bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of GABA on oxidative stress in the skeletal muscles and plasma free amino acids in mice fed high‐fat diet
Authors: Xie Z.X. , Xia S.F. , Qiao Y. , Shi Y.H. , Le G.W. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryIncreased levels of plasma free amino acids (pFAAs) can disturb the blood glucose levels in patients with obesity, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome (MS) and are associated with enhanced protein oxidation. Oxidation of proteins, especially in the muscles, can promote protein degradation and elevate the levels of pFAAs. Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), a food additive, can reduce high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced hyperglycaemia; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GABA on protein oxidation and pFAAs changes. One hundred male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups that were fed with control diet, HFD and HFD supplied with 0.2%, 0.12% and 0.06% GABA in drinking water for 20 weeks respectively. HFD feeding led to muscular oxidative stress, protein oxidation, pFAA disorders, hyperglycaemia and augmented plasma GABA levels. Treatment with GABA restored normally fasting blood glucose level and dose‐dependently inhibited body weight gains, muscular oxidation and protein degradation. While medium and low doses of GABA mitigated HFD‐induced pFAA disorders, the high dose of GABA deteriorated the pFAA disorders. Medium dose of GABA increased the levels of GABA, but high dose of GABA reduced the levels of plasma GABA and increased the activity of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase in the liver. Therefore, treatment with GABA mitigated HFD‐induced hyperglycaemia probably by repairing HFD‐induced muscular oxidative stress and pFAA disorders in mice. Our data also suggest that an optimal dose of GABA is crucial for the prevention of excess GABA‐related decrease in the levels of pFAA and GABA as well as obesity.
Interleukin‐33 could play an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis
Authors: Köseoğlu S. , Hatipoğlu M. , Sağlam M. , Enhoş Ş. , Esen H. H. 
Published: September 2014

Background and ObjectiveInterleukin‐33 (IL‐33) controls T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines and the development of mast cells. This study aimed to investigate the expression of IL‐33 and its association with RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in periodontal health and experimental periodontitis.Material and MethodsEighteen Wistar rats were assigned to two study groups of nine animals each: ligature only (LO) and nonligated (NL). Silk sutures were placed subgingivally, surrounding the right lower first molars. The animals were killed on day 11 after ligature placement, and the alveolar bone loss at the first molars was determined histometrically. Periodontal tissues were examined histopathologically to evaluate the differences between the groups. The expression of IL‐33, RANKL and OPG was detected immunohistochemically.ResultsThe LO group showed significantly greater alveolar bone loss compared with the NL group (p < 0.05). The numbers of osteoclasts, osteoblasts and inflammatory cells were significantly higher in the LO group compared with the NL group (p < 0.05). Osteoblastic activity was significantly lower in the LO group than in the NL group (p < 0.05). There was significantly higher expression of IL‐33 and RANKL and a greater number of OPG‐positive cells in the LO group (p < 0.05). IL‐33 expression showed a positive correlation with RANKL expression and with the number of mast cells (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe experimental periodontitis group exhibited increased expression of IL‐33 and RANKL compared with the healthy group. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between these expressions. According to these results, IL‐33 could be associated with the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.
Wireless Ambulatory Esophageal pH Monitoring in Dogs with Clinical Signs Interpreted as Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Kook P.H. , Kempf J. , Ruetten M. , Reusch C.E. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundAlthough gastroesophageal reflux (GER) often is assumed to be causative for upper gastrointestinal and respiratory signs in dogs, no attempts have been made to verify this assumption.ObjectivesTo monitor esophageal pH with the Bravo pH system in healthy dogs and client‐owned dogs displaying signs commonly attributed to GER.AnimalsSeven healthy and 22 client‐owned dogs.MethodsAfter routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy, radiotelemetric pH capsules were placed in distal esophagus for continuous pH recording. Reflux was defined as single pH measurement <4. At discharge, owners were instructed to press individually predefined clinical sign‐buttons on the receiver whenever indicated. Results between groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U‐test.ResultsThe median (range) number of refluxes in client‐owned and healthy dogs, respectively, was 17 (1–205) and 10 (1–65), the number of refluxes >5 minutes in duration was 1 (0–14), and 1 (0–4), duration of longest reflux (min) was 10 (0–65) and 8 (0–27), and fractional time pH <4 (%) was 0.76% (0.01–6.28), and 0.3% (0–3.1). No differences were found between groups. The median of 7 (1–35) clinical sign‐button pushes were recorded in 21 dogs. Median of 12.5% (2.8% [1/35]–50% [2/4]) reflux‐positive clinical sign‐button pushes was found in 10 dogs with reflux‐positive pushes. Five (22.7%) dogs had increased esophageal acid exposure, and mild esophagitis was noted in 1 dog.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceDespite evidence of increased GER in some dogs, the clinical sign‐reflux association remained poor. Future investigation should focus on dogs with esophagitis.
A comparison of key aspects of gene regulation in Streptomyces coelicolor and Escherichia coli using nucleotide‐resolution transcription maps produced in parallel by global and differential RNA sequencing
Authors: Romero David A. , Hasan Ayad H. , Lin Yu‐fei , Kime Louise , Ruiz‐Larrabeiti Olatz , Urem Mia , Bucca Giselda , Mamanova Lira , Laing Emma E. , van Wezel Gilles P. , Smith Colin P. , Kaberdin Vladimir R. , McDowall Kenneth J. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryStreptomyces coelicolor is a model for studying bacteria renowned as the foremost source of natural products used clinically. Post‐genomic studies have revealed complex patterns of gene expression and links to growth, morphological development and individual genes. However, the underlying regulation remains largely obscure, but undoubtedly involves steps after transcription initiation. Here we identify sites involved in RNA processing and degradation as well as transcription within a nucleotide‐resolution map of the transcriptional landscape. This was achieved by combining RNA‐sequencing approaches suited to the analysis of GC‐rich organisms. Escherichia coli was analysed in parallel to validate the methodology and allow comparison. Previously, sites of RNA processing and degradation had not been mapped on a transcriptome‐wide scale for E. coli. Through examples, we show the value of our approach and data sets. This includes the identification of new layers of transcriptional complexity associated with several key regulators of secondary metabolism and morphological development in S. coelicolor and the identification of host‐encoded leaderless mRNA and rRNA processing associated with the generation of specialized ribosomes in E. coli. New regulatory small RNAs were identified for both organisms. Overall the results illustrate the diversity in mechanisms used by different bacterial groups to facilitate and regulate gene expression.
A Caulobacter MreB mutant with irregular cell shape exhibits compensatory widening to maintain a preferred surface area to volume ratio
Authors: Harris Leigh K. , Dye Natalie A. , Theriot Julie A. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryRod‐shaped bacteria typically elongate at a uniform width. To investigate the genetic and physiological determinants involved in this process, we studied a mutation in the morphogenetic protein MreB in Caulobacter crescentus that gives rise to cells with a variable‐width phenotype, where cells have regions that are both thinner and wider than wild‐type. During growth, individual cells develop a balance of wide and thin regions, and mutant MreB dynamically localizes to poles and thin regions. Surprisingly, the surface area to volume ratio of these irregularly shaped cells is, on average, very similar to wild‐type. We propose that, while mutant MreB localizes to thin regions and promotes rod‐like growth there, wide regions develop as a compensatory mechanism, allowing cells to maintain a wild‐type‐like surface area to volume ratio. To support this model, we have shown that cell widening is abrogated in growth conditions that promote higher surface area to volume ratios, and we have observed individual cells with high ratios return to wild‐type levels over several hours by developing wide regions, suggesting that compensation can take place at the level of individual cells.
Species boundaries and nomenclature of Rhizopus arrhizus (syn. R. oryzae)
Authors: Dolatabadi Somayeh , de Hoog G. Sybren , Meis Jacques F. , Walther Grit 
Published: September 2014

SummaryRhizopus arrhizus (Mucorales, Mucoromycotina) is the prevalent opportunist worldwide among the mucoralean species causing human infections. On the other hand the species has been used since ancient times to ferment African and Asian traditional foods and condiments based on ground soybeans. As producer of organic acids and hydrolytic enzymes it is widely applied in food industry and biotechnology. Using a set of 82 strains we studied phylogenetic and biological species boundaries within Rhizopus arrhizus s.l. to test the taxonomic status of R. delemar that was recently separated from R. arrhizus. Sequence analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer region, the gene of the largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II, a part of the actin gene, and the translation elongation factor 1‐α as well as amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis were performed. Phenotypic characters such as enzyme profiles and growth kinetics were examined and the mating behavior was tested. Molecular analyses supported the existence of two phylogenetic species. However, the results of the mating test suggest that the mating barrier is still not complete. No physiological, ecological or epidemiological distinction could be found beside the difference in the production of organic acids. Consequently the status of varieties is proposed for the two phylogenetic species. Because the description of the first described R. arrhizus is considered to be conclusive we recommend the use of Rhizopus arrhizus var. arrhizus and var. delemar.
Multiple environmental changes interact to modify species dynamics and invasion rates
Authors: Griffiths Jason I. , Warren Philip H. , Childs Dylan Z. 
Published: September 2014

Multiple aspects of the environment often change at the same time, influencing populations directly by modifying their physiology, but also indirectly by influencing other interacting species. The impacts of each environmental change upon population dynamics are usually assumed be independent of the state of other aspects of the environment, despite evidence at the individual level indicating that the combined impacts are often non‐additive. The importance of indirect effects mediated through community interactions also has high uncertainty. We used experimental microcosms to determine whether environmental factors interact to affect species dynamics and the relative importance of direct and indirect effects on species dynamics.We factorially manipulated three aspects of the environment (temperature, food availability and salinity) and examined reciprocal invasions of competing protist species under each environment. Experimental observations were used to parameterize a dynamic model of the system. Using this model and a novel variance decomposition method, we examined the mechanisms by which environmental changes altered species invasion rates.The three environmental factors interacted when modifying species growth rates, intra‐ and interspecific competition, causing the impact of each environmental change on species dynamics to depend crucially on the state of other aspects of the environment. Indirect changes in the abundance of the resident competitor and its interspecific competitive ability were the main cause of environmental driven variation in invasion rates, whilst direct effects on species intrinsic growth rates were relatively unimportant. This indicates that, to understand and ultimately predict species and community responses to multiple environmental changes, we should consider their joint impacts and the mechanisms by which they interact to modify key ecological processes such as competition.
Evaluation of the minimum volume of salvage blood required for the successful use of two different autotransfusion devices
Authors: Baumann Cyrille , Lamesic Goran , Weiss Markus , Cushing Melissa M. , Haas Thorsten 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundAutotransfusion in pediatric anesthesia is beneficial in several clinical settings; however, more frequent usage is deterred by process‐related costs and the fact that the absolute volume of blood returned may be minimal.ObjectiveTwo autotransfusion devices (CATS, Fresenius Kabi AG, and Sorin Xtra, Sorin GmbH) with different technologies were evaluated to determine the minimum volume necessary to efficiently process salvage blood.MethodsBanked blood was diluted to simulate different clinical scenarios. Volume and red cell mass in returned blood were analyzed as a function of initial volume and red cell mass in the collection reservoir using incremental increases in the volume of blood added to the reservoir.ResultsThe volume of the returned processed blood for infusion was dependent on degree of dilution and blood volume in the reservoir. The CATS required a smaller initial minimum volume to process and successfully return; however, the Xtra provided a more efficient recovery at low initial collected volumes. Using test blood of various degrees of dilution, the CATS and Xtra were able to return blood for retransfusion after a mean initial red cell mass of 48.7 ml (±4.9 ml) and 53.7 ml (±5.0 ml) were processed, respectively.ConclusionsRed cell mass rather than salvaged blood volume represents a reliable predictor of the successful use of an autotransfusion device. Measuring the hematocrit of the salvaged blood could improve the use of the devices. The investigated devices are likely to be roughly equivalent in effectiveness.
Sphagnum physiology in the context of changing climate: emergent influences of genomics, modelling and host–microbiome interactions on understanding ecosystem function
Authors: WESTON DAVID J. , TIMM COLLIN M. , WALKER ANTHONY P. , GU LIANHONG , MUCHERO WELLINGTON , SCHMUTZ JEREMY , SHAW A. JONATHAN , TUSKAN GERALD A. , WARREN JEFFREY M. , WULLSCHLEGER STAN D. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPeatlands harbour more than one‐third of terrestrial carbon leading to the argument that the bryophytes, as major components of peatland ecosystems, store more organic carbon in soils than any other collective plant taxa. Plants of the genus Sphagnum are important components of peatland ecosystems and are potentially vulnerable to changing climatic conditions. However, the response of Sphagnum to rising temperatures, elevated CO2 and shifts in local hydrology have yet to be fully characterized. In this review, we examine Sphagnum biology and ecology and explore the role of this group of keystone species and its associated microbiome in carbon and nitrogen cycling using literature review and model simulations. Several issues are highlighted including the consequences of a variable environment on plant–microbiome interactions, uncertainty associated with CO2 diffusion resistances and the relationship between fixed N and that partitioned to the photosynthetic apparatus. We note that the Sphagnum fallax genome is currently being sequenced and outline potential applications of population‐level genomics and corresponding plant photosynthesis and microbial metabolic modelling techniques. We highlight Sphagnum as a model organism to explore ecosystem response to a changing climate and to define the role that Sphagnum can play at the intersection of physiology, genetics and functional genomics.
Partitioning changes in photosynthetic rate into contributions from different variables
Authors: BUCKLEY THOMAS N. , DIAZ‐ESPEJO ANTONIO 
Published: September 2014

AbstractChanges in net CO2 assimilation rate (A) are often partitioned into contributions from changes in different variables using an approach that is based on an expression from calculus: namely the definition of the exact differential of A, which states that an infinitesimal change in A (dA) is equal to the sum of infinitesimal changes in each of the underlying variables, each multiplied by the partial derivative of A with respect to the variable. Finite changes in A can thus be partitioned by integrating this sum across a finite interval. The most widely used method of estimating that integral is a coarse discrete approximation that uses partial derivatives of the natural logarithm of A rather than A itself. This yields biased and ambiguous estimates of partitioned changes in A. We present an alternative partitioning approach based on direct numerical integration of dA. The new approach does not require any partial derivatives to be computed, and it can be applied under any conditions to estimate the contributions from changes in any photosynthetic variable. We demonstrate this approach using field measurements of both seasonal and diurnal changes in assimilation rate, and we provide a spreadsheet implementing the new approach.
Two‐year stability of individual differences in (para)sympathetic and HPA‐axis responses to public speaking in childhood and adolescence
Authors: van den Bos Esther , Westenberg P. Michiel 
Published: September 2014

AbstractLong‐term stability of individual differences in stress responses has repeatedly been demonstrated in adults, but few studies have investigated the development of stability in adolescence. The present study was the first to investigate the stability of individual differences in heart rate, parasympathetic (RMSSD, pNN50, HF), sympathetic (LF/HF, SC), and HPA‐axis (salivary cortisol) responses in a youth sample (8–19 years). Responses to public speaking were measured twice over 2 years. Stability was moderate for absolute responses and task delta responses of HR, RMSSD, pNN50, and HF. Stability was lower for SC and task delta responses of LF/HF and cortisol. Anticipation delta responses showed low stability for HR and cortisol. The latter was moderated by age or puberty, so that individual differences were more stable in more mature individuals. The results support the suggestion that stress responses may be reset during adolescence, but only for the HPA axis.
Home Bias in Officiating: Evidence From International Cricket
Authors: Sacheti Abhinav , Gregory-Smith Ian , Paton David 
Published: September 2014

SummaryWe use data on leg before wicket decisions from 1000 test cricket matches to quantify the systematic bias by officials (umpires) to favour home teams. We exploit recent changes in the regulation of test cricket as a series of natural experiments to help to identify whether social pressure from crowds has a causal effect on home bias. Using negative binomial regressions, we find that home umpires favour home teams and that this effect is more pronounced in the later stages of matches.
Validity and reliability of the SPORTS score for shoulder instability
Authors: Blonna Davide , Bellato Enrico , Caranzano Francesco , Bonasia Davide , Marmotti Antongiulio , Rossi Roberto , Castoldi Filippo 
Published: September 2014

Purpose: athletes affected by shoulder instability cannot be judged solely according to the criteria used for non-athletes. In order to improve the assessment of shoulder instability surgery outcomes, the SPORTS score was tested in a cohort of athletes.
Methods: ninety-eight athletes at an average follow-up of 4.6 years (range 1-9.2) after open or arthroscopic surgery for recurrent anterior shoulder instability were included in this study. The patients were asked to complete the SPORTS score questionnaire twice, with an interval of 2-3 weeks between the two assessments. The Bland-Altman method and the intra-class correlation coefficient were used to measure reliability. Criterion validity was assessed by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient between the SPORTS score and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) score, the Rowe score, the Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS), and the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV).
Results: the SPORTS score showed excellent test-retest reliability. The systematic error between the first and the second assessment was 0.3 points (95% upper limit of agreement = 2.3 points). The criterion validity was found to be strong for the SPORTS score, which correlated best with the SSV and the “sport, recreation, and work” component of the WOSI score. The SPORTS score had an acceptable floor effect (8%). The ceiling effect was 46%, which was better than the ceiling effects seen with the Rowe, OSIS and WOSI scores.
Conclusions: this study suggests that the SPORTS score is a valid score in the assessment of athletes after surgery for shoulder instability and that it adds important information to the currently available scores.
Level of evidence: Level III, diagnostic study of nonconsecutive patients.
How do massive immobile rotator cuff tears behave after arthroscopic interval slides? Comparison with mobile tears
Authors: Fossati Chiara , Arrigoni Paolo , Ragone Vincenza , Spennacchio Pietro , Banfi Giuseppe , Randelli Filippo , Randelli Pietro 
Published: September 2014

Purpose: the aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of contracted immobile massive rotator cuff tears mobilised through an arthroscopic interval slide technique versus massive mobile cuff tears directly repaired without any mobilisation.
Methods: twenty-five patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for massive rotator cuff tears with a minimum of 18 months follow-up were included. The patients were retrospectively divided into two groups. In group 1, a single or double interval slide was performed to achieve adequate tendon mobilisation. In group 2 (control group), massive rotator cuff tears were arthroscopically repaired without any additional release. Patients were evaluated with validated outcomes scores: subjective and objective Constant score, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE).
Results: the two groups were comparable in terms of age, gender and involvement of the dominant arm. The mean follow-up duration was 31 months in group 1 and 28 months in group 2 (p = 0.4). The two groups showed no significant differences in SANE and VAS results (group 1: SANE 77%, VAS 1.3; group 2: SANE 88%, VAS 1.6), or in total Constant score (group1: 66.5 ± 11; group 2: 75 ± 14; p = 0.1) and subjective Constant score (Group 1: 31 ± 5; group 2: 30.8 ± 7; p = 0.9). A significant difference was found for the objective Constant score, which was higher in the control group (group 1: 35.5 ± 7; group 2: 44 ± 8; p = 0.009).
Conclusions: Subjective clinical outcomes of arthroscopic repair with or without interval slides did not differ and were satisfactory. Objectively, immobile cuff tears showed inferior results.The use of interval slides might be considered a first step or an alternative to more invasive procedures for low demanding patients.
Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.