bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel class of bifunctional acylpeptide hydrolases – potential role in the antioxidant defense systems of the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii
Authors: Gogliettino Marta , Riccio Alessia , Balestrieri Marco , Cocca Ennio , Facchiano Angelo , D'Arco Teresa M. , Tesoro Clara , Rossi Mosè , Palmieri Gianna 
Published: November 2013

Oxidative challenge is an important factor affecting the adaptive strategies of Antarctic fish, but data on antioxidant defenses in these organisms remain scarce. In this context, a key role could be played by acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH), which was recently hypothesized to participate in the degradation of oxidized and cytotoxic proteins, although its physiological function is still not fully clarified. This study represents the first report on piscine members of this enzyme family, specifically from the Antarctic teleost Trematomus bernacchii. The cDNAs corresponding to two apeh genes were isolated, and the respective proteins were functionally and structurally characterized with the aim of understanding the biological significance of these proteases in Antarctic fish. Both APEH isoforms (APEH‐1Tb and APEH‐2Tb) showed distinct temperature‐kinetic behavior, with significant differences in the Km values. Moreover, beside the typical acylpeptide hydrolase activity, APEH‐2Tb showed remarkable oxidized protein endohydrolase activity towards oxidized BSA, suggesting that this isoform could play a homeostatic role in removing oxidatively damaged proteins, sustaining the antioxidant defense systems. The 3D structures of both APEHs were predicted, and a possible relationship was found between the substrate specificity/affinity and the marked changes in the number of charged residues and hydrophobicity properties surrounding their catalytic sites. Our results demonstrated the occurrence of two APEH isoforms in T. bernacchii, belonging to different phylogenetic clusters, identified for the first time, and showing distinct molecular and temperature–kinetic behaviors. In addition, we suggest that the members of the new cluster ‘APEH‐2’ could participate in reactive oxygen species detoxification as phase 3 antioxidant enzymes, enhancing the protein degradation machinery.
Ecological consequences of variation in precipitation: separating short‐ versus long‐term effects using satellite data
Authors: Jin Yufang , Goulden Michael L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimPrecipitation controls the production of semi‐arid plants through various mechanisms that operate at a range of time‐scales. Short‐term variation in precipitation affects vegetation through adjustments in plant physiology and leaf phenology, whereas long‐term effects are mediated by plant establishment and mortality, community composition and disturbance regimes. Our goal is to use remote sensing observations to separate the short‐ and long‐term effects of variation in precipitation on ecosystem production.LocationCalifornia, USA.MethodsWe used time series of gridded absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) to quantify the short‐ and long‐term responses of diverse ecosystems to variation in precipitation across large productivity and precipitation gradients. We investigated the relationships between temporal sensitivity of APAR to interannual variation in precipitation and mean annual precipitation (MAP), ecosystem properties and disturbance.ResultsAPAR increased with precipitation both interannually within locations and across locations with MAP. The slope of the interannual relationship, which reflects the sensitivity of APAR to short‐term fluctuations in precipitation, varied with climate, vegetation type and structure, and time since disturbance. The interannual APAR sensitivity decreased from c. 0.5 MJ m−2 mm−1 at a MAP of 300 mm year−1 to less than 0.05 MJ m−2 mm−1 at 1000 mm year−1. The slope of the spatial relationship, which reflects the long‐term sensitivity of APAR to climate, decreased from c. 2.5 MJ m−2 mm−1 at 300 mm year−1 MAP to c. 0.6 MJ m−2 mm−1 at 1000 mm year−1. The initial physiological and leaf area effects of a precipitation shift were amplified five‐fold over time by gradual changes in population density and species composition.Main conclusionThe impact of a hydroclimatic shift on the primary production, structure and function of California's terrestrial ecosystems depends heavily on time‐scale and how rapidly changes in plant population density and community composition can occur.
Quality of life in dialysis: A Malaysian perspective
Authors: Liu Wen J. , Musa Ramli , Chew Thian F. , Lim Christopher T. S. , Morad Zaki , Bujang Adam 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThere is a growing interest to use quality of life as one of the dialysis outcome measurement. Based on the Malaysian National Renal Registry data on 15 participating sites, 1569 adult subjects who were alive at December 31, 2012, aged 18 years old and above were screened. Demographic and medical data of 1332 eligible subjects were collected during the administration of the short form of World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL‐BREF) in Malay, English, and Chinese language, respectively. The primary objective is to evaluate the quality of life among dialysis patients using WHOQOL‐BREF. The secondary objective is to examine significant factors that affect quality of life score. Mean (SD) transformed quality of life scores were 56.2 (15.8), 59.8 (16.8), 58.2 (18.5), 59.5 (14.6), 61.0 (18.5) for (1) physical, (2) psychological, (3) social relations, (4) environment domains, and (5) combined overall quality of life and general health, respectively. Peritoneal dialysis group scored significantly higher than hemodialysis group in the mean combined overall quality of life and general health score (63.0 vs. 60.0, P < 0.001). Independent factors that were associated significantly with quality of life score in different domains include gender, body mass index, religion, education, marital status, occupation, income, mode of dialysis, hemoglobin, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, cerebral vascular accident and leg amputation. Subjects on peritoneal dialysis modality achieved higher combined overall quality of life and general health score than those on hemodialysis. Religion and cerebral vascular accident were significantly associated with all domains and combined overall quality of life and general health.
Desmoid‐type fibromatosis of the head and neck region in the paediatric population: a clinicopathological and genetic study of seven cases
Authors: Flucke Uta , Tops Bastiaan B J , van Diest Paul J , Slootweg Pieter J 
Published: November 2013

AimsDesmoid‐type fibromatosis (desmoid) is a locally aggressive (myo)fibroblastic lesion. It represents one of the more common fibrous tumours in children and adolescents. The head and neck region is more often involved than in adults.Methods and resultsWe investigated the clinicopathological and genetic characteristics of seven paediatric desmoids at this anatomical site, including two cases of desmoplastic fibroma located in the mandible. There were two females and five males with an age range of 1.5–8 years. The sites of the soft tissue lesions were sinonasal (n = 4) and paramandibular (n = 1). All cases showed typical morphology and nuclear β‐catenin expression. CTNNB1 gene sequencing, performed successfully in five cases, revealed mutations in three cases with one p.T41A (bone lesion), one p.S37A and one novel mutation, p.D32V (sinonasal soft tissue lesions). Six patients were treated by excision with positive margins in five cases. Follow‐up, available for six patients (median 4 years), showed no evidence of disease in four cases, slow progression in one case, and recurrence with stable disease in the last case.ConclusionsOur study provides evidence of genetic similarities in desmoid and desmoplastic fibroma. Additionally, we expanded the spectrum of mutations in CTNNB1 with one novel desmoid mutation.
Chemical Durability of Lanthanum‐Enriched Borosilicate Glass
Authors: Molières Estelle , Angeli Frédéric , Jollivet Patrick , Gin Stephane , Charpentier Thibault , Majérus Odile , Barboux Philippe , de Ligny Dominique , Spalla Olivier 
Published: November 2013

The role of lanthanum in the alteration kinetics at different degrees of reaction progress was investigated at 90°C and pH 7 by complementary chemical (SIMS), morphological (SAXS), and structural (NMR, Raman, and EXAFS spectroscopy) approaches. In the first step of alteration, the forward dissolution rate diminishes with the addition of lanthanum, resembling to the behavior previously observed for zirconium. Over longer alteration time, the glasses with the highest lanthanum concentrations reach silicon saturation more slowly, but unlike zirconium, do not result in larger quantities of altered glass. Lanthanum is entirely retained in the alteration layer and is uniformly distributed; it undergoes hydrolysis and recondensation mechanisms, and its coordination number increases from 6 to 9 during leaching. Reconstruction of the alteration layer occurred more slowly at higher REE concentrations, with a slowdown in repolymerization of the silicate network and structuring of its porosity.
Histopathological differences between prostate cancer foci that are detected and missed using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in Korean patients
Authors: Chung Jae Dong , Lee Jong Beum , Lee Tae‐Jin , Kwon Jong Kyou , Kim Jung Hoon , Chang In Ho , Kim Kyung Do 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesWe investigated whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is appropriate to localize prostate cancer foci in Koreans.MethodsA total of 141 prostate cancer foci in 115 prostate specimens from patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy with preoperative 3 Tesla multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging including T2‐weighted imaging, diffusion weighted imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Differences in the histopathological findings between detected and undetected prostate cancer foci on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging were investigated.ResultsThe mean tumor size was 1.9 cm, and 31.9%, 48.9%, and 19.9% of the patients had Gleason scores of 6, 7, or ≥8, respectively. The detection rates of prostate cancer foci were 54.6%, 57.4%, 55.3%, and 45.4% on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, T2‐weighted imaging, diffusion weighted imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. On multivariate analysis, tumor size ≥1.5 cm (odds ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.31–7.49), Gleason score >7 (4 + 3; odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.05–8.05), and a malignant epithelium/stroma ratio of ≥60% (odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.14–7.20) were significant independent predictors of prostate cancer foci detection on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion weighted imaging. In a multivariate linear model analysis, the apparent diffusion coefficient value was inversely associated with maximum tumor diameter (β = −0.242, P < 0.05), Gleason score (β = −0.234, P < 0.05) and high malignant epithelium/stroma ratio (β = −0.229, P < 0.05).ConclusionsDistinct histological differences between prostate cancer foci that were detected and missed by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging can be identified. Despite limitations, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging seems useful for determining prostate cancer in Korean patients, particularly with Gleason score >7 and tumor diameter >1.5 cm.
Pyrosequencing the salivary transcriptome of Haemadipsa interrupta (Annelida: Clitellata: Haemadipsidae): anticoagulant diversity and insight into the evolution of anticoagulation capabilities in leeches
Authors: Kvist Sebastian , Brugler Mercer R. , Goh Thary G. , Giribet Gonzalo , Siddall Mark E. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFreshwater, marine, and terrestrial leeches that depend on a diet of fresh blood have evolved salivary peptide components that inhibit normal thrombus formation by prey. Although bloodfeeding in leeches has long been of interest to biologists and medical practitioners alike, only a few studies have comprehensively examined the anticoagulant repertoires of hematophagous leeches, and these have largely been confined to representatives of Glossiphoniidae, Hirudinidae, and Macrobdellidae. Here, we present 454 pyrosequencing data from the salivary transcriptome of the hematophagous terrestrial leech Haemadipsa interrupta (Haemadipsidae). Assembled transcripts were annotated using both similarity scores (BLAST) and gene ontology (Blast2GO). Subsequently, transcripts were examined within alignments containing well‐characterized anticoagulants and other select bioactive (i.e., affecting the living cells of the prey) salivary proteins and phylogenies were reconstructed for each protein data set to verify orthology predictions. In total, transcripts significantly matching 20 salivary proteins of interest were found in the transcriptome, representing several different antagonistic pathways. After reviewing gene ontologies, alignments, and phylogenetic trees, sequences for 15 out of the 20 hits were deemed correctly annotated. Additionally, we recovered matches against several proteins that have previously been linked to anticoagulation (e.g., cathepsin and disintegrins), but the specific function of which in leeches needs further investigation. Finally, in light of these data as well as those previously published, we discuss our current understanding of the distribution and evolution of anticoagulants in leeches.
Evaluating the protective efficacy of antigen combinations against Photobacterium damselae ssp. piscicida infections in cobia, Rachycentron canadum L.
Authors: Ho L‐P , Chang C‐J , Liu H‐C , Yang H‐L , Lin J H‐Y 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCobia, Rachycentron canadum L., is a very important aquatic fish that faces the risk of infection with the bacterial pathogen Photobacterium damselae ssp. piscicida, and there are few protective approaches available that use multiple antigens. In the present study, potent bivalent antigens from P. damselae ssp. piscicida showed more efficient protection than did single antigens used in isolation. In preparations of three antigens that included recombinant heat shock protein 60 (rHSP60), recombinant α‐enolase (rENOLASE) and recombinant glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (rGAPDH), we analysed the doses that elicited the best immune responses and found that this occurred at a total of 30 μg of antigen per fish. Subsequently, vaccination of fish with rHSP60, rENOLASE and rGAPDH achieved 46.9, 52 and 25% relative per cent survival (RPS), respectively. In addition, bivalent subunit vaccines – combination I (rHSP60 + rENOLASE), combination II (rENOLASE + rGAPDH) and combination III (rHSP60 + rGAPDH) – were administered and the RPS in these groups (65.6, 64.0 and 48.4%, respectively), was higher than that achieved with single‐antigen administration. Finally, in combination IV, the trivalent vaccine rHSP60 + rENOLASE + rGAPDH, the RPS was 1.6%. Taken together, our results suggest that combinations of two antigens may achieve a better efficiency than monovalent or trivalent antigens, and this may provide new insights into pathogen prevention strategies.
Association between insulin resistance and periodontitis in Korean adults
Authors: Lim Sang Gyu , Han Kyungdo , Kim Hyun‐Ah , Pyo Sung Woon , Cho Young‐Sik , Kim Kyung‐Soo , Yim Hyeon Woo , Lee Won‐Chul , Park Yong Gyu , Park Yong‐Moon 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveRecent studies have proposed an association between periodontitis and metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the association between insulin resistance and periodontitis among Korean adults.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis was conducted using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2010. A total of 16,720 non‐diabetic subjects over 18 years old were evaluated (7060 men and 9660 women). Periodontal status was assessed by the Community Periodontal Index. Insulin resistance was measured using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Participants in the highest and lowest quartile of HOMA‐IR were defined as insulin‐resistant and insulin‐sensitive respectively.ResultsThe prevalence of periodontitis increased significantly with higher HOMA‐IR quartiles in post‐menopausal women (p for linear association = 0.019). Among post‐menopausal women, participants in the highest quartile of HOMA‐IR were significantly more likely to have periodontitis compared to those in the lowest quartile [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–2.01]. Moreover, obese post‐menopausal women showed an increased association between insulin resistance and periodontitis (adjusted OR, 1.92; 95% CI,1.29–2.87). However, this association was not found in men or pre‐menopausal women.ConclusionsOur results suggest that insulin resistance may be associated with periodontitis, especially when combined with obesity, among post‐menopausal women in Korea.
Comparative study on cardiac autonomic modulation during deep breathing test and diaphragmatic breathing in type 2 diabetes and healthy subjects
Authors: Subbalakshmi Narsajjana Krishnadasa , Adhikari Prabha , Shanmugavel Jeganathan Punnaimuthu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionDiaphragmatic breathing is known to have a beneficial effect on the cardiopulmonary system, and enhances parasympathetic activation. We evaluated the influence of diaphragmatic breathing on time domain measures of heart rate variability in diabetics and healthy subjects.Materials and MethodsA total of 122 type 2 diabetics and 94 healthy subjects (controls) were randomly allocated to a deep breathing test and diaphragmatic breathing (61 diabetics and 47 controls in each group). Heart rate variability parameters; namely, expiratory:inspiratory ratio (E:I ratio), root mean square of successive N–N interval difference (r‐MSSD) and standard deviation of all the N–N intervals (SDNN), were quantified from 1‐min supine electrocardiogram obtained while subjects carried out the deep breathing test/diaphragmatic breathing at six respiratory cycles per min. Data analysis was carried out by Student's unpaired t‐test. A P‐value <0.05 was taken as significant.ResultsE:I ratio, SDNN and r‐MSSD of type 2 diabetics was significantly lower compared with controls in the diaphragmatic group (P < 0.001). E:I ratio and SDNN were significantly lower in type 2 diabetics compared with controls in the deep breathing group (P < 0.0001, P < 0.019, respectively). In controls, E:I ratio, r‐MSSD and SDNN of the diaphragmatic breathing group were significantly higher compared with the deep breathing group (P < 0.01). In diabetics, none of the measured heart rate variability parameters varied between diaphragmatic breathing and deep breathing.ConclusionsSubclinical cardiac autonomic neuropathy persists in type 2 diabetics. In type 2 diabetics, diaphragmatic breathing quantifies certain aspects of parasympathetic dysfunction, which is not shown by the deep breathing test. Diaphragmatic breathing induces greater cardiac autonomic modulation in healthy subjects.
Water Stratification Affects the Microeukaryotic Community in a Subtropical Deep Reservoir
Authors: Yu Zheng , Yang Jun , Zhou Jing , Yu Xiaoqing , Liu Lemian , Lv Hong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractProducers, consumers, and decomposers are the three key functional groups that form the basis of all ecosystems. But, little is known about how these functional groups coexist with each other in aquatic environments, particularly in subtropical reservoirs. In this study, we describe the nature of microeukaryotic communities in a subtropical deep reservoir during the strongly stratified period. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis gel band sequencing, pyrosequencing, and light microscopy were used together to facilitate an in‐depth investigation of the community structure of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fungi. Our results showed that thermal and oxygen stratification shaped the composition of the phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fungi populations in the reservoir. Stratification was evident among ecological functional groups in autumn: producers and consumers were overwhelmingly dominant in the epilimnion characterized by high temperatures and oxygen levels, whereas decomposers were inclined to inhabit the hypolimnion. These results contribute to our understanding of the relationship of ecosystem functional groups in the man‐made aquatic systems and have important practical implications for reservoir management. Results suggest that the strategies for the control of eutrophication and harmful algal bloom prevention should focus on a fuller understanding of the consequences of both thermal stratification and vertical distribution of microplankton.
Dietetic treatment lowers body mass index in overweight patients: an observational study in primary health care
Authors: Tol J. , Swinkels I. C. , de Bakker D. H. , Seidell J. , Veenhof C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundGreater insight into the effectiveness of usual dietetic care will contribute to the ongoing development of dietetic services. The present study examined the change in body mass index (BMI) in overweight patients after dietetic treatment in primary care, the sources of variability and factors associated with BMI change.MethodsThis population‐based observational study was based on data from a Dutch registration network of dietitians in primary health care. Data were derived from electronic medical records concerning 3960 overweight adult patients (BMI ≥ 25 kg m−2) who received usual care from 32 registered dietitians between 2006 and 2012. Multilevel linear regression analyses were conducted.ResultsPatients’ BMI significantly (P < 0.001) decreased by 0.94 kg m−2 on average during treatment. An additional reduction of 0.8 kg m−2 was observed in patients treated for longer than 6 months. BMI decreased by 0.06 kg m−2 for each additional unit in initial BMI above 31.6. Most (97%) variability in BMI change was attributed to patients and 3% to dietitians. Part of the variance between patients (11%) and dietitians (30%) was explained by patient sociodemographic characteristics, nutrition‐related health aspects, initial body weight and treatment duration.ConclusionsDietetic treatment in primary care lowers BMI in overweight patients. Patients’ change in BMI was rather similar between dietitians. Greater BMI reductions were observed in those with a high initial BMI and those treated for at least 6 months. Future research is necessary to study the long‐term effects of weight loss after treatment by primary healthcare dietitians, especially because many patients drop out of treatment prematurely.