bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host autophagic degradation and associated symbiont loss in response to heat stress in the symbiotic anemone, Aiptasia pallida
Authors: Hanes Shanna D. , Kempf Stephen C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCoral bleaching involves the loss of essential photosynthetic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium sp.) from host gastrodermal cells in response to temperature or light stress. Although numerous potential cellular bleaching mechanisms have been proposed, there remains much uncertainty regarding which cellular events occur during early breakdown of the host–dinoflagellate symbiosis. In this study, transmission electron microscopy was used to conduct a detailed examination of symbiotic tissues of the tropical anemone Aiptasia pallida during early stages of host stress. Bleaching was induced by exposing specimens to a stress treatment of 32.5±0.5°C at 140±7 μ mol photons m−2 s−1 light intensity for 12 h, followed by 12 h at 24±1°C in darkness, repeated over a 48 h period. Ultrastructural examinations revealed numerous dense autophagic structures and associated cellular degradation in tentacle tissues after ~12 h of the stress treatment. Anemones treated with rapamycin, a known autophagy inducer, exhibited the same ultrastructural characteristics as heat‐stressed tissues, confirming that the structures observed during heat stress treatment were autophagic. In addition, symbionts appeared to be expelled from host cells via an apocrine‐like detachment mechanism from the apical ends of autophagic gastrodermal cells. This study provides the first ultrastructural evidence of host autophagic degradation during thermal stress in a cnidarian system and also supports earlier suggestions that autophagy is an active cellular mechanism during early stages of bleaching.
Allocation concealment: a methodological review
Authors: Clark Laura , Schmidt Ulrike , Tharmanathan Puvan , Adamson Joy , Hewitt Catherine , Torgerson David 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe accurate reporting of the trial methodology and results is essential for accurate judgement on the quality of the research. This review aims to assess the impact of the adequacy of allocation concealment on treatment effect estimates.MethodsA search was performed in MEDLINE (via the Ovid platform) to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indexed in January 2011 within its set of ‘core clinical journals’. Meta‐regression was undertaken on a subset of two arm trials to quantify the association between adequacy of allocation concealment and effect size.ResultsAdequate allocation concealment methods were used in 27% (n = 23) of included trials. There was insufficient information given in 68% (n = 58) of trials to make a judgement on allocation concealment. Meta‐regression showed that there was a trend, not statistically significant, towards a smaller effect size between adequacy of allocation concealment and effect sizes.ConclusionThis review highlighted that research needs to be reported to a higher standard and there are many trials reporting poor methods of allocation concealment within the small sample of trials included in this review.
Experience over 12 years with home enteral nutrition in a healthcare area of Spain
Authors: De Luis D. A. , Izaola O. , Cuellar L.A. , Terroba M. C. , Cabezas G. , De La Fuente B. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe wide spread use of long‐term enteral nutrition and the substantive costs dictate a need to study the outcome, as well as the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, of these patients. The present study aimed to analyse the incidence and characteristics of a cohort of patients on home enteral nutrition (HEN) over 12 years.Materials and methodsA prospective observational study was performed between January 1999 and December 2010. All adult patients living in Valladolid West area who were discharged from the hospital on HEN were prospectively studied and followed up.ResultsThe incidence of HEN ranged between 9.52 per 100 000 inhabitants in 2001 to 30.0 per 100 000 inhabitants in 2009. HEN was administered orally in 472 patients (68.28%) (group 1), and through a nasogastric tube in 168 patients (24.30%), a percutaneous enteral gastrostomy tube in 47 patients (6.80%) and a jejunostomy in four patients (0.60%) (group 2; 219 patients). During the course of HEN, 31 patients had diarrhoea (4.5%), 17 patients had constipation and 12 patients had nausea. The mean (SD) duration of HEN was 159.9 (97) days. In multivariable analysis, an independent factor associated with death was age (hazard ratio = 1.03; 95% confidence interval ‐ 1.01–1.05), adjusted by sex, route and diagnosis.ConclusionsHEN has a high incidence in our area and it is a valid and safe technique for nutrition support.
Fruit and vegetables on prescription: a brief intervention in primary care
Authors: Buyuktuncer Z. , Kearney M. , Ryan C. L. , Thurston M. , Ellahi B. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing fruit and vegetable consumption is a goal for the UK. Therefore, the effectiveness of a fruit and vegetable voucher scheme coupled with key ‘five‐a‐day’ consumption messages as a brief intervention in primary care consultations was assessed in the present study.MethodsOne thousand one hundred and eighty‐eight vouchers as a prescription for fruits and vegetables were routinely distributed to patients attending a primary healthcare centre in a deprived area, and 124 volunteer patients routinely attending the centre were included. Telephone‐based questionnaires were used to examine changes in consumption over the short and medium term. Other key aspects assessed in the evaluation related to fruit and vegetable purchasing behaviour, knowledge relating to what constitutes a portion size, the relationship between food and health, and barriers to consumption.ResultsAlthough 76.2% of participants used the prescription vouchers when purchasing fruits and vegetables, a significant change in the consumption or purchasing behaviour was not observed (P > 0.05). Participants' level of knowledge relating to the number of portions recommended and the portion size of different fruits and vegetables showed a moderate increase from baseline over the short and medium term. The primary barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption were reported as ‘the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables’ and ‘the money available to spend on food’.ConclusionsThe use of ‘the fruit and vegetable on prescription’ scheme was an effective method of engaging participants in improving awareness of key diet‐related health messages. However, further intervention is required to produce a significant impact on the actual behaviour change.
Mortality from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in a cohort of adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Kiani R. , Tyrer F. , Jesu A. , Bhaumik S. , Gangavati S. , Walker G. , Kazmi S. , Barrett M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundPeople with intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy are more likely to die prematurely than the general population. A significant number of deaths in people with epilepsy may be potentially preventable through better seizure control, regular monitoring and raising awareness among patients and carers. The aim of this project was to study mortality from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in adults withID.MethodsAll adults (≥20 years old) living inLeicester city,Leicestershire andRutland,UK, withIDbetween 1993 and 2010 were identified using theLeicestershireIntellectualDisabilityRegister database. People with and withoutIDwho died during the same period were identified using death certificate data from theOffice forNationalStatistics (ONS). Deaths from probable and definiteSUDEPwere identified. Additional information on adults withIDwho had died from probable or definiteSUDEPwas obtained from case notes and post‐mortem reports, where available. Cases of probable and definiteSUDEPin adults withIDwere compared with the general population using standardised mortality ratios (SMRs).ResultsA total of 898 adults withIDhad died over the 18‐year study period. Of these, 244 deaths (27%) occurred in people withIDwho had a diagnosis of epilepsy. Twenty‐six people withIDdied from probable or definiteSUDEP, which was the second most common cause of death among adults with ID and epilepsy. All‐cause specificSMRs were 2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–2.4] and 2.8 (95%CI: 2.5–3.1) for men and women withIDrespectively.SMRs were 3.2 (95%CI: 2.7–3.8) and 5.6 (95%CI: 4.6–6.7) for men and women with epilepsy andIDrespectively. During the same study period, 83 adults withoutIDhad died of probable or definiteSUDEP. TheSMRs forSUDEPin patients withIDwere 37.6 for men (95%CI: 21.9–60.2) and 52.0 for women (95%CI: 23.8–98.8). We found that in the majority ofIDcases there was little detailed documentation on the circumstances surrounding deaths, no communication with patients/carers about risk ofSUDEPand an absence of post‐mortem reports or carers’ referral for bereavement counselling.ConclusionThe authors believe that a comprehensive risk management under a multiagency/multidisciplinary framework should be undertaken for all adults withIDand epilepsy in day‐to‐day clinical practice to reduce mortality in people withID.
Minocycline reduces remyelination by suppressing ciliary neurotrophic factor expression after cuprizone‐induced demyelination
Authors: Tanaka Tatsuhide , Murakami Koichi , Bando Yoshio , Yoshida Shigetaka 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRemyelination is disrupted in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, but the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we employed the murine cuprizone model of demyelination, in which remyelination occurs after removal of the toxin from the diet, to examine the cellular and molecular changes during demyelination and remyelination. Microglia accumulated in the corpus callosum during weeks 2–4 of the cuprizone diet, and these cells remained activated 2 weeks after the change to the normal diet. To examine the role of microglia in remyelination, mice were treated with minocycline to inactivate these cells after cuprizone‐induced demyelination. Minocycline treatment reduced the number of CC1‐positive oligodendrocytes, as well as levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) and CNPase in the remyelination phase. The expression of CNTF mRNA in the corpus callosum increased after 4 weeks on the cuprizone diet and remained high 2 weeks after the change to the normal diet. Minocycline suppressed CNTF expression during the remyelination phase on the normal diet. Primary culture experiments showed that CNTF was produced by microglia in addition to astrocytes. In vitro, CNTF directly affected the differentiation of oligodendrocytic cells. These findings suggest that minocycline reduces remyelination by suppressing CNTF expression by microglia after cuprizone‐induced demyelination.
Kallikrein 6 signals through PAR1 and PAR2 to promote neuron injury and exacerbate glutamate neurotoxicity
Authors: Yoon Hyesook , Radulovic Maja , Wu Jianmin , Blaber Sachiko I. , Blaber Michael , Fehlings Michael G. , Scarisbrick Isobel A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCNS trauma generates a proteolytic imbalance contributing to secondary injury, including axonopathy and neuron degeneration. Kallikrein 6 (Klk6) is a serine protease implicated in neurodegeneration, and here we investigate the role of protease‐activated receptors 1 (PAR1) and PAR2 in mediating these effects. First, we demonstrate Klk6 and the prototypical activator of PAR1, thrombin, as well as PAR1 and PAR2, are each elevated in murine experimental traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) at acute or subacute time points. Recombinant Klk6 triggered extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling in cerebellar granule neurons and in the NSC34 spinal cord motoneuron cell line, in a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase and MEK‐dependent fashion. Importantly, lipopeptide inhibitors of PAR1 or PAR2, and PAR1 genetic deletion, each reduced Klk6‐ERK1/2 activation. In addition, Klk6 and thrombin promoted degeneration of cerebellar neurons and exacerbated glutamate neurotoxicity. Moreover, genetic deletion of PAR1 blocked thrombin‐mediated cerebellar neurotoxicity and reduced the neurotoxic effects of Klk6. Klk6 also increased glutamate‐mediated Bim signaling, poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase cleavage and lactate dehydrogenase release in NSC34 motoneurons and these effects were blocked by PAR1 and PAR2 lipopeptide inhibitors. Taken together, these data point to a novel Klk6‐signaling axis in CNS neurons that is mediated by PAR1 and PAR2 and is positioned to contribute to neurodegeneration.
imageHere, we show kallikrein 6 (Klk6) and thrombin contribute to the proteolytic imbalance that occurs in CNS injury. Activation of the G‐protein coupled receptor PAR1 was sufficient to mediate the neurotoxic effects of thrombin while KLK6 neurotoxicity involved activation of PAR1 and PAR2. In addition, both proteases exacerbated glutamate neurotoxicity. These data suggest Klk6, thrombin and PARs each represent new targets for the development of neuroprotective therapies.
Adaptations of the aging animal to exercise: role of daily supplementation with melatonin
Authors: Mendes Caroline , Lopes Ana Maria de Souza , do Amaral Fernanda Gaspar , Peliciari‐Garcia Rodrigo A. , Turati Ariane de Oliveira , Hirabara Sandro M. , Scialfa Falcão Julieta H. , Cipolla‐Neto José 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe pineal gland, through melatonin, seems to be of fundamental importance in determining the metabolic adaptations of adipose and muscle tissues to physical training. Evidence shows that pinealectomized animals fail to develop adaptive metabolic changes in response to aerobic exercise and therefore do not exhibit the same performance as control‐trained animals. The known prominent reduction in melatonin synthesis in aging animals led us to investigate the metabolic adaptations to physical training in aged animals with and without daily melatonin replacement. Male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: sedentary control (SC), trained control (TC), sedentary treated with melatonin (SM), and trained treated with melatonin (TM). Melatonin supplementation lasted 16 wk, and the animals were subjected to exercise during the last 8 wk of the experiment. After euthanasia, samples of liver, muscle, and adipose tissues were collected for analysis. Trained animals treated with melatonin presented better results in the following parameters: glucose tolerance, physical capacity, citrate synthase activity, hepatic and muscular glycogen content, body weight, protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and protein kinase activated by adenosine monophosphate (AMPK) in the liver, as well as the protein expression of the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) and AMPK in the muscle. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that melatonin supplementation in aging animals is of great importance for the required metabolic adaptations induced by aerobic exercise. Adequate levels of circulating melatonin are, therefore, necessary to improve energetic metabolism efficiency, reducing body weight and increasing insulin sensitivity.
Erectile Dysfunction, Testosterone Deficiency, and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in a Cohort of Men Living with HIV in Belgium
Authors: De Ryck Iris , Van Laeken David , Apers Ludwig , Colebunders Robert 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more prevalent in men living with HIV (MLHIV) when compared with age-matched HIV-negative men. This may be related to a premature decline in testosterone levels. In the general population, ED has been associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD).

Aim
The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of ED, testosterone deficiency, and risk of CHD in a cohort of young to middle-aged MLHIV in Belgium.

Methods
A cross-sectional, observational study among 244 MLHIV attending the outpatient clinic of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp.

Main Outcome Measures
The short version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) questionnaire diagnosed ED (cutoff score ≤21). The 10-year risk score for CHD was calculated. In a subset of men reporting ED, the calculated free testosterone (CFT) was determined using Vermeulen's formula. Testosterone deficiency was defined as CFT &lt;0.22nmol/L.

Results
One hundred fifty-one men (61.9%) self-reported ED (median IIEF-5 score: 16 [interquartile range (IQR) 12–19]). In multivariate analysis, only increasing age, but none of the HIV-related parameters, nor any of the individual cardiovascular-risk related parameters, was statistically significantly associated with ED. Eighteen out of the 49 (36.7%) men with ED who received a blood test to assess testosterone levels were diagnosed with testosterone deficiency. The 10-year risk of CHD in the cohort was 4.3% (IQR 3.6–5.7) and was significantly higher in men with ED (5.1%, IQR 4.4–6.6) compared with men without ED (3.1%, IQR 2.5–4.2).

Conclusions
This study showed that ED and testosterone deficiency are highly prevalent in young to middle-aged MLHIV and that ED might be associated with an increased risk of CHD. Therefore, healthcare professionals should screen for clinical ED and should consider testing for underlying testosterone deficiency. A clinical diagnosis of ED should trigger a full evaluation of the patient's cardiovascular risk factors, even at younger age.
Conceptualizing and Theorizing About the Idea of a “Post‐Racial” Era
Authors: Ikuenobe Polycarp 
Published: May 2013

AbstractI critically examine the eliminativist theories of race or racism, and the behavioral theory of racism, which provide the theoretical foundation, respectively, for the nominalist and substantive conceptualizations of the idea of a post‐racial era. The eliminativist theories seek to eliminate the concepts of “race” or “racism” from our discourse. Such elimination indicates a nominalist sense of the idea of a post‐racial era. The behavioral theory of racism argues that racism must be manifested in obviously harmful actions. And because such harmful actions are not prevalent today, this implies that we are in a post‐racial era in a substantive sense. I conceptualize some subtle forms of racism that are prevalent today, which cannot be captured by the behavioral theory, but can best be captured by doxastic theories of racism. I conceptualize a substantive idea of a post‐racial era, and then argue based on such conceptualization, that we are not in a post‐racial era because subtle forms of racism are still prevalent today.
Using Genetic Algorithms to Optimize Stopping Patterns for Passenger Rail Transportation
Authors: Lin Dung‐Ying , Ku Yu‐Hsiung 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn a passenger railroad system, the stopping pattern optimization problem determines the train stopping strategy, taking into consideration multiple train classes, station types, and customer origin‐destination (OD) demand, to maximize the profit made by a rail company. The stopping pattern is traditionally decided by rule of thumb, an approach that leaves much room for improvement. In this article, we propose an integer program for this problem and provide a systematic approach to determining the optimal train stopping pattern for a rail company. Commonly used commercial optimization packages cannot solve this complex problem efficiently, especially when problems of realistic size need to be solved. Therefore, we develop two genetic algorithms, namely binary‐coded genetic algorithm (BGA) and integer‐coded genetic algorithm (IGA). In many of the past evolutionary programming studies, the chromosome was coded using the binary alphabet as BGA. The encoding and genetic operators of BGA are straightforward and relatively easy to implement. However, we show that it is difficult for the BGA to converge to feasible solutions for the stopping pattern optimization problem due to the complex solution space. Therefore, we propose an IGA with new encoding mechanism and genetic operators. Numerical results show that the proposed IGA can solve real‐world problems that are beyond the reach of commonly used optimization packages.
The loss of virulence of histone H1 overexpressing Leishmania donovani parasites is directly associated with a reduction of HSP83 rate of translation
Authors: Alexandratos Alexandros , Clos Joachim , Samiotaki Martina , Efstathiou Antonia , Panayotou George , Soteriadou Ketty , Smirlis Despina 
Published: May 2013

SummaryOverexpression of Leishmania histone H1 (LeishH1) was previously found to cause a promastigote‐to‐amastigote differentiation handicap, deregulation of cell‐cycle progression, and loss of parasite infectivity. The aim of this study was to identify changes in the proteome of LeishH1 overexpressing parasites associated with the avirulent phenotype observed. 2D‐gel electrophoresis analysis revealed only a small protein subset of differentially expressed proteins in the LeishH1 overexpressing promastigotes. Among these was the chaperone HSP83, known for its protective role in Leishmania drug‐induced apoptosis, which displayed lower translational rates. To investigate if the lower expression levels of HSP83 are associated with the differentiation handicap, we assayed the thermostability of parasites by subjecting them to heat‐shock (25°C→37°C), a natural stress‐factor occurring during stage differentiation. Heat‐shock promoted apoptosis to a greater extent in the LeishH1 overexpressing parasites. Interestingly, these parasites were not only more sensitive to heat‐shock but also to drug‐induced [Sb(III)] cell‐death. In addition, the restoration of HSP83 levels re‐established drug resistance, and restored infectivity to LeishH1 overexpressing parasites in the murine J774 macrophage model. Overall, this study suggests that LeishH1 levels are critical for the parasite's stress‐induced adaptation within the mammalian host, and highlights the cross‐talk between pathways involved in drug resistance, apoptosis and virulence.
Identification of ClpP substrates in Caulobacter crescentus reveals a role for regulated proteolysis in bacterial development
Authors: Bhat Nowsheen H. , Vass Robert H. , Stoddard Patrick R. , Shin Dong K. , Chien Peter 
Published: May 2013

SummaryEnergy‐dependent proteases ensure the timely removal of unwanted proteins in a highly selective fashion. In Caulobacter crescentus, protein degradation by the ClpXP protease is critical for cell cycle progression; however, only a handful of substrates are currently known. Here, we use a trapping approach to identify putative substrates of the ClpP associated proteases in C. crescentus. Biochemical validation of several of these targets reveals specific protease recognition motifs and suggests a need for ClpXP‐specific degradation beyond degradation of known cell cycle regulators. We focus on a particular instance of regulated proteolysis in Caulobacter by exploring the role of ClpXP in degrading the stalk synthesis transcription factor TacA. We show that TacA degradation is controlled during the cell cycle dependent on the ClpXP regulator CpdR and that stabilization of TacA increases degradation of another ClpXP substrate, CtrA, while restoring deficiencies associated with prolific CpdR activity. Together, our work reveals a number of new validated ClpXP substrates, clarifies rules of protease substrate selection, and demonstrates how regulated protein degradation is critical for Caulobacter development and cell cycle progression.