bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐weaning parental care increases fitness but is not heritable in North American red squirrels
Authors: Lane J. E. , McAdam A. G. , Charmantier A. , Humphries M. M. , Coltman D. W. , Fletcher Q. , Gorrell J. C. , Boutin S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMost empirical attempts to explain the evolution of parental care have focused on its costs and benefits (i.e. fitness consequences). In contrast, few investigations have been made of the other necessary prerequisite for evolutionary change, inheritance. Here, we examine the fitness consequences and heritability (h2) of a post‐weaning parental care behaviour (territory bequeathal) in a wild population of North American red squirrels. Each year, a subset (average across all years = 19%) of reproductive females bequeathed their territory to a dependent offspring. Bequeathing females experienced higher annual reproductive success and did not suffer a survival cost to themselves relative to those females retaining their territory. Bequeathing females thus realized higher relative annual fitness [ω = 1.18 ± 0.03 (SE)] than nonbequeathing females [ω = 0.96 ± 0.02 (SE)]. Additive genetic influences on bequeathal behaviour, however, were not significantly different from 0 (h2 = 1.9 × 10−3; 95% highest posterior density interval = 3.04 × 10−8to 0.37) and, in fact, bequeathal behaviour was not significantly repeatable (R = 2.0 × 10−3; 95%HPDinterval =0–0.27). In contrast, directional environmental influences were apparent. Females were more likely to bequeath in years following low food abundance and when food availability in the upcoming autumn was high. Despite an evident fitness benefit, a lack of heritable genetic variance will constrain evolution of this trait.
Detection of Salmonella spp. in Eight Complex Food Matrices Using Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay
Authors: Alves Juliane , Niguma Natália H. , de Oliveira Tereza C.R.M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractConventional methods for the detection of Salmonella based on culturing are time‐consuming and laborious. The aim of this study was to develop a template preparation method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of Salmonella spp. in egg yolk, pizza, ground beef, pork, pork sausage, chicken drumsticks, mayonnaise and Minas cheese. The DNA extraction was performed with thermal lysis followed by nucleic acid purification with phenol‐chloroform. After the use of this template preparation method, no inhibitory substances for the PCR were observed in those eight complex food matrices. The PCR technique detected Salmonella spp. with a sensitivity of 1 cfu/mL (colony forming unit per milliliter) of all food matrices tested after 18 h of enrichment in buffered peptone water. This method is relatively inexpensive, reduces time of analysis in comparison to the reference method, and can be used in food microbiological analyses and epidemiological studies.Practical ApplicationsThe developed template preparation method and PCR are an efficient means to detect Salmonella spp. in eight complex food matrices (in egg yolk, pizza, ground beef, pork, pork sausage, chicken drumsticks, mayonnaise and Minas cheese) after a 18 h of enrichment. This represents a great advantage in order to reduce cost and time of analysis by shorter time of incubation and reduction in enrichment steps in comparison to the analytical reference method. This method can be used in food microbiological analyses and epidemiological studies.
The effects of a TGR5 agonist and a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor on dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis in mice
Authors: Sakanaka Taisuke , Inoue Takuya , Yorifuji Naoki , Iguchi Munetaka , Fujiwara Kaori , Narabayashi Ken , Kakimoto Kazuki , Nouda Sadaharu , Okada Toshihiko , Kuramoto Takanori , Ishida Kumi , Abe Yosuke , Takeuchi Toshihisa , Umegaki Eiji , Akiba Yasutada , Kaunitz Jonathan D , Higuchi Kazuhide 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimLuminal nutrients stimulate enteroendocrine L cells to release gut hormones, including intestinotrophic glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2). Because L cells express the bile acid receptor TGR5 and dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPPIV) rapidly degrades GLPs, we hypothesized that luminal TGR5 activation may attenuate intestinal injury via GLP‐2 release, which is enhanced by DPPIV inhibition.MethodsIntestinal injury was induced in mice by administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water (free access to water containing 5% DSS for 7 days). The selective TGR5 agonist betulinic acid (BTA) and the DPPIV inhibitor sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate (STG) were administered orally for 7 days. Male C57BL/6 mice (6–7 weeks old) were divided into five groups: normal control group, disease control group, BTA low group (drinking water containing 15 mg/L BTA), BTA high group (50 mg/L BTA), and BTA high + STG (3 mg/kg, i.g.) group.ResultsThe selective TGR5 agonist BTA dose‐dependently suppressed disease activity index and mRNA expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in the colon. Nevertheless, STG administration had little additive effect on BTA‐induced protection. Fibroblast activation protein mRNA expression, but not expression of other DPP family members, was increased in the colon of DSS‐treated mice with increased mucosal DPPIV. Co‐administration of the selective GLP‐2 antagonist GLP‐2 (3–33) reversed the effect of BTA.ConclusionThe selective TGR5 agonist BTA ameliorated DSS‐induced colitis in mice via the GLP‐2 pathway with no effect of DPPIV inhibition, suggesting that other DPP enzymatic activity is involved in GLP‐2 degradation.
Study of the mechanisms of a Japanese traditional fermented medicine in the improvement of constipation
Authors: Shimoyama Tadashi , Takahashi Ryoki , Kimura Moto , Fukuda Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimGut Working Tablet (GWT) is a Japanese traditional fermented medicine based on Aspergillus oryzae NK‐fermented grain germ. Although GWT has been used by patients with constipation, the mechanism has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the possible mechanisms of the effect of GWT on constipation.MethodsThe effect of GWT water extracts on gut contractility using ileum strips from guinea pig and on the growth of Bifidobacterium longum were examined in vitro. The 14 Sprague Dawley rats were administered loperamide at 10 mg/day per kg for 3 days. They were fed with and without 5% of GWT before and during administration of loperamide. Number of stools and weight of feces were measured before and during administration of loperamide. The concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces and cecal contents were measured by gas chromatography.ResultsGWT water extracts dose‐dependently induced ileal contractile responses, which were inhibited by atropine. The growth of B. longum was increased in the presence of GWT water extracts in a dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.01 vs control). The decrease in both the number and weight of feces caused by loperamide was improved by GWT administration (P < 0.05 vs loperamide). The decrease in the butyric acid concentration in feces and cecal contents induced by the administration of loperamide was inhibited by GWT (P = 0.035 and 0.018).ConclusionGWT water extracts may induce cholinergic‐like stimulation and promote the growth of probiotics. Furthermore, GWT water extract contributed to normalization of colonic SCFAs. These results may explain, at least in part, the beneficial effects of GWT on constipation.
Confocal laser endomicroscopy: A new gold standard for the assessment of mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Macé Vincent , Ahluwalia Amrita , Coron Emmanuel , Le Rhun Marc , Boureille Arnaud , Bossard Céline , Mosnier Jean‐François , Matysiak‐Budnik Tamara , Tarnawski Andrzej S 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimEndoscopic assessment of mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasingly accepted as a measure of disease activity, therapeutic goal, and the key prognostic indicator. While regular endoscopy evaluates appearance of the mucosal surface, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) enables in vivo visualization of subepithelial mucosa at 1000× magnification during ongoing endoscopy. Our aims were to determine using CLE whether endoscopically normal appearing colonic mucosa in patients with UC in remission (UC‐IR) has fully regenerated mucosal structures, resolved inflammation, and to identify the mechanisms.MethodsTwelve patients (six controls and six with UC‐IR) underwent colonoscopy using CLE and intravenous fluorescein infusion. During colonoscopy, CLE images of colonic mucosa and conventional mucosal biopsies were obtained and evaluated using image‐analysis systems. We quantified; (i) regeneration of colonic crypts and blood microvessels; (ii) cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expression; (iii) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations; (iv) inflammatory infiltration; and (v) vascular permeability (VP).ResultsIn control subjects, CLE demonstrated normal colonic crypts and microvasculature. COX2 expression was minimal, and < 7% crypts showed mtDNA mutations. Colonic mucosa of UC‐IR patients had impaired and distorted crypt regeneration, increased COX2, 69% crypts with mtDNA mutations, persistent inflammation, and abnormal vascular architecture with increased VP (all P < 0.001 vs normal mucosa).Conclusions(i) Endoscopically normal appearing colonic mucosa of patients with UC‐IR remains abnormal: CLE demonstrates impaired crypt regeneration, persistent inflammation, distinct abnormalities in angioarchitecture and increased vascular permeability; molecular imaging showed increased COX2 and mtDNA mutations; (ii) CLE may serve as a new gold standard for the assessment of mucosal healing in UC.
Detailed analysis of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and tumor budding identifies predictors of long‐term survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kohler Ilona , Bronsert Peter , Timme Sylvia , Werner Martin , Brabletz Thomas , Hopt Ulrich Theodor , Schilling Oliver , Bausch Dirk , Keck Tobias , Wellner Ulrich Friedrich 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by aggressive biology and poor prognosis even after resection. Long‐term survival is very rare and cannot be reliably predicted. Experimental data suggest an important role of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in invasion and metastasis of PDAC. Tumor budding is regarded as the morphological correlate of local invasion and cancer cell dissemination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological and prognostic implications of EMT and tumor budding in PDAC of the pancreatic head.MethodsPatients were identified from a prospectively maintained database, and baseline, operative, histopathological, and follow‐up data were extracted. Serial tissue slices stained for Pan‐Cytokeratin served for analysis of tumor budding, and E‐Cadherin, Beta‐Catenin, and Vimentin staining for analysis of EMT. Baseline, operative, standard pathology, and immunohistochemical parameters were evaluated for prediction of long‐term survival (≥ 30 months) in uni‐ and multivariate analysis.ResultsIntra‐ and intertumoral patterns of EMT marker expression and tumor budding provide evidence of partial EMT induction at the tumor–host interface. Lymph node ratio and E‐Cadherin expression in tumor buds were independent predictors of long‐term survival in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsDetailed immunohistochemical assessment confirms a relationship between EMT and tumor budding at the tumor–host interface. A small group of patients with favorable prognosis can be identified by combined assessment of lymph node ratio and EMT in tumor buds.
Ethical issues in gastroenterology research
Authors: Eastwood Gregory L 
Published: April 2015

AbstractEthical issues have become increasingly important in gastroenterology research. This is for several reasons, including (i) an understanding of how conflicts of interest might affect research, (ii) the influence of the drug and device industries on research, (iii) ghostwriting (taking credit for something you did not write), (iv) the occurrence of ethically inappropriate research and scientific misconduct, and (v) respect for the rights of research subjects. These include the rights (i) to give informed consent to participate after understanding the purposes, risks, and benefits of the research; (ii) to ask questions; and (iii) to withdraw from participation at any time. Notions of doing good (beneficence), avoiding harm (non‐maleficence), confidentiality, and, most important, the primacy of the welfare of the patient or research subject can be traced to antiquity. In the modern era, the Nuremburg Code (1947), the Declaration of Helsinki (1964), the Belmont report (1979), and other events and reports have led to the refinement of ethical practices in both clinical and research domains, have reinforced those long observed principles, and have given rise to the newer principles of autonomy and justice. The ethical conduct of research not only promotes good research but also is in the best interests of research subjects, investigators, sponsors, patients, and the public.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with diabetes: Preliminary study
Authors: Fujiwara Mariko , Miwa Takashi , Kawai Takashi , Odawara Masato 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimSome studies report that complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occur more frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) than in non‐diabetic patients. This study used transnasal endoscopy to elucidate the current status of concurrent GERD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to examine the associations between intraesophageal pressure and GERD, as well as other neuropathic conditions.MethodsThe study included 57 outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mean age was 67 years and the duration of DM was 13 years. The mean hemoglobin A1c was 6.8%. Transnasal endoscopic evaluation items were (i) the presence or absence of esophagitis and its severity; (ii) intraesophageal pressure; and (iii) Helicobacter pylori status, which was evaluated by endoscopic findings, such as the presence or absence of gastritis and peptic ulcer, and by urea breath test.ResultsOf 57 patients, 24 (42.1%) were given a diagnosis of GERD based on endoscopy. Patients with concurrent GERD were younger, had shorter duration of DM, and were taller and heavier. Interestingly, no difference in body mass index was observed. There was no significant association between the presence of concurrent GERD and diabetic complications, including peripheral neuropathy, and infection or non‐infection with H. pylori. Although there was no significant association between the presence of concurrent GERD and intraesophageal pressure values, we found aging, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, and the presence of autonomic nerve symptoms to correlate with reduced intraesophageal pressure.ConclusionThe results of this study could be used to answer the question of whether or not endoscopic GERD is a diabetic complication; however, further study is required.
Pain experience of adults with intellectual disabilities – caregiver reports
Authors: Weissman‐Fogel I. , Roth A. , Natan‐Raav K. , Lotan M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundPain is a problem for individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), secondary to their impairments, due to invasive medical procedures that these individuals undergo on a regular basis. Current literature indicates pain as a common experience for children withIDD, yet no such reports have been made in regard to adults withIDD.PurposesThis study aimed (1) to re‐establish the reliability of caregivers as proxy observers; (2) to evaluate the pain experience of adults withIDDby caregivers' proxy report; and (3) to assess the sensitivity of the Non‐Communicating Adult Pain Checklist (NCAPC) as a pain scale for chronic pain (CP) in individuals withIDD.MethodFrothy‐three caregivers, working for more than 3 years with adults withIDD, performed pain assessments of 187 individuals living in a residential facility. Two caregivers evaluated whether each resident suffers from pain and assessed the intensity, causes and duration of pain experience. Furthermore, 52/187 residents [26 withCPand 26 pain free (PF) based on medical record and caregiver reports] were evaluated by an additional seven caregivers using theNCAPCin order to establish the reliability of caregivers as proxy observers.ResultsAccording to caregivers' report, 48% of adults withIDDsuffer from pain at a mean level of 6/10, with more than 10% suffering from high levels of pain on a constant basis. Inter‐rater agreement was found mostly high with intraclass correlation values ranging between 0.73 and 0.93. Using theNCAPC, we were able to identifyCPandPFindividuals with a significant score difference (P = 0.003).ConclusionsThe results support the use of theNCAPCas a scale to evaluateCPin adults withIDD. The findings reiterate the reliability of caregivers as proxy observers and the importance of involving them in identifying pain behaviours of their protégées. Our findings reiterate the need for an immediate action for appropriate pain management protocols for adult withIDD.
The role of parkinson's disease‐associated receptor GPR37 in the hippocampus: functional interplay with the adenosinergic system
Authors: Lopes João P. , Morató Xavier , Souza Carolina , Pinhal Cindy , Machado Nuno J. , Canas Paula M. , Silva Henrique B. , Stagljar Igor , Gandía Jorge , Fernández‐Dueñas Víctor , Luján Rafael , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Ciruela Francisco 
Published: April 2015

AbstractGPR37 is an orphan G protein‐coupled receptor mostly enriched in brain areas such as the cerebellum, striatum, and hippocampus. Identified as a substrate of parkin, GPR37 has been suggested to play a role in Parkinson's disease. Distributed throughout the brain, the function of GPR37, however, remains unknown. We now provide the first mapping of GPR37 within the hippocampus, where GPR37 is widely expressed and localized at the level of the extrasynaptic plasma membrane of dendritic spines, dendritic shafts, and axon terminals. GPR37 per se does not appear to play a role in learning and memory, since knocking out GPR37 (GPR37‐KO) did not alter the performance in different hippocampal‐related memory tasks. This is in agreement with slice electrophysiology experiments showing no differences both in short‐term plasticity paired‐pulse facilitation and long‐term potentiation between WT and GPR37‐KO mice. However, we report a potential functional interaction between GPR37 and adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) in the hippocampus, with A2AR modulating the GPR37‐associated phenotype. Thus, the absence of GPR37 appeared to sensitize mice to hippocampal A2AR‐mediated signaling, as observed by the effect of the A2AR antagonist SCH58261 increasing synaptic depotentiation, reducing novel object recognition memory and reverting the anxiolytic effect of GPR37 deletion. Collectively, these findings afford insight into the localization and role of the orphan GPR37 within the hippocampus with potential involvement in A2AR function (i.e., A2AR sensitization).
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GPR37 is an orphan G protein‐coupled receptor widely expressed in the hippocampus and localized at the level of the extrasynaptic plasma membrane of dendritic spines, dendritic shafts and axon terminals. This orphan receptor per se does not appear to directly control the learning and memory processes; however knocking‐out GPR37 triggers anxiolytic‐like effects and sensitizes mice to hippocampal A2AR‐mediated signalling.
WHAT'S TO KNOW ABOUT TIME USE?
Authors: Hamermesh Daniel S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractStimulated by the availability of large sets of microeconomic data, research on the economics of time use has been a growth industry in the past 20 years. That growth has included studies that have focused on the effect of people's value of time; on the mix of nonmarket activities that they undertake; on the interactions of spouses’ choices of time use; on the valuation of nonmarket time, and on the timing of nonmarket and market activities. By laying out these research questions and indicating their importance, this essay provides a framework for a series of meta‐analyses.
Dopamine D2 receptor blocker thioridazine induces cell death in human uterine cervical carcinoma cell line SiHa
Authors: Mao Min , Yu Tinghe , Hu Jianguo , Hu Lina 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore the correlation of dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) and the development of uterine cervical cancer, and the effect of thioridazine (an antagonist of DRD2) on the SiHa cell line.Material and MethodsThe expression of DRD2 in tissues was detected with immunohistochemistry. SiHa cells were exposed to different concentrations of thioridazine for 24 h, and then cell viability was determined. After 20‐μM thioridazine treatment for 24 h, the protein level of DRD2 in SiHa cells was analyzed by Western blots, apoptosis was detected with the phosphatidylserine externalization and comet assay, and necrosis was detected by measuring high‐mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1).ResultsThe expression of DRD2 gradually increased from normal to cancer tissues (P < 0.01). In vitro, DRD2 blocker thioridazine treatment resulted in death of SiHa cells with the expression of DRD2 significantly regulated down (P < 0.05), and thioridazine significantly induced SiHa apoptosis (P = 0.016) and necrosis (P < 0.01).ConclusionHigher DRD2 expression is closely associated with cervical cancer progression. After blocking DRD2, SiHa cell growth is significantly suppressed, indicating that DRD2 may function as a novel tumor marker and a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
Prenatal diagnosis of multiple ventriculocoronary connections in pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum: A case report
Authors: Cha Hyun‐Hwa , Choo Youn Sil , Seong Won Joon 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe report a case of prenatally detected pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum accompanied by multiple ventriculocoronary connections. This lesion was diagnosed by using ultrasonography at 20 weeks' gestation, and this antepartum diagnosis was confirmed with both postnatal echocardiography and chest computed tomography. The neonate underwent a modified Blalock–Taussig shunt on the 15th day of life, and was discharged 8 days after the surgery.
Psychiatric comorbidity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Annagür Bilge Burçak , Kerimoglu Özlem Seçilmiş , Tazegül Aybike , Gündüz Şule , Gençoglu Berat Berrin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder that women experience during their reproductive years and is associated with many psychiatric disorders. This study sought to determine the existence of psychiatric disorders in women with untreated PCOS. Another objective of the study was to examine whether an association exists between psychiatric disorders, insulin resistance, and body mass index.Material and MethodsWomen who met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS (n = 88) were included. Structured Clinical Interviews for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edn were conducted. After the psychiatric evaluations, blood samples were obtained from the participants.ResultsPrevalence for all comorbid psychiatric disorders was 50% (n = 44). The most common psychiatric disorder was major depression (33%), followed by generalized anxiety disorder (13.6%) and binge‐eating disorder (6.8%). No significant difference in body mass index and insulin resistance index scores was found between women with and without psychiatric disorders (P > 0.05 for both comparisons).ConclusionA considerable number of women with PCOS experience a psychiatric disorder during their lifetime. Clinicians should be aware that women with PCOS are at a high risk for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and binge‐eating disorder.