bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lesions targeted to the anterior forebrain disrupt vocal variability associated with testosterone‐induced sensorimotor song development in adult female canaries, Serinus canaria
Authors: Rouse Melvin L. , Ball Gregory F. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTLearned communication was a trait observed in a limited number of vertebrates such as humans but also songbirds (i.e., species in the suborder passeri sometimes called oscines). Robust male‐biased sex‐differences in song development and production have been observed in several songbird species. However, in some of these species treating adult females with testosterone (T) induced neuro‐behavioral changes such that females become more male‐like in brain and behavior. T‐treatment in these adult females seemed to stimulate sensorimotor song development to facilitate song masculinization. In male songbirds it was known that the lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN) played a modulatory role during song development. LMAN was androgen sensitive and may be a key target of a T‐induced recapitulation of a developmental process in adult females. This hypothesis was tested. Adult female canaries were given either a chemical lesion of LMAN or a control sham‐surgery. Prior to surgery birds were individually housed for 2‐weeks in sound‐attenuated chambers to record baseline vocal behavior. Post‐surgery birds were given 1‐week to recover before subcutaneous implantation with silastic capsules filled with crystalline‐T. Birds remained on treatment for 3‐weeks (behavioral recordings continued throughout). Birds with a lesion to LMAN had less variability in their song compared with controls. The diversity of syllable and phrase type(s) was greater in sham controls as compared with birds with LMAN lesions. Birds did not differ in song rate. These data suggested that the sustention and conclusion of T‐induced sensorimotor song development in adult female canaries required an intact LMAN. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 3–18, 2016
Structural hippocampal alterations, perceived stress, and coping deficiencies in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Burkert Nathalie T. , Koschutnig Karl , Ebner Franz , Freidl Wolfgang 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveAnorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe mental illness that mainly affects young females. Studies have found a reduction of the hippocampus‐amygdala formation in people with AN, a brain region that is especially vulnerable to stress. In addition, patients with AN were found to perceive higher stress levels and to have more coping deficiencies than healthy controls. No prior study has considered a connection between stress, coping, and the hippocampal volume in AN. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to analyze the volume of hippocampal substructures, and its relation to stress and coping.MethodWe tested 21 females currently affected by AN and 21 age‐matched normal controls (NC). Demographic and behavioral data were assessed. A magnetic resonance (MR) scanner was used to collect data reflecting volume of cortical structures. We performed comparisons between groups and calculated correlations between the hippocampal volume and coping strategies or stress.ResultsThe results showed a significant reduction of the hippocampal fimbria and a significant enlargement of the hippocampal fissure in patients with AN compared to the NC. In addition, patients with AN were found to report higher stress levels and to have more coping deficiencies than healthy controls. The hippocampal volume showed a trend‐level association with stress in patients with AN.DiscussionIn sum, our study provides the first‐available evidence that perceived stress in patients with AN could be related to hippocampal volume. Our results may contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of AN and, therefore, help to improve the treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:670–676))
Protective Role of Smad6 in Inflammation‐Induced Valvular Cell Calcification
Authors: Li Xin , Lim Jina , Lu Jinxiu , Pedego Taylor M , Demer Linda , Tintut Yin 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTCalcific aortic vascular and valvular disease (CAVD) is associated with hyperlipidemia, the effects of which occur through chronic inflammation. Evidence suggests that inhibitory small mothers against decapentaplegic (I‐Smads; Smad6 and 7) regulate valve embryogenesis and may serve as a mitigating factor in CAVD. However, whether I‐Smads regulate inflammation‐induced calcific vasculopathy is not clear. Therefore, we investigated the role of I‐Smads in atherosclerotic calcification. Results showed that expression of Smad6, but not Smad7, was reduced in aortic and valve tissues of hyperlipidemic compared with normolipemic mice, while expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) was upregulated. To test whether the effects are in response to inflammatory cytokines, we isolated murine aortic valve leaflets and cultured valvular interstitial cells (mVIC) from the normolipemic mice. By immunochemistry, mVICs were strongly positive for vimentin, weakly positive for smooth muscle α actin, and negative for an endothelial cell marker. TNF‐α upregulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and matrix mineralization in mVICs. By gene expression analysis, TNF‐α significantly upregulated bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) expression while downregulating Smad6 expression. Smad7 expression was not significantly affected. To further test the role of Smad6 on TNF‐α‐induced valvular cell calcification, we knocked down Smad6 expression using lentiviral transfection. In cells transfected with Smad6 shRNA, TNF‐α further augmented ALP activity, expression of BMP‐2, Wnt‐ and redox‐regulated genes, and matrix mineralization compared with the control cells. These findings suggest that TNF‐α induces valvular and vascular cell calcification, in part, by specifically reducing the expression of a BMP‐2 signaling inhibitor, Smad6. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2354–2364, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of mitochondrial functions inDaphnia pulexclones using high‐resolution respirometry
Authors: Kake‐Guena Sandrine A. , Touisse Kamal , Vergilino Roland , Dufresne France , Blier Pierre U. , Lemieux Hélène 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThe objectives of our study were to adapt a method to measure mitochondrial function in intact mitochondria from the small crustaceanDaphnia pulexand to validate if this method was sensitive enough to characterize mitochondrial metabolism in clones of thepulexcomplex differing in ploidy levels, mitochondrial DNA haplotypes, and geographic origins.Daphniaclones belonging to theDaphnia pulexcomplex represent a powerful model to delineate the link between mitochondrial DNA evolution and mitochondrial phenotypes, as single genotypes with divergent mtDNA can be grown under various experimental conditions. Our study included two diploid clones from temperate environments and two triploid clones from subarctic environments. The whole animal permeabilization and measurement of respiration with high‐resolution respirometry enabled the measurement of the functional capacity of specific mitochondrial complexes in four clones. When expressing the activity as ratios, our method detected significant interclonal variations. In the triploid subarctic clone from Kuujjurapik, a higher proportion of the maximal physiological oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity of mitochondria was supported by complex II, and a lower proportion by complex I. The triploid subarctic clone from Churchill (Manitoba) showed the lowest proportion of the maximal OXPHOS supported by complex II. Additional studies are required to determine if these differences in mitochondrial functions are related to differences in mitochondrial haplotypes or ploidy level and if they might be associated with fitness divergences and therefore selective value.J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 292–300, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain gray and white matter differences in healthy normal weight and obese children
Authors: Ou Xiawei , Andres Aline , Pivik R.T. , Cleves Mario A. , Badger Thomas M. 
Published: April 2015

PurposeTo compare brain gray and white matter development in healthy normal weight and obese children.MethodsTwenty‐four healthy 8‐ to 10‐year‐old children whose body mass index was either <75th percentile (normal weight) or >95th percentile (obese) completed an MRI examination which included T1‐weighted three‐dimensional structural imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Voxel‐based morphometry was used to compare the regional gray and white matter between the normal weight and obese children, and tract‐based spatial statistics was used to compare the water diffusion parameters in the white matter between groups.ResultsCompared with normal weight children, obese children had significant (P < 0.05, family wise error corrected) regional gray matter reduction in the right middle temporal gyrus, left and right thalami, left superior parietal gyrus, left pre/postcentral gyri, and left cerebellum. Obese children also had higher white matter (P < 0.05, corrected) in multiple regions in the brain and higher DTI measured fractional anisotropy (FA) values (P < 0.05, corrected) in part of the left brain association and projection fibers. There was no difference in mean diffusivity at P < 0.05, corrected. DTI eigenvalues suggested that the FA differences were likely from decreased radial diffusivity (P < 0.1, corrected) and there was no change in axial diffusivity (corrected P > 0.35 for all voxels).ConclusionOur results indicated that obese but otherwise healthy children have different regional gray and white matter development in the brain and differences in white matter microstructures compared with healthy normal weight children. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1205–1213.
Expression of angiopoietin‐like protein 4 at the fracture site: Regulation by hypoxia and osteoblastic differentiation
Authors: Wilson Sabrina S. , Wong Alice , Toupadakis Chrisoula A. , Yellowley Clare E. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTVascular disruption that occurs as a consequence of bone fracture, leads to hypoxia at the site of damage. Hypoxia regulates the expression of a number of genes that can modulate energy conservation, cell survival, tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. In this study we investigated the expression of Angiopoietin‐like 4, an adipocytokine that has additional roles in angiogenesis, at the fracture site. We demonstrate that Angptl4 mRNA expression increased early during fracture healing (day 3) returning close to baseline at day14. In the callus, Angptl4 mRNA was visualized in areas of condensing mesenchymal cells, callus cartilage and was especially high in mineralizing osteoblasts located in areas of new bone formation. In vitro, Angptl4 mRNA expression in osteoblasts increased under hypoxic conditions and in cells treated with the hypoxia mimetic desferrioxamine. Angptl4 levels were strongly induced at day 14 in differentiating MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells. Exogenous ANGPTL4 increased expression of Runx2, Spp1, vegfa, and Alp mRNA in differentiating osteoblasts. We suggest that the distribution of Angptl4 in the callus may be driven by hypoxia and that Angptl4 may play a role in osteoblastic differentiation, and possibly angiogenesis via regulation of VEGF. Further studies could reveal a dual role for Angptl4 in angiogenesis and osteogenesis. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1364–1373, 2015.
Multidimensional ultrasound imaging of the wrist: Changes of shape and displacement of the median nerve and tendons in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Filius Anika , Scheltens Marjan , Bosch Hans G. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Stam Henk J. , Hovius Steven E. R. , Amadio Peter C. , Selles Ruud W. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTDynamics of structures within the carpal tunnel may alter in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to fibrotic changes and increased carpal tunnel pressure. Ultrasound can visualize these potential changes, making ultrasound potentially an accurate diagnostic tool. To study this, we imaged the carpal tunnel of 113 patients and 42 controls. CTS severity was classified according to validated clinical and nerve conduction study (NCS) classifications. Transversal and longitudinal displacement and shape (changes) were calculated for the median nerve, tendons and surrounding tissue. To predict diagnostic value binary logistic regression modeling was applied. Reduced longitudinal nerve displacement (p≤ 0.019), increased nerve cross‐sectional area (p≤ 0.006) and perimeter (p≤ 0.007), and a trend of relatively changed tendon displacements were seen in patients. Changes were more convincing when CTS was classified as more severe. Binary logistic modeling to diagnose CTS using ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 70–71% and specificity of 80–84%. In conclusion, CTS patients have altered dynamics of structures within the carpal tunnel. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1332–1340, 2015.
Enhancing hair follicle regeneration by nonablative fractional laser: Assessment of irradiation parameters and tissue response
Authors: Wu Yueh‐Feng , Wang Shiou‐Han , Wu Pei‐Shan , Fan Sabrina Mai‐Yi , Chiu Hsien‐Yi , Tsai Tsung‐Hua , Lin Sung‐Jan 
Published: April 2015

Background and ObjectiveIdentification of methods to enhance anagen entry can be helpful for alopecia. Recently, nonablative laser has been proposed as a potential treatment for alopecia. However, how the laser parameters affect stem cell activity, hair cycles and the associated side effects have not been well characterized. Here we examine the effects of irradiation parameters of 1,550‐nm fractional laser on hair cycles.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe dorsal skin of eight‐week‐old female C57BL/6 mice with hair follicles in synchronized telogen was shaved and irradiated with a 1,550‐nm fractional erbium‐glass laser (Fraxel RE:STORE (SR1500) Laser System, Solta Medical, U.S.A.) with varied beam energies (5–35 mJ) and beam densities (500–3500 microthermal zones/cm2). The cutaneous changes were evaluated both grossly and histologically. Hair follicle stem cell activity was detected by BrdU incorporation and changes in gene expression were quantified by real‐time PCR.ResultsDirect thermal injury to hair follicles could be observed early after irradiation, especially at higher beam energy. Anagen induction in the irradiated skin showed an all‐or‐non change. Anagen induction and ulcer formation were affected by the combination of beam energy and density. The lowest beam energy of 5 mJ failed to promote anagen entry at all beam densities tested. As beam energy increased from 10 mJ to 35 mJ, we found a decreasing trend of beam density that could induce anagen entry within 7–9 days with activation of hair follicle stem cells. Beam density above the pro‐regeneration density could lead to ulcers and scarring followed by anagen entry in adjacent skin. Analysis of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, revealed that transient moderate inflammation was associated with anagen induction and intense prolonged inflammation preceded ulcer formation.ConclusionTo avoid side effects of hair follicle injury and scarring, appropriate combination of beam energy and density is required. Parameters outside the therapeutic window can result in either no anagen promotion or ulcer formation. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:331–341, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SEMA3F prevents metastasis of colorectal cancer by PI3K–AKT‐dependent down‐regulation of the ASCL2–CXCR4 axis
Authors: Zhou Zhi‐hang , Rao Jun , Yang Jing , Wu Feng , Tan Juan , Xu Sen‐lin , Ding Yanqing , Zhan Na , Hu Xu‐gang , Cui You‐hong , Zhang Xia , Dong Weiguo , Liu Xin‐dong , Bian Xiu‐wu 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSemaphorin‐3F (SEMA3F), an axonal repulsant in nerve development, has been shown to inhibit the progression of human colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study we found a negative correlation between the levels of SEMA3F and CXCR4 in CRC specimens from 85 patients, confirmed by bioinformatics analysis of gene expression in 229 CRC samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas. SEMA3Fhigh/CXCR4low patients showed the lowest frequency of lymph node and distant metastasis and the longest survival. Mechanistically, SEMA3F inhibited the invasion and metastasis of CRC cells through PI3K–AKT‐dependent down‐regulation of the ASCL2–CXCR4 axis. Specifically, ASCL2 enhanced the invasion and metastasis of CRC cells in vitro and expression of ASCL2 correlated with distant metastasis, tumour size and poor overall survival in CRC patients. Treatment of CRC cells with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 attenuated SEMA3F knockdown‐induced invasion and metastasis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Our study thus demonstrates that SEMA3F functions as a suppressor of CRC metastasis via down‐regulating the ASCL2–CXCR4 axis. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relation between stress and segmental orientation during mechanical cycling of a natural rubber‐based compound
Authors: Zaghdoudi Maha , Albouy Pierre‐Antoine , Tourki Zoubeir , Vieyres Arnaud , Sotta Paul 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTX‐ray diffraction technique is used to evaluate the evolution of the segmental orientation in a natural rubber sample during mechanical uniaxial stretching and in the Gaussian regime condition. The method proves to be sensitive enough for testing the validity of the stress‐optical law. Measurements are performed at different temperatures and show that the dependence of the orientation parameter upon elongation is very close to the prediction of classical phantom theories. On the contrary, a significant Mooney–Rivlin correction is needed to account for the stress–strain relation. Consequently, systematic deviations from the stress‐optical law are observed, in particular for elongations below 2. These deviations are adverse from predictions of both the constrained and the diffuse junction theories. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 943–950
Towards Integration at Last? The Sustainable Development Goals as a Network of Targets
Authors: Le Blanc David 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn 2014, United Nations member states proposed a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as reference goals for the international development community for the period 2015–2030. The proposed goals and targets can be seen as a network, in which links among goals exist through targets that refer to multiple goals. Using network analysis techniques, we show that some thematic areas covered by the SDGs are well connected with one another. Other parts of the network have weaker connections with the rest of the system. The SDGs as a whole are a more integrated system than the MDGs were, which may facilitate policy integration across sectors. However, many of the links among goals that have been documented in biophysical, economic and social dimensions are not explicitly reflected in the SDGs. Beyond the added visibility that the SDGs provide to links among thematic areas, attempts at policy integration across various areas will have to be based on studies of the biophysical, social and economic systems at appropriate scales. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
NK cell abnormality and its treatment in women with reproductive failures such as recurrent pregnancy loss, implantation failures, preeclampsia, and pelvic endometriosis
Authors: Fukui Atsushi , Kamoi Mai , Funamizu Ayano , Fuchinoue Kohei , Chiba Hitomi , Yokota Megumi , Fukuhara Rie , Mizunuma Hideki 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe regulation of uterine and peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells has been associated with problems related to reproductive immunology such as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), implantation failure or preeclampsia. NKp46, one of the natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), is a unique marker that functions in NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Expression of NKp46 on NK cells is lower in women with recurrent pregnancy loss and pregnancy‐induced hypertension. Moreover, expression of NKp46 on peritoneal fluid NK cells is lower in women with pelvic endometriosis. Therefore, evaluation of NKp46 on peripheral blood NK cells may provide a means of screening for reproductive abnormalities. Recently, a new type of NK cell, the NK22 cell, has been reported. This cell may be a regulator not only of the mucosal barrier but also of reproduction. For women with RPL showing abnormal uterine and/or peripheral blood NK cells, both intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and intralipid treatment have been reported. The effects of these treatments are still controversial, and further studies are needed in order to clarify their true impact. The present review examines variations in the expression of NCRs on NK cells, the participation of NK22 cells in reproduction, and the possible use of intravenous immunoglobulin or intralipid treatment for women with recurrent pregnancy loss and NK cell abnormality.
Online Gambling Addiction: the Relationship Between Internet Gambling and Disordered Gambling
Authors: Gainsbury Sally M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractOne of the most significant changes to the gambling environment in the past 15 years has been the increased availability of Internet gambling, including mobile; Internet gambling is the fastest growing mode of gambling and is changing the way that gamblers engage with this activity. Due to the high level of accessibility, immersive interface and ease at which money can be spent, concerns have been expressed that Internet gambling may increase rates of disordered gambling. The current paper aimed to provide an overview of the research to date as well as highlight new and interesting findings relevant to Internet gambling addiction. A comprehensive review of the existing literature was conducted to provide an overview of significant trends and developments in research that relates to disordered Internet gambling. This paper presents research to inform a greater understanding of adult participation in Internet gambling, features of this interface that may impact problem severity, the relationship between Internet gambling and related problems, as well as considering the role of the wider spectrum of gambling behaviour and relevant individual factors that moderate this relationship.
Low vitamin D status among pregnant Latin American and Caribbean women with HIV Infection
Authors: Jao Jennifer , Freimanis Laura , Mussi‐Pinhata Marisa M. , Cohen Rachel A. , Monteiro Jacqueline P. , Cruz Maria L. , Sperling Rhoda S. , Branch Andrea , Siberry George K. ,   NISDI LILAC Protocol
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence and predictors of low vitamin D status among pregnant women with HIV infection.MethodsThe present cross‐sectional study analyzed repository specimens collected at 12–34 weeks of pregnancy among women enrolled across 17 sites in Latin America and the Caribbean between 2002 and 2009. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with low vitamin D status (25‐hydroxyvitamin D < 30 ng/mL).ResultsAmong 715 women, 218 (30.5%) were vitamin D deficient (< 20 ng/mL) and 252 (35.2%) were insufficient (21–29 ng/mL). Factors associated with low vitamin D status included residence in subtropical latitudes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–2.88), assessment during non‐summer seasons (autumn: aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.20–2.86; spring: 4.3, 2.65–6.95; winter: 10.82, 5.74–20.41), employment (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06–2.38), and assessment before 20 weeks of pregnancy (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.18–3.06). Factors protective against low vitamin D status were CD4 count below 200 cells per mm3 (aOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26–0.77) and protease inhibitors (aOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40–0.95).ConclusionLow vitamin D status was prevalent among pregnant women with HIV infection. Further studies are warranted to identify the impact of low maternal vitamin D status.