bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FcRγ‐chain deficiency reduces the development of diet‐induced obesity
Authors: van Beek Lianne , Vroegrijk Irene O.C.M. , Katiraei Saeed , Heemskerk Mattijs M. , van Dam Andrea D. , Kooijman Sander , Rensen Patrick C.N. , Koning Frits , Verbeek J. Sjef , Willems van Dijk Ko , van Harmelen Vanessa 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivePathogenic immunoglobulins are produced during the development of obesity and contribute to the development of insulin resistance (IR). However, the mechanisms by which these antibodies affect IR are largely unknown. This study investigated whether Fc‐receptors contribute to the development of diet‐induced obesity and IR by studying FcRγ−/− mice that lack the γ‐subunit necessary for signaling and cell surface expression of FcγR and FcεRI.MethodsFcRγ−/− and wild‐type (WT) mice were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. At 4 and 11 weeks, body weight and insulin sensitivity were measured, and adipose tissue (AT) inflammation was determined. Furthermore, intestinal triglyceride (TG) uptake and plasma TG clearance were determined, and gut microbiota composition was analyzed.ResultsFcRγ−/− mice gained less weight after 11 weeks of HFD. They had reduced adiposity, adipose tissue inflammation, and IR. Interestingly, FcRγ−/− mice had higher lean mass compared to WT mice, which was associated with increased energy expenditure. Intestinal TG absorption was increased whereas plasma TG clearance was not affected in FcRγ−/− mice. Gut microbial composition differed significantly and might therefore have added to the observed phenotype.ConclusionsFcRγ‐chain deficiency reduces the development of diet‐induced obesity, as well as associated AT inflammation and IR at 11 weeks of HFD.
Abdominal adiposity change in white and black midlife women: The study of women's health across the nation
Authors: Kazlauskaite Rasa , Innola Pilvi , Karavolos Kelly , Dugan Sheila A. , Avery Elizabeth F. , Fattout Yacob , Karvonen‐Gutierrez Carrie , Janssen Imke , Powell Lynda H. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveThe principal objective of this investigation was to compare the naturalistic intra‐abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) change among black and white women during midlife.MethodsA cohort of 222 (56%) white and 171 (44%) black midlife women were investigated in the Fat Patterning Study at the Chicago site of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. The subjects' total body fat was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and IAAT by a planimetric computed tomography (at the level of L4‐L5) annually over up to 4 years.ResultsThe total body fat at initial evaluation was higher in black women (45.1% ± 8.2%) when compared with white women (41.3% ± 8.7%, P < 0.001) and did not significantly change over the longitudinal follow‐up. No significant racial differences were found in the mean annualized gain of IAAT (4.4% ± 0.5%) in models adjusted for total body fat, initial IAAT, age, race, time and race interaction, physical activity, depressive symptoms, menopausal status, and menopausal hormone therapy.ConclusionsDuring a naturalistic observation, black and white midlife women had similar abdominal fat gain adjusted for differences in baseline adiposity. These data inform future research aimed to prevent IAAT gain during the critical midlife period of rising cardiovascular risk.
Honig: Zucker an der Phasengrenze
Authors: Vilgis Thomas 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHonigliebhaber wissen, dass einige Sorten schneller kristallisieren als andere. Aus physikalischer Sicht ist der Bienenzucker eine mehr oder weniger stark “übersättigte Zuckerlösung”, vorwiegend bestehend aus Glucose und Fructose. Die Kristallisierungsfrage lässt sich deshalb klären, indem man Modellhonige betrachtet, die aus diesen beiden Monosacchariden und Wasser bestehen.
Cytoplasmic accumulation of ELAVL1 is an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence associated with genomic instability in prostate cancer
Authors: Melling Nathaniel , Taskin Berivan , Hube‐Magg Claudia , Kluth Martina , Minner Sarah , Koop Christina , Grob Tobias , Graefen Markus , Heinzer Hans , Tsourlakis Maria Christina , Izbicki Jakob , Wittmer Corinna , Huland Hartwig , Simon Ronald , Wilczak Waldemar , Sauter Guido , Steurer Stefan , Schlomm Thorsten , Krech Till 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundELAVL1 is an RNA binding protein involved in translation control, which might have a regulatory role in prostate cancer progress.MethodsTo evaluate its impact and relationship with key genomic alterations, ELAVL1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray containing 12,427 prostate cancers.ResultsThe analysis revealed a mild to moderate predominantly nuclear immunostaining in normal prostate epithelium and an often higher both cytoplasmic and nuclear expression in cancer cells. Weak, moderate, and strong cytoplasmic ELAVL1 staining was found in 43%, 18%, and 3% of 10,478 interpretable tumors. Strong ELAVL1 staining was linked to high Gleason grade, advanced pathological tumor stage, positive nodal status, and PSA recurrence (P < 0.0001 each). A combined analysis of the effect of nuclear and cytoplasmic ELAVL1 expression on PSA recurrence revealed that the association with patient outcome was entirely driven by cytoplasmic staining. ELAVL1 positivity was more frequent in cancers harboring TMPRSS2:ERG fusions found by FISH (78%) or showing immunohistochemical ERG expression (74%) than in cancers without ERG rearrangement (63%) or ERG expression (58%, P < 0.0001 each). Strong cytoplasmic ELAVL1 staining was further linked to presence of PTEN, 5q21, 6q15, and 3p13 deletions (P < 0.0001 each), an observation consistent with cytoplasmic ELAVL1 accumulation in case of genomic instability. The prognostic role of ELAVL1 expression was independent of Gleason grade, T stage, N stage, surgical margin status, and preoperative PSA, irrespective of whether preoperative or postoperative variables were used for modeling.ConclusionOur study identifies cytoplasmic accumulation of ELAVL1 as a predictor of adverse clinical behavior of prostate cancer independent of established clinico‐pathological parameters. Prostate 76:259–272, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Exploration of Returning Veterans' Sexual Health Issues Using a Brief Self-Report Measure
Authors: Beaulieu Gregory R. , Latini David M. , Helmer Drew A. , Powers-James Catherine , Houlette Cheryl , Kauth Michael R. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Sexual health is an integral aspect of quality of life with important implications for satisfaction with intimate relationships, emotional well-being, and life as a whole. Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan frequently encounter a wide range of known risk factors for sexual health concerns.

Aim
This article seeks to examine the overall frequency, important covariates associated with sexual difficulties, and the relevant domains of sexual dysfunction among a group of recent US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Methods
This is a retrospective chart review of 247 veterans of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan evaluated for an initial visit at the post-deployment clinic of a large veterans affairs medical center (VAMC). Patient demographic and medical characteristics were calculated using descriptive statistics. The prevalence and burden of sexual health issues in our patient sample were calculated using descriptive statistics from these veterans' responses to a self-report measure of sexual functioning. Item-level regression analyses were then conducted between sexual functioning responses and other patient data.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures used were the responses to the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX).

Results
Almost 18% of veterans screened positive for sexual functioning difficulties. Self-reported sexual dysfunction was most strongly associated with depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, female sex, and service connection rating. Co-occurring characteristics varied with specific areas of sexual functioning.

Conclusions
Screening using an empirically validated self-report instrument indicates that there is a high prevalence of reported sexual dysfunction among recently deployed veterans. Analyses indicated that there are specific characteristics associated with both overall self-reported sexual dysfunction and specific subtypes of sexual dysfunction. Active assessment of specific aspects of sexual dysfunction concerns may allow providers to identify and implement more precise sexual functioning interventions.
Why do some outside successions fare better than others? The role of outside CEOs' prior experience with board diversity
Authors: Zhu David H. , Shen Wei 
Published: November 2015

Research summary: We develop a theory to explain why new outside CEOs can better manage their relationship with the board if they previously served on boards that were more diverse than the focal board. We predict that a new outside CEO's prior experience with more diverse boards not only reduces the likelihood of post‐succession CEO turnover and director turnover, but also improves firm performance. Results from an analysis of 188 outside CEOs in a sample of Fortune 500 companies provide support for our theory. This study contributes to upper echelon theory and research by identifying outside CEOs' prior experience with board diversity as an important aspect of their background that influences a range of major organizational outcomes, including CEO turnover, director turnover, and firm performance.Managerial summary: It is challenging to be a new CEO who comes from outside of the organization. Our study examines why some new outside CEOs fare better than others. We suggest that a positive relationship with the board of directors is a key factor in a new outside CEO's success. A new outside CEO can better manage the relationship with the board if he or she has prior experience working with other demographically diverse boards. In contrast, when the focal board is more diverse than the other boards on which the new CEO previously served, the new CEO tends to struggle in managing his or her relationship with the board, experiencing a higher likelihood of turnover and delivering worse financial performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells elicit macrophages into an anti-inflammatory phenotype to alleviate insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Xie Zongyan , Hao Haojie , Tong Chuan , Cheng Yu , Liu Jiejie , Pang Yaping , Si Yiling , Guo Yulin , Zang Li , Mu Yiming , Han Weidong 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Insulin resistance, a major characteristic of type 2 diabetes (T2D), is closely associated with adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) that induce chronic low-grade inflammation. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in alleviation of insulin resistance. However, the underlying mechanism still remains elusive. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether the effect of MSCs on insulin resistance was related to macrophages phenotypes in adipose tissues of T2D rats. In this study, human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) infusion produced significantly anti-diabetic effects and promoted insulin sensitivity in T2D rats that were induced by a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin and directed ATMs into an alternatively activated phenotype (M2, anti-inflammatory). In vitro, MSC-induced M2 macrophages alleviated insulin resistance caused by classically activated macrophages (M1, pro-inflammatory). Further analysis showed that M1 stimulated UC-MSCs to increase expression of interleukin (IL)-6, a molecule which upregulated IL4R expression, promoted phosphorylation of STAT6 in macrophages, and eventually polarized macrophages into M2 phenotype. Moreover, the UC-MSCs effect on macrophages was largely abrogated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of IL-6. Together, our results indicate that UC-MSCs can alleviate insulin resistance in part via production of IL-6 that elicits M2 polarization. Additionally, human obesity and insulin resistance were associated with increased pro-inflammatory ATMs infiltration. Thus, MSCs may be a new treatment for obesity-related insulin resistance and T2D concerning macrophage polarized effects.
Human umbilical tissue-derived cells rescue retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction in retinal degeneration
Authors: Cao Jing , Murat Christopher , An Weijun , Yao Xiang , Lee John , Santulli-Marotto Sandra , Harris Ian R. , Inana George 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells perform many functions crucial for retinal preservation and vision. RPE cell dysfunction results in various retinal degenerative diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Currently, there are no effective treatments for retinal degeneration except for a small percentage of individuals with exudative AMD. Cell therapies targeting RPE cells are being developed in the clinic for the treatment of retinal degeneration. Subretinal injection of human umbilical tissue-derived cells (hUTC) in the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model of retinal degeneration was shown to preserve photoreceptors and visual function. However, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that hUTC rescue phagocytic dysfunction in RCS RPE cells in vitro. hUTC secrete receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), as well as opsonizing bridge molecules milk-fat-globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8), growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6), thrombospondin (TSP)-1, and TSP-2. The effect of hUTC on phagocytosis rescue in vitro is mimicked by recombinant human proteins of these factors and is abolished by siRNA-targeted gene silencing in hUTC. The bridge molecules secreted from hUTC bind to the photoreceptor outer segments and facilitate their ingestion by the RPE. This study elucidates novel cellular mechanisms for the repair of RPE function in retinal degeneration through RTK ligands and bridge molecules, and demonstrates the potential of using hUTC for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.
Fetuses with right aortic arch: a multicenter cohort study and meta‐analysis
Authors: D'Antonio F. , Khalil A. , Zidere V. , Carvalho J. S. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTObjectivesUse of recent antenatal screening guidelines for cardiac abnormalities has increased fetal diagnoses of right aortic arch (RAA). We aimed to establish the outcome of fetal RAA without intracardiac abnormalities (ICA) to guide postnatal management.MethodsIn the retrospective cohort part of our study, outcome measures were rates of chromosomal abnormalities, 22q11.2 deletion, fetal extracardiac abnormalities (ECA), postnatal ICA and ECA, and symptoms of and surgery for vascular ring. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was also performed; results are reported as proportions. Kaplan–Meier analysis of vascular ring cases with surgery as endpoint was performed.ResultsOur cohort included 86 cases; 41 had a vascular ring. Rates of chromosomal abnormalities, 22q11.2 deletion and fetal ECA were 14.1%, 6.4% and 17.4%, respectively. Sixteen studies including our cohort (312 fetuses) were included in the systematic review. Overall rates of chromosomal abnormalities and 22q11.2 deletion were 9.0% (95% CI, 6.0–12.5%) and 6.1% (95% CI, 3.6–9.3%), whilst the respective rates for cases with no ECA were 4.6% (95% CI, 2.3–7.8%) and 5.1% (95% CI, 2.4–8.6%). ECA were seen in 14.6% (95% CI, 10.6–19.0%) prenatally and in 4.0% (95% CI, 1.5–7.6%) after birth. Postnatal ICA were identified in 5.0% (95% CI, 2.7–7.9%). Rate of symptoms of vascular rings (follow‐up ≥ 24 months postpartum) was 25.2% (95% CI, 16.6–35.0%), and 17.1% (95% CI, 9.9–25.7%) had surgery. Two‐year freedom from surgery was 83.0% (95% CI, 74.3–90.1%).ConclusionsFetal RAA without ICA is more frequently associated with ECA than with chromosomal abnormalities. Most cases, however, are isolated. Vascular‐ring symptoms occur in about 25% of cases. Postnatal surveillance is required mainly in the first 2 years after delivery. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Managing the water cycle in Kenyan small‐scale maize farming systems: Part 2. Farmers’ use of formal and informal climate forecasts
Authors: Vervoort R. Willem , Muita Richard , Ampt Peter , van Ogtrop Floris 
Published: November 2015

Forecasts can be an important component of water cycle management and farm decision making, particularly where rainfall is uncertain. In Kenya, the use of informal or indigenous forecasting (IF) is known to be widespread, but farmers also use more formal seasonal forecasting (SF) to make decisions in relation to the water cycle. A review of literature indicates that local knowledge is adaptable and often mixes indigenous knowledge and external information. In most cases, IF focusses on more local features and relates more to practical farm activities.Based on extensive interviews and focus groups of farmers in two study areas in Kenya, a majority of farmers from each area used IF, even though SF was also used. There were few farmer characteristics that explained the difference in the use of IF and SF. However, there were differences between the two study areas in how farmers interpreted SF and whether they used a combination of SF and IF. Furthermore there were differences in the local IF indicators used by farmers to identify the onset of the rainy season.To improve the acceptance of SF and increase its use, the information provided in SF needs to be easily incorporated into farmers’ current working knowledge, which might also include IF. This means that SF tools should be developed using participatory approaches to ensure the engagement of local farmers. WIREs Water 2016, 3:127–140. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1121This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Antibiotics and evolution: food for thought
Authors: Strachan C R , Davies J 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The role of secondary metabolites in effecting and modulating reactions during early biochemical evolution has been largely unappreciated. It is possible that low molecular weight effectors were gradually replaced by polypeptides as polymerizing reactions became more complex, but retained some ability to interact with original receptor sites. Indeed, by reviewing the era of antibiotics in this light we can begin to reconcile the ancient and contemporary activities of these molecules. The corollary being that secondary metabolites participate in a vast array of interactions in nature and investigating their intended receptors will be revealing in both pharmacological and evolutionary terms.
Harnessing natural product assembly lines: structure, promiscuity, and engineering
Authors: Ladner Christopher C , Williams Gavin J 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Many therapeutically relevant natural products are biosynthesized by the action of giant mega-enzyme assembly lines. By leveraging the specificity, promiscuity, and modularity of assembly lines, a variety of strategies has been developed that enables the biosynthesis of modified natural products. This review briefly summarizes recent structural advances related to natural product assembly lines, discusses chemical approaches to probing assembly line structures in the absence of traditional biophysical data, and surveys efforts that harness the inherent or engineered promiscuity of assembly lines for the synthesis of non-natural polyketides and non-ribosomal peptide analogues.
Low n‐6/n‐3 PUFA Ratio Improves Lipid Metabolism, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Function in Rats Using Plant Oils as n‐3 Fatty Acid Source
Authors: Yang Li Gang , Song Zhi Xiu , Yin Hong , Wang Yan Yan , Shu Guo Fang , Lu Hui Xia , Wang Shao Kang , Sun Gui Ju 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial function play important roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which may be affected by an imbalance in the n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio on these cardiovascular risk factors in rats fed a high‐fat diet using plant oils as the main n‐3 PUFA source. The 1:1 and 5:1 ratio groups had significantly decreased serum levels of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and proinflammatory cytokines compared with the 20:1 group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the 20:1 group had significantly increased serum levels of E‐Selectin, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and numerous markers of oxidative stress compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). The 1:1 group had a significantly decreased lipid peroxide level compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Serum levels of malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species and vWF tended to increase with n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratios increasing from 5:1 to 20:1. We demonstrated that low n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio (1:1 and 5:1) had a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors by enhancing favorable lipid profiles, having anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative stress effects, and improving endothelial function. A high n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio (20:1) had adverse effects. Our results indicated that low n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratios exerted beneficial cardiovascular effects, suggesting that plant oils could be used as a source of n‐3 fatty acids to prevent CVD. They also suggested that we should be aware of possible adverse effects from excessive n‐3 PUFA.
The Phase Behavior of γ‐Oryzanol and β‐Sitosterol in Edible Oil
Authors: Sawalha Hassan , Venema Paul , Bot Arjen , Flöter Eckhard , Adel Ruud den , van der Linden Erik 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe phase behavior of binary mixtures of γ‐oryzanol and β‐sitosterol and ternary mixtures of γ‐oryzanol and β‐sitosterol in sunflower oil was studied. Binary mixtures of γ‐oryzanol and β‐sitosterol show double‐eutectic behavior. Complex phase behavior with two intermediate mixed solid phases was derived from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) data, in which a compound that consists of γ‐oryzanol and β‐sitosterol molecules at a specific ratio can be formed. SAXS shows that the organization of γ‐oryzanol and β‐sitosterol in the mixed phases is different from the structure of tubules in ternary systems. Ternary mixtures including sunflower oil do not show a sudden structural transition from the compound to a tubule, but a gradual transition occurs as γ‐oryzanol and β‐sitosterol are diluted in edible oil. The same behavior is observed when melting binary mixtures of γ‐oryzanol and β‐sitosterol at higher temperatures. This indicates the feasibility of having an organogelling agent in dynamic exchange between solid and liquid phase, which is an essential feature of triglyceride networks.