bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene–gene interaction of ATG5, ATG7, BLK and BANK1 in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Dang Jie , Li Jiangxia , Xin Qian , Shan Shan , Bian Xianli , Yuan Qianqian , Liu Na , Ma Xiaochun , Li Yan , Liu Qiji 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimAutophagy‐related gene 5 (ATG5), ATG7, B‐lymphoid tyrosine kinase (BLK) and B‐cell scaffold protein with ankyrin repeats 1 (BANK1) are involved in B‐cell signaling; several genome‐wide association studies detected these genes as candidates involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to replicate the association of these genes with SLE in Chinese Han and to search for possible gene–gene interactions.MethodsTaqMan single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was used to detect rs548234, rs665791 in ATG5, rs11706903 in ATG7, rs2736340 in BLK and rs10516487 in BANK1 in 382 SLE patients and 660 healthy controls. The epistasis effect was analyzed by logistic regression, multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) and linear regression analysis.ResultsSLE was associated with frequency of rs548234 (P = 0.010; odds ratio [OR] = 1.298), rs2736340 (P = 2.47 × 10−5; OR = 1.574) and rs10516487 (P = 0.002; OR = 0.642). Although no epistasis effects were found among three autophagy‐related gene loci or with rs2736340 and rs10516487, BLK and BANK1 had the closest interaction effect on logistic regression analysis (P = 0.013; OR = 1.205), MDR (P < 0.0001), and linear regression analysis (P = 0.0017; R2 = 0.1806). The risk genotype TT of rs2736340 was associated with decreased messenger RNA level of BLK; BLK transcript level was lower in SLE patients than healthy controls.ConclusionWe confirmed the association of rs548234, rs2736340 and rs10516487 with SLE in Chinese Han and reinforced our hypothesis of their epistasis effect in regulating B‐cell signaling in SLE.
In situ associations between marine photosynthetic picoeukaryotes and potential parasites – a role for fungi?
Authors: Lepère Cécile , Ostrowski Martin , Hartmann Manuela , Zubkov Mikhail V. , Scanlan David J. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPhotosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPEs) are important components of the marine picophytoplankton community playing a critical role in CO2 fixation but also as bacterivores, particularly in the oligotrophic gyres. Despite an increased interest in these organisms and an improved understanding of the genetic diversity of this group, we still know little of the environmental factors controlling the abundance of these organisms. Here, we investigated the quantitative importance of eukaryotic parasites in the free‐living fraction as well as in associations with PPEs along a transect in the South Atlantic. Using tyramide signal amplification‐fluorescence in situ hybridization (TSA‐FISH), we provide quantitative evidence of the occurrence of free‐living fungi in open ocean marine systems, while the Perkinsozoa and Syndiniales parasites were not abundant in these waters. Using flow cytometric cell sorting of different PPE populations followed by a dual‐labelled TSA‐FISH approach, we also demonstrate fungal associations, potentially parasitic, occurring with both pico‐Prymnesiophyceae and pico‐Chrysophyceae. These data highlight the necessity for further work investigating the specific role of marine fungi as parasites of phytoplankton to improve understanding of carbon flow in marine ecosystems.
Habitat‐associated skew of clone abundance in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa population
Authors: Wiehlmann Lutz , Cramer Nina , Tümmler Burkhard 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe population structure of the cosmopolitan Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated by genotyping 2921 isolates from 1448 independent habitats with a custom‐made 58 binary marker microarray. Of 323 identified clone types, 109 clones made up 82% of the population. The 20 most frequent clones had an absolute share of 44% indicating that the P. aeruginosa population is dominated by few epidemic clonal complexes. The frequency distribution of common clones was different between inanimate habitats and human niches. The three most abundant clones in the environment were rare among isolates from human infection. Conversely, disease‐associated isolates either belonged to ubiquitous clones such as C and PA14 or to clones that were uncommon in the environment. The P. aeruginosa population consists of major clones that are just as versatile in their habitat and geographic origin as the whole species and of minor clones with preference for a peculiar niche.
Alcohol Use Initiation is Associated with Changes in Personality Trait Trajectories from Early Adolescence to Young Adulthood
Authors: Blonigen Daniel M. , Durbin C. Emily , Hicks Brian M. , Johnson Wendy , McGue Matt , Iacono William G. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundRecent work has demonstrated the codevelopment of personality traits and alcohol use characteristics from early adolescence to young adulthood. Few studies, however, have tested whether alcohol use initiation impacts trajectories of personality over this time period. We examined the effect of alcohol use initiation on personality development from early adolescence to young adulthood.MethodsParticipants were male (nmen = 2,350) and female (nwomen = 2,618) twins and adoptees from 3 community‐based longitudinal studies conducted at the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research. Data on personality traits of Positive Emotionality (PEM; Well‐being), Negative Emotionality (NEM; Stress Reaction, Alienation, and Aggression), and Constraint (CON; Control and Harm Avoidance)—assessed via the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ)—and age of first drink were collected for up to 4 waves spanning ages 10 to 32.ResultsAlcohol use initiation was associated with significant decreases in levels of Well‐being and CON traits, most notably Control; and significant increases in levels of all NEM traits, particularly Aggression. In general, the effects of alcohol use initiation on personality traits were moderated by gender and enhanced among those with earlier age of first drink.ConclusionsFrom early adolescence to young adulthood, alcohol use initiation predicts deviations from normative patterns of personality maturation. Such findings offer a potential mechanism underlying the codevelopment of personality traits and alcohol use characteristics during this formative period of development.
A study of stromal riboflavin absorption in ex vivo porcine corneas using new and existing delivery protocols for corneal cross‐linking
Authors: Hayes Sally , Morgan Siân R. , O'Brart David P. , O'Brart Naomi , Meek Keith M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPurposeTo indirectly measure stromal riboflavin penetration using commercially available riboflavin solutions and new and existing epithelium‐off, trans‐epithelial and iontophoresis‐assisted delivery protocols.MethodsForty porcine eyes were divided into eight groups. Group 1: Ricrolin applied to the de‐epithelialised cornea for 30 min; Group 2: epithelium‐intact, no treatment; Groups 3–5: epithelium‐intact, 30‐min application of Ricrolin TE, Mediocross TE or ParaCel/Vibex, respectively. Group 6: epithelium‐intact, Ricrolin+ iontophoresis‐assisted delivery for 5 min; Group 7: epithelium‐intact, Ricrolin+ iontophoresis‐assisted delivery for 5 min with a 20‐min riboflavin soak; and Group 8: epithelium‐intact, Ricrolin+ iontophoresis‐assisted delivery for 5 min, 15‐min soak and another 5 min of iontophoresis. After a saline wash, light transmission spectra were obtained from each cornea, before and after epithelial removal.ResultsCorneas in groups 1 and 8 showed a distinct riboflavin absorption peak between 400 and 520 nm. The optical density of the corneas in groups 3–7 did not differ significantly from that of the untreated corneas (group 2).ConclusionsA modification to the standard iontophoresis trans‐epithelial technique resulted in successful penetration of riboflavin into the stroma and appears to offer the most promise for epithelium‐on cross‐linking.
Comparison of emission estimates for non‐CO2 greenhouse gases from livestock and poultry in Korea from 1990 to 2010
Authors: Paik Chunhyun , Chung Yongjoo , Kim Hugon , Kim Young Jin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIt has often been claimed that non‐carbon dioxide greenhouse gases (NCGGs), such as methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated greenhouse gases, are significant contributors to climate change. Here we nvestigate emission estimates of methane and nitrous oxide from livestock and poultry production, which is recognized as a major source of those NCGGs, in Korea over the period of 1990 through 2010. Based on the data on livestock and poultry populations, emission estimates of methane and nitrous oxide are first derived based on the Tier 1 approach. Then, the Tier 2 approach is adopted to obtain emission estimates of methane and nitrous oxide from cattle, which are known to be the largest sources of these NCGGs and account for about 70% of emissions from livestock and poultry in Korea. The result indicates that the Tier 2 estimates of methane and nitrous oxide emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management are significantly different from the Tier 1 estimates over the analysis period.
Effect of the type of silage on milk yield, intake and rumen metabolism of dairy cows grazing swards with low herbage mass
Authors: Ruiz‐Albarrán Miguel , Balocchi Oscar A. , Noro Mirela , Wittwer Fernando , Pulido Rubén G. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of herbage allowance (HA) and type of silage supplemented (TS) on milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI) and metabolism of dairy cows in early lactation. Thirty‐six Holstein‐Friesian dairy cows were allocated to four treatments derived from an arrangement of two HA (LHA = 17 or HHA = 25 kg of DM/cow/day) and two TS (grass (GS) or maize (MS)). Herbage allowance had no effect on DMI or milk yield. Rumen pH and NH3‐N concentration were not affected by HA. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis in the rumen (microbial protein (MP)) was affected by HA with 21.5 and 23.9 g microbial nitrogen per kg ruminal digestible organic matter for LHA and HHA, respectively (P < 0.05). Supplementation with MS showed higher values of milk yield by 2.4 kg/cow/day (P < 0.001), milk protein content by 0.10 % (P < 0.023) and herbage DMI by 2.2 kg/cow/day, and showed lower values for milk urea compared to GS (P < 0.001). The former results suggest that TS had a greater effect on milk yield, total feed intake and energy intake than increase in herbage allowance; however, increase in HA had greater effects on MP than TS.
Influence of rice whole‐crop silage diet on growth performance, carcass and meat characteristics and muscle‐related gene expression in Japanese Black steers
Authors: Shibata Masahiro , Hikino Yasuko , Imanari Mai , Matsumoto Kazunori , Yamamoto Naoyuki 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe present study investigated the influence of a diet largely comprising rice whole‐crop silage (rWCS) on growth performance, carcass and meat characteristics, and expression of genes involved in muscle growth of Japanese Black steers. Steers were randomly separated into rWCS‐fed (rWCS ad libitum and restricted feeding of concentrate) and concentrate‐fed groups. Total digestible nutrient intake and daily gain (DG) decreased in rWCS‐fed steers in comparison with concentrate‐fed steers, whereas dressed carcass weight and final body weight did not significantly differ between the groups. Decreases in drip loss in the muscle of rWCS‐fed steers may be caused by α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene in muscle. Feeding large amounts of rWCS to steers may maintain quantitative productivity of beef steers equally to a concentrate‐based diet, and improve the qualitative productivity. Results of gene expression suggest that activation of skeletal muscle growth in rWCS‐fed steers may occur at the late fattening period owing to a decrease in myostatin and increase in myosin heavy chain gene expression. Preadipocyte factor‐1 and myostatin genes may be strongly involved in the control of lipid accumulation. This rearing system would allow beef production to switch to rWCS‐based diets from concentrate‐based diets.
Effect of water‐soluble carbohydrate content in orchardgrass pasture on grazing time and rumen fermentation in dairy cows
Authors: Ueda Koichiro , Mitani Tomohiro , Kondo Seiji 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTwo experiments were conducted to clarify the effect of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content in orchardgrass pasture on the diurnal distribution of grazing time. Six ruminally cannulated, non‐lactating dairy cows were grazed on either of two pastures with different orchardgrass cultivars containing low WSC (LWSC; cultivar: ‘Hokkai 28’) or high WSC (HWSC; cultivar: ‘Harunemidori’). The cows were grazed in morning and evening sessions in experiment 1, whereas the cows were grazed throughout the day in experiment 2. In experiment 1, grazing time of the cows on HWSC was longer than that of the cows on LWSC (P < 0.01). This difference was larger in the morning session than in the evening session (pasture × grazing session: P < 0.05). Effects on herbage intake were similar to those on grazing time. In experiment 2, daily total grazing time was longer for the cows on HWSC than for those on LWSC (P < 0.05). The cows on HWSC spent a longer time grazing than those on LWSC in the morning between 03.00 and 09.00 hours (P < 0.01). The results indicated that prolonged grazing time in the period between dawn and early morning could increase daily herbage intake in cows grazed on pastures of orchardgrass cultivars with high‐WSC content.
Topical applications of vitamin D on implant surface for bone‐to‐implant contact enhance: a pilot study in dogs part II
Authors: Salomó‐Coll Oscar , Maté‐Sánchez de Val José E. , Ramírez‐Fernandez María P. , Hernández‐Alfaro Federico , Gargallo‐Albiol Jordi , Calvo‐Guirado José L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical application of vitamin D over implant surface, placed immediately to the extraction, throughout histological and histomorphometric analysis of peri‐implant tissue.Material and methodsSix American foxhound dogs were used in the study. Mandibular premolar distal roots were extracted. Twenty‐four immediate conical C1 implants (MIS, Barlev, Israel) were randomly assigned to the distal site on each site of the mandible in three groups: (Group CI) 12 titanium implants alone; (Test Group DI) 12 titanium implants supplemented with vitamin D. Prior to implanting, test implants (DI) were submerged in vitamin D 10% solution. No treatment was applied at control implants (CI). After 12 weeks, animals were sacrificed. Block sections were obtained and processed for mineralized ground sectioning. Bone‐to‐implant contact (Total BIC and BIC%), new bone formation (NBF), interthread bone (ITB), and histological linear measurements (HLM) were analyzed.ResultsAt 12 weeks, all implants were clinically stable and histologically osseointegrated. BIC evaluation showed Total BIC mean and SD values for DI (48.96 ± 2.14), CI (44.56 ± 1.75) (P < 0.05), BIC% DI (43.59 ± 0.98), and CI (42.67 ± 9.26) (P > 0.05). For interthread bone formation, values were as follows: DI (15.21 ± 3.87), CI (14.79 ± 1.45) (P > 0.05), no statistically differences. Regarding peri‐implant new bone formation, no statistically differences could be found between the two groups DI (31.87 ± 1.23), CI (27.18 ± 2.38) (P > 0.05). For linear measurements, test group (DI) showed statistically significant less buccal crestal bone loss (CBL) DI (0.37 ± 0.12)*, CI (1.26 ± 0.8) (P < 0.05), and vitamin D implants showed less lingual junctional epithelium DI (1.58 ± 0.43)*, CI (2.18 ± 0.48) (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the buccal mucosa.ConclusionWith the limitation of animal studies, topical application of vitamin D on dental implants could reduce crestal bone loss and increase 10% more bone‐to‐implant contact at 12‐week follow‐up period.
Suppressing cAMP response element‐binding protein transcription shortens the duration of status epilepticus and decreases the number of spontaneous seizures in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy
Authors: Zhu Xinjian , Dubey Deepti , Bermudez Camilo , Porter Brenda E. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryObjectiveCurrent epilepsy therapies directed at altering the function of neurotransmitter receptors or ion channels, or release of synaptic vesicles fail to prevent seizures in approximately 30% of patients. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying epilepsy is needed to provide new therapeutic targets. The activity of cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element‐binding protein (CREB), a major transcription factor promoting CRE‐mediated transcription, increases following a prolonged seizure called status epilepticus. It is also increased in the seizure focus of patients with medically intractable focal epilepsy. Herein we explored the effect of acute suppression of CREB activity on status epilepticus and spontaneous seizures in a chronic epilepsy model.MethodsPilocarpine chemoconvulsant was used to induce status epilepticus. To suppress CREB activity, a transgenic mouse line expressing an inducible dominant negative mutant of CREB (CREBIR) with a serine to alanine 133 substitution was used. Status epilepticus and spontaneous seizures of transgenic and wild‐type mice were analyzed using video–electroencephalography (EEG) to assess the effect of CREB suppression on seizures.ResultsOur findings indicate that activation of CREBIR shortens the duration of status epilepticus. The frequency of spontaneous seizures decreased in mice with chronic epilepsy during CREBIR induction; however, the duration of the spontaneous seizures was unchanged. Of interest, we found significantly reduced levels of phospho‐CREB Ser133 upon activation of CREBIR, supporting prior work suggesting that binding to the CRE site is important for CREB phosphorylation.SignificanceOur results suggest that CRE transcription supports seizure activity both during status epilepticus and in spontaneous seizures. Thus, blocking of CRE transcription is a novel target for the treatment of epilepsy.
Imperfect detection and the determination of environmental flows for fish: challenges, implications and solutions
Authors: Gwinn Daniel C. , Beesley Leah S. , Close Paul , Gawne Ben , Davies Peter M. 
Published: September 2015

Summary

Relationships between river flow characteristics and fish community/population dynamics (i.e. flow–ecology relationships) underpin methods to determine and monitor environmental water allocations. Quantifying these relationships can be difficult, and consequently, most environmental flow strategies for fish conservation in Australian rivers are based on general flow–ecology relationships as opposed to statistical predictions.

Of those studies that have investigated relationships between flow and fish, most have not accounted for incomplete and variable detection of fish by the sampling methods, thus making the implicit assumption that sampling efficiency is invariant. This important assumption is rarely met, leading to inconsistent research findings and spurious results, and a reliance on generic flow–ecology principles for defining flow management strategies.

We illustrate how and when detection probability varies when sampling freshwater fish and the consequences to scientific inference about fish–flow relationships. Methods for accounting for imperfect detection of fish are identified and tools to increase the efficiency of experimental designs while reducing sampling cost are discussed. These tools include methods for borrowing information among experimental components and simulation techniques to optimise sampling designs.

We argue that, due to the very nature of sampling designs to quantify flow–ecology relationships (e.g. sampling at different flow magnitudes/regimes), the challenge of imperfect detectability is particularly relevant to environmental flow science. We encourage the broader adoption of methods that account for imperfect detection to improve inference about fish–flow relationships and increase the successful application of environmental flows for managing fish communities.
Comparative study of the essential oils of three Beilschmiedia species and their biological activities
Authors: Salleh Wan Mohd Nuzul Hakimi Wan , Ahmad Farediah , Khong Heng Yen , Mohamed Zulkifli Razauden 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThis study was designed to examine the chemical compositions of the essential oils from three Beilschmiedia species and antioxidant, antimicrobial, antityrosinase, acetylcholinesterase and anti‐inflammatory activities. The essential oils of B. kunstleri, B. maingayi, B. penangiana gave β‐caryophyllene (10.6–12.1%), β‐eudesmol (17.5–24.1%) and δ‐cadinene (17.5–28.7%) as the most abundant components respectively. The bark oil of B. maingayi showed the highest activity in β‐carotene/linoleic acid (125.9%) and phenolic content (288.2 mg GA g−1), while B. penangiana bark oil was found to have strong activity in DPPH (IC50 84.7 μg mL−1) and ABTS (IC50 108.3 μg mL−1). The essential oils of B. penangiana showed the best activity against Candida glabrata with MIC value 31.3 μg mL−1. The bark oil of B. penangiana gave 82.5% tyrosinase inhibiton. The leaf oil of B. maingayi gave the highest inhibition in AChE (66.6%) and lipoxygenase (77.0%) assay. Our findings demonstrate that the essential oils have great potential for applications in pharmaceutical and food industries.
Pharmacist independent prescribing in critical care: results of a national questionnaire to establish the 2014 UK position
Authors: Bourne Richard S , Whiting Paul , Brown Lisa S , Borthwick Mark 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Clinical pharmacist practice is well established in the safe and effective use of medicines in the critically ill patient. In the UK, independent pharmacist prescribers are generally recognised as a valuable and desirable resource. However, currently, there are only anecdotal reports of pharmacist-independent prescribing in critical care. The aim of this questionnaire was to determine the current and proposed future independent prescribing practice of UK clinical pharmacists working in adult critical care.

Methods
The questionnaire was distributed electronically to UK Clinical Pharmacy Association members (closed August 2014).

Key findings
There were 134 responses to the questionnaire (response rate at least 33%). Over a third of critical care pharmacists were practising independent prescribers in the specialty, and 70% intended to be prescribers within the next 3 years. Pharmacists with ≥5 years critical care experience (P &lt; 0.001) or worked in a team (P = 0.005) were more likely to be practising independent prescribers. Pharmacists reported significant positives to the use of independent prescribing in critical care both in patient care and job satisfaction. Independently, prescribing was routine in: dose adjustment for multi-organ failure, change in route or formulation, correction prescribing errors, therapeutic drug monitoring and chronic medication. The majority of pharmacist prescribers reported they spent ≤5% of their clinical time prescribing and accounted for ≤5% of new prescriptions in critical care patients.

Conclusions
Most critical care pharmacists intend to be practising as independent prescribers within the next 3 years. The extent and scope of critical care pharmacist prescribing appear to be of relatively low volume and within niche prescribing areas.