bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin uptake through glucose transporters: a new target for melatonin inhibition of cancer
Authors: Hevia David , González‐Menéndez Pedro , Quiros‐González Isabel , Miar Ana , Rodríguez‐García Aida , Tan Dun‐Xian , Reiter Russel J. , Mayo Juan C. , Sainz Rosa M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMelatonin is present in a multitude of taxa and it has a broad range of biological functions, from synchronizing circadian rhythms to detoxifying free radicals. Some functions of melatonin are mediated by its membrane receptors but others are receptor‐independent. For the latter, melatonin must enter into the cell. Melatonin is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan and reportedly easily crosses biological membranes due to its amphipathic nature. However, the mechanism by which melatonin enters into cells remains unknown. Changes in redox state, endocytosis pathways, multidrug resistance, glycoproteins or a variety of strategies have no effect on melatonin uptake. Herein, it is demonstrated that members of the SLC2/GLUT family glucose transporters have a central role in melatonin uptake. When studied by docking simulation, it is found that melatonin interacts at the same location in GLUT1 where glucose does. Furthermore, glucose concentration and the presence of competitive ligands of GLUT1 affect the concentration of melatonin into cells. As a regulatory mechanism, melatonin reduces the uptake of glucose and modifies the expression of GLUT1 transporter in prostate cancer cells. More importantly, glucose supplementation promotes prostate cancer progression in TRAMP mice, while melatonin attenuated glucose‐induced tumor progression and prolonged the lifespan of tumor‐bearing mice. This is the first time that a facilitated transport of melatonin is suggested. In fact, the important role of glucose transporters and glucose metabolism in cell fate might explain some of the diverse functions described for melatonin.
From multifamily residences to studio apartments: shifts in burrow structures of European rabbits along a rural‐to‐urban gradient
Authors: Ziege M. , Brix M. , Schulze M. , Seidemann A. , Straskraba S. , Wenninger S. , Streit B. , Wronski T. , Plath M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractEuropean rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are currently declining in most rural areas throughout central Europe, while city populations often reach high densities. We asked whether and how altered environmental conditions affect the social organization and burrow structures of European rabbit populations located at urban, suburban and rural sites in and around Frankfurt a.M. in Germany. Burrow densities (numbers per ha) increased along the rural‐to‐urban gradient, accompanied by a gradual shift from accumulated towards more evenly distributed burrows. Burrows became smaller and less complex with increasing degree of urbanity, and accordingly, also the number of rabbits inhabiting the same burrow decreased. It remains unclear whether urbanization first led to smaller rabbit group sizes and burrow structures then shifted as a consequence of this, or vice versa. Nevertheless, for both scenarios, we propose that increased structural heterogeneity of urban landscapes is the major factor behind the observed effects, as mosaic‐like habitat patches in cities provide high and steady resource availability compared with the agriculturally transformed, open landscapes characterizing most rural areas in central Europe.
The use of beta‐blockers is associated with the occurrence of acute kidney injury in severe alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Sersté Thomas , Njimi Hassane , Degré Delphine , Deltenre Pierre , Schreiber Jonas , Lepida Antonia , Trépo Eric , Gustot Thierry , Moreno Christophe 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsThe beneficial effect of nonselective beta‐blockers (NSBB) has recently been questioned in patients with end‐stage cirrhosis. We analysed the impact of NSBB on outcomes in severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH).MethodsThis study was based on a prospective database of patients with severe, biopsy‐proven AH. Patients admitted from July, 2006 to July, 2014 were retrospectively studied. Patients were divided into two groups (with and without NSBB) and assessed for the occurrence of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and transplant‐free mortality during a 168‐day follow‐up period.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐nine patients were included, the mean Maddrey score was 71 ± 34 and 86 patients (61.9%) developed AKI. Forty‐eight patients (34.5%) received NSBB. The overall 168‐day transplant‐free mortality was 50.5% (95%CI, 41.3–60.0%). The overall 168‐day cumulative incidence of AKI was 61.9% (95%CI, 53.2–69.4%). When compared, patients with NSBB had a lower heart rate (65 ± 13 vs 92 ± 12, P < 0.0001) and a lower mean arterial pressure (MAP, 78 ± 3 vs 87 ± 5, P < 0.0001). Patients with NSBB had comparable MELD scores, Maddrey scores, and medical histories. The 168‐day transplant‐free mortality was 56.8% (95%CI, 41.3–69.7%) in patients with NSBB and 46.7% (95%CI, 35.0–57.6%) without NSBB (P = 0.25). The 168‐day cumulative incidence of AKI was 89.6% (95%CI, 74.9–95.9%) with NSBB compared to 50.4% (95%CI: 39.0–60.7) for no NSBB (P = 0.0001). The independent factors predicting AKI were a higher MELD score and the presence of NSBB.ConclusionsThe use of NSBB in patients with severe AH is independently associated with a higher cumulative incidence of AKI.
Precore/Core promoter variants to predict significant fibrosis in both HBeAg positive and negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Lapalus Martine , Laouenan Cédric , Cardoso Ana‐Carolina , Estrabaud Emilie , Carvalho‐Filho Roberto J. , Zhang Qian , Lada Olivier , Appourchaux Kevin , Mouri Feryel , Boyer Nathalie , Bedossa Pierre , Asselah Tarik , Martinot‐Peignoux Michelle , Marcellin Patrick 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsAssessing fibrosis is essential in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The objective was to investigate the relationship between fibrosis, host and viral factors to identify non‐invasive markers of significant fibrosis in a large cohort of unselected, well‐characterized, treatment‐naïve CHB patients.MethodsThree hundred and seventy‐seven HBsAg‐positive patients (97 HBeAg‐positive and 280 HBeAg‐negative, genotypes A to E) who had liver biopsy were consecutively included. Host and viral factors (ALT, HBsAg and HBV‐DNA levels, HBV genotype and precore (PC)/basal core promoter (BCP) variants) were determined on the day of the biopsy. Fibrosis stage was assessed using METAVIR score.ResultsThirty‐nine percent of the patients had significant fibrosis (METAVIR F ≥ 2). On univariate analysis, the stages of fibrosis F ≥ 2 were associated with older age (P < 0.0001), male gender (P = 0.01), higher ALT and HBV‐DNA levels (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0003, respectively), the presence of BCP (P < 0.0001) and BCP/PC variants (P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, age (P < 0.0001), the presence of HBV variants (P < 0.0001), HBV‐DNA level (P = 0.0006) and ALT level (P = 0.02) were independently associated with significant fibrosis. The diagnostic accuracy of the combination (age, ALT, HBV‐DNA, HBV variants) in predicting fibrosis F ≥ 2 was evidenced by a c‐index of 0.76 (CI 95% 0.71–0.81).ConclusionsWe identified strong independent risk factors (age, ALT, HBV‐DNA, HBV variants) predicting significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2) independently of HBeAg status in patients with CHB. Patients with BCP variants have a higher risk of severe liver disease. The detection of these mutants may help to predict significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2).
Host association drives genetic divergence in the bed bug, Cimex lectularius
Authors: Booth Warren , Balvín Ondřej , Vargo Edward L. , Vilímová Jitka , Schal Coby 
Published: January 2015

AbstractGenetic differentiation may exist among sympatric populations of a species due to long‐term associations with alternative hosts (i.e. host‐associated differentiation). While host‐associated differentiation has been documented in several phytophagus insects, there are far fewer cases known in animal parasites. The bed bug, Cimex lectularius, a wingless insect, represents a potential model organism for elucidating the processes involved in host‐associated differentiation in animal parasites with relatively limited mobility. In conjunction with the expansion of modern humans from Africa into Eurasia, it has been speculated that bed bugs extended their host range from bats to humans in their shared cave domiciles throughout Eurasia. C. lectularius that associate with humans have a cosmopolitan distribution, whereas those associated with bats occur across Europe, often in human‐built structures. We assessed genetic structure and gene flow within and among populations collected in association with each host using mtDNA, microsatellite loci and knock‐down resistance gene variants. Both nuclear and mitochondrial data support a lack of significant contemporary gene flow between host‐specific populations. Within locations human‐associated bed bug populations exhibit limited genetic diversity and elevated levels of inbreeding, likely due to human‐mediated movement, infrequent additional introduction events per infestation, and pest control. In contrast, populations within bat roosts exhibit higher genetic diversity and lower levels of relatedness, suggesting populations are stable with temporal fluctuations due to host dispersal and bug mortality. In concert with previously published evidence of morphological and behavioural differentiation, the genetic data presented here suggest C. lectularius is currently undergoing lineage divergence through host association.
X monosomy in a Virilized Female Cat
Authors: Szczerbal I , Nizanski W , Dzimira S , Nowacka‐Woszuk J , Ochota M , Switonski M 
Published: January 2015

ContentsAn infertile Siamese female cat was subjected for clinical, histological, cytogenetic and molecular studies due to ambiguous external genitalia (vulva, vagina, rudimentary penis and scrotum‐like structure) and masculine behaviour. An elevated oestrogen activity and a detectable level of testosterone were found. The cat underwent laparotomy. The gonads and the uterus were removed and subjected for histological studies, which showed ovaries with corpora lutea and a some primordial follicles. Chromosome studies of lymphocyte and fibroblast cultures, with the use of Giemsa staining, G‐banding and whole X chromosome painting by fluorescence in situ hybridization, revealed pure X monosomy. Molecular analysis showed the absence of the SRY gene. Our study revealed for the first time that X monosomy in cats may be associated with virilization, in spite of the lack of the SRY gene.
The role of social support in the acculturation and mental health of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers
Authors: Oppedal Brit , Idsoe Thormod 
Published: January 2015

There is a lack of knowledge about psychosocial resources that may sustain post‐resettlement psychological adjustment among unaccompanied minor asylum‐seekers. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of social support from family abroad and friends on acculturation, discrimination, and mental health among these vulnerable children and youth. Questionnaire data were collected from a population‐based multi‐ethnic sample involving 895 unaccompanied minors resettled in municipalities in all regions of the country. They met in groups in their local communities. The informants were on average 18.6 years, and had an average length of stay in Norway of 3.5 years. The findings showed that the participants suffered from high levels of ongoing war related intrusive symptoms and depression. Still, at the same time they engaged in adaptation processes that are normative to youth with immigrant backgrounds, in terms of constructing supportive networks and developing culture competence. In accordance with the main effect hypothesis, social support had direct effects on depression and indirect effects by increasing culture competence that may aid the young refugees in dealing with discrimination. However, there were no effects of social support on symptoms of PTSD. The findings give direction to areas of interventions, beyond dealing with the sequel of the traumas the unaccompanied minors have been exposed to, not only for clinicians, but also social workers and school personnel.
The crystalloid‐colloid debate: Consequences of resuscitation fluid selection in veterinary critical care
Authors: Cazzolli Dava , Prittie Jennifer 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo provide a comprehensive review of the current literature in human and veterinary medicine evaluating the impact of resuscitation fluid choice on patient outcome and adverse effects.Data SourcesProspective and retrospective studies, experimental models, and review articles in both human and veterinary medicine retrieved via PubMed.Human Data SynthesisA series of recent, large, randomized controlled trials in critically ill human patients comparing crystalloid versus colloid driven fluid resuscitation algorithms have demonstrated no outcome benefit with the use of natural or synthetic colloids. Synthetic colloidal solutions are associated with an increased incidence of adverse effects including acute kidney injury, need for renal replacement therapy, and coagulopathies. Further, colloidal solutions demonstrate a larger volume of distribution in the setting of critical illness than hypothesized. These findings have created controversy regarding colloid fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients and challenge current resuscitation strategies. A thorough review of the most influential human data is provided.Veterinary Data SynthesisNo veterinary clinical outcome data pertaining to fluid resuscitation choice currently exist. Veterinary data from experimental and small clinical trials evaluating the coagulopathic effects of hydroxyethyl starch solutions are described. Data pertaining to the use of natural colloids and albumin products in clinical veterinary patients are reviewed. In addition, data pertaining to the comparative intravascular volume expansion effectiveness of different fluid types in canine patients are reviewed.ConclusionsClinical data from critically ill human patients have failed to demonstrate an outcome advantage associated with colloidal fluid resuscitation and indicate that hydroxyethyl starch solutions may be associated with significant adverse effects, including acute kidney injury, need for renal replacement therapy, coagulopathies, and pathologic tissue uptake. The ability to apply these findings to veterinary patients is unknown; however, similar pathophysiology may apply, and critical re‐evaluation of resuscitation strategies is justified.
Running-Intensity Fluctuations in Elite Rugby Sevens Performance
Authors: Furlan Nicola , Waldron Mark , Shorter Kathleen , Gabbett Tim J. , Mitchell John , Fitzgerald Edward , Osborne Mark A. , Gray Adrian J. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:
To investigate temporal variation in running intensity across and within halves and evaluate the agreement between match-analysis indices used to identify fluctuations in running intensity in rugby sevens.

Methods:
Data from a 15-Hz global positioning system (GPS) were collected from 12 elite rugby sevens players during the IRB World Sevens Series (N = 21 full games). Kinematic (eg, relative distance [RD]) and energetic (eg, metabolic power [MP]) match-analysis indices were determined from velocity–time curves and used to investigate between-halves variations. Mean MP and RD were used to identify peak 2-minute periods of play. Adjacent 2-minute periods (prepeak and postpeak) were compared with peak periods to identify changes in intensity. MP and RD were expressed relative to maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and speed at V̇O2max, respectively, and compared in their ability to describe the intensity of peak periods and their temporal occurrence.

Results:
Small to moderate reductions were present for kinematic (RD; 8.9%) and energetic (MP; 6%) indices between halves. Peak periods (RD = 130 m/min, MP =13 W/kg) were higher (P < .001) than the match average (RD = 94 m/min, MP = 9.5 W/kg) and the prepeak and postpeak periods (P < .001). RD underestimated the intensity of peak periods compared with MP (bias 16%, limits of agreement [LoA] ± 6%). Peak periods identified by RD and MP were temporally dissociated (bias 21 s, LoA ± 212 s).

Conclusions:
The findings suggest that running intensity varies between and within halves; however, the index used will influence both the magnitude and the temporal identification of peak periods.
Investigating Strength and Range of Motion of the Hip Complex in Ice Hockey Athletes
Authors: Wilcox Christopher R.J. , Osgood Chad T. , White Hollie S.F. , Vince Rebecca V. 
Published: January 2015

Context:Ice hockey athletes frequently injure the hip complex via a noncontact mechanism. The authors investigated patterns of strength and range of motion (ROM) to establish major differences compared with soccer athletes. Soccer athletes were compared with ice hockey athletes due to similarities between the 2 sports with regard to the intermittent nature and high number of lower-limb injuries.Objective:To compare the differences in ROM and strength of the hip for both the dominant (Dom) and nondominant (Ndom) limbs in ice hockey and soccer athletes.Design:Case-control study.Setting:Bilateral ROM in hip flexion in sitting (FS) and lying (FL), extension, abduction, adduction, and internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) were measured using a goniometer and assessed for strength using a handheld dynamometer on both the Dom and Ndom limbs.Participants:24 male, active, uninjured NCAA Division III ice hockey (16) and soccer (8) athletes.Main Outcome Measures:ROM and strength for hip FS, FL, extension, abduction, adduction, IR, and ER. A mixed-model ANOVA was used to investigate interactions and main effects.Results:Ice hockey athletes exhibited greater hip-adduction ROM than soccer athletes in the Dom leg (both P = .002) and when both limbs were combined (P = .010). Ice hockey athletes had less ROM in ER (P = .042) than soccer athletes. Ice hockey athletes displayed less strength in adduction in their Ndom leg than in their Dom leg (P = .02), along with less adduction than soccer players in their Ndom leg (P = .40). Ice hockey athletes displayed less strength in hip adduction (P = .030), FS (P = .023) and FL (P = .030) than soccer athletes.Conclusions:The findings suggest that ice hockey athletes may present an at-risk profile for noncontact hip injuries in comparison with soccer athletes with regard to strength and ROM of the hip.
Draft Genome Sequence of Marine Bacterium Streptomyces sp. Strain CNQ431, a Producer of the Cytokine Inhibitor Splenocin
Authors: Yu Mingjia , Dai Zheng , Qu Xudong , Gao Xu 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Currently, corticosteroids are the most potent anti-inflammatory drugs on the market. Here, we announce the draft genome sequence of the marine-derived Streptomyces sp. strain CNQ431, which produces cytokine inhibitors, termed splenocins, which display potent suppression of cytokine production at a comparable level to that of corticosteroids. The genome is approximately 498,750 bp with 72.03% G+C content.
Improving Leishmania Species Identification in Different Types of Samples from Cutaneous Lesions
Authors: Cruz-Barrera Mónica L. , Ovalle-Bracho Clemencia , Ortegon-Vergara Viviana , Pérez-Franco Jairo E. , Echeverry Maria C. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

The discrimination of
Leishmania
species from patient samples has epidemiological and clinical relevance. In this study, different gene target PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) protocols were evaluated for their robustness as
Leishmania
species discriminators in 61 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. We modified the
hsp70
-PCR-RFLP protocol and found it to be the most reliable protocol for species identification.
Comparison of the Sofia and Veritor Direct Antigen Detection Assay Systems for Identification of Influenza Viruses from Patient Nasopharyngeal Specimens
Authors: Leonardi G. P. , Wilson A. M. , Mitrache I. , Zuretti A. R. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Influenza antigen detection assays (Sofia fluorescent immunoassay [FIA] and Veritor) yield objective results, which are potentially useful for point-of-care testing. The assays were evaluated with reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) using 411 nasopharyngeal swab specimens. Sensitivity and specificity values (percentages) of 79.0/99.0 and 64.0/99.4 for influenza A and 92.9/96.7 and 78.6/98.7 for influenza B were obtained for the Sofia and Veritor assays, respectively.
Efficient, Validated Method for Detection of Mycobacterial Growth in Liquid Culture Media by Use of Bead Beating, Magnetic-Particle-Based Nucleic Acid Isolation, and Quantitative PCR
Authors: Plain Karren M. , Waldron Anna M. , Begg Douglas J. , de Silva Kumudika , Purdie Auriol C. , Whittington Richard J. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Pathogenic mycobacteria are difficult to culture, requiring specialized media and a long incubation time, and have complex and exceedingly robust cell walls.
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
(MAP), the causative agent of Johne's disease, a chronic wasting disease of ruminants, is a typical example. Culture of MAP from the feces and intestinal tissues is a commonly used test for confirmation of infection. Liquid medium offers greater sensitivity than solid medium for detection of MAP; however, support for the BD Bactec 460 system commonly used for this purpose has been discontinued. We previously developed a new liquid culture medium, M7H9C, to replace it, with confirmation of growth reliant on PCR. Here, we report an efficient DNA isolation and quantitative PCR methodology for the specific detection and confirmation of MAP growth in liquid culture media containing egg yolk. The analytical sensitivity was at least 10
4
-fold higher than a commonly used method involving ethanol precipitation of DNA and conventional PCR; this may be partly due to the addition of a bead-beating step to manually disrupt the cell wall of the mycobacteria. The limit of detection, determined using pure cultures of two different MAP strains, was 100 to 1,000 MAP organisms/ml. The diagnostic accuracy was confirmed using a panel of cattle fecal (
n
= 54) and sheep fecal and tissue (
n
= 90) culture samples. This technique is directly relevant for diagnostic laboratories that perform MAP cultures but may also be applicable to the detection of other species, including
M. avium
and
M. tuberculosis
.
Requirement for Chloride Channel Function during the Hepatitis C Virus Life Cycle
Authors: Igloi Zsofia , Mohl Bjorn-Patrick , Lippiat Jonathan D. , Harris Mark , Mankouri Jamel 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Hepatocytes express an array of plasma membrane and intracellular ion channels, yet their role during the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle remains largely undefined. Here, we show that HCV increases intracellular hepatic chloride (Cl
−
) influx that can be inhibited by selective Cl
−
channel blockers. Through pharmacological and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing, we demonstrate that Cl
−
channel inhibition is detrimental to HCV replication. This represents the first observation of the involvement of Cl
−
channels during the HCV life cycle.