Gdf9 and Bmp15 in BCB+, BCB− and holding groups were up‐regulated (p < 0.05) before IVM, while Has2 was up‐regulated (p < 0.01) after IVM in the control group. Other genes remained stable during maturation (Mct1, 2 and 4). Our results showed, for the first time, Mct1, 2 and 4 expression in bovine COCs. Mct1 and Mct4 transcripts were present in denuded oocytes and cumulus cell, while Mct2 was detected only in cumulus cells. These differences between the three isoforms in localization suggest unique roles for each in monocarboxylate transport during maturation.
Does Clinical Treatment with Phenylbutazone and Meloxicam in the Pre‐ovulatory Period Influence the Ovulation Rate in Mares?
Authors: Lima AG , Costa LCB , Alvarenga MA , Martins CB 
Published: August 2015

ContentsThe presence of anovulatory haemorrhagic follicles during the oestrous cycle of mares causes financial impacts, slowing conception and increasing the number of services per pregnancy. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as meloxicam and phenylbutazone are used in the treatment of several disorders in mares, and these drugs can impair the formation of prostaglandins (PGs) and consequently interfere with reproductive activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment with NSAIDs on the development of pre‐ovulatory follicles in mares. In total, 11 mares were studied over three consecutive oestrous cycles, and gynaecological and ultrasound examinations were performed every 12 h. When 32‐mm‐diameter follicles were detected, 1 mg of deslorelin was administered to induce ovulation. The first cycle was used as a control, and the mares received only a dose of deslorelin. In the subsequent cycles, in addition to receiving the same dose of deslorelin, each mare was treated with NSAIDs. In the second cycle, 4.4 mg/kg of phenylbutazone was administered, and in the third cycle, 0.6 mg/kg of meloxicam was administered once a day until ovulation or the beginning of follicular haemorrhage. All of the mares ovulated between 36 and 48 h after the induction in the control cycle. In the meloxicam cycle, 10 mares (92%) did not ovulate, while in the phenylbutazone cycle, nine mares (83%) did not ovulate. In both treatments, intrafollicular hyperechoic spots indicative of haemorrhagic follicles were observed on ultrasound. Thus, our results suggested that treatment with meloxicam and phenylbutazone at therapeutic doses induced intrafollicular haemorrhage and luteinization of anovulatory follicles.
Phosphate Binders and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Stage 5D Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zoccali Carmine , Mallamaci Francesca , Cannata‐Andía Jorge 
Published: August 2015

AbstractKnowledge informing the prescription and the choice of phosphate binders in end stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients has a weak evidentiary base. To date, no placebo‐controlled trial based on meaningful clinical endpoints (death, cardiovascular events, bone fractures) has been performed to test the efficacy of these drugs. By the same token, we still lack solid proof that noncalcium binders afford better clinical outcomes as compared with calcium‐based binders. Without proper trials, clinical decisions about the treatment of hyperphosphatemia rest on experience and contingent clinical judgment. The use of huge doses of calcium‐based binders typically prescribed in the nineties now appears unwarranted. The relationship between phosphate and the risk of death is U shaped and moderate hyperphosphatemia carries just a mild‐to‐moderate risk excess and may not be seen as a compelling indication for the prescription of phosphate binders. Placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trials assessing whether non‐calcium and calcium‐based binders reduce the risk of death and cardiovascular disease events in ESKD patients remain a public health priority.
Efficacy of ultra‐micronized palmitoylethanolamide in canine atopic dermatitis: an open‐label multi‐centre study
Authors: Noli Chiara , della Valle M. Federica , Miolo Alda , Medori Cristina , Schievano Carlo ,   The Skinalia Clinical Research Group
Published: August 2015

BackgroundPalmitoylethanolamide is a naturally occurring bioactive lipid, produced on‐demand by damage‐exposed cells. Palmitoylethanolamide is documented to counteract inflammation, itch and pain.ObjectiveThe aim of this 8‐week study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral ultra‐micronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA‐um) in dogs with moderate atopic dermatitis.AnimalsClinicians from 39 veterinary clinics enrolled 160 dogs with nonseasonal atopic dermatitis and moderate pruritus.MethodsThis was a multi‐centre open‐label study. On days 0 (D0) and 56 (D56), owners evaluated pruritus with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and completed a validated Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire. Veterinarians assessed the severity of skin lesions using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI).ResultsMean pruritus VAS score decreased from 5.7 ± 0.08 cm (range 3.8–7.9 cm) to 3.63 ± 0.19 cm (range 0.1–9.2 cm) (P < 0.0001). At D56, 58% of dogs showed a greater than 2 cm reduction from baseline and 30% showed an absent‐to‐very mild pruritus (VAS ≤ 2 cm). Mean total CADLI at D56 decreased significantly (P < 0.0001); in 62% of dogs this score reached a value in the remission range (≤5). Mean total QoL score was significantly decreased (P < 0.0001) with 45% of dogs reaching QoL values described for healthy animals. Tolerability was good‐to‐excellent with only four dogs reporting treatment associated reversible adverse events.Conclusions and clinical importancePEA‐um appears to be effective and safe in reducing pruritus and skin lesions, and in improving QoL in dogs with moderate atopic dermatitis and moderate pruritus.
Ethanol and Isopropanol in Concentrations Present in Hand Sanitizers Sharply Reduce Excystation of Giardia and Entamoeba and Eliminate Oral Infectivity of Giardia Cysts in Gerbils
Authors: Chatterjee Aparajita , Bandini Giulia , Motari Edwin , Samuelson John 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Enteric protozoan parasites, which are spread by the fecal-oral route, are important causes of diarrhea (
Giardia duodenalis
) and amebic dysentery (
Entamoeba histolytica
). Cyst walls of
Giardia
and
Entamoeba
have a single layer composed of fibrils of β-1,3-linked GalNAc and β-1,4-linked GlcNAc (chitin), respectively. The goal here was to determine whether hand sanitizers that contain ethanol or isopropanol as the active microbicide might reduce transmission of these parasites. We found that treatment with these alcohols with or without drying in a rotary evaporator (to model rapid evaporation of sanitizers on hands) kills 85 to 100% of cysts of
G. duodenalis
and 90 to 100% of cysts of
Entamoeba invadens
(a nonpathogenic model for
E. histolytica
), as shown by nuclear labeling with propidium iodide and failure to excyst
in vitro
. Alcohols with or without drying collapsed the cyst walls of
Giardia
but did not collapse the cyst walls of
Entamoeba
. To validate the
in vitro
results, we showed that treatment with alcohols eliminated oral infection of gerbils by 1,000
G. duodenalis
cysts, while a commercial hand sanitizer (Purell) killed
E. invadens
cysts that were directly applied to the hands. These results suggest that expanded use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers might reduce the transmission of
Giardia
and
Entamoeba
.
IMP-51, a Novel IMP-Type Metallo-β-Lactamase with Increased Doripenem- and Meropenem-Hydrolyzing Activities, in a Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolate
Authors: Tada Tatsuya , Nhung Pham Hong , Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru , Shimada Kayo , Phuong Doan Mai , Anh Nguyen Quoc , Ohmagari Norio , Kirikae Teruo 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

A meropenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolate was obtained from a patient in a medical setting in Hanoi, Vietnam. The isolate was found to have a novel IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase, IMP-51, which differed from IMP-7 by an amino acid substitution (Ser262Gly).
Escherichia coli
expressing
bla
IMP-51
showed greater resistance to cefoxitin, meropenem, and moxalactam than
E. coli
expressing
bla
IMP-7
. The amino acid residue at position 262 was located near the active site, proximal to the H263 Zn(II) ligand.
The Sulfolobus solfataricus GINS Complex Stimulates DNA Binding and Processive DNA Unwinding by Minichromosome Maintenance Helicase
Authors: Lang Shiwei , Huang Li 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

GINS is a key component of the eukaryotic Cdc45-minichromosome maintenance (MCM)-GINS (CMG) complex, which unwinds duplex DNA at the moving replication fork. Archaeal GINS complexes have been shown to stimulate the helicase activity of their cognate MCM mainly by elevating its ATPase activity. Here, we report that GINS from the thermoacidophilic crenarchaeon
Sulfolobus solfataricus
(SsoGINS) is capable of DNA binding and binds preferentially to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) over double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Notably, SsoGINS binds more strongly to dsDNA with a 5′ ssDNA tail than to dsDNA with a 3′ tail and more strongly to an ssDNA fragment blocked at the 3′ end than to one at the 5′ end with a biotin-streptavidin (SA) complex, suggesting the ability of the protein complex to slide in a 5′-to-3′ direction along ssDNA. DNA-bound SsoGINS enhances DNA binding by SsoMCM. Furthermore, SsoGINS increases the helicase activity of SsoMCM. However, the ATPase activity of SsoMCM is not affected by SsoGINS. Our results suggest that SsoGINS facilitates processive DNA unwinding by SsoMCM by enhancing the binding of the helicase to DNA. We propose that SsoGINS stabilizes the interaction of SsoMCM with the replication fork and moves along with the helicase as the fork progresses.

IMPORTANCE
GINS is a key component of the eukaryotic Cdc45-MCM-GINS complex, a molecular motor that drives the unwinding of DNA in front of the replication fork.
Archaea
also encode GINS, which interacts with MCM, the helicase. But how archaeal GINS serves its role remains to be understood. In this study, we show that GINS from the hyperthermophilic archaeon
Sulfolobus solfataricus
is able to bind to DNA and slide along ssDNA in a 5′-to-3′ direction. Furthermore,
Sulfolobus
GINS enhances DNA binding by MCM, which slides along ssDNA in a 3′-to-5′ direction. Taken together, these results suggest that
Sulfolobus
GINS may stabilize the interaction of MCM with the moving replication fork, facilitating processive DNA unwinding.
The Absence of Pupylation (Prokaryotic Ubiquitin-Like Protein Modification) Affects Morphological and Physiological Differentiation in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Boubakri Hasna , Seghezzi Nicolas , Duchateau Magalie , Gominet Myriam , Kofroňová Olga , Benada Oldřich , Mazodier Philippe , Pernodet Jean-Luc 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Protein turnover is essential in all living organisms for the maintenance of normal cell physiology. In eukaryotes, most cellular protein turnover involves the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, in which proteins tagged with ubiquitin are targeted to the proteasome for degradation. In contrast, most bacteria lack a proteasome but harbor proteases for protein turnover. However, some actinobacteria, such as mycobacteria, possess a proteasome in addition to these proteases. A prokaryotic ubiquitination-like tagging process in mycobacteria was described and was named pupylation: proteins are tagged with Pup (prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein) and directed to the proteasome for degradation. We report pupylation in another actinobacterium,
Streptomyces coelicolor
. Both the morphology and life cycle of
Streptomyces
species are complex (formation of a substrate and aerial mycelium followed by sporulation), and these bacteria are prolific producers of secondary metabolites with important medicinal and agricultural applications. The genes encoding the pupylation system in
S. coelicolor
are expressed at various stages of development. We demonstrated that pupylation targets numerous proteins and identified 20 of them. Furthermore, we established that abolition of pupylation has substantial effects on morphological and metabolic differentiation and on resistance to oxidative stress. In contrast, in most cases, a proteasome-deficient mutant showed only modest perturbations under the same conditions. Thus, the phenotype of the
pup
mutant does not appear to be due solely to defective proteasomal degradation. Presumably, pupylation has roles in addition to directing proteins to the proteasome.

IMPORTANCE
Streptomyces
spp. are filamentous and sporulating actinobacteria, remarkable for their morphological and metabolic differentiation. They produce numerous bioactive compounds, including antifungal, antibiotic, and antitumor compounds. There is therefore considerable interest in understanding the mechanisms by which
Streptomyces
species regulate their complex physiology and production of bioactive compounds. We studied the role in
Streptomyces
of pupylation, a posttranslational modification that tags proteins that are then directed to the proteasome for degradation. We demonstrated that the absence of pupylation had large effects on morphological differentiation, antibiotic production, and resistance to oxidative stress in
S. coelicolor
. The phenotypes of pupylation and proteasome-defective mutants differed and suggest that pupylation acts in a proteasome-independent manner in addition to its role in proteasomal degradation.