bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of protein glycosylation in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Schedin‐Weiss Sophia , Winblad Bengt , Tjernberg Lars O. 
Published: October 2013

Glycosylation is one of the most common, and the most complex, forms of post‐translational modification of proteins. This review serves to highlight the role of protein glycosylation in Alzheimer disease (AD), a topic that has not been thoroughly investigated, although glycosylation defects have been observed in AD patients. The major pathological hallmarks in AD are neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques. Neurofibrillary tangles are composed of phosphorylated tau, and the plaques are composed of amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ), which is generated from amyloid precursor protein (APP). Defects in glycosylation of APP, tau and other proteins have been reported in AD. Another interesting observation is that the two proteases required for the generation of amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ), i.e. γ‐secretase and β‐secretase, also have roles in protein glycosylation. For instance, γ‐secretase and β‐secretase affect the extent of complex N‐glycosylation and sialylation of APP, respectively. These processes may be important in AD pathogenesis, as proper intracellular sorting, processing and export of APP are affected by how it is glycosylated. Furthermore, lack of one of the key components of γ‐secretase, presenilin, leads to defective glycosylation of many additional proteins that are related to AD pathogenesis and/or neuronal function, including nicastrin, reelin, butyrylcholinesterase, cholinesterase, neural cell adhesion molecule, v‐ATPase, and tyrosine‐related kinase B. Improved understanding of the effects of AD on protein glycosylation, and vice versa, may therefore be important for improving the diagnosis and treatment of AD patients.
The Prevalence of Familial Hemiplegic Migraine With Cerebellar Ataxia and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 6 in Portugal
Authors: Barros José , Ruano Luis , Domingos Joana , Tuna Assunção , Damásio Joana , Alonso Isabel , Silveira Isabel , Sequeiros Jorge , Coutinho Paula 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundCACNA1A gene disorders present a variable familial phenotype of ataxia, migraine with aura, and/or hemiplegic migraine. Prevalence data for these conditions are scarce.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to report a minimal prevalence estimate for familial hemiplegic migraine with cerebellar ataxia and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 in Portugal.MethodsThis is a multisource population‐based prevalence study. Patients and families with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 and familial hemiplegic migraine and cerebellar ataxia identified through the Portuguese survey of hereditary ataxias and spastic paraplegias were re‐evaluated. Prevalent patients were confirmed to be alive and affected at the 1st of January 2013.ResultsOne family with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 and 2 families with other CACNA1A gene mutations were identified. From these families, 23 patients were alive and living in Portugal in the prevalence day, for an estimated national prevalence per 100,000 inhabitants of 0.21 for familial hemiplegic migraine with cerebellar ataxia and of 0.01 for spinocerebellar ataxia type 6.ConclusionThe prevalence of familial hemiplegic migraine with cerebellar ataxia and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 are both probably low in Portugal.
Non‐parametric Analysis of Gap Times for Multiple Event Data: An Overview
Authors: Zhu Hong 
Published: October 2013

SummaryMultiple event data are frequently encountered in medical follow‐up, engineering and other applications when the multiple events are considered as the major outcomes. They may be repetitions of the same event (recurrent events) or may be events of different nature. Times between successive events (gap times) are often of direct interest in these applications. The stochastic‐ordering structure and within‐subject dependence of multiple events generate statistical challenges for analysing such data, including induced dependent censoring and non‐identifiability of marginal distributions. This paper provides an overview of a class of existing non‐parametric estimation methods for gap time distributions for various types of multiple event data, where sampling bias from induced dependent censoring is effectively adjusted. We discuss the statistical issues in gap time analysis, describe the estimation procedures and illustrate the methods with a comparative simulation study and a real application to an AIDS clinical trial. A comprehensive understanding of challenges and available methods for non‐parametric analysis can be useful because there is no existing standard approach to identifying an appropriate gap time method that can be used to address research question of interest. The methods discussed in this review would allow practitioners to effectively handle a variety of real‐world multiple event data.
The career success scale in nursing: psychometric evidence to support the Chinese version
Authors: Li Ze‐kai , You Li‐ming , Lin Han‐sheng , Chan Sally Wai‐chi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the 11‐item Chinese version of the Career Success Scale.BackgroundNurses play an important role in the healthcare system. Opportunities to achieve success and satisfaction from one's career affect the retention and stability of the nursing workforce. The Career Success Scale was originally developed in English and has been translated into Chinese. Psychometric testing of the Chinese Career Success Scale for measuring career success in nurses has not been performed.DesignA cross‐sectional survey was conducted.MethodA convenience sample of 1148 clinical nurses were recruited from 10 level‐3 hospitals in Guangdong Province, mainland China, from December 2010–December 2011.ResultsResults indicated that the Chinese Career Success Scale demonstrated good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Principal component analysis supported the three‐factor structure of the original instrument: Career Satisfaction, Perceived within Organization Competitiveness and Perceived External Organization Competitiveness. There were significant correlations among the three factors, which demonstrated the good construct validity of the Chinese version of this scale.ConclusionThe Chinese Career Success Scale appears to be a reliable and valid instrument. It has the potential to be used to measure nurses' career success in mainland China. The findings will be useful for nurse leaders and policymakers in the evaluation of nurses' self‐perceived career success and to develop strategies to promote nurse retention and career development.
Accurate method to estimate insulin resistance from multiple regression models using data of metabolic syndrome and oral glucose tolerance test
Authors: Wu Chung‐Ze , Lin Jiunn‐Diann , Hsia Te‐Lin , Hsu Chun‐Hsien , Hsieh Chang‐Hsun , Chang Jin‐Biou , Chen Jin‐Shuen , Pei Chun , Pei Dee , Chen Yen‐Lin 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionHow to measure insulin resistance (IR) accurately and conveniently is a critical issue for both clinical practice and research. In the present study, we tried to modify the β‐cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance test (BIGTT) in patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components.Materials and MethodsThere were 327 participants enrolled and divided into NGT or AGT. Data from 75% of the participants were used to build the models, and the remaining 25% were used for external validation. Steady‐state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration derived from the insulin suppression test was regarded as the standard measurement for IR. Five models were built from multiple regression: model 1 (MetS model with sex, age and MetS components); model 2 (simple OGTT model with sex, age, plasma glucose, and insulin concentrations at 0 and 120 min during OGTT); model 3 (full OGTT model with sex, age, and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min during OGTT); model 4 (simple combined model): model 1 and model 2; and model 5 (full model): model 1 and 3.ResultsIn general, our models had higher r2 compared with surrogates derived from OGTT, such as homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. Among them, model 5 had the highest r2 (0.505 in NGT, 0.556 in AGT, respectively).ConclusionsOur modified BIGTT models proved to be accurate and easy methods for estimating IR, and can be used in clinical practice and research.
Influence of dietary nicotinic acid supplementation on lipid metabolism and related gene expression in two distinct broiler breeds of female chickens
Authors: Jiang R. R. , Zhao G. P. , Zhao J. P. , Chen J. L. , Zheng M. Q. , Liu R. R. , Wen J. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the influence of supplemental dietary nicotinic acid (NA) on lipid metabolism and hepatic expression of related genes in female chickens of two distinct broiler strains [Arbor Acres (AA) and Beijing‐You (BJY)]. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial in a completely randomized design. Day‐old females (n = 384) were allocated to four treatments with six cages per treatment and fed diets (basal contained approximately 25 mg NA/kg) supplemented with 0, 30, 60 and 120 mg NA/kg. A sample of 72 birds from each breed was slaughtered and sampled at their different market times (8 week for AA and 16 week for BJY). Arbor Acres broilers had thickness of subcutaneous fat plus the skin (SFS), and plasma concentration of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and lower percentage of abdominal fat (PAF), plasma concentrations of TG, NEFA and adiponectin than the BJY line. The hepatic transcription of apolipoprotein A‐I (ApoA‐I), apolipoproteinB (ApoB), and adiponectin was significantly higher in AA broilers than in BJY broilers. In both breeds, BW, PAF, SFS, NEFA and TG were increased with increasing supplementation from 0 to 60 mg NA/kg, but then decreased slightly with 120 mg added NA/kg. With increasing supplementation, hepatic expression and plasma concentrations of adiponectin decreased from 0 to 60 mg added NA/kg and then increased with 120 mg added NA/kg. The expression of ApoA‐I and ApoB mRNA showed linear response to dietary supplementation with NA. These findings indicate that: (i) supplementation of NA influenced the lipid metabolism and related gene expression; (ii) when supplemented with 120 mg NA/kg, some pharmacologic actions on lipid metabolism appeared; and (iii) changes in BW and fat deposition appeared to be associated with hepatic expression of adiponectin.
Pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine following intravenous and buccal administration in cats, and effects on thermal threshold
Authors: Hedges A. R. , Pypendop B. H. , Shilo‐Benjamini Y. , Stanley S. D. , Ilkiw J. E. 
Published: October 2013

This study reports the pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine, following i.v. and buccal administration, and the relationship between buprenorphine concentration and its effect on thermal threshold. Buprenorphine (20 μg/kg) was administered intravenously or buccally to six cats. Thermal threshold was determined, and arterial blood sampled prior to, and at various times up to 24 h following drug administration. Plasma buprenorphine concentration was determined using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Compartment models were fitted to the time–concentration data. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models were fitted to the concentration‐thermal threshold data. Thermal threshold was significantly higher than baseline 44 min after buccal administration, and 7, 24, and 104 min after i.v. administration. A two‐ and three‐compartment model best fitted the data following buccal and i.v. administration, respectively. Following i.v. administration, mean ± SD volume of distribution at steady‐state (L/kg), clearance (mL·min/kg), and terminal half‐life (h) were 11.6 ± 8.5, 23.8 ± 3.5, and 9.8 ± 3.5. Following buccal administration, absorption half‐life was 23.7 ± 9.1 min, and terminal half‐life was 8.9 ± 4.9 h. An effect‐compartment model with a simple effect maximum model best predicted the time‐course of the effect of buprenorphine on thermal threshold. Median (range) ke0 and EC50 were 0.003 (0.002–0.018)/min and 0.599 (0.073–1.628) ng/mL (i.v.), and 0.017 (0.002–0.023)/min and 0.429 (0.144–0.556) ng/mL (buccal).
Advanced Glycation End Products Activate the miRNA/RhoA/ROCK2 Pathway in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wu Xiao‐dan , Liu Wei‐lin , Zeng Kai , Lei Hong‐yi , Zhang Qing‐guo , Zhou Shu‐qin , Xu Shi‐yuan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveAGEs induce endothelial cell dysfunction in HUVECs, resulting in ROS production and triggering apoptosis. This study sought to identify miRNAs involved in AGE‐induced endothelial cell injury.MethodsMicroarray analysis to identify miRNAs altered with AGE stimulation was undertaken, and results were confirmed using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The interaction of miRNAs with the RhoA and ROCK2 genes was confirmed using luciferase assays, and their effects on expression were determined using Western blot analysis. The effects of AGEs and miRNAs on endothelial cell permeability were assessed.ResultsAGEs induced ROS production and apoptosis of HUVECs (p < 0.05). AGE‐induced miR‐200b and miR‐200c downregulation led to increased expression of their target genes, RhoA and ROCK, respectively. AGE‐induced endothelial cell permeability and F‐actin expression were significantly reduced with both miR‐200b and miR‐200c mimics (p < 0.05). Furthermore, AGE‐induced stress fiber formation was reduced in cells treated with miR‐200b mimics.ConclusionmiR‐200b and miR‐200c are suppressed in AGE‐induced endothelial cell injury, resulting in unregulated RhoA/ROCK2 signaling. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the therapeutic value of targeting miRNAs or their target genes for treatment of vascular diseases.
Chemical similarity between historical and novel host plants promotes range and host expansion of the mountain pine beetle in a naïve host ecosystem
Authors: Erbilgin Nadir , Ma Cary , Whitehouse Caroline , Shan Bin , Najar Ahmed , Evenden Maya 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Host plant secondary chemistry can have cascading impacts on host and range expansion of herbivorous insect populations.

We investigated the role of host secondary compounds on pheromone production by the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) (MPB) and beetle attraction in response to a historical (lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifolia) and a novel (jack pine, Pinus banksiana) hosts, as pheromones regulate the host colonization process.

Beetles emit the same pheromones from both hosts, but more trans‐verbenol, the primary aggregation pheromone, was emitted by female beetles on the novel host. The phloem of the novel host contains more α‐pinene, a secondary compound that is the precursor for trans‐verbenol production in beetle, than the historical host. Beetle‐induced emission of 3‐carene, another secondary compound found in both hosts, was also higher from the novel host. Field tests showed that the addition of 3‐carene to the pheromone mixture mimicking the aggregation pheromones produced from the two host species increased beetle capture.

We conclude that chemical similarity between historical and novel hosts has facilitated host expansion of MPB in jack pine forests through the exploitation of common host secondary compounds for pheromone production and aggregation on the hosts. Furthermore, broods emerging from the novel host were larger in terms of body size.
Genomewide discovery ofDNApolymorphisms in rice cultivars with contrasting drought and salinity stress response and their functional relevance
Authors: Jain Mukesh , Moharana Kanhu Charan , Shankar Rama , Kumari Romika , Garg Rohini 
Published: October 2013

SummaryNext‐generation sequencing technologies provide opportunities to understand the genetic basis of phenotypic differences, such as abiotic stress response, even in the closely related cultivars via identification of large number ofDNApolymorphisms. We performed whole‐genome resequencing of three rice cultivars with contrasting responses to drought and salinity stress (sensitiveIR64, drought‐tolerantNagina 22 and salinity‐tolerantPokkali). More than 356 million 90‐bp paired‐end reads were generated, which provided about 85% coverage of the rice genome. Applying stringent parameters, we identified a total of 1 784 583 nonredundant single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 154 275InDels between reference (Nipponbare) and the three resequenced cultivars. We detected 401 683 and 662 509SNPs betweenIR64 andPokkali, andIR64 andN22 cultivars, respectively. The distribution ofDNApolymorphisms was found to be uneven across and within the rice chromosomes. One‐fourth of theSNPs andInDels were detected in genic regions, and about 3.5% of the totalSNPs resulted in nonsynonymous changes. Large‐effectSNPs andInDels, which affect the integrity of the encoded protein, were also identified. Further, we identifiedDNApolymorphisms present in the differentially expressed genes within the known quantitative trait loci. Among these, a total of 548SNPs in 232 genes, located in the conserved functional domains, were identified. The data presented in this study provide functional markers and promising target genes for salinity and drought tolerance and present a valuable resource for high‐throughput genotyping and molecular breeding for abiotic stress traits in rice.
New molecule in the etiology of schizophrenia: Urotensin II
Authors: Bulbul Feridun , Alpak Gokay , Unal Ahmet , Copoglu Umit Sertan , Orkmez Mustafa , Virit Osman , Tarkcıoglu Mehmet , Savas Haluk A. 
Published: October 2013

AimsUrotensin II (U‐II) is a cyclic peptide that was first isolated from the caudal neurosecretory system of goby fish. U‐II receptors were detected in the vascular endothelium, brain and kidney cortex. Urotensin is by far the most powerful vasoconstrictor identified. U‐II molecules were previously isolated from the brain of rats and were shown to have an impact on rat behavior. The aim of the present study was to measure the level of U‐II molecule in schizophrenia patients and to investigate whether the U‐II level is associated with the etiology of schizophrenia.MethodsForty schizophrenia patients who were followed at Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine Department of Psychiatry Psychotic Disorders Unit and 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein after 12‐h fasting. U‐II level was measured on ELISA.ResultsThe U‐II level in schizophrenia patients was significantly higher than in the control group. U‐II level was not different with regard to gender in either group. U‐II level was not different between subgroups of schizophrenia. No significant correlation was found between U‐II level, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Clinical Global Impression–Severity scale scores.ConclusionU‐II level was higher in schizophrenia patients, indicating that U‐II level may be related to the etiology of the disease.
Benzodiazepine use and risk of stroke: A retrospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Huang Wei‐Shih , Muo Chih‐Hsin , Chang Shih‐Ni , Chang Yen‐Jung , Tsai Chon‐Haw , Kao Chia‐Hung 
Published: October 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between benzodiazepine (BZD) use and risk of incident stroke by utilizing data from 2000 to 2003 from the National Health Insurance system of Taiwan.MethodsStudy subjects consisted of 38 671 patients with new BZD use and 38 663 people without BZD use who were frequency‐matched for age, sex and baseline comorbidity with BZD users. All subjects had no history of stroke. Each study patient's case was followed until a new diagnosis of stroke was made or until the patient was censored by loss to follow up, death, or termination of insurance. The study lasted until the end of 2009. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the incidences and hazard ratios (HR) of stroke.ResultsThe HR of hemorrhagic stroke was significantly lower in the BZD group when compared with the non‐BZD group. For patients aged 20–39 years, the HR of ischemic stroke was significantly higher in the BZD group when compared with the non‐BZD group. Compared to the non‐BZD group, patients with a lower annual dosage (<1 g) or duration (<30 days) of BZD use had a lower risk of stroke in the elder group (P < 0.0001) and patients with a higher annual dosage (≥ 4 g) or duration (≥ 95 days) of BZD use had a higher risk of stroke in all age groups (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur findings may suggest neuroprotection under lower‐dosage BZD use and neurotoxicity under higher‐dosage BZD use.
A2E‐Mediated Photochemical Modification to Fibronectin and its Implications to Age‐Related Changes in Bruch's Membrane
Authors: Thao Mai T. , Renfus Daniel J. , Dillon James , Gaillard Elizabeth R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLipofuscin accumulates normally with age and is more pronounced in retinal dystrophies such as age‐related macular degeneration. The major bis‐retinoid component of lipofuscin is A2E. In addition to cell damage effects by A2E, we have previously demonstrated that blue‐light–mediated A2E leads to modifications in the basement membrane protein laminin. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to advance the understanding of A2E photooxidation effects on fibronectin, the major glycoprotein of Bruch's membrane. In this study, A2E was irradiated with blue light in the presence of a fibronectin peptide consisting of amino acids from the integrin binding region. The modification sites were identified via LC/MS. Our research indicated that blue light irradiation caused cleavage throughout the A2E molecule closest to the pyridinium ring, and attached to the fibronectin peptide preferentially at lysine and arginine residues. All of these reactions are similar to the Maillard reaction. Altogether this study suggests that blue‐light–irradiated A2E modifies peptides and forms advance glycation endproducts. Furthermore, these results can be used to identify modifications that occur in Bruch's membrane in vivo.
Average Household Size and the Eradication of Malaria
Authors: Huldén Lena , McKitrick Ross , Huldén Larry 
Published: October 2013

SummaryMalaria has disappeared in some countries but not others, and an explanation for the pattern remains elusive. We show that the probability of eradication of malaria jumps sharply when average household size drops below four people. Part of the effect that is commonly attributed to income growth is likely to be due to declining household size. DDT usage plays only a weak role. Warmer temperatures are not associated with increased malaria prevalence. We propose that household size matters because malaria is transmitted indoors at night. We test this hypothesis by contrasting malaria with dengue fever, another mosquito-borne illness spread mainly by daytime outdoor contact.
Testing for Non-linear and Time Irreversible Probabilistic Structure in High Frequency Financial Time Series Data
Authors: Wild Phillip , Foster John , Hinich Melvin. J. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryWe present three non-parametric trispectrum tests that can establish whether the spectral decomposition of kurtosis of high frequency financial asset price time series is consistent with the assumptions of Gaussianity, linearity and time reversiblility. The detection of non-linear and time irreversible probabilistic structure has important implications for the choice and implementation of a range of models of the evolution of asset prices, including Black–Scholes–Merton option pricing model, auto-regressive conditional heteroscedastic or generalized auto-regressive conditional heteroscedastic and stochastic volatility models. We apply the tests to a selection of high frequency Australian stocks.