bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of CD34+ hematopoietic cells in systemic mastocytosis: Potential role in disease dissemination
Authors: Mayado A. , Teodosio C. , Dasilva‐Freire N. , Jara‐Acevedo M. , Garcia‐Montero A. C. , Álvarez‐Twose I. , Sánchez‐Muñoz L. , Matito A. , Caldas C. , Muñoz‐González J. I. , Henriques A. , Sánchez‐Gallego J. I. , Escribano L. , Orfao A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Recent studies show that most systemic mastocytosis (SM) patients, including indolent SM (ISM) with (ISMs+) and without skin lesions (ISMs−), carry the KIT D816V mutation in PB leukocytes. We investigated the potential association between the degree of involvement of BM hematopoiesis by the KIT D816V mutation and the distribution of different maturation‐associated compartments of bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ hematopoietic precursors (HPC) in ISM and identified the specific PB cell compartments that carry this mutation.

Methods

The distribution of different maturation‐associated subsets of BM and PB CD34+ HPC from 64 newly diagnosed (KIT‐mutated) ISM patients and 14 healthy controls was analyzed by flow cytometry. In 18 patients, distinct FACS‐purified PB cell compartments were also investigated for the KIT mutation.

Results

ISM patients showed higher percentages of both BM and PB MC‐committed CD34+ HPC vs controls, particularly among ISM cases with MC‐restricted KIT mutation (ISMMC); this was associated with progressive blockade of maturation of CD34+ HPC to the neutrophil lineage from ISMMC to multilineage KIT‐mutated cases (ISMML). Regarding the frequency of KIT‐mutated cases and cell populations in PB, variable patterns were observed, the percentage of KIT‐mutated PB CD34+ HPC, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes and T cells increasing from ISMs−MC and ISMs+MC to ISMML patients.

Conclusion

The presence of the KIT D816V mutation in PB of ISM patients is associated with (early) involvement of circulating CD34+ HPC and multiple myeloid cell subpopulations, KIT‐mutated PB CD34+ HPC potentially contributing to early dissemination of the disease.
Letter: the safety of herpes zoster vaccination for patients with inflammatory bowel disease being treated with anti‐TNF medications
Authors: Côté‐Daigneault J. , Luong M.L. , Colombel J.‐F. , Peerani F.
Published: January 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Khan et al and Khan and Lewis papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14257 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14460.
Editorial: critical care cholangiopathy—rare but important
Authors: MacGilchrist A.
Published: January 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Laurent et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14367.
Editorial: mitigating primary nonresponse to infliximab—are we better equipped now?
Authors: Sawbridge D. , Subramanian S.
Published: January 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Bar‐Yoseph et al paper. To view this article please visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14410.
Letter: therapeutic drug monitoring and inflammatory bowel disease—a call for an urgent standardization of the results
Authors: Ribaldone D. G. , Saracco G. M. , Astegiano M. , Pellicano R.
Published: January 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Bar‐Yoseph et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14410.
Letter: the safety of herpes zoster vaccination for patients with inflammatory bowel disease being treated with anti‐TNF medications—authors’ reply
Authors: Khan N. , Lewis J. D.
Published: January 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Khan et al and Côté‐Daigneault et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14257 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14435.
Editorial: early post‐induction anti‐TNF drug monitoring can predict long‐term therapeutic outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Papamichael K. , Cheifetz A. S.
Published: January 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Vande Casteele paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14421.
Letter: proton pump inhibitor use and fracture risk
Authors: Sugiyama T.
Published: January 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Kumar et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14345.
Editorial: NAFLD‐related hepatocellular carcinoma ‐ increasing or not? With or without cirrhosis?
Authors: Balakrishnan M. , El‐Serag H. B.
Published: January 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Pais et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14261.
Editorial: the role of colonic inflammation in the progression of liver disease in primary sclerosing cholangitis—Authors’ reply and Letter: the effects of colectomy prior to the diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis on prognosis may have been overestimated
Authors: Nordenvall C. , Bergquist A.
Published: January 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Nordenvall et al, Sabino and Torres, and Tao and Wang papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14393, https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14418 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14439.
Empirical evaluation of different classroom spaces on students' perceptions of the use and effectiveness of 1‐to‐1 technology
Authors: Byers Terry , Hartnell‐Young Elizabeth , Imms Wesley
Published: January 2018

This study explored the effect of different classroom spatial layouts on student perceptions of digital technology in a secondary schooling environment. A quasi‐experimental approach facilitated by a Single Subject research design (SSRD) isolated the impact of two learning spaces—traditional' classrooms, and ‘new generation learning spaces’ (NGLS), on students' perceived effectiveness, use and value of one‐to‐one technology as a learning tool. Results from quantitative analyses over the period of a school year indicated that different spatial configurations had a measurable effect on how students' perceived the effectiveness of the affordances of digital technology, with improvements often linked to NGLS. However, the evidence suggests that a change in learning space alone will not increase learning. A change in space supports those teachers who are able and willing to integrate the affordances of technology into their practice. Building on the collective methodologies of earlier work this analysis has reinforced the credibility of this unique methodological approach, arguing this evaluative strategy offers the capacity to generate much needed robust empirical data on evaluation of learning environments in a secondary school setting.
Synapsin III is a key component of α‐synuclein fibrils in Lewy bodies of PD brains
Authors: Longhena Francesca , Faustini Gaia , Varanita Tatiana , Zaltieri Michela , Porrini Vanessa , Tessari Isabella , Poliani Pietro Luigi , Missale Cristina , Borroni Barbara , Padovani Alessandro , Bubacco Luigi , Pizzi Marina , Spano PierFranco , Bellucci Arianna
Published: January 2018

Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN), which are primarily composed of α‐synuclein (α‐syn), are neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We recently found that the neuronal phosphoprotein synapsin III (syn III) controls dopamine release via cooperation with α‐syn and modulates α‐syn aggregation. Here, we observed that LB and LN, in the substantia nigra of PD patients and hippocampus of one subject with DLB, displayed a marked immunopositivity for syn III. The in situ proximity ligation assay revealed the accumulation of numerous proteinase K‐resistant neuropathological inclusions that contained both α‐syn and syn III in tight association in the brain of affected subjects. Most strikingly, syn III was identified as a component of α‐syn‐positive fibrils in LB‐enriched protein extracts from PD brains. Finally, a positive correlation between syn III and α‐syn levels was detected in the caudate putamen of PD subjects. Collectively, these findings indicate that syn III is a crucial α‐syn interactant and a key component of LB fibrils in the brain of patients affected by PD.
Sociocultural Influences on the Sociopolitical Development of African American Youth
Authors: Anyiwo Nkemka , Bañales Josefina , Rowley Stephanie J. , Watkins Daphne C. , Richards‐Schuster Katie
Published: January 2018

Sociopolitical development (SPD) is the process by which individuals become aware of social inequality, recognize the status of their social identities, and engage in activism. For racially marginalized youth, race is an important aspect of their SPD. Yet few studies have considered the connections between racial factors and youth's SPD. In this article, we introduce an integrative model situating racial sociocultural processes (i.e., racial identity, racial socialization, and experiences of racial discrimination) within current SPD theory. In particular, we look at African American youth as a case study to discuss how sociocultural factors can contribute to youth's awareness of structures of social inequality (i.e., critical social analysis) and engagement in action against social inequality (i.e., sociopolitical action). We conclude with suggestions for research.
Static hyperinflation is associated with ventilatory limitation and exercise tolerance in adult cystic fibrosis
Authors: Stevens Daniel
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Lung hyperinflation is a potential mechanism limiting exercise tolerance. However, available data on the impact of static hyperinflation on exercise performance in adult cystic fibrosis are lacking. Furthermore, the relative contribution of both static and dynamic hyperinflation to exercise performance is unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of static hyperinflation on exercise tolerance and lung dynamics in adult cystic fibrosis.

Methods

Clinical data of 107 adult patients with cystic fibrosis, including pulmonary function, lung volumes and cardiopulmonary exercise from the Toronto Cystic Fibrosis database, were collected and analyzed. Patients were classified as having static hyperinflation with a residual volume to total lung capacity (RV/TLC) ratio of 30% or greater.

Results

Patients with static hyperinflation demonstrated a significant reduction in exercise performance [peak oxygen uptake (% predicted) 70 ± 17 vs 80 ± 17; P = .006] and were more likely to experience ventilatory limitation when exercising (Fisher's exact test P < .001). Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between measures of static hyperinflation [RV/TLC ratio (%)] and exercise performance [peak oxygen uptake (% predicted); r = −.38, P < .001] and dynamic hyperinflation (r = −.35, P < .001). Multiple linear regression showed that the contribution of static hyperinflation to exercise performance [peak oxygen uptake (% predicted)] was greater than that of airway obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 second).

Conclusion

Clinicians working with this patient group in a pulmonary rehabilitation or health care setting may wish to consider using measures of static hyperinflation as end points to determine program or treatment efficacy.
Defining expanded areas in EBUS sampling: EBUS guided trans‐ and intra‐pulmonary artery needle aspiration, with review of transvascular EBUS
Authors: Mehta Ravindra M. , Biraris Pavankumar R. , Pattabhiraman Vallandramam , Srinivasan Arjun , Singla Abhinav , Kumar Sunil , Cutaia Michael
Published: January 2018

Background

Endobronchial Ultrasound‐guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) has revolutionized the diagnostic approach to mediastinal diseases. Lesions located lateral to the pulmonary artery (trans‐PA, Station 5), or in the lumen of the PA (intra‐PA) are in the ‘blind‐spot’ of EBUS.

Objectives

We describe a case series where EBUS guided trans‐pulmonary or intra‐pulmonary aspiration (EBUS‐TIPNA) was used for diagnosis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 10 patients who had EBUS‐TIPNA over 3 years in 2 centres. The inclusion criteria included patients with station 5 lesions, or intrapulmonary artery lesions, where no other option was possible.

Results

The study included 4 males and 6 females, mean age 52 years, with 7 trans‐PA and 3 intra‐PA lesions. Adequacy was seen in 10/10, and a definitive diagnosis was made in 9/10 patients. There were no procedure‐related complications.

Conclusion

EBUS‐TIPNA can be done as a safe and successful procedure and adds to the armamentarium of Convex Probe‐EBUS (CP‐EBUS), in carefully selected patients.
Erosive pustulöse Dermatose der Kopfhaut: Neubewertung einer zu wenig beachteten Entität
Authors: Wilk Michael , Zelger Bettina G. , Hauser Undine , Höpfl Reinhard , Zelger Bernhard
Published: January 2018

Die erosive pustulöse Dermatose der Kopfhaut (EPDK) ist eine entzündliche Erkrankung unbekannter Ätiologie. Wir besprechen die EPDK und präsentieren unsere eigene klinische und histopathologische Erfahrung von elf Patienten. Die EPDK neigt dazu, spontan die kahle Kopfhaut älterer Patienten zu befallen. Anamnestisch wird häufig – so auch bei vier unserer Patienten – eine vorausgegangene Operation an selbiger Stelle angegeben. Koronare Herzerkrankung, cerebraler Insult, arterieller Hypertonus, Diabetes mellitus und ernste Krebserkrankungen wurden ebenfalls häufig als Komorbidität diagnostiziert. Die meisten Patienten zeigen trotz antiinflammatorischer Lokaltherapie einen schwankenden klinischen Verlauf, bei einigen heilt die Läsion unter Narbenbildung ab. Histopathologisch findet sich eine Kruste oder Erosion mit Granulationsgewebe‐ähnlichen Veränderungen im Korium mit späterer Entstehung einer Narbe. Neben einer lokalen und aktinischen Schädigung könnten eine eingeschränkte Immunität und Mikrozirkulation prädisponierende Faktoren der Erkrankung sein. Analog zum Pyoderma gangraenosum muss die EPDK bei nichtheilenden Wunden älterer Patienten bedacht werden, nachdem die Differenzialdiagnosen, die diese Erkrankung simulieren, ausgeschlossen wurden. Da vorausgegangene oder benachbarte Basalzell‐ und insbesondere Plattenepithelkarzinome häufig sind und infiltrative Varianten jenseits des klinisch sichtbaren Krankheitsprozesses vorkommen, kann im Zweifelsfall eine sogenannte histologische Kartierung der umgebenden Haut ratsam sein.
Not Sustainable: India's Trade and Current Account Deficits
Authors: Nabar‐Bhaduri Suranjana
Published: January 2018

India's trade balance and current account have shown persistent deficits for a major part of its post‐independence period. Since the mid‐2000s, trade deficits have increased perilously, with a sharp rise in both oil and non‐oil imports. India has relied on services exports, remittances and capital inflows to offset trade deficits and sustain the current account deficit. This article examines the sustainability of relying on capital inflows, remittances and services exports to sustain these persistent trade and current account deficits. It argues that all three sources entail elements of fragility. The recent global economic slowdown, economic recessions in the United States and Europe, slow economic recovery, low growth forecasts and possibility of a secular slowdown in the United States and Europe raise questions about whether services exports and remittances can continue to generate sufficient earnings to offset trade deficits. Relying on capital inflows also carries risks of financial fragility, with short‐term capital inflows and external commercial borrowings becoming more prominent in the Indian economy.
Endoscopic band ligation for colonic diverticular bleeding
Authors: Higashi Reiji , Kinugasa Hideaki , Nakagawa Masahiro
Published: January 2018

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Exploiting the “Win But Does Not Cover” Phenomenon in College Basketball
Authors: Berkowitz Jason P. , Depken II Craig A. , Gandar John M.
Published: January 2018

Wolfers (2006) was the first to document that heavy favorites in college basketball win but fail to cover the pre‐game point spread at a statistically higher rate than expected. We generate a hedged strategy to exploit the “win but does not cover” phenomenon using two wagers: a bet on the underdog sides line and a bet on the favorite money line. While one bet is guaranteed to win regardless of the outcome, both bets win if the favorite wins but does not cover. We show that the minimum‐variance portfolio best exploits this anomaly, yielding an average return of 0.34% per game and a positive return in five of the seven seasons of college basketball analyzed.
Relative Liquidity, Fund Flows and Short‐Term Demand: Evidence from Exchange‐Traded Funds
Authors: Broman Markus S. , Shum Pauline
Published: January 2018

We show that highly liquid Exchange‐Traded Funds (ETFs), especially those that are more liquid than their underlying basket of securities (i.e., positive relative liquidity), are particularly attractive to investors. Using three definitions of liquidity, we find that relative liquidity predicts net fund flows, as well as inflows and outflows positively and significantly. We further document a liquidity clientele among institutional investors: (i) relative liquidity is significantly more important for short‐ than for long‐term investors; and (ii) relative liquidity is inversely related to investors’ average holding duration in the ETFs. These two findings provide evidence that relative liquidity encourages short‐term demand.
Strong evidence for changing fish reproductive phenology under climate warming on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Tao Juan , He Dekui , Kennard Mark J. , Ding Chengzhi , Bunn Stuart E. , Liu Chunlong , Jia Yintao , Che Rongxiao , Chen Yifeng
Published: January 2018

Phenological responses to climate change have been widely observed and have profound and lasting effects on ecosystems and biodiversity. However, compared to terrestrial ecosystems, the long‐term effects of climate change on species’ phenology are poorly understood in aquatic ecosystems. Understanding the long‐term changes in fish reproductive phenology is essential for predicting population dynamics and for informing management strategies, but is currently hampered by the requirement for intensive field observations and larval identification. In this study, a very low‐frequency sampling of juveniles and adults combined with otolith measurements (long axis length of the first annulus; LAFA) of an endemic Tibetan Plateau fish (Gymnocypris selincuoensis) was used to examine changes in reproductive phenology associated with climate changes from the 1970s to 2000s. Assigning individual fish to their appropriate calendar year class was assisted by dendrochronological methods (crossdating). The results demonstrated that LAFA was significantly and positively associated with temperature and growing season length. To separate the effects of temperature and the growing season length on LAFA growth, measurements of larval otoliths from different sites were conducted and revealed that daily increment additions were the main contributor (46.3%), while temperature contributed less (12.0%). Using constructed water‐air temperature relationships and historical air temperature records, we found that the reproductive phenology of G. selincuoensis was strongly advanced in the spring during the 1970s and 1990s, while the increased growing season length in the 2000s was mainly due to a delayed onset of winter. The reproductive phenology of G. selincuoensis advanced 2.9 days per decade on average from the 1970s to 2000s, and may have effects on recruitment success and population dynamics of this species and other biota in the ecosystem via the food web. The methods used in this study are applicable for studying reproductive phenological changes across a wide range of species and ecosystems.
Meta‐analysis of laparoscopic versus open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Bin , Yan Xiu‐Fang , Zhang Jian‐Huai
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) in short‐ and long‐term outcomes compared to open hepatectomy (OH) in patients treated for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

An electronic search of reports published before August 2017 was carried out to identify comparative studies evaluating LH versus OH for HCC.

Results

A total of 5889 patients (2421 underwent LH; 3468 underwent OH) were included in our meta‐analysis from 47 studies. Laparoscopic hepatectomies were associated with favorable outcomes in terms of operative blood loss (mean difference [MD], −147.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], −217.00, −77.55), blood transfusion requirement (odds ratio [OR], 0.51; 95% CI, 0.40, 0.65), pathologic resection margins (MD, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02, 0.12; P = 0.01), R0 resection rate (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.98, 1.84; P = 0.07), and length of hospital stay (MD, −5.13; 95% confidence interval, −6.23, −4.03). There were no differences between the groups in overall survival (OS) at 1 year (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.98), 3 years (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.93, 1.36), or 5 years (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.94, 1.46), in disease‐free survival (DFS) at 1 (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.94, 1.51), 3 years (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.86, 1.33), or 5 years (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.92, 1.40), or in recurrence (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.74, 1.08).

Conclusion

Compared to OH, LH is superior in terms of lower intraoperative blood loss and the requirement for blood transfusion, larger pathologic resection margins, increased R0 resection rates, and shorter length of hospital stay. Laparoscopic hepatectomy and OH have similar OS, DFS, and recurrence.
Safety of service users with severe mental illness receiving inpatient care on medical and surgical wards: A systematic review
Authors: Reeves Ella , Henshall Catherine , Hutchinson Marie , Jackson Debra
Published: January 2018

This review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the likelihood of harm and mortality on medical and surgical inpatient wards for people with severe mental illness (SMI). From 937 results identified through database searching, and a further 10 papers identified through citation searching and hand searching, 11 papers met the criteria for inclusion in the final review. This review did not find strong evidence for higher in‐hospital mortality in people with SMI. There was evidence that adverse events are higher in people with SMI. A higher likelihood of emergency instead of planned care, and poorer access to treatment were identified as potential contributing factors to these adverse events. In addition, service users with SMI were more likely to have a longer length of stay, associated with a higher cost of care. The severity of the mental illness increased the likelihood of harm or death, and people with schizophrenia were more likely than people with other mental illnesses to experience these adverse outcomes. There is evidence that people with SMI are provided with lower‐quality health care, whereas higher‐quality, better‐planned care is required to overcome the inequalities in access faced by this vulnerable population.
Age‐related changes in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Ditamo Yanina , Degano Alicia L , Maccio Daniela R , Pistoresi‐Palencia Maria Cristina , Roth German A
Published: January 2018

A prominent feature of multiple sclerosis is its high incidence of onset in the third decade of life and its relatively rare onset in persons older than 50 years. In order to study age‐related restriction of clinical expression, a comparative biochemical, immunological and histological study was undertaken during development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in young (7 weeks) and middle‐aged (15 months) Wistar rats. Young rats showed characteristic clinical signs 12–16 days postinduction, and then they spontaneously recuperated. In middle‐aged rats, the incidence of clinical signs was significantly reduced, with a later onset of the disease. Similar biochemical and histological alterations were detected in both age groups, but they were present in a later stage in middle‐aged animals. However, cellular and humoral immune responses to myelin basic protein (MBP) were observed 15 days postinduction in all EAE animals. The study of anti‐MBP IgG isotype pattern in 7‐week‐old animals indicated a predominant Th1‐type immune response during the acute stage of EAE, with antibodies predominantly recognizing the MBP 96–128 peptide. In contrast, 15‐month‐old animals showed a less prominent Th1 response, without any epitope dominance. The changes in immune function found in middle‐aged animals may account for the different susceptibility and expression of EAE, and may also be relevant to the different clinical expression observed in multiple sclerosis with maturation.
SAP and SLAM expression in anti‐CD3 activated lymphocytes correlates with cytotoxic activity
Authors: Mehrle Stefan , Frank Susanne , Schmidt Jan , Schmidt‐Wolf Ingo GH , Märten Angela
Published: January 2018

Signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)‐associated protein (SAP) is a small protein that is mutant in humans with X‐linked lymphoproliferative (XLP) disease. Patients with XLP disease are affected by fatal EBV infection and malignant B‐cell lymphomas. The increased risk for B‐cell lymphomas is suggested to result from impaired immunosurveillance of B‐cell proliferation by T cells. In this study, we investigated the role of SLAM and SAP in activation of effector cells with cytotoxic activity, cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells, which are generated by non‐specific stimulation of the TCR and addition of exogenous IL‐2. Agonistic TCR activation 1 day after preparation (day +1) resulted in cell activation, with a peak of SLAM on day +6 visible at both the protein and mRNA level as well as membrane detectable SLAM. This increase in SLAM expression correlated significantly with SAP expression at the mRNA level as well as at the protein level. Cytotoxic activity peaked 1 day after the observed SAP and SLAM peaks. At that point in time, IL‐10 secretion, which was high during the early days of culture, decreased. In conclusion, activation of peripheral blood cells with agonistic anti‐CD3 antibody and exogenous IL‐2, as used for generation of CIK cells, results in significant SLAM and SAP activation 5 days after TCR stimulation. This peak correlates with cytotoxic activity against tumour cells. Expression of SLAM and SAP seems to be important in the activation of cytotoxic effector cells.
Bronze Age Archaeology and Cosmology: Dialogues at the Crossroads
Authors: Kaul Flemming
Published: January 2018

The article is a historiographical exposé on lifelong scientific dialogues between Klavs Randsborg and the author that have shaped the current understanding of Nordic Bronze Age beliefs. Through the demonstration of wideranging contacts across Europe and beyond – till Egypt and Mesopotamia, the article shows how these interactions have nourished the Nordic cosmology and tastes and impacted local ideologies. Metals, amber and glass were not only coveted commodities but engines of lively communication networks.
New Aspects of the Mesolithic-Neolithic Cemeteries and Settlement at Zvejnieki, Northern Latvia
Authors: Larsson Lars , Stutz Liv Nilsson , Zagorska Ilga , Bērziņš Valdis , Ceriņa NuroAija
Published: January 2018

The paper reflects upon recent international research at Zvejnieki in northern Latvia, a renowned complex of a burial ground and two settlement sites used in the Mesolithic and Neolithic. Since its discovery and first excavations in the 1960s, Zvejnieki continues to produce evidence that provides new grounds for understanding mortuary practises and ancient lifeways. This information is relevant for other contemporary sites in Europe revealing new and hitherto unexpected elements of burial traditions.

It is suggested that the Zvejnieki population was partly mobile, and the site was one of the places to bury the dead. The ancestral link was established through transportation and use of occupational debris from more ancient sites and through the incorporation of earlier burial space or even burials into the new graves. The depth of a burial also appears to be a significant variable in ancient mortuary practices.
The Emergence of Stratigraphic Archaeology in Mediterranean Europe
Authors: Guidi Alessandro , Tarantini Massimo
Published: January 2018

In Italian classical archaeology, the definitive adoption of the stratigraphic excavation method occurred later than in other European countries. This methodological shift took place in Italy in the 1970s.

We aim to scrutinize some points of the established historiographical reconstruction. We focus on three scholars regarded as “key figures” in the birth of Italian stratigraphic archaeology, yet all of the first half of the twentieth century, Giacomo Boni, Nino Lamboglia, and Luigi Bernabò Brea. We examine the origin of their stratigraphic approach and thus their relationship with prehistoric research. This is also an opportunity to reflect upon the conceptual and methodological transfer from one type of archaeology to another.

In general, through comparison of these scholars, we aim to highlight some key factors in the establishment of a stratigraphic method in the history of archaeology.
Petroglyphs of Footprints in the Brazilian State of Mato Grosso do Sul Genesis and Stylistic Diffusion
Authors: de Aguiar Rodrigo Luiz Simas
Published: January 2018

The article describes the occurrence of rock carvings in the shape of footprints in rock shelters and caves in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul placing this phenomenon within the archaeological context of the Brazilian Midwestern region as well as the entire continent of South America. Based on available archaeological data the paper reflects upon the possible areas of genesis and ways of diffusion of this distinct rock art style that is seemingly the most prevalent in Brazil.
Onset, progression and resolution of experimental peri‐implant mucositis at different abutment surfaces: A randomized controlled two‐centre study
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Becker Jürgen , Civale Sara , Hazar Didem , Iglhaut Theresa , Iglhaut Gerhard
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To assess the onset, progression and resolution of experimentally induced peri‐implant mucositis lesions at abutments with different microstructures in humans.

Material & Methods

In a randomized, controlled, interventional two‐centre study, a total of 28 patients had received 28 target implants and were randomly allocated to either partially microgrooved (test) or machined (control) healing abutments. The study was accomplished in three phases, including a wound healing period (WH) following implant placement (12 weeks), a plaque exposure phase (EP—21 days) and a resolution phase (RP—16 weeks). Clinical (e.g. bleeding on probing—BOP), immunological (MMP‐8) and microbiological (DNA counts for 11 species) parameters were evaluated.

Results

The incidence of peri‐implant mucositis at EPd21 was comparable in both test and control groups (60.0% versus 61.5%), but markedly lower at control abutments after a nonsurgical treatment and reconstitution of oral hygiene measures at RPw16 (46.7% versus 15.4%). At any follow‐up visit (i.e. EP and RP), clinical parameters, MMP‐8 levels and DNA counts of major bacterial species were not significantly different between both groups.

Conclusion

The onset, progression and resolution of experimental peri‐implant mucositis lesions were comparable in both groups.
Manifestations and mechanisms of myocardial lipotoxicity in obesity
Authors: Sletten A. C. , Peterson L. R. , Schaffer J. E.
Published: January 2018

Environmental and socioeconomic changes over the past thirty years have contributed to a dramatic rise in the worldwide prevalence of obesity. Heart disease is amongst the most serious health risks of obesity, with increases in both atherosclerotic coronary heart disease and heart failure among obese individuals. In this review, we focus on primary myocardial alterations in obesity that include hypertrophic remodelling and diastolic dysfunction. Obesity‐associated perturbations in myocardial and systemic lipid metabolism are important contributors to cardiovascular complications of obesity. Accumulation of excess lipid in nonadipose cells of the cardiovascular system can cause cell dysfunction and cell death, a process known as lipotoxicity. Lipotoxicity has been modelled in mice using high‐fat diet feeding, inbred lines with mutations in leptin receptor signalling, and in genetically engineered mice with enhanced myocardial fatty acid uptake, altered lipid droplet homoeostasis or decreased cardiac fatty acid oxidation. These studies, along with findings in cell culture model systems, indicate that the molecular pathophysiology of lipid overload involves endoplasmic reticulum stress, alterations in autophagy, de novo ceramide synthesis, oxidative stress, inflammation and changes in gene expression. We highlight recent advances that extend our understanding of the impact of obesity and altered lipid metabolism on cardiac function.
Exercise counteracts lipotoxicity by improving lipid turnover and lipid droplet quality
Authors: Zacharewicz E. , Hesselink M. K. C. , Schrauwen P.
Published: January 2018

The incidence of obesity and metabolic disease, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), is rising globally. Dietary lipid over supply leads to lipid accumulation at ectopic sites, such as skeletal muscle. Ectopic lipid storage is highly correlated with insulin resistance and T2D, likely due to a loss of metabolic flexibility – the capacity to switch between fat and glucose oxidation upon insulin stimulation – and cellular dysfunction because of lipotoxicity. However, muscle lipid levels are also elevated in endurance‐trained athletes, presenting a paradoxical phenotype of increased intramuscular lipids along with high insulin sensitivity – the ‘athletes’ paradox’. This review focuses on recent human data to characterize intramuscular lipid species in order to elucidate some of the underlying mechanisms driving skeletal muscle lipotoxicity. There is evidence that lipotoxicity is characterized by an increase in bioactive lipid species, such as ceramide. The athletes’ paradox supports the notion that regular physical exercise has health benefits that might originate from the alleviation of lipotoxicity. Indeed, exercise training alleviates intramuscular ceramide content in obese individuals without a necessary decrease in ectopic lipid storage. Furthermore, evidence shows that exercise training elevates markers of lipid droplet dynamics such as the PLIN proteins, and triglyceride lipases ATGL and HSL, as well as mitochondrial efficiency, potentially explaining the improved lipid turnover and a reduction in the accumulation of lipotoxic intermediates observed with the athelets’ paradox.
Education as a Long‐Term Investment: The Decisive Role of Age in the Education‐Growth Relationship
Authors: Marconi Gabriele
Published: January 2018

Using a dataset for a panel of 118 countries, this paper shows that changes in the level of education of national populations aged 45 to 64 are positively associated with economic growth. An increase of one percentage point in the share of individuals in this age group who attended secondary education is associated with a 1.2% increase in GDP per capita. In contrast, variation in the level of education in younger cohorts is not positively associated with economic growth. These results suggest that investment in education benefits society, but only in the long‐term. Several possible explanations for this finding are discussed.
L2 Teaching in the Wild: A Closer Look at Correction and Explanation Practices in Everyday L2 Interaction
Authors: THEODÓRSDÓTTIR GUÐRÚN
Published: January 2018

This article argues for a reconceptualization of the concept of ‘corrective feedback’ for the investigation of correction practices in everyday second language (L2) interaction (‘in the wild’). Expanding the dataset for L2 research as suggested by Firth and Wagner (1997) to include interactions from the wild has consequences for the traditional concept of corrective feedback, which comes from classroom dyads of native speakers and nonnative speakers and focuses on a native speaker's correction of a linguistic error in an L2 speaker's turn. Correction practices in the wild, however, are co‐constructed and predominantly initiated by the L2 learner herself. The study also shows that explanation practices are initiated by the L2 speaker or otherwise occasioned and that they emerge following a lack of understanding on the part of the L2 speaker during a correction episode. The data reveal no examples of L2 teaching in the wild as correction or explanation practices that are not occasioned, that is, they do not come ‘out of the blue.’ I will argue that L2 teaching practitioners might benefit from more awareness of the circumstances that occasion and sustain correction and explanation practices.
Collaborative Attention Work on Gender Agreement in Italian as a Foreign Language
Authors: KUNITZ SILVIA
Published: January 2018

In cognitivist Second Language Acquisition (SLA), attention and noticing are described as psycholinguistic processes that (may) have a role in language learning. The operationalization of such constructs, however, poses methodological challenges, since neither online nor off‐line measures are coextensive with these cognitive processes that occur in the individual mind–brain. In contrast with such a perspective, the present conversation‐analytic study re‐specifies attention in social terms, as a nexus of publicly displayed actions that are jointly achieved by college level students of Italian as a foreign language as they engage in collaborative writing while planning for a group presentation to be performed in the second language (L2). More specifically, the article describes gender‐focusing sequences that are initiated by attention‐mobilizing turns with which a student directs her coparticipants’ attention to an oral or written item that is oriented to as possibly inaccurate in terms of gender assignment. The study shows the agentive role of students in identifying learnables and solving language‐related issues and provides an example of how participants do learning as a socially situated and collaborative activity by enacting immanent pedagogies (Lindwall & Lymer, 2005).
The Sublime Object of Adoption
Authors: Rasmussen Kim‐Su
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a reading of Chang‐rae Lee's novelA Gesture Life, which emphasizes the theme of transnational adoption from Korea as a displaced continuation of the comfort women issue. The essay seeks to draw attention to some of the ideological structures surrounding adoption. In the novel, the unreliable narrator Hata's unresolved relation to Kkutaeh — a Korean comfort woman — is displaced and repeated in his unresolved relation to his adopted daughter, Sunny. The paper suggests that we understand the relation between Kkutaeh and Sunny in terms of Žižek's notion of ideology. The adopted daughter (Sunny), in this perspective, is a sublime object of ideology that conceals the traumatic kernel of the symbolic order (Kkutaeh). Through an interpretation of the novelA Gesture Life, the essay seeks to draw attention to some of the specific ideologies surrounding transnational adoption from Korea.
Oxygen‐Independent Microbicidal Mechanisms of Phagocytes
Authors: Ganz Tomas
Published: January 2018

The principal biological function of phagocytic cells is the destruction of invading microorganisms. Following phagocytosis, microbes are exposed to multiple antimicrobial substances ranging in complexity from simple oxygen radicals to large proteins. These substances disrupt various microbial structures and eventually kill and digest most of the invaders. This review is focused on oxygen‐independent microbicidal mechanisms in granulocytes and macrophages.
Role of Endothelin‐1 in Myocardial Failure
Authors: Sam Flora , Colucci Wilson S.
Published: January 2018

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is a potent molecule produced throughout the cardiovascular system; it can exert important effects on both the structure and function of vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiac myocytes. ET‐1 appears to play a central role in the physiological regulation of cardiovascular function, particularly in the vasculature. The known actions of ET‐1 and the demonstration that plasma ET‐1 is elevated in patients with heart failure has raised the possibility that this molecule could play a role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. This thesis has been supported and furthered by studies in animal models of heart failure that demonstrate the salutary, short‐term effects of ET‐1 receptor antagonists on hemodynamic function, as well as improved ventricular remodeling and survival with long‐term administration. Early clinical trials with these ET receptor blockers have demonstrated systemic vasodilation. Long‐term trials to determine the effects of ET‐1 blockade on symptoms and survival are under way.
Voltage‐Gated T‐Type Ca2+ Channels and Heart Failure
Authors: Clozel Jean-Paul , Ertel Eric A. , Ertel Sylvie I.
Published: January 2018

In the cardiovascular system, two types of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels are present: the L‐type and the T‐type. Under normal conditions, T‐type Ca2+ channels are involved in the maintenance of vascular tone and cardiac automaticity but, since they are not present in contractile myocardial cells, they do not contribute significantly to myocardial contraction. In experimental models of cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial T‐type Ca2+ channels are upregulated, which could contribute to the increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmia. In addition, T‐type Ca2+ channels participate in the regulation of cell proliferation and neurohormonal secretion; through these pathways, T‐type Ca2+ channels might participate in myocardial remodeling. The pathophysiological role of T‐type Ca2+ channels in heart failure has been investigated using mibefradil, a Ca2+ antagonist that is 10‐50 times more potent at blocking T‐type than L‐type Ca2+ channels. In contrast with classic L‐type Ca2+ channel antagonists, mibefradil appears beneficial in many animal models of heart failure; in particular, it does not exert negative inotropic effects nor does it stimulate the neurohormonal system. Furthermore, in the Pfeffer rat model, blockade of T‐type Ca2+ channels with mibefradil is associated with an improved survival rate. In humans, however, major metabolic drug interactions independent of T‐type Ca2+ channel blockade made it impossible to determine the efficacy of mibefradil in treating heart failure; indeed, these interactions led to the withdrawal of the drug from the market.
Optimized paired‐sgRNA/Cas9 cloning and expression cassette triggers high‐efficiency multiplex genome editing in kiwifruit
Authors: Wang Zupeng , Wang Shuaibin , Li Dawei , Zhang Qiong , Li Li , Zhong Caihong , Liu Yifei , Huang Hongwen
Published: January 2018

Kiwifruit is an important fruit crop; however, technologies for its functional genomic and molecular improvement are limited. The clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein (Cas) system has been successfully applied to genetic improvement in many crops, but its editing capability is variable depending on the different combinations of the synthetic guide RNA (sgRNA) and Cas9 protein expression devices. Optimizing conditions for its use within a particular species is therefore needed to achieve highly efficient genome editing. In this study, we developed a new cloning strategy for generating paired‐sgRNA/Cas9 vectors containing four sgRNAs targeting the kiwifruit phytoene desaturase gene (AcPDS). Comparing to the previous method of paired‐sgRNA cloning, our strategy only requires the synthesis of two gRNA‐containing primers which largely reduces the cost. We further compared efficiencies of paired‐sgRNA/Cas9 vectors containing different sgRNA expression devices, including both the polycistronic tRNA‐sgRNA cassette (PTG) and the traditional CRISPR expression cassette. We found the mutagenesis frequency of the PTG/Cas9 system was 10‐fold higher than that of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, coinciding with the relative expressions of sgRNAs in two different expression cassettes. In particular, we identified large chromosomal fragment deletions induced by the paired‐sgRNAs of the PTG/Cas9 system. Finally, as expected, we found both systems can successfully induce the albino phenotype of kiwifruit plantlets regenerated from the G418‐resistance callus lines. We conclude that the PTG/Cas9 system is a more powerful system than the traditional CRISPR/Cas9 system for kiwifruit genome editing, which provides valuable clues for optimizing CRISPR/Cas9 editing system in other plants.
Modification of chrysanthemum odour and taste with chrysanthemol synthase induces strong dual resistance against cotton aphids
Authors: Hu Hao , Li Jinjin , Delatte Thierry , Vervoort Jacques , Gao Liping , Verstappen Francel , Xiong Wei , Gan Jianping , Jongsma Maarten A. , Wang Caiyun
Published: January 2018

Aphids are pests of chrysanthemum that employ plant volatiles to select host plants and ingest cell contents to probe host quality before engaging in prolonged feeding and reproduction. Changes in volatile and nonvolatile metabolite profiles can disrupt aphid–plant interactions and provide new methods of pest control. Chrysanthemol synthase (CHS) from Tanacetum cinerariifolium represents the first committed step in the biosynthesis of pyrethrin ester insecticides, but no biological role for the chrysanthemol product alone has yet been documented. In this study, the TcCHS gene was over‐expressed in Chrysanthemum morifolium and resulted in both the emission of volatile chrysanthemol (ca. 47 pmol/h/gFW) and accumulation of a chrysanthemol glycoside derivative, identified by NMR as chrysanthemyl‐6‐O‐malonyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (ca. 1.1 mM), with no detrimental phenotypic effects. Dual‐choice assays separately assaying these compounds in pure form and as part of the headspace and extract demonstrated independent bioactivity of both components against the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii). Performance assays showed that the TcCHS plants significantly reduced aphid reproduction, consistent with disturbance of aphid probing activities on these plants as revealed by electropenetrogram (EPG) studies. In open‐field trials, aphid population development was very strongly impaired demonstrating the robustness and high impact of the trait. The results suggest that expression of the TcCHS gene induces a dual defence system, with both repellence by chrysanthemol odour and deterrence by its nonvolatile glycoside, introducing a promising new option for engineering aphid control into plants.
Verification of DNA motifs in Arabidopsis using CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis
Authors: Li Chenlong , Chen Chen , Chen Huhui , Wang Suikang , Chen Xuemei , Cui Yuhai
Published: January 2018

Transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin‐modifying factors (CMFs) access chromatin by recognizing specific DNA motifs in their target genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next‐generation sequencing (ChIP‐seq) has been widely used to discover the potential DNA‐binding motifs for both TFs and CMFs. Yet, an in vivo method for verifying DNA motifs captured by ChIP‐seq is lacking in plants. Here, we describe the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated 9 (Cas9) to verify DNA motifs in their native genomic context in Arabidopsis. Using a single‐guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting the DNA motif bound by REF6, a DNA sequence‐specific H3K27 demethylase in plants, we generated stable transgenic plants where the motif was disrupted in a REF6 target gene. We also deleted a cluster of multiple motifs from another REF6 target gene using a pair of sgRNAs, targeting upstream and downstream regions of the cluster, respectively. We demonstrated that endogenous genes with motifs disrupted and/or deleted become inaccessible to REF6. This strategy should be widely applicable for in vivo verification of DNA motifs identified by ChIP‐seq in plants.