bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of the four phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase genes accelerates aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sakamoto Taro , Maebayashi Kana , Nakagawa Yasuhito , Imai Hirotaka 
Published: September 2014

The glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family is a major antioxidant enzyme family that catalyzes the reduction of a variety of hydroperoxides. GPxs are divided into selenium‐ and nonselenium‐containing GPxs. Because of their efficient antioxidant activity, which depends on the presence of the amino acid residue selenocysteine, selenium‐containing GPxs have been the subject of many studies. However, the physiological roles of the nonselenium GPxs remain unclear. Here, we report that the deletion of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) homologues causes accelerated aging that leads to a shortened lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. PHGPx is an antioxidant enzyme that directly reduces the phospholipid hydroperoxides generated in biomembranes. The quadruple phgpx mutant gpx‐1; gpx‐2; gpx‐6; gpx‐7 developed normally, reached adulthood and reproduced as well as the wild type. However, a lifespan analysis showed that the quadruple phgpx mutant had a short maximum lifespan, with an age‐related increase in its mortality rate. The intestine is the primary tissue expressing gpx‐1, gpx‐2, gpx‐6 and gpx‐7 in C. elegans, and the expression of gpx‐6 is greatly enhanced under starvation conditions. These results suggest that the C. elegans PHGPx homologues have important functions in the regulation of aging, probably by reducing oxidative damage in the intestine.
Thiamine in the treatment of Wernicke encephalopathy in patients with alcohol use disorders
Authors: Latt N. , Dore G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWernicke encephalopathy is an acute, reversible neuropsychiatric emergency due to thiamine deficiency. Urgent and adequate thiamine replacement is necessary to avoid death or progression to Korsakoff syndrome with largely irreversible brain damage. Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome refers to a condition where features of Wernicke encephalopathy are mixed with those of Korsakoff syndrome. Although thiamine is the cornerstone of treatment of Wernicke encephalopathy, there are no universally accepted guidelines with regard to its optimal dose, mode of administration, frequency of administration or duration of treatment. Currently, different dose recommendations are being made. We present recommendations for the assessment and treatment of Wernicke encephalopathy based on literature review and our clinical experience.
The Sahul–Sunda floristic exchange: dated molecular phylogenies document Cenozoic intercontinental dispersal dynamics
Authors: Crayn Darren M. , Costion Craig , Harrington Mark G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThe aim was to characterize the temporal dynamics of the Sahul–Sunda floristic exchange using published dated molecular phylogenies.LocationThe Sahul and Sunda shelves in Australasia and Southeast Asia.MethodsDated molecular phylogenies were compiled from the literature for plant clades that contained at least one node representing a biogeographical disjunction between the Sahul and Sunda shelves. For these nodes the age, ancestral geographical area and propagule type were determined.ResultsWe analysed 49 clades from 21 published phylogenies representing a diverse set of angiosperm lineages. The inferred age of the disjunctions ranged fromc. 33 Ma toc. 1 Ma; the earliest age marked the onset of the Sahul–Sunda floristic exchange. Disjunctions (resulting from dispersal/migration events) occurred at the rate of 0.41 per 2 Myr between 34 and 12 Ma. Thereafter the rate sharply increased, coincident with the shelves effectively merging. For nearly two‐thirds (63%) of the nodes Sunda was the ancestral area, and for 90% the ancestral species possessed zoochorous propagules.Main conclusionsThere is strong support for a dynamic model of floristic exchange between Sahul and Sunda. Fewer (18%) disjunctions occurred prior to Sahul and Sunda merging around 12 Ma, which we attribute to a combination of the effect of overwater dispersal barriers and relatively stable, saturated species assemblages resistant to the establishment of newly arrived lineages. The exchange, once underway, was strongly asymmetrical; eastwards migration into Sahul predominated over the reverse by a factor ofc. 2.4. As zoochorous lineages were overrepresented among the successful dispersers, we infer a strong role for localized animal dispersal across narrow water barriers.
The roles of disturbance, topography and climate in determining the leading and rear edges of population range limits
Authors: Slaton Michèle R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimTo identify the ecosystem features most important for differentiating leading edges from rear edges of plant population distributions, and for distinguishing both from contiguous‐range sites.LocationEastern California, USA.MethodsHabitats supporting multiple plant populations at their range edges were analysed, including 32 rear‐edge, 32 leading‐edge and 526 control sites within contiguous ranges. Multivariate modelling techniques, including general linear and additive modelling, ordination and classification trees were used to identify the biotic and abiotic factors that control range edges.ResultsRear edges were associated with lower solar radiation and potential evapotranspiration, as would generally be expected as ranges shift in a warming climate regime. Leading edges were associated with lower topographical positions, such as canyon bottoms, and were characterized by recent disturbance and early successional stages. Rear edges occurred mainly in undisturbed sites.Main conclusionsThe interacting roles of biological and physical factors in determining population range limits have recently gained attention as the need to predict ecosystem shifts in a changing climate increases. Further understanding and recognition of disturbance in facilitating the expansion of native species' ranges and in conserving relict populations will enhance the ability of land managers to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem resilience as climate continues to change.
A New Tonometric Device for Radial Augmentation Index and Subendocardial Viability Ratio: Potential Use in Health Screening
Authors: Wang Jing‐Zhi , Zhang Yong‐Liang , Hu Fu‐Song , He Zi‐Jun , Yang Xian‐Jun , Ma Zu‐Chang , Sun Yi‐Ning 
Published: September 2014

Augmentation index (AIx) and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) are widely accepted indices of wave reflection and myocardial oxygen demand relative to supply. This study aimed to validate a new tonometric device (IIM‐2010A) for obtaining AIx and SEVR from radial artery. A total of 68 outpatients (32 men and 36 women) aged 20 to 76 years (44.7±16.6 years) recruited from a health screening center participated in the study. AIx was obtained from radial pressure using the HEM‐9000AI and IIM‐2010A devices, while SEVR was measured from carotid pressure with the tonometric method and from radial pressure by the IIM‐2010A device. In a subgroup of 24 patients, the measurements of AIx and SEVR were repeated after an interval of 10 minutes. The correlation of radial AIx between the IIM‐2010A and HEM‐9000AI devices was highly significant (r=0.956, P<.01). Radial SEVR determined from IIM‐2010A was also highly related to carotid SEVR (r=0.864, P<.01), although the value was about 13.1% lower. There was no statistically significant difference between the repeated measurements of both indices. The lower coefficient of variation (2.9% vs 4.3% for AIx, 3.3% vs 4.1% for SEVR) and higher intraclass correlation coefficient (0.96 vs 0.91 for AIx, 0.93 vs 0.86 for SEVR) of IIM‐2010A confirmed better short‐term reproducibility, compared with the HEM‐9000AI device and carotid tonometry. The new tonometric device IIM‐2010A is effective and reproducible in calculating radial AIx and SEVR and has potential use in health screening.
Vildagliptin vs liraglutide as a second‐line therapy switched from sitagliptin‐based regimens in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, parallel‐group study
Authors: Takeshita Yumie , Takamura Toshinari , Kita Yuki , Otoda Toshiki , Kato Ken‐ichiro , Wakakuri Hitomi , Yamada Masayuki , Misu Hirofumi , Matsushima Yukiko , Kaneko Shuichi ,   the Establishment of Rationale for Antiaging Diabetic Medicine (ERA‐DM) Study Chapter 2 Group
Published: September 2014

AbstractIntroductionA step‐up strategy for dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐4 inhibitor‐based regimens has not yet been established. In addition, similarities and differences between DPP‐4 inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 receptor agonists remain to be elucidated in humans. We investigated the pleiotropic effects of vildagliptin vs liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes on sitagliptin‐based regimens in an open‐label, randomized, clinical trial.Materials and MethodsA total of 122 patients with type 2 diabetes that was inadequately controlled by sitagliptin‐based regimens were randomly assigned to either vildagliptin (50 mg, twice daily) or liraglutide treatment (0.9 mg, once daily) for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were glycated hemoglobin and body mass index.ResultsBoth vildagliptin and liraglutide significantly lowered glycated hemoglobin within 12 weeks after switching from sitagliptin, but liraglutide produced a greater reduction (−0.67 ± 0.12% vs −0.36 ± 0.53%). Liraglutide lowered body mass index, whereas vildagliptin did not affect body mass index. Vildagliptin lowered fasting C‐peptide immunoreactivity, but liraglutide did not. Vildagliptin increased serum levels of adiponectin, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, whereas liraglutide had no effect on these levels. Quality of life, assessed using the diabetes treatment satisfaction questionnaire, was not impaired in either group. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms, which occurred with similar frequencies in both groups.ConclusionsVildagliptin‐mediated improvements in glycemic control did not correlate with indices for insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Switching from sitagliptin to liraglutide is useful in managing hyperglycemia and weight. Each agent exerts unique pleiotropic effects. This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (no. 000004953).
Intermediate number of major histocompatibility complex class IIB length variants relates to enlarged perivisceral fat deposits in the blunt‐head cichlid Tropheus moorii
Authors: Hablützel P. I. , Vanhove M. P. M. , Grégoir A. F. , Hellemans B. , Volckaert F. A. M. , Raeymaekers J. A. M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractStudying the genetic basis of host–parasite interactions represents an outstanding opportunity to observe eco‐evolutionary processes. Established candidates for such studies in vertebrates are immunogenes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The MHC has been reported to reach high intra‐ and interindividual diversity, and a diverse MHC might be advantageous when facing infections from multiple parasites. However, other studies indicated that individuals with an intermediate number of MHC alleles are less infected with parasites or have other fitness advantages. In this study, we assessed the optimal number of MHC alleles in the blunt‐head cichlid Tropheus moorii from Lake Tanganyika. We investigated the influence of the interindividual variation in number of MHC length variants on parasite infection and body condition, measured by the amount of perivisceral fat reserves. Surprisingly, there was no correlation between parasite infection and number of MHC length variants or perivisceral fat deposits. However, the individual number of MHC length variants significantly correlated with the amount of perivisceral fat deposits in males, suggesting that male individuals with an intermediate number of alleles might be able to use their fat reserves more efficiently.
Drug Eluting Balloon: A Multipurpose Tool for Coronary Revascularization With Optimal Long‐Term Follow‐Up Results
Authors: PASTORMERLO LUIGI EMILIO , CIARDETTI MARCO , TRIANNI GIUSEPPE , RAVANI MARCELLO , SHLUETER MATHIS , VAGHETTI MARCO , COCEANI MICHELE , RIZZA ANTONIO , BERTI SERGIO , PALMIERI CATALDO 
Published: September 2014

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of drug‐coated balloon (DCB) at long‐term follow‐up; a large series of real‐life patients underwent revascularization with DCB for a wide spectrum of clinical and angiographic situations.Methods and ResultsOne hundred ten patients underwent percutaneous revascularization using paclitaxel eluting balloon (Sequent Please, Braun, Germany). End‐points were major adverse cardiac events (MACE; all‐cause death, myocardial infarction [MI], target vessel revascularisation [TVR], and vessel thrombosis). DCB were used for stable angina (58%), unstable angina/nonST elevation MI (31%) and ST elevation MI (11%). DCB were used for in‐stent restenosis (61%), small vessel disease (25%), with bare metal stent (BMS) to avoid long dual antiplatelet therapy (10%) or for impossibility to place a stent (4%). Cumulative MACE at follow‐up (median 23 months, IQR 13–32) was 12.7%, with 8.2% all‐cause death (1 fatal MI), 4.5% TVR, 3.6% TLR, and no vessel thrombosis. Three of four TLRs occurred in patients who received DEB for DES restenosis.ConclusionsDCB are a very effective tool for a variety of clinical and angiographic situations. DCB use seems to be affected by a low rate of complications and adequate results at long‐term follow‐up.
Effects of phenylalanine and threonine oligopeptides on milk protein synthesis in cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Zhou M. M. , Wu Y. M. , Liu H. Y. , Liu J. X. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThis study was conducted to investigate the effects of phenylalanine (Phe) and threonine (Thr) oligopeptides on αs1 casein gene expression and milk protein synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells. Primary mammary epithelial cells were obtained from Holstein dairy cows and incubated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium‐F12 medium (DMEM/F12) containing lactogenic hormones (prolactin and glucocorticoids). Free Phe (117 μg/ml) was substituted partly with peptide‐bound Phe (phenylalanylphenylalanine, phenylalanyl threonine, threonyl‐phenylalanyl‐phenylalanine) in the experimental media. After incubation with experimental medium, cells were collected for gene expression analysis and medium was collected for milk protein or amino acid determination. The results showed that peptide‐bound Phe at 10% (11.7 μg/ml) significantly enhanced αs1 casein gene expression and milk protein synthesis as compared with equivalent amount of free Phe. When 10% Phe was replaced by phenylalanylphenylalanine, the disappearance of most essential amino acids increased significantly, and gene expression of peptide transporter 2 and some amino acid transporters was significantly enhanced. These results indicate that the Phe and Thr oligopeptides are important for milk protein synthesis, and peptide‐bound amino acids could be utilised more efficiently in milk protein synthesis than the equivalent amount of free amino acids.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants fluctuate in paired plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells among patient cohorts during different chronic hepatitis B (CHB) disease phases
Authors: Coffin C. S. , Osiowy C. , Gao S. , Nishikawa S. , van der Meer F. , van Marle G. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryHepatitis B virus is classically considered a hepatotropic virus but also infects peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Chronic hepatitis B has different disease phases modulated by host immunity. We compared HBV variability, drug resistance and immune escape mutations in the overlapping HBV polymerase/surface gene in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in different disease phases. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 22 treatment naïve patient cohorts (five inactive, six immune‐active, nine HBeAg negative and two immune‐tolerant). HBV was genotyped via line probe assay, hepatitis B surface antigen titres were determined by an in‐house immunoassay, and HBV DNA was quantified by kinetic PCR. The HBV polymerase/surface region, including full genome in some, was PCR‐amplified and cloned, and ~20 clones/sample were sequenced. The sequences were subjected to various mutational and phylogenetic analyses. Clonal sequencing showed that only three of 22 patients had identical HBV genotype profiles in both sites. In immune‐active chronic hepatitis B, viral diversity in plasma was higher compared with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Mutations at residues, in a minority of clones, associated with drug resistance, and/or immune escape were found in both compartments but were more common in plasma. Immune escape mutations were more often observed in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of immune‐active CHB carriers, compared with other disease phases. During all CHB disease phases, differences exist between HBV variants found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma. Moreover, these data indicate that HBV evolution occurs in a compartment and disease phase‐specific fashion.
Adenovirus: an emerging factor in red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris conservation
Authors: Everest David J. , Shuttleworth Craig M. , Stidworthy Mark F. , Grierson Sylvia S. , Duff J. Paul , Kenward Robert E. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Adenovirus is an emerging threat to red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris conservation, but confirming clinically significant adenovirus infections in red squirrels is challenging. Rapid intestinal autolysis after death in wild animals frequently obscures pathology characteristic of the disease in animals found dead.
We review the available literature to determine current understanding of both subclinical and clinically significant adenovirus infections in free‐living wild and captive red squirrel populations.
Benefits of scientific testing for adenovirus incorporating both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies are compared and contrasted. We favour viral particle detection using TEM in animals exhibiting enteropathy at post‐mortem and the use of PCR to detect subclinical cases where no enteric abnormalities are observed.
Adenoviral infections associated with re‐introduction studies are evaluated by examination of sporadic cases in wild populations and of data from captive collections used to service such studies.
The paucity of data available on adenovirus infection in grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis populations is documented, and we highlight that although subclinical virus presence is recorded in several locations in Great Britain and in Italy, no clinically significant disease cases have been detected in the species thus far.
Current speculation about potential interspecific infection between sciurids and other woodland rodents such as wood mice Apodemus sylvaticus is examined. Where subclinical adenovirus presence has been detected in sympatric populations using the same point food sources, husbandry methods may be used to diminish the potential for cross‐infection.
Our findings highlight the importance of controlling disease in red squirrel populations by using clearly defined scientific methods. In addition, we propose hypothetical conservation benefits of restricting contact rates between red squirrels and sympatric grey squirrels and of limiting competition from other woodland rodent species.
Gastrointestinal microbiota of wild and inbred individuals of two house mouse subspecies assessed using high‐throughput parallel pyrosequencing
Authors: Kreisinger Jakub , Čížková Dagmar , Vohánka Jaroslav , Piálek Jaroslav 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe effects of gastrointestinal tract microbiota (GTM) on host physiology and health have been the subject of considerable interest in recent years. While a variety of captive bred species have been used in experiments, the extent to which GTM of captive and/or inbred individuals resembles natural composition and variation in wild populations is poorly understood. Using 454 pyrosequencing, we performed 16S rDNA GTM barcoding for 30 wild house mice (Mus musculus) and wild‐derived inbred strain mice belonging to two subspecies (M. m. musculus and M. m. domesticus). Sequenced individuals were selected according to a 2 × 2 experimental design: wild (14) vs. inbred origin (16) and M. m. musculus (15) vs. M. m. domesticus (15). We compared alpha diversity (i.e. number of operational taxonomic units – OTUs), beta diversity (i.e. interindividual variability) and microbiota composition across the four groups. We found no difference between M. m. musculus and M. m. domesticus subspecies, suggesting low effect of genetic differentiation between these two subspecies on GTM structure. Both inbred and wild populations showed the same level of microbial alpha and beta diversity; however, we found strong differentiation in microbiota composition between wild and inbred populations. Relative abundance of ~ 16% of OTUs differed significantly between wild and inbred individuals. As laboratory mice represent the most abundant model for studying the effects of gut microbiota on host metabolism, immunity and neurology, we suggest that the distinctness of laboratory‐kept mouse microbiota, which differs from wild mouse microbiota, needs to be considered in future biomedical research.
Against Division: Consciousness, Information and the Visual Streams
Authors: Wu Wayne 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMilner and Goodale's influential account of the primate cortical visual streams involves a division of consciousness between them, for it is the ventral stream that has the responsibility for visual consciousness. Hence, the dorsal visual stream is a ‘zombie’ stream. In this article, I argue that certain information carried by the dorsal stream likely plays a central role in the egocentric spatial content of experience, especially the experience of visual spatial constancy. Thus, the dorsal stream contributes to a pervasive feature of consciousness.
Differential Ineffability and the Senses
Authors: Levinson Stephen C. , Majid Asifa 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIneffability, the degree to which percepts or concepts resist linguistic coding, is a fairly unexplored nook of cognitive science. Although philosophical preoccupations with qualia or nonconceptual content certainly touch upon the area, there has been little systematic thought and hardly any empirical work in recent years on the subject. We argue that ineffability is an important domain for the cognitive sciences. For examining differential ineffability across the senses may be able to tell us important things about how the mind works, how different modalities talk to one another, and how language does, or does not, interact with other mental faculties.
Animal Mindreading: A Defense of Optimistic Agnosticism
Authors: Lurz Robert W. , Kanet Sharisse , Krachun Carla 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe recommend the attitude of optimistic agnosticism toward animal mindreading: suspending acceptance until tests succeed in overcoming Povinelli's problem, and being optimistic about the feasibility of such tests. Fletcher and Carruthers argue for sufficient reasons to accept animal mindreading; we find their arguments unconvincing. Points they raise against the behavior‐reading theory apply equally to mindreading theory, and their claims of greater parsimony are unfounded. Premature acceptance of mindreading could inhibit the search for innovative ways to overcome longstanding methodological problems. Optimistic agnosticism, in contrast, encourages the pursuit of approaches that can lead to important insights about animal social cognition.