bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It's not just about protein turnover: the role of ribosomal biogenesis and satellite cells in the regulation of skeletal muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Brook Matthew Stewart , Wilkinson Daniel James , Smith Ken , Atherton Philip James
Published: February 2019

Skeletal muscle has indispensable roles in regulating whole body health (e.g. glycemic control, energy consumption) and, in being central in locomotion, is crucial in maintaining quality‐of‐life. Therefore, understanding the regulation of muscle mass is of significant importance. Resistance exercise training (RET) combined with supportive nutrition is an effective strategy to achieve muscle hypertrophy by driving chronic elevations in muscle protein synthesis (MPS). The regulation of muscle protein synthesis is a coordinated process, in requiring ribosomes to translate mRNA and sufficient myonuclei density to provide the platform for ribosome and mRNA transcription; as such MPS is determined by both translational efficiency (ribosome activity) and translational capacity (ribosome number). Moreover, as the muscle protein pool expands during hypertrophy, translation capacity (i.e. ribosomes and myonuclei content) could theoretically become rate‐limiting such that an inability to expand these pools through ribosomal biogenesis and satellite cell (SC) mediated myonuclear addition could limit growth potential. Simple measures of RNA (ribosome content) and DNA (SC/Myonuclei number) concentrations reveal that these pools do increase with hypertrophy; yet whether these adaptations are a pre‐requisite or a limiting factor for hypertrophy is unresolved and highly debated. This is primarily due to methodological limitations and many assumptions being made on static measures or correlative associations. However recent advances within the field using stable isotope tracers shows promise in resolving these questions in muscle adaptation.
CRISPR-pass: Gene rescue of nonsense mutations using adenine base editors
Authors: Lee Choongil , Jo Dong Hyun , Hwang Gue-Ho , Yu Jihyeon , Kim Jin Hyoung , Park Se-eun , Kim Jin-Soo , Kim Jeong Hun , Bae Sangsu
Published: February 2019

A nonsense mutation is a substitutive mutation in a DNA sequence that causes a premature termination during translation and produces stalled proteins resulting in dysfunction of a gene. Although it usually induces severe genetic disorders, there are no definite methods for inducing read-through of premature termination codons (PTCs). Here, we present a targeted tool for bypassing PTCs, named CRISPR-pass that uses CRISPR-mediated adenine base editors. CRISPR-pass, which should be applicable to 95.5% of clinically significant nonsense mutations in the ClinVar database, rescues protein synthesis in patient-derived fibroblasts, suggesting potential clinical utility.
A non-enzymatic function associated with a putative histone demethylase licenses epigenetic inheritance
Authors: Raiymbek Gulzhan , An Sojin , Khurana Nidhi , Gopinath Saarang , Trievel Raymond , Cho Uhn-soo , Ragunathan Kaushik
Published: February 2019

H3K9 methylation (H3K9me) specifies the establishment and maintenance of transcriptionally silent epigenetic states or heterochromatin. The enzymatic erasure of histone modifications is widely assumed to be the primary mechanism that resets epigenetic states during and after DNA replication. Here, we demonstrate that a putative histone-demethylase Epe1 in fission yeast, regulates epigenetic inheritance through a non-enzymatic process. Mutations that map to its putative catalytic domain disrupt its interaction with Swi6HP1 and heterochromatin specific pattern of localization without any requirement for enzymatic activity. Epe1 and Swi6HP1 form an inhibitory complex which displaces histone deacetylases from sites of heterochromatin formation. Sequence-specific recruitment of a histone deacetylase, Clr3 renders heterochromatin refractory to the anti-silencing functions of Epe1 and licenses the inheritance of epigenetic states in cis. Epigenetic inheritance solely depends on the read-write activity of the H3K9 methyltransferase Clr4 which competes with genome-wide nucleosome turnover processes in the absence of enzymatic erasure.
Impact of timing of delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes for women after three previous caesarean deliveries; a secondary analysis of the caesarean section registry
Authors: Breslin N , Vander Haar E , Friedman AM , Duffy C , Gyamfi‐Bannerman C
Published: February 2019

Background

As more women are presenting with three previous caesarean deliveries (CD), providers may suggest early term delivery as a means to avoid the risk of spontaneous labour and associated maternal morbidity.

Objective

To determine whether early term delivery is associated with lower maternal and neonatal morbidity for women with three previous CD.

Study design

Secondary analysis of a prospective registry of CD at 19 US academic centres from 1999 to 2002.

Population

Women with three previous CD undergoing scheduled or emergent delivery with live, singleton gestations 37–41+ weeks of gestation were included. Women with non‐low transverse incisions, antepartum stillbirth, previous myomectomy, fetal anomalies, more or fewer than three previous CD or attempting trial of labour after caesarean section were excluded.

Methods

Gestational age was categorised by week. We fitted logistic regression models to adjust for clinically relevant or statistically significant confounders.

Main outcome measures

The primary and secondary outcomes were composites, respectively, of maternal and neonatal morbidity.

Results

In all, 821 women met the inclusion criteria; maternal morbidity composite occurred in 9.86% and neonatal morbidity occurred in 10.5%. After adjusting for confounding variables, maternal and neonatal morbidity occurred least frequently at 39 weeks.

Conclusions

In women with three previous CDs, adverse maternal outcomes do not increase with increasing gestational age beyond 37 weeks but early term elective repeat CDs are associated with higher neonatal morbidity. Elective delivery of women with three previous CD at 39 weeks of gestation is safe in the absence of maternal or fetal indications for early term delivery.

Tweetable abstract

Delivery of women with three previous caesarean deliveries at 39 weeks, in the absence of maternal or fetal indications for early term delivery, is associated with decreased maternal morbidity.
Skyglow extends into the world's Key Biodiversity Areas
Authors: Garrett J. K. , Donald P. F. , Gaston K. J.
Published: February 2019

The proportion of the Earth's surface that experiences a naturally dark environment at night is rapidly declining with the introduction of artificial light. Biological impacts of this change have been documented from genes to ecosystems, and for a wide diversity of environments and organisms. The likely severity of these impacts depends heavily on the relationship between the distribution of artificial night‐time lighting and biodiversity. Here, we carry out a global assessment of the overlap between areas of conservation priority and the most recent atlas of artificial skyglow. We show that of the world's Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), less than a third have completely pristine night‐time skies, about a half lie entirely under artificially bright skies and only about a fifth contain no area in which night‐time skies are not polluted to the zenith. The extent of light pollution of KBAs varies by region, affecting the greatest proportion of KBAs in Europe and the Middle East. Statistical modelling revealed associations between light pollution within KBAs and associated levels of both gross domestic product and human population density. This suggests that these patterns will worsen with continued economic development and growth in the human population.
Women's perceptions of medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding—A Swedish cross‐sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Wolgast Emelie , Lindh‐Åstrand Lotta , Lilliecreutz Caroline
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Use of medication for different kinds of symptoms and diseases during pregnancy is common. When counseling the pregnant woman, an understanding of her perceptions concerning the use of medication as well as possible associated anxiety and obstacles is important to ensure high adherence to the treatment regimen.

Material and methods

A questionnaire was developed regarding the use of medication, perceptions on use of medication, as well as perceptions about pregnancy outcomes in association with medication use during pregnancy. In total, 850 pregnant women in gestational weeks 25‐29 participated in the study.

Results

The response rate was 92.7% (n = 832/898). About 19.4% of the respondents (n = 160/824) were frequent users (medication use daily to several times a week) and 28.4% (n = 234/824) were non‐frequent users (medication use once a week to once a month). The majority perceived medication use during early pregnancy (61.4%, n = 501/816), late pregnancy (55.6%, n = 455/819) and breastfeeding (57.7%, n = 474/821) as probably harmful or harmful. These findings were more common in non‐users (medication used rarely or never) than frequent users (P‐value <0.001, <0.001 and 0.007). The pregnant women had great confidence in advice from a physician (83.8%, n = 666/795) or a midwife (77.0%, n = 620/805) concerning medication during pregnancy.

Conclusions

The majority of pregnant women in Sweden consider the use of medication during pregnancy either ‘probably harmful’ or ‘harmful’ and this perception is associated with non‐use of medication. The pregnant women in our study had high confidence in healthcare professionals when seeking advice; thus, actively asking about perceptions could lead to better counseling.
Monolingual but not bilingual infants demonstrate racial bias in social cue use
Authors: Singh Leher , Quinn Paul C. , Xiao Naiqi G. , Lee Kang
Published: February 2019

Bilingualism exerts early and pervasive effects on cognition, observable in infancy. Thus far, investigations of infant bilingual cognition have focused on sensitivity to visual memory, executive function, and linguistic sensitivity. Much less research has focused on how bilingualism impacts processing of social cues. The present study sought to investigate whether bilingualism modulates the expression of one aspect of social processing: early racial bias. Using a gaze‐following paradigm, we investigated whether 18‐ to 20‐month‐old monolingual and bilingual infants favored their own race. Results demonstrated that monolingual infants favored their own race in following a model whose direction of gaze signaled an event. In contrast, bilingual infants demonstrated race‐neutral gaze‐following patterns, relying more heavily on the reliability of the behavior of the model over race. Findings suggest that bilingualism may have protective effects against the early emergence of racial bias.
Intrauterine CRH‐treated PBMC in repeated implantation failure
Authors: Makrigiannakis Antonis , Vrekoussis Thomas , Makrygiannakis Fanourios , Ruso Halil , Kalantaridou Sophia N. , Gurgan Timur
Published: February 2019

Background

The intrauterine administration of activated autologous peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) prior to embryo transfer seems to improve reproductive outcomes in women with repeated implantation failure (RIF). We have previously shown that the intrauterine administration of PBMC treated with corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) prior to blastocyst transfer (day 5) improves significantly the clinical pregnancy rate of women with RIF. In the present crossover pilot study, we have investigated whether CRH‐PBMC treatment could be of benefit in case of fresh early cleavage stage embryo transfer (day 3) in women with RIF.

Methods

Twenty‐six (n = 26) women with at least three previous failed IVF attempts and no history of clinical pregnancy in the past were recruited in this study. Ovarian stimulation was performed following either the long or the short protocol. PBMC were collected during the oocyte retrieval, were treated with CRH, and transferred in the uterine cavity 2 days later. Good quality cleavage stage embryos were transferred at day 3, following oocyte retrieval.

Results

Following the intrauterine administration of CRH‐treated autologous PBMC, 15/26 clinical pregnancies occurred (57.69%). Compared to the null result of the same women prior to recruitment, this observation was considered significant (P < 10−2).

Conclusion

Our findings further support the role of the intrauterine administration of CRH‐treated PBMC as an effective approach when transferring cleavage stage embryos in women with RIF. Prospective randomized studies are needed to clarify whether such intervention could be of benefit in clinical practice.
Effect of circadian rhythm, age, training and acute lameness on serum concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) neo‐epitope in horses
Authors: Ekman S. , Lindahl A. , Rüetschi U. , Jansson A. , Björkman K. , Abrahamsson‐Aurell K. , Björnsdóttir S. , Löfgren M. , Hultén L. Mattsson , Skiöldebrand E.
Published: February 2019

Background

Molecular serum markers that can identify early reversible osteoarthritis (OA) in horses are lacking.

Objectives

We studied serum concentrations of a novel cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) neo‐epitope in horses subjected to short‐term exercise and with acute lameness. The effects of circadian rhythm and age were also evaluated.

Study design

Longitudinal studies in healthy horses and cross‐sectional comparison of lame and non‐lame horses.

Methods

Sera were collected from five horses before and after short‐term interval exercise and during full‐day box rest. Sera from 32 acutely lame horses were used to evaluate age‐related effects. Independent samples from control horses (n = 41) and horses with acute lameness (n = 71) were included. COMP neo‐epitope concentrations were analysed using custom‐developed inhibition ELISAs validated for equine serum. The presence of COMP neo‐epitope was delineated in healthy and osteoarthritic articular cartilage with immunohistochemistry.

Results

COMP neo‐epitope concentrations decreased after speed training but returned to baseline levels post‐exercise. No correlations between age and serum COMP neo‐epitope concentrations were found (r = 0.0013). The mean (±s.d.) serum concentration of COMP neo‐epitope in independent samples from non‐lame horses was 0.84 ± 0.38 μg/mL, and for lame horses was 5.24 ± 1.83 μg/mL (P<0.001). Antibodies against COMP neo‐epitope did not stain normal articular cartilage, but intracytoplasmic staining was found in superficial chondrocytes of mild OA cartilage and in the extracellular matrix of moderately osteoarthritic cartilage.

Main limitations

ELISA was based on polyclonal antisera rather than a monoclonal antibody. There is a sex and breed bias within the groups of horses, also it could have been of value to include horses with septic arthritis and tendonitis and investigated joint differences.

Conclusions

This COMP neo‐epitope can be measured in sera, and results indicate that it could be a biomarker for pathologic fragmentation of cartilage in connection with acute joint lameness.
High glucose induced calcium overload via impairment of SERCA/PLN pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction leads to oxidative stress in H9c2 cells and amelioration with ferulic acid
Authors: Salin Raj Palayyan , Swapna Sasi U. S. , Raghu Kozhiparambil G.
Published: February 2019

Oxidative stress and associated complications are the major pathological concerns of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC). We aim to elucidate the mechanisms by which high glucose (HG) induced alteration in calcium homeostasis and evaluation of the beneficial effect of two concentrations (10 and 25 μm) of ferulic acid (FA). HG was induced in H9c2 cardiomyoblast by treating with glucose (33 mm) for 48 h, and FA was co‐treated. Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) overload was found increased significantly with HG. For elucidation of mechanism, the SERCA pathway and mitochondrial integrity (transmembrane potential and permeability transition pore) were explored. Then, we assessed oxidative stress, and cell injury with brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. HG caused significant [Ca2+]i overload through downregulation of SERCA2/1, pPLN, and pPKA C‐α; and upregulation of PLN and PKA C‐α and alteration in the integrity of mitochondria with HG. The [Ca2+]i overload in turn caused oxidative stress via generation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation. This resulted in cell injury which was evident with significant release of BNP, ANP, and LDH. FA co‐treatment was effective to mitigate all pathological changes caused by HG. From the overall results, we conclude that [Ca2+]i overload via SERCA pathway and altered mitochondrial integrity is the main cause for oxidative stress during HG. Based on our result, we report that FA could be an attractive nutraceutical for DC.
Effect of the CoFe2O4 initial particle size when sintered by microwave on the microstructural, dielectric, and magnetic properties
Authors: Fernández Perdomo Claudia P. , Zabotto Fabio L. , Garcia Ducinei , Kiminami Ruth H. G. A.
Published: February 2019

The particle size of CoFe2O4 powders (average particle size of 350 nm) was reduced to 50 nm by high‐energy milling. In this paper, special attention was given for analyzing the densification and grain growth of both particle sizes (350 and 50 nm) subject to ultrafast sintering assays using microwave sintering and their effect on the magnetic and electric properties. The results indicated that the grain growth was 10 times higher for the nanoparticle system, reaching similar sizes of ~1 μm in both cases after sintering. The relative density values were higher (95%) in the nanoparticle system due to the wide distribution of particle sizes generated in the grinding process. Qualitatively inferred microscopy analysis showed high sinterability of fine particles with a narrow distribution of grain size when subjected to ultrafast firing processes. Magnetization measurements at room temperature clearly show the reduction of Hc with increasing grain size. Electric resistivity, dielectric constant (ε′), and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) were measured as a function of frequency at room temperature. The low values of dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (tan δ) in the low frequency range, shown for all samples sintered by microwave, prove the excellent uniformity in the microstructure.
Mixed barium‐lead borate glasses studied by optical and vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Othman Hosam A. , Herrmann Andreas , Möncke Doris
Published: February 2019

Glasses of the ternary lead‐barium borate series (70−x) B2O3–30 BaO–xPbO with x = 0.05 to 30 mol% were studied for their optical properties by photoluminescence (PL) and UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy. Variations in the s‐p transition of Pb2+ were followed as variations of the lead content and varying optical basicities of the glass. The UV cutoff of the undoped glass sample is observed at about 340 nm and increasing PbO addition results in a red shift of the optical absorption edge to 480 nm for the glass with x = 30 mol%. In lead barium borate glasses, the emission intensity increases up to 4 mol% PbO before decreasing at higher PbO levels. Additionally, the series was studied regarding structural variations by Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The fraction of tetrahedrally coordinated [BO4/2]− and of trigonal borate units with nonbridging oxygen atoms (metaborate and pyroborate) increases with PbO addition. The molar volume of the prepared glasses is found to increase with increasing lead content. The glass basicity, as determined from the composition, correlates well with the position of the lead excitation band.
Mixed alkali/alkaline earth‐silicate glasses: Physical properties and structure by vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Grund Bäck Lina , Ali Sharafat , Karlsson Stefan , Möncke Doris , Kamitsos Efstratios I. , Jonson Bo
Published: February 2019

In this article, we investigate the correlation of selected physical properties with structural changes in quaternary mixed modifier alkali/alkaline earth oxide silicate glass systems, focusing either on the mixed alkali effect [(20−x)Na2O–xK2O–10CaO–70SiO2 (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20)] or on the mixed alkaline earth effect [20Na2O–(10−y)CaO–yBaO–70SiO2 (y = 0, 5, 10)]. A maximum microhardness and packing density, as well as a minimum glass transition temperature were observed for mixed alkali glasses. The mixed alkaline earth glasses do not exhibit any clear extrema in any of the properties studied. The hardness and glass transition temperature decreases, while the density and molar volume increases with increasing BaO content. Raman spectroscopy showed an increase in the Q3 group compared to the Q2 and Q4 groups as the high field strength ions Na+ or Ca2+ are substituted by their low field strength analogs K+ or Ba2+. In the mixed alkali series, the high field strength ion Na+, seems to push the low field strength ion K+ into lower energy sites when present simultaneously, while such an effect is not apparent for the mixed alkaline earth glasses, where the far IR spectra of mixed glasses are equivalent to the weighted averages of the pure glasses.
The role of cultural values in green purchasing intention: Empirical evidence from Chinese consumers
Authors: Sheng Guanghua , Xie Fang , Gong Siyu , Pan Hong
Published: February 2019

Environmental problems, especially in the case of water and air pollution, are the harmful result of the overconsumption of fossil fuels as well as various forms of industrial sewage water discharge. Recently, growing environmentally friendly purchasing behaviour of consumers has become regarded as an effective method for alleviating such environmental problems. Due to concerns regarding the natural environment, consumers have increasingly begun to exhibit favourable attitudes towards environmentally friendly products, and as a result, are more likely to purchase “green” products. However, green purchasing behaviour of consumers varies across different nations and cultures. This study aims to reveal how Chinese cultural values (specifically, the Doctrine of the Mean) influence green purchasing intention of Chinese consumers. As the lifestyles of consumers will be deeply affected by their cultural values, this study examines the mediating effects of the four dimensions of Chinese lifestyle have on consumers. At the same time, environmental knowledge is considered as a moderating variable in order to investigate the relationship between the Doctrine of the Mean and green purchasing intention. The study’s data were collected from Chinese consumers. Empirical results reveal that such Chinese cultural values are positively associated with green purchasing intention, and that three dimensions of consumer lifestyle (namely leadership, cost consciousness and development consciousness), are all found to play mediating roles in the relationship between the Doctrine of the Mean and green purchasing intention in Chinese consumers. The moderating effects of environmental knowledge are exhibited in the influence of leadership as well as development consciousness on green purchasing intention. The study’s findings have theoretical implications for understanding green purchasing intention as well as behaviour of Chinese consumers further. The study’s findings also present practical implications for how to promote green purchasing intention in Chinese consumers better.
Geographical origin discrimination of wheat kernel and white flour using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy fingerprinting coupled with chemometrics
Authors: Wadood Syed Abdul , Guo Boli , Zhang Xiaowen , Wei Yimin
Published: February 2019

Wheat kernel and flour with three genotypes across 4 years procured from three different geographical areas of China were analysed using near‐infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics to better classify wheat according to the origin, production year and genotypes, respectively. For this purpose, principle component analysis‐linear discriminant analysis and multi‐way anova were applied to the NIR data. The best classification percentages were obtained for flour matrix both for geographical origin and production years with the correct percentages of 100% and 73%, respectively. For genotypes, wheat whole kernel showed better classification percentage (98.2%). All the samples were validated using external validation procedure and the obtained percentages were found satisfactory with the average prediction abilities of >85% in all regions indicating the suitability of the developed model. Multivariate anova showed that NIR fingerprints of wheat kernels and flours were significantly influenced by regions, years, genotypes and their interactions. In conclusion, white flour showed better performance in discriminating the geographical origin as compared to wheat whole kernel.
The functional difference of eight chitinase genes between male and female of the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis
Authors: Omar Mohamed A.A. , Ao Y. , Li M. , He K. , Xu L. , Tong H. , Jiang M. , Li F.
Published: February 2019

The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a polyphagous insect that attacks tens of plant and causes substantial economic loss. Insect chitinases are required to remove the old cuticle to allow for continued growth and development. Though insect chitinases have been well studied in tens of insects, their functions in mealybug are still not addressed. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of adult males and females, from which eight chitinase genes were identified. We then used the method of rapid amplification of cDNA ends to amplify their full length. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these genes clustered into five subgroups. Among which, group II PsCht2 had the longest transcript and was highly expressed at second instar nymph. PsCht10, PsCht3‐3 and PsIDGF were highly expressed in the adult females, whereas PsCht4 and PsCht4‐1 were significantly expressed at the male pupa and adult male. Next, we knocked down all eight chitinase genes by feeding the double‐stranded RNA. Knockdown of PsCht4 or PsCht4‐1 led to the failure of moult and, silencing PsCht5 resulted in pupation defect, while silencing PsCht10 led to small body size, suggesting these genes have essential roles in development and can be used as a potential target for pest control.
Microstructures, properties, and applications of laser sintered 17‐4PH stainless steel
Authors: Irrinki Harish , Nath Subrata Deb , Alhofors Magnus , Stitzel Jason , Gulsoy Ozkan , Atre Sundar V.
Published: February 2019

The effects of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on the densification, mechanical properties, and microstructures of laser‐powder bed fusion (L‐PBF) 17‐4 PH stainless steel parts were studied using gas‐ and water‐atomized powders. The % theoretical density, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and hardness of as‐printed and HIP‐ed L‐PBF parts were sensitive to energy density and starting powder shape, size, and type. At low‐energy densities of 64 and 80 J/mm3, densification was significant for water‐atomized L‐PBF parts when subjected to HIP treatment and density increased from 90% to 97%. For all the energy densities, the gas‐atomized L‐PBF parts after the HIP treatment showed significantly higher tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness when compared to water‐atomized L‐PBF parts properties. At low‐energy densities of 64 and 80 J/mm3, long columnar grains in the as‐printed L‐PBF parts did not change significantly after the HIP treatment whereas the columnar grains present in as‐printed gas‐atomized L‐PBF parts completely disappeared when subjected to HIP treatment. However, at high‐energy densities of 84 and 104 J/mm3, the columnar grains in as‐printed L‐PBF gas‐ and water‐atomized L‐PBF parts were changed to equiaxed grains and showed a higher level of homogenization when subjected to HIP treatment. This variation in grains and grain size had significantly affected the yield strength and elongation of HIP‐treated gas‐ and water‐atomized L‐PBF parts.
Synthesis and characterization of the ternary metal diboride solid‐solution nanopowders
Authors: Wen Tongqi , Ning Shanshan , Liu Da , Ye Beilin , Liu Honghua , Chu Yanhui
Published: February 2019

The synthesis of the multi‐component transition‐metal diboride (MeB2) solid‐solution powders has been recently attracting considerable attentions. However, the synthesis of the ternary or more component MeB2 solid‐solution powders has rarely been reported until now. To fabricate the ternary MeB2 solid‐solution powders, herein we utilized two kinds of the ternary MeB2 solid solutions as prototypes, namely (Hf1/3Zr1/3Ti1/3)B2 (HZTB) and (Ta1/3Nb1/3Ti1/3)B2 (TNTB). The formation possibility of HZTB and TNTB was first analyzed by the first‐principles calculations and then we attempted of fabricated them by a simple molten salt synthesis technique. The first‐principles calculations results showed that the mixing Gibbs free energy at room temperature and lattice size difference at 0 K of HZTB and TNTB were (1.666 kJ/mol and 3.146%) and (−3.030 kJ/mol and 1.254%), respectively. This suggested that TNTB solid solution was more prone to being fabricated than HZTB solid solution. The experimental results showed the high purity TNTB solid‐solution nanopowders were successfully synthesized by the molten salt synthesis technique at 1373 K with 30% excessive B as precursors while the HZTB solid solution was not able to be synthesized by the molten salt synthesis technique. The as‐synthesized TNTB solid‐solution nanopowders exhibited the distinguished nanorod morphology with the diameters of 20‐40 nm and lengths of 100‐200 nm. Meanwhile, they possessed the good single‐crystal hexagonal structure and high compositional uniformity from nanoscale to microscale. In addition, their formation mechanism associated to the possible chemical reactions was well interpreted by the thermodynamics analysis.
The importance of BRAF‐V600E mutation to ameloblastoma metabolism
Authors: Duarte‐Andrade Filipe Fideles , Silva André Myller Barbosa , Vitório Jéssica Gardone , Canuto Gisele André Baptista , Costa Sara Ferreira Santos , Diniz Marina Gonçalves , Fernandes Ana Paula , de Toledo Juliano Simões , André Leiliane Coelho , Gomes Carolina Cavaliéri , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Fonseca Felipe Paiva
Published: February 2019

Background

Ameloblastoma is a locally infiltrative, aggressive epithelial odontogenic neoplasm. BRAF‐V600E mutation is frequently found in this tumor and has a pivotal role in its pathogenesis, but the consequences of this alteration need to be addressed. An untargeted metabolomics approach was applied to verify whether metabolic disturbances are related to tumor biology and whether BRAF‐V600E mutation contributes to these alterations.

Methods

Formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens from thirteen ameloblastoma and six dental follicles were included in this study. BRAF mutational status was determined by competitive allele‐specific real‐time PCR. Metabolite extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were employed to compare the metabolic profiles of the samples.

Results

The abundance of eleven metabolites was significantly higher in ameloblastoma in relation to dental follicles, including amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, inorganic acids, and organoheterocyclic compounds. The presence of BRAF‐V600E mutations in ameloblastoma was related to decreased levels of glycerol in comparison with tumors carrying only wild‐type alleles of this gene. No metabolic differences were observed between recurrent and primary manifestations of ameloblastoma.

Conclusions

Ameloblastoma exhibits a distinct metabolic profile from normal odontogenic epithelium. BRAF‐V600E may contribute to metabolic alterations in ameloblastoma. Collectively, our findings suggest that metabolic alterations might play a role in tumor pathogenesis.
Diabetes poses a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Shyu Yu‐Chiau , Huang Ting‐Shuo , Chien Cheng‐Hung , Yeh Chau‐Ting , Lin Chih‐Lang , Chien Rong‐Nan
Published: February 2019

Diabetes mellitus may be a risk factor of HCC development in chronic hepatitis B infected patients and affect the all‐cause mortality. This study aimed to examine whether DM was associated with the development of HCC with CHB and affected the all‐cause mortality. A total of 2966 CHB patients newly diagnosed with DM in 2000 were retrieved from the Longitudinal Cohort of Diabetes Patients database and used propensity scores matching based on age, sex‐gender, alcohol‐related liver disease and baseline liver cirrhosis to compare with the non‐DM patients from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. The CHB patients with DM compared to the non‐DM had significantly increased (3.3%) risk for HCC development and significantly increased (2.8%) risk of HCC‐related mortality. Interestingly, the all‐cause mortality was significantly higher in the DM cohort (16.9%) compared to the non‐DM cohort (8.2%). In a multivariable transition‐specific Cox model to investigate the adjusted hazard ratio of CHB patients with DM or non‐DM during the transitions from start to HCC was 1.35; 95% CI (1.16‐1.57) and from HCC to death was 1.31; 95% CI (1.06‐1.62). All‐cause mortality between CHB patients with DM or non‐DM during the transitions from start to death was 2.32; 95% CI (1.84‐2.92). Taken together, DM is an independent risk factor associated with increasing disease development of HCC, HCC‐related mortality and all‐cause mortality in CHB patients. This study may provide a clinical strategy for strict DM control in order to reduce the risk of disease development in CHB patients.
Phenotypic and genetic introgression across a moving woodpecker hybrid zone
Authors: Billerman Shawn M. , Cicero Carla , Bowie Rauri C. K. , Carling Matthew D.
Published: February 2019

In hybrid zones in which two divergent taxa come into secondary contact and interbreed, selection can maintain phenotypic diversity despite widespread genetic introgression. Red‐breasted (Sphyrapicus ruber) and red‐naped (S. nuchalis) sapsuckers meet and hybridize along a narrow contact zone that stretches from northern California to southern British Columbia. We found strong evidence for changes in the structure of this hybrid zone across time, with significant temporal shifts in allele frequencies and in the proportions of parental phenotypes across the landscape. In addition to these shifts, we found that differences in plumage predict genetic differences (R2 = 0.80), suggesting that plumage is a useful proxy for assessing ancestry. We also found a significant bimodal distribution of hybrids across the contact zone, suggesting that premating barriers may be driving reproductive isolation, perhaps as a result of assortative mating based on plumage differences. However, despite evidence of selection and strong patterns of population structure between parental samples, we found only weak patterns of genetic divergence. Using museum specimens and genomic data, this study of sapsuckers provides insight into the ways in which phenotypic and genetic structure have changed over a 40‐year period, as well as insight into the mechanisms that may contribute to the maintenance of the hybrid zone over time.
Dispersal of a nearshore marine fish connects marine reserves and adjacent fished areas along an open coast
Authors: Baetscher Diana S. , Anderson Eric C. , Gilbert‐Horvath Elizabeth A. , Malone Daniel P. , Saarman Emily T. , Carr Mark H. , Garza John Carlos
Published: February 2019

Marine species with pelagic larvae typically exhibit little population structure, suggesting long‐distance dispersal and high gene flow. Directly quantifying dispersal of marine fishes is challenging but important, particularly for the design of marine protected areas (MPAs). Here, we studied kelp rockfish (Sebastes atrovirens) sampled along ~25 km of coastline in a boundary current‐dominated ecosystem and used genetic parentage analysis to identify dispersal events and characterize them, because the distance between sedentary parents and their settled offspring is the lifetime dispersal distance. Large sample sizes and intensive sampling are critical for increasing the likelihood of detecting parent–offspring matches in such systems and we sampled more than 6,000 kelp rockfish and analysed them with a powerful set of 96 microhaplotype markers. We identified eight parent–offspring pairs with high confidence, including two juvenile fish that were born inside MPAs and dispersed to areas outside MPAs, and four fish born in MPAs that dispersed to nearby MPAs. Additionally, we identified 25 full‐sibling pairs, which occurred throughout the sampling area and included all possible combinations of inferred dispersal trajectories. Intriguingly, these included two pairs of young‐of‐the‐year siblings with one member each sampled in consecutive years. These sibling pairs suggest monogamy, either intentional or accidental, which has not been previously demonstrated in rockfishes. This study provides the first direct observation of larval dispersal events in a current‐dominated ecosystem and direct evidence that larvae produced within MPAs are exported both to neighbouring MPAs and to proximate areas where harvest is allowed.
Origin, evolution, phylogeny and taxonomy of Pulex irritans
Authors: Zurita A. , Callejón R. , García‐sánchez Á. M. , Urdapilleta M. , Lareschi M. , Cutillas C.
Published: February 2019

The human flea Pulex irritans Linnaeus, 1758 (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) is one of the most studied species together with the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis Bouché, 1835, because they have a cosmopolitan distribution and are closely related to humans. The present study aimed to carry out a comparative morphometric and molecular study of two different populations of P. irritans (Spain and Argentina). Accordingly, internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1 and ITS2 of rDNA and the partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and cytochrome b (cytb) mtDNA genes of these taxa were sequenced. Furthermore, the taxonomy, origin, evolution and phylogeny of P. irritans was assessed. The morphometric data obtained did not show significant differences between P. irritans specimens from Spain and Argentina, even when these two populations were collected from different hosts; however, there was a considerable degree of molecular divergence between both populations based on nuclear and mitochondrial markers. Thus, it is proposed that P. irritans, in contrast with other generalist fleas, maintains a certain degree of morphological similarity, at least between Western Palearctic and Neotropical areas. Furthermore, two well defined geographical genetic lineages within the P. irritans species are indicated, suggesting the existence of two cryptic species that could be discriminated by a polymerase chain reaction‐linked restriction fragment length polymorphism.
Sex hormone replacement therapy in periodontology—A systematic review
Authors: Chaves João Daniel Paganella , Figueredo Taize Franciele Massignani , Warnavin Stephanie Von Stein Cubas , Pannuti Cláudio Mendes , Steffens João Paulo
Published: February 2019

Objective

To analyse whether sex hormone replacement therapy (HRT) improves periodontal parameters and dental implants osseointegration in humans.

Materials and Methods

Electronic databases and hand searches were performed from June to August 2018 in SciELO, LILACS and PubMed/MEDLINE. Human observational and interventional studies that evaluated the following parameters were included: clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), radiographic bone loss (RBL) or osseointegration.

Results

Initial search retrieved 1,282 non‐duplicated articles. Fifteen studies were selected after inclusion criteria were applied. All studies were performed in postmenopausal women. Mean differences for PPD reduction ranged from 0.02 to 0.2 mm in HRT‐positive patients; mean CAL gain −0.18 to 0.54 mm; mean RBL reduction −0.87 to 0.15 mm; and mean BOP reduction 9%‐30.3%. Failure rate of dental implants increased −5.5% to 11.21% when HRT was used.

Conclusions

Very low but consistent evidence suggests a reduction in BOP and no impact on RBL in postmenopausal women receiving HRT. There are inconsistent reports that suggest that HRT in postmenopausal women: (a) improves or does not impact PPD reduction and CAL gain; and (b) does not impact or increase implant loss. In summary, there is no evidence to support HRT prescription for either men or women for periodontal/implant placement purposes.
The effects of ozone therapy on periodontal therapy: A randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Tasdemir Zekeriya , Oskaybas Merve N. , Alkan Arzu B. , Cakmak Omer
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aim of this randomized split‐mouth clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of ozone therapy on clinical and biochemical parameters of moderate to severe generalized periodontitis patients after non‐surgical periodontal therapy.

Methods

A total of 36 moderate to severe generalized periodontitis patients were included in the study. The patients were systemically healthy and 18 to 64 years of age. Periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), percentage of bleeding on probing, percentage of pockets deeper than 5 mm and clinical attachment level (CAL), and percentage of ≥3 mm CAL, were evaluated at baseline and 3 months following periodontal therapy. All participants were treated non‐surgically. Topical gaseous ozone was applied into periodontal pockets twice a week for 2 weeks during active periodontal therapy. Gingival crevicular fluid pentraxin‐3 (PTX‐3), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (Hs‐CRP) were evaluated. All statistical data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

Total of 36 participants completed the study (18 males, 18 females). PI, GI, PD, percentage of bleeding on probing, percentage of pockets deeper than 5 mm and CAL, and percentage of ≥3 mm CAL were improved, and there were no significant differences between the two sides. All inflammatory parameters, PTX‐3, Hs‐CRP, and IL‐1, were reduced at 3‐month follow‐up. Only the decrease in PTX‐3 levels between baseline and 3‐month follow‐up was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Ozone therapy did not have any additional effect on periodontal parameters. All cytokines were reduced after periodontal therapy. Only PTX‐3 levels were significantly lower at ozone sites compared to those at the control sites.
Phenology and growth of Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur seedlings in response to temperature variation in the parental versus offspring generation
Authors: Dewan S. , De Frenne P. , Leroux O. , Nijs I. , Vander Mijnsbrugge K. , Verheyen K.
Published: February 2019

Plants are known to respond to warming temperatures. Few studies, however, have included the temperature experienced by the parent plant in the experimental design, in spite of the importance of this factor for population dynamics.

We investigated the phenological and growth responses of seedlings of two key temperate tree species (Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur) to spatiotemporal temperature variation during the reproductive period (parental generation) and experimental warming of the offspring. To this end, we sampled oak and beech seedlings of different ages (1–5 years) from isolated mother trees and planted the seedlings in a common garden.

Warming of the seedlings advanced bud burst in both species. In oak seedlings, higher temperatures experienced by mother trees during the reproductive period delayed bud burst in control conditions, but advanced bud burst in heated seedlings. In beech seedlings, bud burst timing advanced both with increasing temperatures during the reproductive period of the parents and with experimental warming of the seedlings. Relative diameter growth was enhanced in control oak seedlings but decreased with warming when the mother plant experienced higher temperatures during the reproductive period.

Overall, oak displayed more plastic responses to temperatures than beech. Our results emphasise that temperature during the reproductive period can be a potential determinant of tree responses to climate change.
The role of immunity in the pathogenesis and development of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Lu Hui‐Qing , Hu Rong
Published: February 2019

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality; however, the aetiology of PE still remains unclear. It has been widely accepted that the disease results from insufficient spiral artery remodelling, leading to placental ischaemia and the release of a variety of factors. In recent decades, a large number of studies have observed an abnormal immune response in preeclamptic women and studies of both patients and animal models have shown alterations in the function or the number of immune agents. Thus, researchers believe that alterations in the immune system may contribute to the genesis and pathophysiology of PE. Therefore, identifying the role of the immune system can not only shed light on the nature of PE but also contribute to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods for PE. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the immune system including both innate and adaptive immunity and sheds light on their role in PE. Additionally, advances in potential therapeutic measures are discussed.
Interferon‐γ facilitated adjuvant‐induced arthritis at early stage
Authors: Ma Hua , Xu Minwen , Song Yuanyuan , Zhang Ting , Yin Hanqiu , Yin Songlou
Published: February 2019

Background and aim

Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) is a versatile cytokine which broadly involves in the inflammatory diseases, mediating both immune activation and tolerance. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of IFN‐γ in the initiation of adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA).

Methods and Results

In an AIA mice model, increasing IFN‐γ mRNA was observed at day 3 and peaked on day 7. At day 3, the majority of IFN‐γ‐producing cells were located around vessels observed by immunofluorescent staining. Recombinant IFN‐γ or anti‐IFN‐γ antibody was injected into the AIA paw on day 2 to study the outcome of AIA. The recipients of IFN‐γ showed increased synovial inflammation, whereas anti‐IFN‐γ antibody injection repressed the expansion of inflammatory cells. As the percentages of blood monocytes were approximately equivalent, we hypothesized that IFN‐γ might impact the access of innate leucocytes from blood to expand local inflammation at this stage. Analysis of tissue CD31 and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) expressions suggested a positive effect of these factors in the development of inflammation, and IFN‐γ affected the VCAM‐1 expression. To further verify this idea, mice regionally injected with IFN‐γ were systematically administrated with anti‐VCAM‐1 antibody during AIA induction. The IFN‐γ expression was inhibited, and the development of AIA was partly abolished in these mice regardless of regional IFN‐γ injection.

Conclusion

These data suggested that IFN‐γ might be critical for the expansion of AIA at early stage through helping inflammatory cell access.