bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute and Chronic Ethanol Administration Differentially Modulate Hepatic Autophagy and Transcription Factor EB
Authors: Thomes Paul G. , Trambly Casey S. , Fox Howard S. , Tuma Dean J. , Donohue Terrence M. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundChronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption decelerates the catabolism of long‐lived proteins, indicating that it slows hepatic macroautophagy (hereafter called autophagy) a crucial lysosomal catabolic pathway in most eukaryotic cells. Autophagy and lysosome biogenesis are linked. Both are regulated by the transcription factor EB (TFEB). Here, we tested whether TFEB can be used as a singular indicator of autophagic activity, by quantifying its nuclear content in livers of mice subjected to acute and chronic EtOH administration. We correlated nuclear TFEB to specific indices of autophagy.MethodsIn acute experiments, we gavaged GFP‐LC3tg mice with a single dose of EtOH or with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). We fed mice chronically by feeding them control or EtOH liquid diets.ResultsCompared with PBS‐gavaged controls, livers of EtOH‐gavaged mice exhibited greater autophagosome (AV) numbers, a higher incidence of AV‐lysosome co‐localization, and elevated levels of free GFP, all indicating enhanced autophagy, which correlated with a higher nuclear content of TFEB. Compared with pair‐fed controls, livers of EtOH‐fed mice exhibited higher AV numbers, but had lower lysosome numbers, lower AV‐lysosome co‐localization, higher P62/SQSTM1 levels, and lower free GFP levels. The latter findings correlated with lower nuclear TFEB levels in EtOH‐fed mice. Thus, enhanced autophagy after acute EtOH gavage correlated with a higher nuclear TFEB content. Conversely, chronic EtOH feeding inhibited hepatic autophagy, associated with a lower nuclear TFEB content.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the effect of acute EtOH gavage on hepatic autophagy differs significantly from that after chronic EtOH feeding. Each regimen distinctly affects TFEB localization, which in turn, regulates hepatic autophagy and lysosome biogenesis.
A regulatory gene network related to the porcine umami taste receptor (TAS1R1/TAS1R3)
Authors: Kim J. M. , Ren D. , Reverter A. , Roura E. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryTaste perception plays an important role in the mediation of food choices in mammals. The first porcine taste receptor genes identified, sequenced and characterized,TAS1R1andTAS1R3,were related to the dimeric receptor for umami taste. However, little is known about their regulatory network. The objective of this study was to unfold the genetic network involved in porcine umami taste perception. We performed a meta‐analysis of 20 gene expression studies spanning 480 porcine microarray chips and screened 328 taste‐related genes by selective mining steps among the available 12 320 genes. A porcine umami taste‐specific regulatory network was constructed based on the normalized coexpression data of the 328 genes across 27 tissues. From the network, we revealed the ‘taste module’ and identified a coexpression cluster for the umami taste according to the first connector with theTAS1R1/TAS1R3genes. Our findings identify several taste‐related regulatory genes and extend previous genetic background of porcine umami taste.
Decline in hunter offtake of blue duikers in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Grande‐Vega María , Farfán Miguel Ángel , Ondo Ambrosio , Fa Julia E. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe blue duiker (Philantomba monticola) is an abundant and widely distributed ungulate in continental sub‐Saharan Africa. High hunting pressure throughout its range may be particularly threatening to the persistence of island populations of the species. In this study, we assessed offtake of blue duikers in Pico Basilé, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. We recorded the number of animals shot or snared by 46 commercial hunters over a 33‐month period, and the location (elevation) of each animal hunted. From this, we estimated catch per hunter (CH), catch per hunting day (CD) and catch per unit effort (CPUE). The number of duikers shot or snared across the study period, significantly declined within the mid‐altitude range (901–1500 m). There were no significant drops in CH or CPUE at low or high altitudes for snared animals. The ratio of immature‐to‐adult animals hunted increased significantly over time within the mid‐altitude range. We suggest that these trends in offtake, especially in the more heavily hunted mid‐altitudes of the study area, indicate a decline in the population within this range. If this situation is widespread throughout the island, it is likely that unregulated bushmeat hunting will have devastating consequences to the biodiversity of Bioko Island, particularly for heavily hunted species that are naturally less abundant.
Successful Implantation from the Embryonic Aspect
Authors: Szekeres‐Bartho Julia 
Published: November 2015

ProblemImplantation failure is common in women with advanced maternal age, partly because of the increased number of aneuploid embryos. These women constitute the majority of patients for IVF treatment. As multiple pregnancies is a major hazard of preterm delivery, the aim is to select a competent embryo for single transfer. This study reviews currently used methods for selecting the competent embryo.Method of the studyLiterature search.ResultsThe clinical value of currently used tests, for example pre‐implantation genetic screening for aneuploidy, embryo morphology, morphokinetic measurements, extended culture to the blastocyst stage, as well as analysis of the follicular fluid and amino acid and glucose metabolism as well as oxygen consumption in embryo culture media, are discussed.ConclusionSeveral approaches look promising, but the clinical value of these is yet to be confirmed in randomized clinical trials. Furthermore, some of the methods are too complicated for routine clinical application.
Spitz naevi and melanomas with similar dermoscopic patterns: can confocal microscopy differentiate?
Authors: Guida S. , Pellacani G. , Cesinaro A.M. , Moscarella E. , Argenziano G. , Farnetani F. , Bonamonte D. , Longo C. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundDifferentiating Spitz naevi from melanomas can be difficult both clinically and dermoscopically. Previous studies have reported the potential role of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in increasing diagnostic accuracy.ObjectivesTo define RCM criteria that can differentiate ‘false twins’, namely Spitz naevi and melanomas sharing similar dermoscopic appearance.MethodsLesions histopathologically diagnosed as Spitz naevi or melanomas were retrospectively retrieved. They were selected to cover all dermoscopic types and were put into couples sharing similar aspects. Lesions were classified into three main dermoscopic categories: globular and starburst pattern, spitzoid with dotted vessels, and multicomponent or aspecific pattern.ResultsRCM findings revealed that striking cell pleomorphism within the epidermis, widespread atypical cells at the dermoepidermal junction and marked pleomorphism within nests were significantly associated with the diagnosis of melanoma, while spindled cells and peripheral clefting were found exclusively with and pathognomonic of Spitz naevi. Furthermore, the analysis of a dermoscopic subgroup highlights the importance of striking pleomorphism and spindled cells as clues to differentiate ‘false twins’ with globular or starburst patterns.ConclusionsThe current study highlights the role of RCM in discriminating ‘false twins’ of Spitz naevi and melanomas for lesions showing starburst and globular patterns on dermoscopy, whereas RCM is not useful in the other dermoscopic subgroups.
The reality of cancer treatment in a developing country: the effects of delayed TKI treatment on survival, cytogenetic and molecular responses in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients
Authors: Kurtovic‐Kozaric Amina , Hasic Azra , Radich Jerald P. , Bijedic Vildan , Nefic Hilada , Eminovic Izet , Kurtovic Sabira , Colakovic Ferida , Kozaric Mirza , Vranic Semir , Bovan Nada S. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryCancer patients in developing and low‐income countries have limited access to target therapies. For example, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for chronic myeloid leukaemia patients (CML) is often delayed. In Bosnia, 16% of patients received immediate TKI treatment (<3 months of diagnosis), while 66% of patients received therapy after a median 14‐month wait period. To assess the effect of delayed treatment on outcome, three patient groups were studied according to the time they received TKI treatment (0–5 months, 6–12 months and >13 months delay). The primary endpoints were complete cytogenetic (CCyR) and major molecular response (MMR) at 12 months. At 12 months of therapy, CCyR and MMR rates on imatinib decreased significantly: CCyR was achieved in 67% of patients in the immediate imatinib treatment group, 18% of patients in 6–12 months group and 15% of patients in >13 months wait group. MMR rates at 12 months occurred in 10% of patients with immediate treatment, 6% of those in 6–12 months group and 0% of patients in >13 months wait group. However, CCyR and MMR rates in patients on nilotinib were not associated with duration of treatment delay. Our data suggests that the deleterious effect of a prolonged TKI therapy delay may be ameliorated by the more active TKI nilotinib.
Validation of administrative data case definitions for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bowker S. L. , Savu A. , Lam N. K. , Johnson J. A. , Kaul P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimTo examine, using administrative data, the validity of two algorithms for identifying gestational diabetes mellitus: 1) the current National Diabetes Surveillance System algorithm for excluding gestational diabetes cases and 2) gestational diabetes‐specific ICD codes in the delivery‐related hospitalization.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of all women, aged 18–54 years, residing in Alberta, Canada, with singleton deliveries between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2010. We linked Alberta Perinatal Health Program data on all deliveries to administrative claims data from Alberta Health using the mother's personal health number. For both gestational diabetes algorithms, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and agreement, using gestational diabetes identified in the Alberta Perinatal Health Program as the ‘gold standard’.ResultsOur study sample consisted of 411 390 deliveries for 273 152 women. The mean (sd) age was 29.1 (5.6) years and 82.3% of the women were white. Crude rates of gestational diabetes were 3.9% (16 215 cases), 1.3% (5189 cases) and 4.0% (16 440 cases) according to the Alberta Perinatal Health Program, National Diabetes Surveillance System and ICD code‐based algorithms, respectively. Compared with the Alberta Perinatal Health Program database, the National Diabetes Surveillance System algorithm had a sensitivity of 25% and specificity of 100%, whereas the gestational diabetes‐specific ICD code‐based algorithm had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 99%.ConclusionsThe National Diabetes Surveillance System algorithm underestimates the number of gestational diabetes cases. A more valid mechanism to identify gestational diabetes prevalence using health administrative data is the use of gestational diabetes‐specific ICD‐9/10 codes in the delivery hospitalization.
Infection of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’ reduces the protein content and alters the activity of detoxifying enzymes in Amplicephalus curtulus
Authors: Arismendi Nolberto L. , Reyes Maritza , Miller Sally A. , Wijeratne Asela J. , Carrillo Roberto 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIt has been reported that insecticide‐detoxifying enzymes such as glutathione S‐transferases (GST) and esterases are affected by microbial infections in hemipteran insect vectors. The total protein content, and GST and α‐ and β‐esterase activities were quantified in ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’‐infected and uninfected adults of Amplicephalus curtulus Linnavuori & DeLong (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) at 25, 35, and 45 days after the acquisition access period (AAP) in the head‐thorax and abdomen sections. The total protein content was lower in phytoplasma‐infected leafhoppers 25, 35, and 45 days after the AAP. Thirty‐five days after the AAP, the GST and β‐esterase activities had increased (26 and 69%, respectively) compared to the control. However, 45 days after the AAP, the phytoplasma‐infected leafhoppers displayed lower GST (87%) and β‐esterase (253%) activities than the uninfected individuals. On the other hand, the α‐esterase activity proved to be unaffected by the phytoplasma infection. Forty‐five days after the AAP, females had a higher phytoplasma titer (46%) in their head‐thorax than in their abdomen sections, whereas males showed a higher titer in their abdomens (75%). In addition, the GST and β‐esterase activities in the abdomen were affected negatively by 96–98% as a result of the increasing ‘Ca. Phytoplasma ulmi’ titer. These results indicate that an infection of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma ulmi’ alters the metabolic activities of A. curtulus.
Common Wall Lizard Females (Podarcis muralis) do not Actively Choose Males Based on their Colour Morph
Authors: Sacchi Roberto , Ghitti Michele , Scali Stefano , Mangiacotti Marco , Zuffi Marco A.L. , Sannolo Marco , Coladonato Alan J. , Pasquesi Giulia , Bovo Matteo , Pellitteri‐Rosa Daniele 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIdentifying the processes that lead to the evolution and maintenance of links between colour morphs and behavioural strategies has implications for the evolution of reproductive isolation and sympatric speciation. Sexual selection may play a significant role in the evolution of colour pattern complexity in reptiles, particularly when there are fitness consequences associated with mating with males of different colour morphs. In this article, we explored if common wall lizard females (Podarcis muralis) actively select males according to their morph in a colour‐assortative pattern using a multiple‐choice experiment with both visual and chemical cues. We failed to identify female active mate choice, as females did not choose males based on male colouration or femoral pore secretions. Indeed, females equally entered the three preference compartments and spent nearly the same amount of time within them, irrespective of both colour and odour of males. Consequently, our results do not support the hypothesis that colour polymorphism in this species may be driven by colour‐assortative mating promoted by females. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that females may choose males according to their colour following a flexible choice strategy, nor the possibility that females actively discriminate among males according to qualities that are not directly related to morph‐specific strategies.
Wait Until Dark? Daily Activity Patterns and Nest Predation by Snakes
Authors: DeGregorio Brett A. , Sperry Jinelle H. , Ward Michael P. , Weatherhead Patrick J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPredation involves costs and benefits, so predators should employ tactics that reduce their risk of injury or death and that increase their success at capturing prey. One potential way that predators could decrease risk and increase benefits is by attacking prey at night when risks may be reduced and prey more vulnerable. Because some snakes are facultatively nocturnal and prey on bird nests during the day and night, they are ideal for assessing the costs and benefits of diurnal vs. nocturnal predation. We used automated radiotelemetry and cameras to investigate predation on nesting birds by two species of snakes, one diurnal and the other facultatively nocturnal. We predicted that snakes preying on nests at night should experience less parental nest defence and capture more adults and nestlings. Rat snakes (Pantherophis obsoletus) were relatively inactive at night (23–36% activity) but nearly always preyed on nests after dark (80% of nest predations). Conversely, racers (Coluber constrictor) were exclusively diurnal and preyed on nests during the times of day they were most active. These results are consistent with rat snakes strategically using their capacity for facultative nocturnal activity to prey on nests at night. The likely benefit is reduced nest defence because birds defended their nests less vigourously at night. Consistent with nocturnal predation being safer, rat snake predation events lasted three times longer at night than during the day (26 vs. 8 min). Nocturnal nest predation did not make nests more profitable by increasing the likelihood of capturing adults or removing premature fledging of nestlings. The disconnect between rat snake activity and timing of nest predation seems most consistent with rat snakes locating prey during the day using visual cues but waiting until dark to prey on nests when predation is safer, although designing a direct test of this hypothesis will be challenging.
Legal ‘Elasticity’ and ‘Sidestepping’ in European Crisis Management of Financial Markets
Authors: Dorn Nicholas 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis paper explores the roles played by law in crisis management of financial markets and some possible consequences. Three questions are raised ‐‐about the ‘elastic’ use of law, about ‘sidestepping’ existing legal order by invention of new structures and about redistributive consequences. These questions are appraised empirically in relation to three areas of financial market law: public support given to banking from 2008 onwards; English case law concerning derivatives contracts when confronted with Lehman‐style insolvencies; and the European Stability Mechanism, which during summer 2015 was being primed in relation to Greece. On the first two case studies, law, having been mightily stretched, did not break. Likewise, legal sidestepping, as epitomised by the European Stability Mechanism, may result in a less coherent legal structure; however such incoherence may be not be fatal to the ensemble. On all three fronts, redistributive questions remain controversial, but controversy in itself does not undermine legal structures. A particular form of theory, the Legal Theory of Finance, is discussed in light of the case studies. Such theory may have an unfulfilled longing to discern law‐like regularities (ironically chasing economics).
Critical reflections about current ‘CAM’ research and advocacy
Authors: Ernst Edzard 
Published: November 2015

AbstractComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an area that has become tolerated or even accepted by most conventional healthcare professionals and favoured by many consumers. Yet, critical thinkers might find it hard not to note the many problems and contradictions in this field. This article is an attempt to explore some of the problems that exist in current CAM advocacy and research. For the most part, these reflections are based on the author's 20 years of experience as a CAM researcher rather than on citable evidence.
Container Transshipment and Logistics in the Context of Urban Economic Development
Authors: Slack Brian , Gouvernal Elisabeth 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIt is widely recognised that there are strong relationships between containerisation and supply chains that are giving rise to significant clusters of logistics firms around the large gateway ports, which helps reinforce the status of many as global cities. Recent research, policy documents and regional development strategies suggest that transshipment hubs should be able to develop logistics businesses as well. In this paper, it is argued that the differences between gateway ports and transshipment hubs are very great, and that while the shipping lines have been eager to establish transshipment in many locations, logistics firms are reluctant to follow. A number of reasons for this to be the case are examined, including the long‐term uncertainty of shipping services to transshipment hubs, the costs of stripping containers in hub ports with no scale advantages, the distance from major markets, and the limited volume of actual goods available in most hubs. Empirical evidence is presented to demonstrate the weakness of hubs as logistics centres, the major exception being Singapore. The evidence presented suggests that the economic development potential for cities developing as transshipment hubs is much more limited than suggested in the literature.
The importance of time frames in Swedish Home and Consumer Studies
Authors: Lindblom Cecilia , Erixon Arreman Inger , Bohm Ingela , Hörnell Agneta 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore how time frames affect pupils and teachers in cooking activities during lessons of different durations for Home and Consumer Studies, with a specific focus on the pupils’ experiences. To investigate this, classroom observations were carried out in 2011 and 2012, with the help of audio and video recordings in three different schools in Sweden and included altogether 22 pupils (18 girls, 4 boys) in grade 9 (15–16 years). Each class was observed during two separate lessons, lasting between 1 h 50 min (110 minutes) and 2 h 20 min (140 min). The six lessons resulted in 12 h of video recorded time and 80 h of sound recordings. The study showed that the importance of finishing on time seemed to be ingrained in most pupils in all classes and the end result was perceived as more important than the process of cooking. The study also showed that knowledge of cooking skills and time management seemed important for success in grade‐related tasks. Pupils demonstrated different ways of handling the time frames, e.g. using various methods to speed up the cooking process. This study raises important questions about the relationship between national and local time frames and the curriculum aims in Home and Consumer Studies.
Endogenous ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor regulate lung dendritic cell function
Authors: Thatcher Thomas H. , Williams Marc A. , Pollock Stephen J. , McCarthy Claire E. , Lacy Shannon H. , Phipps Richard P. , Sime Patricia J. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryThe aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that has been extensively studied as a regulator of toxicant metabolism. However, recent evidence indicates that the AhR also plays an important role in immunity. We hypothesized that the AhR is a novel, immune regulator of T helper type 2 (Th2) ‐mediated allergic airway disease. Here, we report that AhR‐deficient mice develop increased allergic responses to the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA), which are driven in part by increased dendritic cell (DC) functional activation. AhR knockout (AhR−/−) mice sensitized and challenged with OVA develop an increased inflammatory response in the lung compared with wild‐type controls, with greater numbers of inflammatory eosinophils and neutrophils, greater T‐cell proliferation, greater production of Th2 cytokines, and higher levels of OVA‐specific IgE and IgG1. Lung DCs from AhR−/− mice stimulated antigen‐specific proliferation and Th2 cytokine production by naive T cells in vitro. Additionally, AhR−/− DCs produced higher levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6, which promote Th2 differentiation, and expressed higher cell surface levels of stimulatory MHC Class II and CD86 molecules. Overall, loss of the AhR was associated with enhanced T‐cell activation by pulmonary DCs and heightened pro‐inflammatory allergic responses. This suggests that endogenous AhR ligands are involved in the normal regulation of Th2‐mediated immunity in the lung via a DC‐dependent mechanism. Therefore, the AhR may represent an important target for therapeutic intervention in allergic airways inflammation.