bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Copeptin and Midregion Proadrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) After an Ultramarathon
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Schena Federico , Salvagno Gian Luca , Sanchis‐Gomar Fabian , Guidi Gian Cesare 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundAlthough it is widely acknowledged that physical activity confers several health benefits, it remains uncertain whether strenuous and physically demanding exercise might determine biological effects that might turn to be ultimately unfavorable for health. Copeptin and midregion proadrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) are emerging cardiovascular and stress biomarkers, but little is known about the influence of strenuous physical exercise on their concentrations.MethodsThe present study was performed to investigate the variation of copeptin and MRproADM, along with that of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate before and after a 60 km ultramarathon in 16 healthy Caucasian males.ResultsThe serum concentrations of both copeptin and MR‐proADM remarkably increased after the 60 km run, by 6.4 times (interquartile range (IQR), 2.710.4) and 2.3 times (IQR, 1.8–2.6), respectively. A highly significant correlation was observed between the increase of creatinine and MR‐proADM, but not between serum creatinine and copeptin. The percentage of subjects exhibiting values above the upper limit of the reference range in male was 0% for both copeptin and MR‐proADM before the ultramarathon, but increased to respectively 81 and 63% postexercise.ConclusionThe evidence that an ultramarathon causes a substantial increase of copeptin and MR‐proADM raises doubts as to whether exhaustive exercise might be considered globally beneficial or even safe, especially in unfit or/and untrained population.
Magnetic resonance imaging phenotyping of Becker muscular dystrophy
Authors: Faridian‐Aragh Neda , Wagner Kathryn R. , Leung Doris G. , Carrino John A. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: There is little information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phenotypes of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). This study presents the MRI phenotyping of the upper and lower extremities of a large cohort of BMD patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, MRI images of 33 BMD subjects were evaluated for severity, distribution, and symmetry of involvement. Results: Teres major, triceps long head, biceps brachii long head, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, vasti, adductor longus, adductor magnus, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris muscles showed the highest severity and frequency of involvement. All analyzed muscles had a high frequency of symmetric involvement. There was significant variability of involvement between muscles within some muscle groups, most notably the arm abductors, posterior arm muscles, medial thigh muscles, and lateral hip rotators. Conclusions: This study showed a distinctive pattern of involvement of extremity muscles in BMD subjects. Muscle Nerve 50: 962–967, 2014
Consensus design of a NOD receptor leucine rich repeat domain with binding affinity for a muramyl dipeptide, a bacterial cell wall fragment
Authors: Parker Rachael , Mercedes‐Camacho Ana , Grove Tijana Z. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRepeat proteins have recently emerged as especially well‐suited alternative binding scaffolds due to their modular architecture and biophysical properties. Here we present the design of a scaffold based on the consensus sequence of the leucine rich repeat (LRR) domain of the NOD family of cytoplasmic innate immune system receptors. Consensus sequence design has emerged as a protein design tool to createde novoproteins that capture sequence‐structure relationships and interactions present in nature. The multiple sequence alignment of 311 individual LRRs, which are the putative ligand‐recognition domain in NOD proteins, resulted in a consensus sequence protein containing two internal and N‐ and C‐capping repeats named CLRR2. CLRR2 protein is a stable, monomeric, and cysteine free scaffold that without any affinity maturation displays micromolar binding to muramyl dipeptide, a bacterial cell wall fragment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of direct interaction of a NOD LRR with a physiologically relevant ligand.
Capping motifs stabilize the leucine‐rich repeat protein PP32 and rigidify adjacent repeats
Authors: Dao Thuy P. , Majumdar Ananya , Barrick Doug 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCapping motifs are found to flank most β‐strand‐containing repeat proteins. To better understand the roles of these capping motifs in organizing structure and stability, we carried out folding and solution NMR studies on the leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) domain of PP32, which is composed of five tandem LRR, capped by α‐helical and β‐hairpin motifs on the N‐ and C‐termini. We were able to purify PP32 constructs lacking either cap and containing destabilizing substitutions. Removing the C‐cap results in complete unfolding of PP32. Removing the N‐cap has a much less severe effect, decreasing stability but retaining much of its secondary structure. In contrast, the dynamics and tertiary structure of the first two repeats are significantly perturbed, based on 1H‐15N relaxation studies, chemical shift perturbations, and residual dipolar couplings. However, more distal repeats (3 to C‐cap) retain their native tertiary structure. In this regard, the N‐cap drives the folding of adjacent repeats from what appears to be a molten‐globule‐like state. This interpretation is supported by extensive analysis using core packing substitutions in the full‐length and N‐cap‐truncated PP32. This work highlights the importance of caps to the stability and structural integrity of β‐strand‐containing LRR proteins, and emphasizes the different contributions of the N‐ and C‐terminal caps.
Genomic Counseling in the Newborn Period: Experiences and Views of Genetic Counselors
Authors: Nardini Monica D. , Matthews Anne L. , McCandless Shawn E. , Baumanis Larisa , Goldenberg Aaron J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAs newborn screening (NBS) technology expands, genetic counselors will become more involved in counseling for NBS results, including those potentially generated from whole exome sequencing (WES) and eventually whole genome sequencing (WGS). Members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) responded to an online survey (n = 208) regarding genomic counseling in the context of NBS. The majority of participants (82.1 %) did not feel prepared to counsel for WGS results from NBS. Counselors with previous WES/WGS counseling experience felt more prepared (p = 0.005) to counsel for WGS results from NBS than those without WES/WGS experience. Overall, counselors expressed ethical and practical concerns regarding WGS in NBS, as well as a need for additional training regarding this application of the technology before it is implemented. Based on the results of this study, genetic counselors voice caution to the larger genetics community regarding expansion of NBS to incorporate genomic sequencing and advocate for additional education prior to initiating WGS into NBS.
Comparison of the Lipid Content, Fatty Acid Profile and Sterol Composition in Local Italian and Commercial Royal Jelly Samples
Authors: Ferioli Federico , Armaforte Emanuele , Caboni Maria Fiorenza 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRoyal jelly (RJ) is a beehive product that has gained a significant scientific and commercial interest due to its healthy properties. In the present study, lipid content, fatty acid profile and phytosterol amount were determined in eight local and four commercial pure RJ samples. A mixture of diethyl ether/isopropanol 50/1 (v/v) was chosen to extract fat matter from RJ. Lipid amounts ranged from 2.3 and 7.2 % and from 2.0 to 3.2 % of the fresh product in local and commercial RJ, respectively. Fourteen fatty acids and three phytosterols were identified. About 70 % of the total fatty acids consisted of (E)‐10‐hydroxy‐2‐decenoic and 10‐hydroxydecanoic acid. No significant difference was observed between local and commercial samples in regards to the relative amount of individual fatty acids. Sterols were in the range 179–701 and 329–1,097 mg kg−1 of fat in local and commercial RJ, respectively. A significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was observed within RJ types in regards to the 24‐methylenecholesterol fraction, amounting to 77 and 67 % of identified sterols in local and commercial products, respectively.
Direct Conversion of Pretreated Straw Cellulose into Citric Acid by Co-cultures of Yarrowia lipolytica SWJ-1b and Immobilized Trichoderma reesei Mycelium
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Lv Jinshun , Zhang Tong , Deng Yuanfang 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The immobilized cellulase-producing mycelium of Trichoderma reesei was found to produce 2.9 U/ml of cellulase activity within 144 h while 2.1 U/ml of cellulase activity was produced within 120 h by the free mycelium of the same strain. When the immobilized mycelium of T. reesei was co-cultivated with the free cells of Yarrowia lipolytica SWJ-1b in flask, Y. lipolytica SWJ-1b could yield 10.7 g/l of citric acid and 3.9 g/l of isocitric acid from 40.0 g/l pretreated straw within 240 h. Under the similar conditions, Y. lipolytica SWJ-1b could yield 32.8 g/l of citric acid and 4.7 g/l of isocitric acid from 40.0 g/l pretreated straw supplemented with 20.0 g/l glucose within 288 h. When the co-cultures were grown in 10-l fermentor, Y. lipolytica SWJ-1b could yield 83.4 g/l of citric acid and 8.7 g/l of isocitric acid from 100.0 g/l of pretreated straw supplemented with 50.0 g/l glucose within 312 h.
Determinants of adolescents' ineffective and improved coping with cyberbullying: A Delphi study
Authors: Jacobs Niels C.L. , Dehue Francine , Völlink Trijntje , Lechner Lilian 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe study's aim was to obtain an overview of all relevant variables involved in ineffective coping behavior and improvement in coping behavior as it pertains to cyberbullying among adolescents, in order to systematically develop a theory‐ and evidence‐based intervention. This was done by means of a three round online Delphi study. First, 20 key experts listed possible relevant determinants. Next, 70 experts scored these determinants on their relevance and finally, experts rerated relevance of each determinant based on group median scores. The experts agreed that 115 items are relevant for ineffective (62) or improvement in (53) coping behavior. New found determinants were the extent to which one can adjust behavior upon feedback, impulsivity, self‐confidence, communication style, personality, decision‐making skills, conflict resolution skills, previous participation in personal resilience training, social relationships, rumors and self‐disclosure. We conclude that the Delphi technique is useful in discovering new and relevant determinants of behavior.
International note: Parenting, academic achievement and problem behaviour among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Li Haibin , Walker Richard , Armstrong Derrick 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIn light of differing findings regarding the relations between parenting and adolescent academic/behavioural outcomes and the dearth of such research in a Chinese context, we conducted research to examine the relationship between parental supervision/attachment and academic achievement/problem behaviour among mainland Chinese adolescents. In the study, 636 Grade 11 students completed a questionnaire comprising parenting and problem behaviour variables complemented by academic achievement (GPA) data drawn from school records. The study found that the relations between parenting (parental supervision and attachment) and Chinese adolescents' academic and behavioural outcomes are very weak.
Pre‐pubertal serum leptin levels and sensitivity to central leptin injection of prenatally undernourished female rats
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Munkhzaya Munkhsaikhan , Tungalagsuvd Altankhuu , Kawami Takako , Murakami Masahiro , Yamasaki Mikio , Kato Takeshi , Kuwahara Akira , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIt has been reported that intrauterine undernutrition is closely associated with the pathogeneses of certain diseases in adulthood; i.e., insulin resistance and diabetes, and that leptin resistance plays a pivotal role in the pathology of such intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)‐related conditions. Therefore, examinations of IUGR‐induced leptin resistance in early developmental period are important for protecting against future disease. In this study, the effects of prenatal undernutrition on the serum leptin levels and central leptin responses of rats during the neonatal and/or pre‐pubertal period were examined. The 50% food‐restricted undernourished dams' offspring (UNO) exhibited a significantly lower birth weight than the normal nutrition dams' offspring (NNO). However, the UNO grew rapidly, and their mean body weight had caught up with that of the NNO by postnatal day 8. Thus, there were no significant differences between the body weights of the two groups at postnatal day 12, 16, 20, or 28. The serum leptin levels of the UNO were significantly higher than those of the NNO at postnatal days 20 and 28. At postnatal day 28, no significant difference in the hypothalamic mRNA level of neuropeptide Y, which is the main target of leptin, or that of ObRb, which is the leptin receptor, was detected between the NNO and UNO. The chronic intracerebroventricular injection of leptin attenuated body weight gain in both the NNO and UNO; however, there were no significant differences between the body weights of the two groups at any of the examined postnatal time points, indicating that the UNO and NNO exhibited similar central sensitivity to leptin during the pre‐pubertal period. These results suggest that prenatal undernutrition induces leptin resistance until the neonatal to pre‐pubertal period and that these alterations might be caused by impaired transportation of leptin to central tissues.
Predicting why women have elective repeat cesarean deliveries and predictors of successful vaginal birth after cesarean
Authors: Mone Fionnuala , Harrity Conor , Toner Brenda , McNally Aine , Adams Beverley , Currie Aoife 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the characteristics of women who select elective repeat cesarean rather than trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) for delivery, and to determine individual predictors for success and failure within a TOLAC group and observe differences in maternal and neonatal morbidity.MethodsThe present descriptive, retrospective, observational study was performed in a regional obstetric unit in the United Kingdom. Data were collected from the Northern Ireland Maternity System database on all women who gave birth between April 2010 and April 2012, and had a previous cesarean delivery, and statistical analysis was performed.ResultsIn total, 893 patients were included in the study: 385 underwent TOLAC and 493 underwent elective repeat cesarean. On comparison, women in the elective repeat cesarean group had a shorter inter‐delivery interval and fewer had had a previous vaginal delivery (P < 0.005). Predictors for success in the TOLAC group included previous vaginal delivery and a longer inter‐delivery interval (P < 0.05). Successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) did not have higher rates of maternal morbidity.ConclusionThe majority of patients (56%) chose elective repeat cesarean rather than TOLAC, which has long‐term implications both clinically and financially. A validated prediction model might improve patient counseling and identify women with a high likelihood of successful VBAC.
Diagnostic accuracy and practice effects in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set neuropsychological battery
Authors: Mathews Melissa , Abner Erin , Kryscio Richard , Jicha Gregory , Cooper Gregory , Smith Charles , Caban‐Holt Allison , Schmitt Frederick A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe Uniform Data Set (UDS) neuropsychological battery is frequently used in clinical studies. However, practice effects, effectiveness as a measure of global cognitive functioning, and detection of mild cognitive impairment have not been examined.MethodsA normative total score for the UDS has been developed. Linear discriminant analysis determined classification accuracy in identifying cognitively normal and impaired groups. Practice effects were examined in cognitively normal and cognitively impaired groups.ResultsThe total score differentiates between cognitively normal participants and those with dementia, but does not accurately identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Mean total scores for test‐exposed participants were significantly higher than test‐naive participants in both the normal and MCI groups and were higher, but not significantly so, in the dementia group.ConclusionThe total score's classification accuracy discriminates between cognitively normal versus participants who have dementia. The total score appears subject to practice effects.
Intra‐cardiac echocardiography guided catheter ablation of a right posterior accessory pathway in a patient with Ebstein's anomaly
Authors: Shimane Akira , Okajima Katsunori , Kiuchi Kunihiko , Kanda Gaku , Yokoi Kiminobu , Teranishi Jin , Aoki Kousuke , Chimura Misato , Yamada Shinichiro , Taniguchi Yasuyo , Kawai Hiroya , Yasaka Yoshinori , Yokoyama Mitsuhiro 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe report a case of Ebstein's anomaly in which radiofrequency catheter ablation of an accessory pathway was successfully performed under intra‐cardiac echocardiography. A 50‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital for radiofrequency catheter ablation of a paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. A 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram revealed ventricular pre‐excitation associated with type B Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome. In the baseline electrophysiological study, an orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia with a right posterior accessory pathway was induced. A phased‐array intra‐cardiac echo probe was positioned in the right atrium to visualize the atrioventricular junction. The key structures for catheter ablation, such as the atrialized right ventricle, atrioventricular junction, and tricuspid valve, were clearly visualized on intra‐cardiac echocardiography. Radiofrequency current was successfully delivered at the atrioventricular junction, where a Kent potential was recorded. During a 6‐month follow‐up period, the patient was free from arrhythmias. The findings in this case suggest that phased‐array intra‐cardiac echocardiography is useful for ablation of right‐sided accessory pathways in patients with Ebstein's anomaly.
Crystal structure of PhnZ in complex with substrate reveals a di-iron oxygenase mechanism for catabolism of organophosphonates
Authors: van Staalduinen Laura M. , McSorley Fern R. , Schiessl Katharina , Séguin Jacqueline , Wyatt Peter B. , Hammerschmidt Friedrich , Zechel David L. , Jia Zongchao 
Published: March 2014

Significance
Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is an essential component of many biological molecules and thus is required by all life forms. However, soluble Pi is typically at low abundance in the environment. To compensate, microbes have evolved unique carbon–phosphorus-bond cleaving reactions to use organophosphonates as an alternative source of Pi. The marine-derived enzyme PhnZ utilizes a new oxidative mechanism for CP bond cleavage involving iron and molecular oxygen. The three-dimensional structure of PhnZ reveals unique active site features that contribute to catalysis of CP bond cleavage and substrate specificity, as well as an evolutionary link between phosphodiester bond hydrolysis and oxidative bond cleavage. This evolutionary link likely reflects the ancient origins of organophosphonates in the environment.
Identification of five patterns of nucleosome positioning that globally describe transcription factor function
Authors: Maehara Kazumitsu , Ohkawa Yasuyuki 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTFollowing the binding of transcription factors (TF) to specific regions, chromatin remodeling including alterations in nucleosome positioning (NP) occurs. These changes in NP cause selective gene expression to determine cell function. However whether specific NP patterns upon TF binding determine the transcriptional regulation such as gene activation or suppression is unclear. Here we identified five patterns of NP around TF binding sites (TFBSs) using fixed MNase-Seq analysis. The most frequently observed NP pattern described the transcription state. The five patterns explained approximately 80% of the whole NP pattern on the genome in mouse C2C12 cells. We further performed ChIP-Seq using the input obtained from the fixed MNase-Seq. The result showed that a single trial of ChIP-Seq could visualize the NP patterns around the TFBS and predict the function of the transcriptional regulation at the same time. These findings indicate that NP can directly predict the function of TFs.
Inhibition of the Arabidopsis Salt Overly Sensitive Pathway by 14-3-3 Proteins
Authors: Zhou Huapeng , Lin Huixin , Chen She , Becker Katia , Yang Yongqing , Zhao Jinfeng , Kudla Jörg , Schumaker Karen S. , Guo Yan 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway regulates intracellular sodium ion (Na+) homeostasis and salt tolerance in plants. Until recently, little was known about the mechanisms that inhibit the SOS pathway when plants are grown in the absence of salt stress. In this study, we report that the Arabidopsis thaliana 14-3-3 proteins λ and κ interact with SOS2 and repress its kinase activity. Growth in the presence of salt decreases the interaction between SOS2 and the 14-3-3 proteins, leading to kinase activation in planta. 14-3-3 λ interacts with the SOS2 junction domain, which is important for its kinase activity. A phosphorylation site (Ser-294) is identified within this domain by mass spectrometry. Mutation of Ser-294 to Ala or Asp does not affect SOS2 kinase activity in the absence of the 14-3-3 proteins. However, in the presence of 14-3-3 proteins, the inhibition of SOS2 activity is decreased by the Ser-to-Ala mutation and enhanced by the Ser-to-Asp exchange. These results identify 14-3-3 λ and κ as important regulators of salt tolerance. The inhibition of SOS2 mediated by the binding of 14-3-3 proteins represents a novel mechanism that confers basal repression of the SOS pathway in the absence of salt stress.
Arabidopsis DELLA and JAZ Proteins Bind the WD-Repeat/bHLH/MYB Complex to Modulate Gibberellin and Jasmonate Signaling Synergy
Authors: Qi Tiancong , Huang Huang , Wu Dewei , Yan Jianbin , Qi Yijun , Song Susheng , Xie Daoxin 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Integration of diverse environmental and endogenous signals to coordinately regulate growth, development, and defense is essential for plants to survive in their natural habitat. The hormonal signals gibberellin (GA) and jasmonate (JA) antagonistically and synergistically regulate diverse aspects of plant growth, development, and defense. GA and JA synergistically induce initiation of trichomes, which assist seed dispersal and act as barriers to protect plants against insect attack, pathogen infection, excessive water loss, and UV irradiation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying such synergism between GA and JA signaling remains unclear. In this study, we revealed a mechanism for GA and JA signaling synergy and identified a signaling complex of the GA pathway in regulation of trichome initiation. Molecular, biochemical, and genetic evidence showed that the WD-repeat/bHLH/MYB complex acts as a direct target of DELLAs in the GA pathway and that both DELLAs and JAZs interacted with the WD-repeat/bHLH/MYB complex to mediate synergism between GA and JA signaling in regulating trichome development. GA and JA induce degradation of DELLAs and JASMONATE ZIM-domain proteins to coordinately activate the WD-repeat/bHLH/MYB complex and synergistically and mutually dependently induce trichome initiation. This study provides deep insights into the molecular mechanisms for integration of different hormonal signals to synergistically regulate plant development.