bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between serum homocysteine, holotranscobalamin, folate and cognition in the elderly: a longitudinal study
Authors: Hooshmand B. , Solomon A. , Kåreholt I. , Rusanen M. , Hänninen T. , Leiviskä J. , Winblad B. , Laatikainen T. , Soininen H. , Kivipelto M. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract.  Hooshmand B, Solomon A, Kåreholt I, Rusanen M, Hänninen T, Leiviskä J, Winblad B, Laatikainen T, Soininen H & Kivipelto M (Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; KI Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (KI‐ADRC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland; University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Clinical Medicine, and University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland). Associations between serum homocysteine, holotranscobalamin, folate and cognition in the elderly: a longitudinal study. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 204–212.Objectives.  To examine the associations between serum homocysteine (tHcy), holotranscobalamin (holoTC, the biologically active fraction of vitamin B12) and folate and cognitive functioning in a longitudinal population‐based study of Finnish elderly subjects.Subjects and design.  tHcy, holoTC and folate were measured at baseline in 274 dementia‐free subjects aged 65–79 years from the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia study. Subjects were re‐examined 7 years later, and global cognition, episodic memory, executive functioning, verbal expression and psychomotor speed were assessed.Results.  Higher baseline tHcy levels were associated with poorer performance in global cognition, relative difference: 0.90 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–0.99]; episodic memory: 0.87 (95% CI 0.77–0.99); executive functions: 0.86 (95% CI 0.75–0.98); and verbal expression: 0.89 (95% CI 0.81–0.97) at follow‐up. Increased holoTC levels were related to better performance on global cognition: 1.09 (95% CI 1.00–1.19); executive functions: 1.11 (95% CI 1.01–1.21); and psychomotor speed: 1.13 (95% CI 1.01–1.26). After excluding 20 cases of incident dementia, increased tHcy remained associated with poorer performance in episodic memory, execution functions and verbal expression. Higher holoTC levels tended to be related to better performance in executive functions and psychomotor speed, while elevated serum folate concentrations were significantly related to higher scores in global cognition and verbal expression tests.Conclusions.  tHcy, holoTC and folate levels are related to cognitive performance 7 years later even in nondemented elderly subjects. Randomized trials are needed to determine the impact of vitamin B12 and folate supplementation on preventing cognitive decline in the elderly.
Climate‐induced changes to the ancestral population size of two Patagonian galaxiids: the influence of glacial cycling
Authors: ZEMLAK TYLER S. , WALDE SANDRA J. , HABIT EVELYN M. , RUZZANTE DANIEL E. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPatagonia is one of the few areas in the Southern Hemisphere to have been directly influenced by Quaternary glaciers. In this study, we evaluate the influence that Quaternary glacial ice had on the genetic diversity of two congeneric fish species, the diadromous Galaxias maculatus and the nondiadromous Galaxias platei, using multilocus estimates of effective population size through time. Mid‐Quaternary glaciations had far‐reaching consequences for both species. Galaxias maculatus and G. platei each experienced severe genetic bottlenecks during the period when Patagonia ice sheet advance reached its maximum positions c. 1.1–0.6 Ma. Concordant drops in effective size during this time suggest that range sizes were under similar constraints. It is therefore unlikely that coastal (brackish/marine) environments served as a significant refuge for G. maculatus during glacial periods. An earlier onset of population declines for G. platei suggests that this species was vulnerable to modest glacial advances. Declines in effective sizes were continuous for both species and lasted into the late‐Pleistocene. However, G. maculatus exhibited a strong population recovery during the late‐Quaternary (c. 400 000 bp). Unusually long and warm interglacials associated with the late‐Quaternary may have helped to facilitate a strong population rebound in this primarily coastal species.
The half‐size ABC transporters STR1 and STR2 are indispensable for mycorrhizal arbuscule formation in rice
Authors: Gutjahr Caroline , Radovanovic Dragica , Geoffroy Jessika , Zhang Quan , Siegler Heike , Chiapello Marco , Casieri Leonardo , An Kyungsook , An Gynheung , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Kumar Chellian Santhosh , Sundaresan Venkatesan , Harrison Maria J. , Paszkowski Uta 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe central structure of the symbiotic association between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is the fungal arbuscule that delivers minerals to the plant. Our earlier transcriptome analyses identified two half‐size ABCG transporters that displayed enhanced mRNA levels in mycorrhizal roots. We now show specific transcript accumulation in arbusculated cells of both genes during symbiosis. Presently, arbuscule‐relevant factors from monocotyledons have not been reported. Mutation of either of theOryza sativa(rice) ABCG transporters blocked arbuscule growth of different AM fungi at a small and stunted stage, recapitulating the phenotype ofMedicago truncatula stunted arbuscule 1and2(str1andstr2) mutants that are deficient in homologous ABCG genes. This phenotypic resemblance and phylogenetic analysis suggest functional conservation of STR1 and STR2 across the angiosperms. Malnutrition of the fungus underlying limited arbuscular growth was excluded by the absence of complementation of thestr1phenotype by wild‐type nurse plants. Furthermore, plant AM signaling was found to be intact, as arbuscule‐induced marker transcript accumulation was not affected instr1mutants. Strigolactones have previously been hypothesized to operate as intracellular hyphal branching signals and possible substrates of STR1 and STR2. However, full arbuscule development in the strigolactone biosynthesis mutantsd10andd17suggested strigolactones to be unlikely substrates of STR1/STR2. Interestingly, rice STR1 is associated with acis‐natural antisense transcript (antiSTR1). Analogous toSTR1andSTR2, at the root cortex level, theantiSTR1transcript is specifically detected in arbusculated cells, suggesting unexpected modes of STR1 regulation in rice.
A primer for biomedical scientists on how to execute Model II linear regression analysis
Authors: Ludbrook John 
Published: November 2011

Summary1. There are two very different ways of executing linear regression analysis. One is Model I, when the x‐values are fixed by the experimenter. The other is Model II, in which the x‐values are free to vary and are subject to error.2. I have received numerous complaints from biomedical scientists that they have great difficulty in executing Model II linear regression analysis. This may explain the results of a Google Scholar search, which showed that the authors of articles in journals of physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry rarely use Model II regression analysis.3. I repeat my previous arguments in favour of using least products linear regression analysis for Model II regressions. I review three methods for executing ordinary least products (OLP) and weighted least products (WLP) regression analysis: (i) scientific calculator and/or computer spreadsheet; (ii) specific purpose computer programs; and (iii) general purpose computer programs.4. Using a scientific calculator and/or computer spreadsheet, it is easy to obtain correct values for OLP slope and intercept, but the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) are inaccurate.5. Using specific purpose computer programs, the freeware computer program smatr gives the correct OLP regression coefficients and obtains 95% CI by bootstrapping. In addition, smatr can be used to compare the slopes of OLP lines.6. When using general purpose computer programs, I recommend the commercial programs systat and Statistica for those who regularly undertake linear regression analysis and I give step‐by‐step instructions in the Supplementary Information as to how to use loss functions.
Estimating updraft velocity components over large spatial scales: contrasting migration strategies of golden eagles and turkey vultures
Authors: Bohrer Gil , Brandes David , Mandel James T. , Bildstein Keith L. , Miller Tricia A. , Lanzone Michael , Katzner Todd , Maisonneuve Charles , Tremblay Junior A. 
Published: November 2011

Ecology Letters (2011)AbstractSoaring birds migrate in massive numbers worldwide. These migrations are complex and dynamic phenomena, strongly influenced by meteorological conditions that produce thermal and orographic uplift as the birds traverse the landscape. Herein we report on how methods were developed to estimate the strength of thermal and orographic uplift using publicly available digital weather and topography datasets at continental scale. We apply these methods to contrast flight strategies of two morphologically similar but behaviourally different species: golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos, and turkey vulture, Cathartes aura, during autumn migration across eastern North America tracked using GPS tags. We show that turkey vultures nearly exclusively used thermal lift, whereas golden eagles primarily use orographic lift during migration. It has not been shown previously that migration tracks are affected by species‐specific specialisation to a particular uplift mode. The methods introduced herein to estimate uplift components and test for differences in weather use can be applied to study movement of any soaring species.
Effect of oral phytoestrogen on androgenicity and insulin sensitivity in postmenopausal women
Authors: Lee C. C. , Bloem C. J. , Kasa‐Vubu J. Z. , Liang L.‐J. 
Published: November 2011

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effect of treatment with transdermal oestrogen and phytoestrogen on insulin sensitivity and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) levels in healthy postmenopausal women.Methods: Forty‐three healthy postmenopausal women aged 68 ± 7 (mean ± SD) years who were not receiving hormonal replacement therapy completed a 3 month randomized drug therapy study. The participants were randomized to one of four groups: 0.05 mg or 0.1 mg transdermal oestrogen/day, or 40 or 80 mg oral phytoestrogen (Promensil)/day insulin sensitivity was indirectly measured using the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). SHBG, total testosterone, oestradiol, and fasting glucose and insulin levels for calculation of insulin sensitivity were obtained at baseline and at monthly intervals during the 3 months of therapy.Results: In healthy nondiabetic postmenopausal women, the rate of change in QUICKI was significantly different between the red clover based phytoestrogen and transdermal oestrogen groups, so that after three months of therapy, QUICKI with red clover based phytoestrogen therapy was lower than that in the transdermal oestrogen group, p = 0.01. Red clover based phytoestrogen therapy was not associated with any changes in SHBG levels whereas transdermal estrogen therapy significantly increased SHBG levels, p = 0.05.Conclusions: In contrast to transdermal oestrogen therapy, oral phytoestrogen therapy does not decrease androgenicity and is associated with a decrease in insulin sensitivity. These effects are similar to those of raloxifene and consistent with phytoestrogen's selective oestrogen receptor modulator properties.
Defective barrier function in melasma skin
Authors: Lee D.J. , Lee J. , Ha J. , Park K.‐C. , Ortonne J.‐P. , Kang H.Y. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Melasma is characterized by increased pigmentation and photodamaged features, which include solar elastosis. Recently, we detected the downregulation of the genes most associated with lipid metabolism using microarray analysis in melasma. These findings suggested that lesional skin may have different biophysical characteristics, and, in particular, an altered skin barrier function.Objective  To determine the cutaneous biophysical characteristics of melasma.Methods  The melanin index, erythema index, stratum corneum hydration, sebum content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured for lesional and perilesional normal skin of 16 melasma patients and then compared. In addition, a skin biopsy was performed on 11 of the 16 study subjects to measure stratum corneum thickness and to study the protein expressions of PPAR‐α and ALOX15B.Results  Melanin index, erythema index and stratum corneum hydration were significantly higher in lesional skin than in perilesional normal skin. No significant difference was found between lesional and normal skin in terms of basal TEWL level or sebum content. However, the rate of TEWL after barrier perturbation was significantly higher for lesional skin, and the barrier recovery rate was significantly delayed. Furthermore, a trend towards thinned stratum corneum was observed for lesional skin, and this was correlated with barrier recovery rate. The expressions of PPAR‐α and ALOX15B were variable in the samples.Conclusions  Melasma skin is characterized by impaired stratum corneum integrity and a delayed barrier recovery rate.
The Discoidin domain receptor 1 gene has a functional A2RE sequence
Authors: Roig Barbara , Moyano Sílvia , Martorell Lourdes , Costas Javier , Vilella Elisabet 
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 408–418.AbstractDiscoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is expressed in myelin oligodendrocytes and co‐localizes with myelin basic protein (MBP). Alternative splicing of DDR1 generates five isoforms designated DDR1a–e. The MBP mRNA contains an hnRNP A2 response element (A2RE) sequence that is recognized by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A2/B1, which is responsible for transport of the MBP mRNA to oligodendrocyte processes. We hypothesized that DDR1 could have a functional A2RE sequence. By in silico analysis, we identified an A2RE‐like sequence in the human DDR1 mRNA. We observed nuclear and dendrite cytoplasmic immunofluorescence, indicating that DDR1 and hnRNP A2/B1 co‐localize in human oligodendrocytes and in differentiated HOG16 cells. The A2RE‐like sequence of DDR1 contains the single nucleotide polymorphism rs2267641, and we found that in the human brain, the minor allele is associated with lower and higher levels DDR1b and DDR1c mRNA expression, respectively. Moreover, a positive correlation between DDR1c and the myelin genes myelin‐associated glycoprotein and oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2 was found. Differentiated HOG16 cells transfected with an hnRNP A2/B1 siRNA simultaneously show a decrease and an increase in the DDR1c and DDR1b mRNA expression levels, respectively, which was accompanied by a decrease in DDR1 protein levels at the cytoplasmic edges. These results suggest that the DDR1 A2RE sequence is functionally involved in the hnRNP A2/B1‐mediated splicing and transport of the DDR1c mRNA.
Depression and Anxiety in Episodic and Chronic Cluster Headache: A Pilot Study
Authors: Robbins Matthew S. , Bronheim Rachel , Lipton Richard B. , Grosberg Brian M. , Vollbracht Sarah , Sheftell Fred D. , Buse Dawn C. 
Published: November 2011

Background.— In contrast to migraine and tension‐type headache, the psychiatric comorbidities of cluster headache (CH) have not been well‐studied.Objective.— We assessed the presence of depression and anxiety in groups of episodic CH (ECH) and chronic CH (CCH) patients and compared CH patients with and without depression and anxiety.Methods.— Sociodemographics, comorbidities, and selected headache features were ascertained from a clinic‐based sample in a cross‐sectional fashion from January 2007 to July 2010. Active depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item (GAD‐7) scales.Results.— Of 49 CH patients, ECH patients (n = 32) had an earlier age of onset and consumed less caffeine than CCH patients (n = 17). Rates of depression as defined by a PHQ‐9 score ≥10 were low in both ECH (6.3%) and in CCH (11.8%) with similar mean PHQ‐9 scores (3.1 vs 3.7, P = .69). Rates of anxiety as defined by a GAD‐7 score ≥10 were also low in both ECH (15.6%) and CCH (11.8%) with similar mean GAD‐7 scores (3.8 vs 3.4, P = .76). ECH patients in and out of active attack periods had similar levels of depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety usually occurred together in ECH and CCH patients. CH patients who were depressed or anxious were more likely to present at a younger age and have attack‐related nausea and prodromal symptoms. Depressed CH patients were also more likely to have another pain disorder and had undertaken twice as many prophylactic medication trials.Conclusion.— In this clinic‐based cross‐sectional study, ECH and CCH patients had similarly low rates of depression and anxiety. Rates were lower than those reported for both episodic and chronic migraine.
Development, Ultrastructural Pathology, and Taxonomic Revision of the Microsporidial Genus, Pseudoloma and Its Type Species Pseudoloma neurophilia, in Skeletal Muscle and Nervous Tissue of Experimentally Infected Zebrafish Danio rerio
Authors: Cali Ann , Kent Michael , Sanders Justin , Pau Cyrilla , Takvorian Peter M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe microsporidium Pseudoloma neurophilia was initially reported to infect the central nervous system of zebrafish causing lordosis and eventually death. Subsequently, muscle tissue infections were also identified. To understand the infection process, development, and ultrastructural pathology of this microsporidium, larval and adult zebrafish were fed P. neurophilia spores. Spores were detected in the larval fish digestive tract 3‐h postexposure (PE). By 4.5‐d PE, developing parasite stages were identified in muscle tissue. Wet preparations of larvae collected at 8‐d PE showed aggregates of spores in the spinal cord adjacent to the notochord. All parasite stages, including spores, were present in the musculature of larval fish 8‐d PE. Adult zebrafish sacrificed 45‐d PE had fully developed infections in nerves. Ultrastructural study of the developmental cycle of P. neurophilia revealed that proliferative stages undergo karyokinesis, producing tetranucleate stages that then divide into uninucleate cells. The plasmalemma of proliferative cells has a previously unreported glycocalyx‐like coat that interfaces with the host cell cytoplasm. Sporogonic stages form sporophorous vacuoles (SPOV) derived from the plasmalemmal dense surface coat, which “blisters” off sporonts. Uninucleate sporoblasts and spores develop in the SPOV. The developmental cycle is identical in both nerve and muscle. The SPOV surface is relatively thick and is the outermost parasite surface entity; thus, xenomas are not formed. Based on the new information provided by this study, the taxonomic description of the genus Pseudoloma and its type species, P. neurophilia, is modified and its life cycle described.
Outcomes on the pharmacopsychometric triangle in bupropion‐SR vs. buspirone augmentation of citalopram in the STAR*D trial
Authors: Bech P. , Fava M. , Trivedi M. H. , Wisniewski S. R. , Rush A. J. 
Published: November 2011

Bech P, Fava M, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR, Rush AJ. Outcomes on the pharmacopsychometric triangle in bupropion‐SR vs. buspirone augmentation of citalopram in the STAR*D trial.Objective:  To compare within the framework of a novel pharmacopsychometric triangle, augmentation treatment with bupropion vs. buspirone in the acute therapy of major depression in the STAR*D study. The triangle provides a composite view in three domains of antidepressive activity, side effects, and quality of life.Method:  Within the pharmacopsychometric triangle, the short six‐item subscales of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM‐D17) and of the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS‐C30), referred to as HAM‐D6 and IDS‐C6, were focussed on pure antidepressive effect. Side‐effects (tolerable vs. intolerable) and quality of life were measured using patient‐administered questionnaires. A modified intention to treat sample was used.Results:  Within the pharmacopsychometric triangle, bupropion‐SR (sustained release) was superior to buspirone when augmented to the current citalopram treatment. Thus, in the domain of pure antidepressive effect, bupropion‐SR was superior (P = 0.05) on the HAM‐D6, IDS‐C6, and IDS‐C30, but not on the HAM‐D17. In the domain of side effects, the total scores on the Patient Rated Inventory of Side Effects (PRISE) were reduced significantly more by bupropion‐SR than by buspirone (P = 0.03). In the domain of quality of life, the total scores on the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (QLES‐Q) showed a trend (P = 0.10) from baseline to endpoint of a superiority for bupropion‐SR compared with buspirone.Conclusion:  In all domains of the pharmacopsychometric triangle, bupropion‐SR was superior to buspirone as augmentation therapy in depressed outpatients not responding to citalopram.
Augmentation of clozapine with a second antipsychotic – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Taylor D. M. , Smith L. , Gee S. H. , Nielsen J. 
Published: November 2011

Taylor DM, Smith L, Gee SH, Nielsen J. Augmentation of clozapine with a second antipsychotic – a meta‐analysis.Objective:  To examine using meta‐analysis the effect of adding a second antipsychotic to established clozapine monotherapy.Method:  A literature search was conducted in April 2011, and randomised placebo‐controlled double‐blind studies were identified. We performed a meta‐analysis of efficacy (as standardised mean difference) and tolerability (withdrawals from trials) and a regression analysis of duration of study versus effect size. We also examined publication bias using funnel‐plot analysis.Results:  Overall, 14 studies were included (734 subjects). Individual study numbers ranged from 10 to 207 (mean 52.6, median 40). Augmentation of clozapine with a second antipsychotic conferred a small benefit over placebo (effect size −0.239 (95% CI: −0.452, −0.026); P = 0.028). Meta‐regression of the effect of length of treatment on effect size showed no relationship (P = 0.254). The risk of discontinuing antipsychotic augmentation was no greater than the risk of discontinuing placebo (RR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.80–1.82). There was no evidence of publication bias.Conclusion:  Augmentation with a second antipsychotic is modestly beneficial in patients not responding fully to clozapine. Tolerability seems not to be adversely affected, at least in the short term. Longer studies do not appear to increase the probability of showing positive effects for augmentation.