bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social engagement from childhood to middle age and the effect of childhood socio-economic status on middle age social engagement: results from the National Child Development study
Authors: HIETANEN HEIDI , AARTSEN MARJA , KIURU NOONA , LYYRA TIINA-MARI , READ SANNA 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTSocial engagement has powerful effects on wellbeing, but variation in individual engagement throughout the lifecourse is wide. The trajectories may differ by gender and be affected by socio-economic status (SES). However, long-term development of social engagement is little studied and the effect of childhood SES on later-life social engagement remains obscure. We aimed to describe the social engagement development from childhood to middle age by gender and test the effect of childhood SES on middle age social engagement. Data (N=16,440, 51.3% male) are drawn from the on-going National Child Development Study, following British babies born in 1958. Social engagement was measured by social activities, voluntary work and social contacts, with follow-ups at age 11, 16, 23 and 50. SES was measured by father's occupational social class and tenure status. Structural equation modelling suggested inter-individual stability in social engagement, showing that development of social engagement started in childhood and increased social engagement in middle age through adolescence and early adulthood. Longitudinal effects were detected within and across the social engagement domains. Lower childhood SES was significantly related to a lower level of voluntary work and social activity in middle age, but to higher levels of social contacts. Although stability in social engagement is moderate over the lifecourse, variation within and across the different social engagement domains is shaped by differences in childhood SES.
The complexities of ‘otherness’: reflections on embodiment of a young White British woman engaged in cross-generation research involving older people in Indonesia
Authors: NORRIS MERIEL 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIf interviews are to be considered embodied experiences, than the potential influence of the embodied researcher must be explored. A focus on specific attributes such as age or ethnicity belies the complex and negotiated space that both researcher and participant inhabit simultaneously. Drawing on empirical research with stroke survivors in an ethnically mixed area of Indonesia, this paper highlights the importance of considering embodiment as a specific methodological concern. Three specific interactions are described and analysed, illustrating the active nature of the embodied researcher in narrative production and development. The intersectionality of embodied features is evident, alongside their fluctuating influence in time and place. These interactions draw attention to the need to consider the researcher within the interview process and the subsequent analysis and presentation of narrative findings. The paper concludes with a reinforcement of the importance of ongoing and meaningful reflexivity in research, a need to consider the researcher as the other participant, and specifically a call to engage with and present the dynamic nature of embodiment.
Who is Looking After Mom and Dad? Unregulated Workers in Canadian Long-Term Care Homes
Authors: Estabrooks Carole A. , Squires Janet E. , Carleton Heather L. , Cummings Greta G. , Norton Peter G. 
Published: December 2014

RÉSUMÉLes personnes âgées recevant soins de longue durée ou soins infirmiers résidentiels ont des besoins de plus en plus complexes, y compris exhibitant plus de la démence que dans le passé, mais on ne connait que peu en ce qui concerne la population non réglementée qui fournit leurs soins. Nous avons interrogé 1 381 aides dans un échantillon représentatif de 30 maisons de soins infirmiers en milieu urbain dans les trois provinces des Prairies canadiennes afin de signaler des caractéristiques démographiques, la santé et le bien-être, et des caractéristiques liées au travail. Plus de 50 pour cent des répondants ne sont pas nés au Canada et ne parlaient pas l'anglais comme leur première langue. Ils ont signalé des niveaux d'épuisement modérément élevés et un sentiment fort de la valeur de leur travail. Peu de répondants ont déclaré avoir participé à des séances de formation. Cette main d'oeuvre composée de fournisseurs de soins directs est mal comprise, leur formation et les normes pour l'emploi sont limitées, et la formation varie considérablement d'une province à l'autre. Les caractéristiques du lieu de travail qui touchent aux aidants reflètent des facteurs qui favorisent l'épuisement professionnel dans les professions connexes de la santé, avec des implications pour la qualité des soins, pour la santé du personnel et pour leur rétention.
Widespread detection of antibodies toLeptospirain feral swine in the United States
Authors: PEDERSEN K. , PABILONIA K. L. , ANDERSON T. D. , BEVINS S. N. , HICKS C. R. , KLOFT J. M. , DELIBERTO T. J. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYAs feral swine continue to expand their geographical range and distribution across the United States, their involvement in crop damage, livestock predation, and pathogen transmission is likely to increase. Despite the relatively recent discovery of feral swine involvement in the aetiology of a variety of pathogens, their propensity to transmit and carry a wide variety of pathogens is disconcerting. We examined sera from 2055 feral swine for antibody presence to six serovars ofLeptospirathat can also infect humans, livestock or domestic animals. About 13% of all samples tested positive for at least one serovar, suggesting thatLeptospirainfection is common in feral swine. Further studies to identify the proportion of actively infected animals are needed to more fully understand the risk they pose.
Unpacking the ‘black box’ of total pathogen burden: is number or type of pathogens most predictive of all-cause mortality in the United States?
Authors: SIMANEK A. M. , DOWD J. B. , ZAJACOVA A. , AIELLO A. E. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYA ‘black box’ paradigm has prevailed in which researchers have focused on the association between the total number of pathogens for which individuals are seropositive (i.e. total pathogen burden) and various chronic diseases, while largely ignoring the role that seropositivity for specific combinations of pathogens may play in the aetiology of such outcomes and consequently mortality. We examined the association between total pathogen burden as well as specific pathogen combinations and all-cause mortality in the United States. Data were from individuals aged ⩾25 years tested for cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1, HSV-2 andHelicobacter pylori, with mortality follow-up to 31 December 2006 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (N= 6522). We did not observe a statistically significant graded relationship between total pathogen burden level and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, compared to those seronegative for all four pathogens, the greatest statistically significant rate of all-cause mortality was for those CMV+/HSV-2+ (hazard ratio 1·95, 95% confidence interval 1·13–3·35) adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, body mass index (kg/m2) and smoking status. Interventions targeting prevention or treatment of particular pathogens may be more effective for reducing mortality than those focused solely on reducing overall pathogen burden.
Time, place, and people: composition of the EPIET Alumni Network and its contribution to the European public health resource in 2013
Authors: PEZZOLI L. , KERAMAROU M. , LADBURY G. , JARAMILLO-GUTIERREZ G. , WILLIAMS C. J. , LE MENACH A. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYThe EPIET Alumni Network (EAN) is an association of professionals who have completed field epidemiology or public health microbiology training programmes in the European Union. In 2013, we conducted a survey of EAN members to investigate this network's role within European public health. We distributed an online questionnaire to members registered at the time, collecting data on demographics, professional background, and attitudes towards EAN. Out of 362 registered members, 189 (52%) responded; 97% were from Europe; 65% were female. Their mean age was 39 years. The highest academic qualification was PhD for 44% and Master's degree for 55%. The majority (60%) worked in public health institutes. They were especially satisfied with having access to job offers and professional networking via EAN, but requested more learning opportunities and knowledge-sharing between members. EAN is a unique platform where highly skilled professionals can connect to control infectious diseases locally and internationally. Having a network of professionals that know each other, speak the same ‘language’, and can easily access each other's expertise, represents an important resource for European and global public health, which should be nurtured by encouraging more collaborations devoted to professional development.
Changes in total and central adiposity and body fat distribution among 7–10-year-old schoolchildren in Brazil
Authors: Leal Danielle Biazzi , de Assis Maria Alice Altenburg , González-Chica David Alejandro , da Costa Filipe Ferreira , de Andrade Dalton Francisco , Lobo Adriana Soares 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo describe changes in total and central adiposity and body fat distribution in children over a 5-year period by investigating variations in BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and skinfold thicknesses (SFT).DesignA school-based sample of children from 2nd to 5th grades of elementary schools participated in two cross-sectional studies in 2002 (n 2936) and 2007 (n 1232).SettingPublic and private schools of Florianopolis, Brazil.SubjectsSchoolchildren aged 7–10 years had their weight, height, WC and SFT measured according to standard procedures. Body fat distribution was assessed by triceps, subscapular, suprailiac and medial calf skinfold measurements. Changes in BMI, WC, WHtR and SFT were analysed, adjusting for type of school and monthly family income.ResultsAdjusted mean differences between 2002 and 2007 for BMI and WC were always positive and of similar magnitude between boys and girls. However, a statistically significant increase was observed only for BMI (raw and Z-score values) in boys. WHtR remained stable in both sexes. Adjusted median values for SFT also increased in boys and girls, except for triceps skinfold. BMI, WC and SFT tended to increase across age classes in both sexes. The relative change observed for the median central skinfolds (subscapular and suprailiac) was greater than that of peripheral skinfolds (triceps and medial calf).ConclusionsThe subcutaneous adipose tissue (SFT) appeared to increase at a faster rate than total adiposity (BMI). The increase in central SFT indicates that the relative change is due primarily to a rise in central adiposity.
Adherence to generic v. brand antidepressant treatment and the key role of health system factors
Authors: Barbui C. , Conti V. 
Published: December 2014

One of the major challenges with antidepressant (AD) use is poor adherence and early treatment discontinuation. In addition to socio-demographic and clinical variables, treatment discontinuation may also be related to the capacity of the health system to assure and maintain continuity and intensity of care. Among health system factors that may interfere with adherence to pharmacological treatment, use of generic drugs may play a key role. It has been argued that, although the lower cost of generics may favour persistence on treatment, a widespread a priori scepticism about their effectiveness and safety by doctors and patients may have an opposite effect. This compelling research question has recently been addressed by an observational cohort study that involved 16 778 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who received a new depression diagnosis and initiated generic v. brand AD therapy. The study found that generic initiation was associated with improved adherence. The benefits resulted from the lower out-of-pocket cost associated with generic ADs. In this commentary, we discuss the main findings of this study in view of its methodological strengths and limitations, and we suggest implications for policy.
Genetic diversity of different indigenous chicken ecotypes using highly polymorphic MHC-linked and non-MHC microsatellite markers
Authors: Ngeno K. , van der Waaij E.H. , Megens H.J. , Kahi A.K. , van Arendonk J.A.M. , Crooijmans R.P.M.A. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe study investigated the genetic make-up of different ecotypes of indigenous chickens (ICs) in Kenya based on major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked and non-MHC microsatellite markers. Blood samples were collected from eight regions (48 birds per region) of Kenya: Kakamega (KK), Siaya (BN), West Pokot (WP), Turkana (TK), Bomet (BM), Narok (NR), Lamu (LM) and Taita-Taveta (TT) and genotyped using two MHC-linked and ten non-MHC markers. All MHC-linked and non-MHC markers were polymorphic with a total of 140 alleles, of which 56 were identified in MHC-linked markers. Mean number of alleles (Na and Ne), private alleles, heterozygosity and genetic distances were higher for MHC-linked markers compared with non-MHC markers. Thead hocstatistic ΔK detected the true numbers of clusters to be three for MHC-linked markers and two in non-MHC markers. In conclusion, Kenyan ICs belong into two to three genetically distinct groups. Different markers systems have different clustering system. MHC-linked markers divided ICs into three mixed clusters, composing of individuals from the different ecotypes whereas non-MHC markers grouped ICs into two groups. These IC ecotypes host many and highly diverse MHC-linked alleles. Higher allelic diversity indicated a huge amount of genetic variation in the MHC region of ICs and supported their reputation of being hardy and resistant to diseases.
TLR4-mediated inflammation promotes foam cell formation of vascular smooth muscle cell by upregulating ACAT1 expression
Authors: Yin Y-W , Liao S-Q , Zhang M-J , Liu Y , Li B-H , Zhou Y , Chen L , Gao C-Y , Li J-C , Zhang L-L 
Published: December 2014

AbstractVascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) foam cell formation is an important hallmark, especially in advanced atherosclerosis lesions. Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) promotes foam cell formation by promoting intracellular cholesteryl ester synthesis. The present study tests the hypothesis that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) increases the ACAT1 expression by activating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated inflammation, and ultimately promotes VSMC foam cell formation. Wild-type, ApoE−/−, TLR4−/− and ACAT1−/− mice on a C57BL/6J background were used. Increased TLR4, proinflammatory cytokines and ACAT1 were observed in high-fat (HF) diet-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation and in oxLDL-stimulated VSMCs. ACAT1 deficiency impeded the HF diet-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation and impaired the TLR4-manipulated VSMC foam cell formation in response to oxLDL. TLR4 deficiency inhibited the upregulation of myeloid-differentiating factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), proinflammatory cytokines and ACAT1, and eventually attenuated the HF diet-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation and suppressed the oxLDL-induced VSMC foam cell formation. Knockdown of MyD88 and NF-κB, respectively, impaired the TLR4-manipulated VSMC foam cell formation in response to oxLDL. Rosiglitazone (RSG) attenuated HF diet-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE−/− mice, accompanied by reduced expression of TLR4, proinflammatory cytokines and ACAT1 accordingly. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) suppressed oxLDL-induced VSMC foam cell formation and inhibited the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, proinflammatory cytokines and ACAT1, whereas inhibition of PPARγ exerted the opposite effect. TLR4−/− mice and VSMCs showed impaired atherosclerotic plaque formation and foam cell formation, and displayed no response to PPARγ manipulation. In conclusion, our data showed that oxLDL stimulation can activate the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway in VSMCs, which in turn upregulates the ACAT1 expression and finally promotes VSMC foam cell formation.
Mitochondrial inhibitor sensitizes non-small-cell lung carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by reactive oxygen species and Bcl-XL/p53-mediated amplification mechanisms
Authors: Shi Y-L , Feng S , Chen W , Hua Z-C , Bian J-J , Yin W 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising agent for anticancer therapy; however, non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells are relatively TRAIL resistant. Identification of small molecules that can restore NSCLC susceptibility to TRAIL-induced apoptosis is meaningful. We found here that rotenone, as a mitochondrial respiration inhibitor, preferentially increased NSCLC cells sensitivity to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis at subtoxic concentrations, the mechanisms by which were accounted by the upregulation of death receptors and the downregulation of c-FLIP (cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein). Further analysis revealed that death receptors expression by rotenone was regulated by p53, whereas c-FLIP downregulation was blocked by Bcl-XL overexpression. Rotenone triggered the mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which subsequently led to Bcl-XL downregulation and PUMA upregulation. As PUMA expression was regulated by p53, the PUMA, Bcl-XL and p53 in rotenone-treated cells form a positive feedback amplification loop to increase the apoptosis sensitivity. Mitochondria-derived ROS, however, promote the formation of this amplification loop. Collectively, we concluded that ROS generation, Bcl-XL and p53-mediated amplification mechanisms had an important role in the sensitization of NSCLC cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis by rotenone. The combined TRAIL and rotenone treatment may be appreciated as a useful approach for the therapy of NSCLC that warrants further investigation.
Mitochondrial protein sorting as a therapeutic target for ATP synthase disorders
Authors: Aiyar Raeka S. , Bohnert Maria , Duvezin-Caubet Stéphane , Voisset Cécile , Gagneur Julien , Fritsch Emilie S. , Couplan Elodie , von der Malsburg Karina , Funaya Charlotta , Soubigou Flavie , Courtin Florence , Suresh Sundari , Kucharczyk Roza , Evrard Justine , Antony Claude , St.Onge Robert P. , Blondel Marc , di Rago Jean-Paul , van der Laan Martin , Steinmetz Lars M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMitochondrial diseases are systemic, prevalent and often fatal; yet treatments remain scarce. Identifying molecular intervention points that can be therapeutically targeted remains a major challenge, which we confronted via a screening assay we developed. Using yeast models of mitochondrial ATP synthase disorders, we screened a drug repurposing library, and applied genomic and biochemical techniques to identify pathways of interest. Here we demonstrate that modulating the sorting of nuclear-encoded proteins into mitochondria, mediated by the TIM23 complex, proves therapeutic in both yeast and patient-derived cells exhibiting ATP synthase deficiency. Targeting TIM23-dependent protein sorting improves an array of phenotypes associated with ATP synthase disorders, including biogenesis and activity of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery. Our study establishes mitochondrial protein sorting as an intervention point for ATP synthase disorders, and because of the central role of this pathway in mitochondrial biogenesis, it holds broad value for the treatment of mitochondrial diseases.
Epigenetic regulation of Atrophin1 by lysine-specific demethylase 1 is required for cortical progenitor maintenance
Authors: Zhang Feng , Xu Dan , Yuan Ling , Sun Yiming , Xu Zhiheng 
Published: December 2014

AbstractLysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is involved in gene regulation and development; however, its precise function, molecular targets and underlying mechanisms during development are poorly understood. Here we show that LSD1 is required for neuronal progenitor cell (NPC) maintenance during cortical development. A ChIP-seq analysis identified a LSD1-binding site (LBAL) downstream of Atrophin1 (ATN1). Surprisingly, tranylcypromine (LSD1 inhibitor) treatment increased H3K4 methylation at LBAL, leading to ATN1 repression and NPC differentiation. Knockdown of LSD1 and ATN1 phenocopied each other in inducing NPC premature differentiation and depletion, which could be rescued by ATN1 overexpression, suggesting that LSD1 controls NPC differentiation via regulation of ATN1 methylation status and expression. The involvement of LSD1 in ATN1 expression and NPC maintenance were confirmed in knockout mice. These findings hint at the potential application for the clinical drug, tranylcypromine, in the prevention and/or treatment of ATN1-associated degenerative disease, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy.
Practical quantum private query of blocks based on unbalanced-state Bennett-Brassard-1984 quantum-key-distribution protocol
Authors: Wei Chun-Yan , Gao Fei , Wen Qiao-Yan , Wang Tian-Yin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractUntil now, the only kind of practical quantum private query (QPQ), quantum-key-distribution (QKD)-based QPQ, focuses on the retrieval of a single bit. In fact, meaningful message is generally composed of multiple adjacent bits (i.e., a multi-bit block). To obtain a message "Equation missing" from database, the user Alice has to query l times to get each ai. In this condition, the server Bob could gain Alice's privacy once he obtains the address she queried in any of the l queries, since each ai contributes to the message Alice retrieves. Apparently, the longer the retrieved message is, the worse the user privacy becomes. To solve this problem, via an unbalanced-state technique and based on a variant of multi-level BB84 protocol, we present a protocol for QPQ of blocks, which allows the user to retrieve a multi-bit block from database in one query. Our protocol is somewhat like the high-dimension version of the first QKD-based QPQ protocol proposed by Jacobi et al., but some nontrivial modifications are necessary.
Biological and clinical significance of epigenetic silencing of MARVELD1 gene in lung cancer
Authors: Shi Ming , Wang Shan , Yao Yuanfei , Li Yiqun , Zhang Hao , Han Fang , Nie Huan , Su Jie , Wang Zeyu , Yue Lei , Cao Jingyan , Li Yu 
Published: December 2014

AbstractEpigenetic silence in cancer frequently altered signal-transduction pathways during the early stages of tumor development. Recent progress in the field of cancer epigenetics has led to new opportunities for diagnosis and treatment of cancer. We previously demonstrated that novel identified nuclear factor MARVELD1 was widely expressed in human tissues, but down-regulated by promoter methylation in multiple cancers. This study was carried out to determine the biological and clinical significance of MARVELD1 gene silencing in lung cancer. Here, we found the reduced MARVELD1 expression significantly correlated with diagnostic histopathology and malignant degree of lung cancers. DNA hypermethylation and histone deacetylation synergistically inactivated MARVELD1 gene in lung cancer cells. Moreover, MARVELD1 modulated the efficiency of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) through interaction with NMD core factor SMG1. The decreased MARVELD1 level in lung cancer reduces NMD efficiency through diminishing the association between NMD complex component UPF1/SMG1 and premature termination codons containing mRNA (PTC-mRNA). The results suggested that MARVELD1 silencing is an appealing diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer and epigenetic silencing of MARVELD1 gene links with the regulatory mechanism of NMD pathway in lung cancer, which may be required for tumorigenesis.