bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Up‐regulated HMGB1 in EAM directly led to collagen deposition by a PKCβ/Erk1/2‐dependent pathway: cardiac fibroblast/myofibroblast might be another source of HMGB1
Authors: Su Zhaoliang , Yin Jingping , Wang Ting , Sun Yingkun , Ni Ping , Ma Rui , Zhu Haitao , Zheng Dong , Shen Huiling , Xu Wenlin , Xu Huaxi 
Published: June 2014

AbstractHigh mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an important inflammatory mediator, is actively secreted by immune cells and some non‐immune cells or passively released by necrotic cells. HMGB1 has been implicated in many inflammatory diseases. Our previous published data demonstrated that HMGB1 was up‐regulated in heart tissue or serum in experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM); HMGB1 blockade could ameliorate cardiac fibrosis at the last stage of EAM. And yet, until now, no data directly showed that HMGB1 was associated with cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, the aims of the present work were to assess whether (1) up‐regulated HMGB1 could directly lead to cardiac fibrosis in EAM; (2) cardiac fibroblast/myofibroblasts could secrete HMGB1 as another source of high‐level HMGB1 in EAM; and (3) HMGB1 blockade could effectively prevent cardiac fibrosis at the last stage of EAM. Our results clearly demonstrated that HMGB1 could directly lead to cardiac collagen deposition, which was associated with PKCβ/Erk1/2 signalling pathway; furthermore, cardiac fibroblast/myofibroblasts could actively secrete HMGB1 under external stress; and HMGB1 secreted by cardiac fibroblasts/myofibroblasts led to cardiac fibrosis via PKCβ activation by autocrine means; HMGB1 blockade could efficiently ameliorate cardiac fibrosis in EAM mice.
Enhancement of dynein‐mediated autophagosome trafficking and autophagy maturation by ROS in mouse coronary arterial myocytes
Authors: Xu Ming , Li Xiao‐Xue , Chen Yang , Pitzer Ashley L. , Zhang Yang , Li Pin‐Lan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractDynein‐mediated autophagosome (AP) trafficking was recently demonstrated to contribute to the formation of autophagolysosomes (APLs) and autophagic flux process in coronary arterial myocytes (CAMs). However, it remains unknown how the function of dynein as a motor protein for AP trafficking is regulated under physiological and pathological conditions. The present study tested whether the dynein‐mediated autophagy maturation is regulated by a redox signalling associated with lysosomal Ca2+ release machinery. In primary cultures of CAMs, reactive oxygen species (ROS) including H2O2 and O2−. (generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase) significantly increased dynein ATPase activity and AP movement, which were accompanied by increased lysosomal fusion with AP and APL formation. Inhibition of dynein activity by (erythro‐9‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐nonyl)adenine) (EHNA) or disruption of the dynein complex by dynamitin (DCTN2) overexpression blocked ROS‐induced dynein activation, AP movement and APL formation, and resulted in an accumulation of AP along with a failed breakdown of AP. Antagonism of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP)‐mediated Ca2+ signalling with NED‐19 and PPADS abolished ROS‐enhanced lysosomal Ca2+ release and dynein activation in CAMs. In parallel, all these changes were also enhanced by overexpression of NADPH oxidase‐1 (Nox1) gene in CAMs. Incubation with high glucose led to a marked O2−. production compared with normoglycaemic CAMs, while Nox1 inhibitor ML117 abrogated this effect. Moreover, ML117 and NED‐19 and PPADS significantly suppressed dynein activity and APL formation caused by high glucose. Taken together, these data suggest that ROS function as important players to regulate dynein‐dependent AP trafficking leading to efficient autophagic maturation in CAMs.
Extracellular matrix and cytochrome P450 gene expression can distinguish steatohepatitis from steatosis in mice
Authors: Hennig Ewa E. , Mikula Michal , Goryca Krzysztof , Paziewska Agnieszka , Ledwon Joanna , Nesteruk Monika , Woszczynski Marek , Walewska‐Zielecka Bozena , Pysniak Kazimiera , Ostrowski Jerzy 
Published: June 2014

AbstractOne of the main questions regarding nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the molecular background of the transition from simple steatosis (SS) to the inflammatory and fibrogenic condition of steatohepatitis (NASH). We examined the gene expression changes during progression from histologically normal liver to SS and NASH in models of obesity caused by hyperphagia or a high‐fat diet. Microarray‐based analysis revealed that the expression of 1445 and 264 probe sets was changed exclusively in SS and NASH samples, respectively, and 1577 probe sets were commonly altered in SS and NASH samples. Functional annotations indicated that transcriptome alterations that were common for NASH and SS, as well as exclusive for NASH, involved extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related processes, although they differed in the type of matrix structure change. The expression of 80 genes was significantly changed in all three comparisons: SS versus control, NASH versus control and NASH versus SS. Of these genes, epithelial membrane protein 1, IKBKB interacting protein and decorin were progressively up‐regulated in both SS and NASH compared to normal tissue. The molecular context of interactions of encoded 80 proteins revealed that they are highly interconnected and significantly enriched for processes involving metabolism by cytochrome P450. Validation of 10 selected mRNAs encoding genes related to ECM and cytochrome P450 with quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed consistent changes in their expression during NASH development. The expression profile of these genes has the potential to distinguish NASH from SS and normal tissue and may possibly be beneficial in the clinical diagnosis of NASH.
The risk of deep fungal infections during biologic therapy for psoriasis
Authors: Jourabchi N. , Adelzadeh L. , Wu J.J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWith a growing understanding of the pathogenesis and immunological basis of psoriasis, the medical community has seen the development of more focused biological treatment options for patients suffering from the disease, which are beginning to revolutionize the treatment of psoriasis. It is already well known that certain biologics are associated with an increased risk of reactivating tuberculosis in patients with latent disease, however, with increasing use of biologic agents across indications, there has also been a rise in reports of associated deep fungal infections. The mechanism of action of these biologic anti‐psoriatic therapies allows physicians to address the underlying cause of patients' symptoms. The question though, is whether this same therapeutic mechanism may predispose patients to serious infections, including deep fungal infections.
Rhinomonas nottbeckin. sp. (Cryptomonadales) and Molecular Phylogeny of the Family Pyrenomonadaceae
Authors: Majaneva Markus , Remonen Iina , Rintala Janne‐Markus , Belevich Ilya , Kremp Anke , Setälä Outi , Jokitalo Eija , Blomster Jaanika 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe cryptomonadRhinomonas nottbeckin. sp., isolated from the Baltic Sea, is described from live and fixed cells studied by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy together with sequences of the partial nucleus‐ and nucleomorph‐encoded 18S rRNA genes as well as the nucleus‐encoded ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, and the 5′‐end of the 28SrRNAgene regions. The sequence analyses include comparison with 43 strains from the family Pyrenomonadaceae.Rhinomonas nottbeckicells are dorsoventrally flattened, obloid in shape; 10.0–17.2 μm long, 5.5–8.1 μm thick, and 4.4–8.8 μm wide. The inner periplast has roughly hexagonal plates.Rhinomonas nottbeckicells resemble those ofRhinomonas reticulata, but the nucleomorph 18S rRNA gene ofR. nottbeckidiffers by 2% from that ofR. reticulata, while the ITS region by 11%. The intraspecific variability in the ITS region ofR. nottbeckiis 5%. In addition, the predicted ITS2 secondary structures are different inR. nottbeckiandR. reticulata. The family Pyrenomonadaceae includes three clades: Clade A, Clade B, and Clade C. AllRhinomonassequences branched within the Clade C, while the genusRhodomonasis paraphyletic. The analyses suggest that the genusStoreatulais an alternating morphotype of the generaRhinomonasandRhodomonasand that the family Pyrenomonadaceae includes some species that were described multiple times, as well as novel species.
Veterans Affairs Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination Compared with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Short Test of Mental Status
Authors: Cummings‐Vaughn Lenise A. , Chavakula Neeraja N. , Malmstrom Theodore K. , Tumosa Nina , Morley John E. , Cruz‐Oliver Dulce M. 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo compare the ability of the Veterans Affairs Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) examination to detect mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia according to the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) with that of two other well‐known screening instruments, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Short Test of Mental Status (STMS).DesignCross‐sectional validation study.SettingSaint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center.ParticipantsVeterans aged 60 and older (median 78.5) with a high school education or more (n = 136).MeasurementsParticipants were administered the SLUMS examination, the MoCA, and the STMS in random order. A blinded test administrator administered the CDR in a separate session. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the SLUMS examination, the MoCA, and the STMS for MCI, dementia, and MCI or dementia. ROC contrasts were used to statistically compare the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the screening tests' ability to detect cognitive dysfunction according to the CDR.ResultsROC contrasts demonstrated that the AUCs for detecting MCI (SLUMS examination 0.74, MoCA 0.77, STMS 0.77), dementia (SLUMS examination 0.98, MoCA 0.96, STMS 0.97), and MCI or dementia (SLUMS examination 0.82, MoCA 0.83, STMS 0.84) were equivalent. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were similar across measures of MCI, dementia, and MCI or dementia according to the CDR.ConclusionThe SLUMS examination has validity similar to that of the MoCA and STMS for the detection of MCI, dementia, and MCI or dementia according to the CDR.
2012 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria: Enhanced Applicability for Detecting Potentially Inappropriate Medications in European Older Adults? A Comparison with the Screening Tool of Older Person's Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions
Authors: Blanco‐Reina Encarnación , Ariza‐Zafra Gabriel , Ocaña‐Riola Ricardo , León‐Ortiz Matilde 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and related factors through a comparative analysis of the Screening Tool of Older Person's Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP), the 2003 Beers criteria, and the 2012 AGS update of the Beers criteria.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingPrimary care.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling persons aged 65 and older who live on the island of Lanzarote, Spain (N = 407).MeasurementsSociodemographic characteristics; independence in activities of daily living; cognitive function; Geriatric Depression Scale; clinical diagnoses; and complete data on indication, dosage, and length of drug treatments. One thousand eight hundred seventh‐two prescriptions were examined, and the rate of PIMs was assessed with the three criteria. The primary endpoint was the percentage of participants receiving at least one PIM. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the factors related to PIMs.ResultsPotentially inappropriate medications were present in 24.3%, 35.4%, and 44% of participants, according to the 2003 Beers criteria, STOPP, and 2012 Beers criteria, respectively. The profile of PIMs was also different (the most frequent being benzodiazepines in both Beers criteria lists and aspirin in the STOPP). The number of drugs was associated with risk of prescribing PIMs in all three models, as was the presence of a psychological disorder in the 2003 Beers criteria (odds ratio (OR) = 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–3.40) and the 2012 Beers criteria (OR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.83–4.66). The kappa for degree of agreement between STOPP and the 2012 Beers criteria was 0.35 (95% CI = 0.25–0.44).ConclusionThe 2012 Beers criteria detected the highest number of PIMs, and given the scant overlapping with the STOPP criteria, the use of both tools may be seen as complementary.
The hTAS2R38 genotype is associated with sugar and candy consumption in preschool boys
Authors: Hoppu U. , Laitinen K. , Jaakkola J. , Sandell M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe hTAS2R38 taste receptor genotype is related to bitter taste perception and thus may affect food preferences. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the hTAS2R38 genotype and the food consumption and nutrient intakes of Finnish children aged 2–6 years.MethodsDietary intake was assessed with 7‐day food records, and DNA samples were collected by cheek swabs for genotyping. Food intake data between the three most common genotypes were compared (n = 345).ResultsThe proportion of the AVI/AVI genotype was 36.7%; PAV/AVI was 42.4%; and PAV/PAV was 14.9%. Boys with the PAV/PAV genotype consumed a mean (SD) weight of sugar and candy of 27 (13) g day−1, which was significantly more compared to the other two genotypes [AVI/AVI 19 (12) g day−1 and PAV/AVI 18 (12) g day−1; both P < 0.01]. These boys also consumed significantly more meat (g day−1) compared to AVI/AVI boys (P < 0.05). PAV/PAV girls tended to consume more grains (g MJ−1) compared to AVI/AVI girls (P = 0.07). Vegetable and fruit consumption and nutrient intake did not differ significantly between genotypes. Based on principal component analysis carried out with total food consumption data, PAV/PAV boys were different from both AVI/AVI and PAV/AVI boys.ConclusionsThe hTAS2R38 genotype may have distinct associations with food consumption in boys and girls.
Predictive equations for the estimation of body size in seals and sea lions (Carnivora: Pinnipedia)
Authors: Churchill Morgan , Clementz Mark T. , Kohno Naoki 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBody size plays an important role in pinniped ecology and life history. However, body size data is often absent for historical, archaeological, and fossil specimens. To estimate the body size of pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses) for today and the past, we used 14 commonly preserved cranial measurements to develop sets of single variable and multivariate predictive equations for pinniped body mass and total length. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to test whether separate family specific regressions were more appropriate than single predictive equations for Pinnipedia. The influence of phylogeny was tested with phylogenetic independent contrasts (PIC). The accuracy of these regressions was then assessed using a combination of coefficient of determination, percent prediction error, and standard error of estimation. Three different methods of multivariate analysis were examined: bidirectional stepwise model selection using Akaike information criteria; all‐subsets model selection using Bayesian information criteria (BIC); and partial least squares regression. The PCA showed clear discrimination between Otariidae (fur seals and sea lions) and Phocidae (earless seals) for the 14 measurements, indicating the need for family‐specific regression equations. The PIC analysis found that phylogeny had a minor influence on relationship between morphological variables and body size. The regressions for total length were more accurate than those for body mass, and equations specific to Otariidae were more accurate than those for Phocidae. Of the three multivariate methods, the all‐subsets approach required the fewest number of variables to estimate body size accurately. We then used the single variable predictive equations and the all‐subsets approach to estimate the body size of two recently extinct pinniped taxa, the Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) and the Japanese sea lion (Zalophus japonicus). Body size estimates using single variable regressions generally under or over‐estimated body size; however, the all‐subset regression produced body size estimates that were close to historically recorded body length for these two species. This indicates that the all‐subset regression equations developed in this study can estimate body size accurately.
Shape covariation between the craniofacial complex and first molars in humans
Authors: Polychronis Georgios , Halazonetis Demetrios J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe occurrence of mutual genetic loci in morphogenesis of the face and teeth implies shape covariation between these structures. However, teeth finalize their shape at an early age, whereas the face grows and is subjected to environmental influences for a prolonged period; it is therefore conceivable that covariation might modulate with age. Here we investigate the extent of this covariation in humans by measuring the 3D shape of the occlusal surface of the permanent first molars and the shape of the craniofacial complex from lateral radiographs, at two maturations stages. A sample of Greek subjects was divided into two groups (110 adult, 110 prepubertal) with equally distributed gender. The occlusal surfaces of the right first molars were 3D scanned from dental casts; 265 and 274 landmarks (including surface and curve semilandmarks) were digitized on the maxillary and mandibular molars, respectively. The corresponding lateral cephalometric radiographs were digitized with 71 landmarks. Geometric morphometric methods were used to assess shape variation and covariation. The vertical dimension of the craniofacial complex was the main parameter of shape variation, followed by anteroposterior deviations. The male craniofacial complex was larger (4.0–5.7%) and was characterized by a prominent chin and clockwise rotation of the cranial base (adult group only). Allometry was weak and statistically significant only when examined for the sample as a whole (percent variance explained: 2.1%, P = 0.0002). Covariation was statistically significant only between the lower first molar and the craniofacial complex (RV = 14.05%, P = 0.0099, and RV = 12.31%, P = 0.0162, for the prepubertal and adult groups, respectively). Subtle age‐related covariation differences were noted, indicating that environmental factors may influence the pattern and strength of covariation. However, the main pattern was similar in both groups: a class III skeletal pattern (relative maxillary retrusion and mandibular protrusion), hyperdivergency, forward rotation of the posterior cranial base and upward rotation of the anterior cranial base were associated with mesiodistal elongation of the lower molars and height reduction of their distal cusps. This pattern mimics phylogeny in humans, where flexion and counterclockwise rotation of the cranial base, considered advantageous to survival, co‐occur with tooth reductions that cannot be easily explained in evolutionary terms. The similarity of the phylogenetic and covariation patterns seems to support the pleiotropic gene hypothesis.
Comparative functional anatomy of the epaxial musculature of dogs (Canis familiaris) bred for sprinting vs. fighting
Authors: Webster Emma L. , Hudson Penny E. , Channon Sarah B. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe axial musculoskeletal system of quadrupedal mammals is not currently well understood despite its functional importance in terms of facilitating postural stability and locomotion. Here we examined the detailed architecture of the muscles of the vertebral column of two breeds of dog, the Staffordshire bull terrier (SBT) and the racing greyhound, which have been selectively bred for physical combat and high speed sprint performance, respectively. Dissections of the epaxial musculature of nine racing greyhounds and six SBTs were carried out; muscle mass, length, and fascicle lengths were measured and used to calculate muscle physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA), and to estimate maximum muscle potential for force, work and power production. The longissimus dorsi muscle was found to have a high propensity for force production in both breeds of dog; however, when considered in combination with the iliocostalis lumborum muscle it showed enhanced potential for production of power and facilitating spinal extension during galloping gaits. This was particularly the case in the greyhound, where the m. longissimus dorsi and the m. iliocostalis lumborum were estimated to have the potential to augment hindlimb muscle power by ca. 12%. Breed differences were found within various other muscles of the axial musculoskeletal system, particularly in the cranial cervical muscles and also the deep muscles of the thorax which insert on the ribs. These may also highlight key functional adaptations between the two breeds of dog, which have been selectively bred for particular purposes. Additionally, in both breeds of dog, we illustrate specialisation of muscle function by spinal region, with differences in both mass and PCSA found between muscles at varying levels of the axial musculoskeletal system, and between muscle functional groups.
Long‐term subjective tongue function after partial glossectomy
Authors: Lee D. Y. , Ryu Y.‐J. , Hah J. H. , Kwon T.‐K. , Sung M.‐W. , Kim K. H. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThere have been limited studies of subjective tongue function over long‐term follow‐up in spite of swallowing and articulation disorders are common complications of glossectomy. To assess long‐term subjective swallowing and articulation function after partial glossectomy. A total of 63 patients with the mobile tongue cancer who underwent partial glossectomy without reconstruction were interviewed to score their swallowing and articulation function on a 100‐point scale. The relation of this subjective scoring to the perioperative data was subjected to multivariate analysis. The mean patient age was 53·4 (19–81) years, and the mean follow‐up duration was 78·9 (14–277) months. Mean swallowing and articulation function score was 87·7 ± 6·1 and 88·6 ± 5·4. Age, follow‐up duration, T stage and resection volume were significantly correlated with swallowing function (P = 0·026, 0·029, 0·016, 0·002, respectively); follow‐up duration was correlated with articulation function (P = 0·039). Patients who undergo partial glossectomy without reconstruction generally demonstrate good function on long‐term follow‐up. Subjective dysfunction was correlated with larger resection volume, older age and shorter follow‐up duration.