bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stromal iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (DIO2) promotes the growth of intestinal tumors in ApcΔ716 mutant mice
Authors: Kojima Yasushi , Kondo Yuriko , Fujishita Teruaki , Mishiro‐Sato Emi , Kajino‐Sakamoto Rie , Taketo Makoto Mark , Aoki Masahiro
Published: June 2019

Iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (DIO2) converts the prohormone thyroxine (T4) to bioactive T3 in peripheral tissues and thereby regulates local thyroid hormone (TH) levels. Although epidemiologic studies suggest the contribution of TH to the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), the role of DIO2 in CRC remains elusive. Here we show that Dio2 is highly expressed in intestinal polyps of ApcΔ716 mice, a mouse model of familial adenomatous polyposis and early stage sporadic CRC. Laser capture microdissection and in situ hybridization analysis show almost exclusive expression of Dio2 in the stroma of ApcΔ716 polyps in the proximity of the COX‐2‐positive areas. Treatment with iopanoic acid, a deiodinase inhibitor, or chemical thyroidectomy suppresses tumor formation in ApcΔ716 mice, accompanied by reduced tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Dio2 expression in ApcΔ716 polyps is strongly suppressed by treatment with the COX‐2 inhibitor meloxicam. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data shows upregulation of DIO2 in CRC clinical samples and a close association of its expression pattern with the stromal component, consistently with almost exclusive expression of DIO2 in the stroma of human CRC as revealed by in situ hybridization. These results indicate essential roles of stromal DIO2 and thyroid hormone signaling in promoting the growth of intestinal tumors.
Interaction of transforming growth factor‐β‐Smads/microRNA‐362‐3p/CD82 mediated by M2 macrophages promotes the process of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Qinghui , Huang Feng , Yao Yongliang , Wang Jianjun , Wei Jue , Wu Qiong , Xiang Shihao , Xu Ling
Published: June 2019

Abnormal tumor microenvironment and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) are important features of tumor metastasis. However, it remains unknown how signals can form complicated networks to regulate the sustainability of the EMT process. The aim of our study is to explore the possible interaction between tumor‐associated macrophages and tumor cells in the EMT process mediated by microRNA (miR)‐362‐3p. In this study, we found that by releasing TGF‐β, M2 macrophages mediate binding of Smad2/3 to miR‐362‐3p promoter, leading to overexpression of miR‐362‐3p. MicroRNA‐362‐3p maintains EMT by regulating CD82, one of the most important members of the family of tetraspanins. Our finding suggests that miR‐362‐3p can serve as a core factor mediating cross‐talk between the TGF‐β pathway in tumor‐associated macrophages and tetraspanins in tumor cells, and thus facilitates the EMT process.
Recruiting fathers for parenting research using online advertising campaigns: Evidence from an Australian study
Authors: Leach Liana S. , Bennetts Shannon K. , Giallo Rebecca , Cooklin Amanda R.
Published: June 2019

Background

Fathers are underrepresented in parenting and child health research. Given there is a strong link between fathers' parenting behaviour and children's well‐being, there is a need to find ways to engage fathers more consistently. The current short report provides information and learnings about recruiting fathers online using social media. Results are drawn from an Australian study that aimed to recruit roughly equal numbers of mothers and fathers to participate in a survey about employment, parenting, and health, using online advertising.

Methods

First, a series of five Facebook advertising campaigns were run, aimed at “parents” generally (i.e., gender‐neutral). A lack of recruited fathers prompted a second series of six Facebook campaigns aimed solely at fathers. All campaigns targeted employed adult parents of children (≤18 years) in Australia using Facebook's “Adverts Manager.”

Results

The 11 campaigns recruited a total of 1,468 fathers. The vast majority of these fathers were recruited using the advertisements specifically aimed at fathers (n = 1,441). Gender‐neutral campaigns inviting and selecting “parents” to participate in the study overwhelmingly yielded samples of mothers. Similarly, advertisements inviting both “mums and dads” resulted in very low recruitment of fathers.

Conclusions

The extremely low numbers of fathers recruited using the gender‐neutral “parent‐focused” campaigns was unexpected. Potential reasons for this include low engagement with gender‐neutral parenting terms, and/or that mothers were disproportionally exposed to the Facebook advertisements. These learnings suggest that father‐focused recruitment is required to target and engage fathers in parenting research and services.
Coronary CT angiography by modifying tube voltage and contrast medium concentration: Evaluation of image quality and radiation dose
Authors: Mousavi Gazafroudi Seyede Shokoofeh , Tavakkoli Mohammad Bagher , Moradi Maryam , Mousavi Gazafroudi Seyede Shabnam , Yadegarfar Ghasem , Behjati Mohaddeseh , Karimian Mohammad , Sajjadieh Khajouei Amirreza
Published: June 2019

Background

Currently, there is an increasing interest in noninvasive imaging of cardiovascular system such as computed tomography coronary angiography (CCTA). The risks of radiation‐induced cancer and contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) have always been regarded as concerns which increased demand for CCTA using reduced radiation dose and iodine intake. We aimed to evaluate the image quality and radiation dose of CCTA by modifying tube voltage and concentration of contrast media.

Methods

The present study includes 105 patients who underwent CCTA for clinical indications. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria in terms of patient's weight, body mass index, calcium score, and stenting were used. First group of patients scanned by 120 kV and 370 mg I/mL contrast medium, compared with second and third groups for which scanning was performed using 100 kV and 370 mg I/mL and 100 kV and 300 mg I/mL, respectively. Image quality was evaluated both subjectively and objectively. The effective dose and iodine intake were also measured.

Results

Using low kV protocols led to radiation dose reduction up to 38% and applying low contrast medium concentration with consequent reduced iodine intake up to 21%. Moreover, there were significant differences in image quality of new scanning protocols.

Conclusion

Reduction in tube voltage with lowering of contrast medium concentration can reduce radiation dose and iodine intake with acceptable image quality.
Low serum magnesium and 1‐year mortality in alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Authors: Maguire Donogh , Ross David P. , Talwar Dinesh , Forrest Ewan , Naz Abbasi Hina , Leach John‐Paul , Woods Marylynne , Zhu Luke Y. , Dickson Scott , Kwok Tong , Waterson Isla , Benson George , Scally Benjamin , Young David , McMillan Donald C.
Published: June 2019

Background

In 2014, the WHO reported that 6% of all deaths were attributable to excess alcohol consumption. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between serum magnesium concentrations and mortality in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of 700 patients with documented evidence of previous AWS indicating a requirement for benzodiazepine prophylaxis or evidence of alcohol withdrawal syndrome between November 2014 and March 2015.

Results

Of 380 patients included in the sample analysis, 64 (17%) were dead at 1 year following the time of treatment for AWS. The majority of patients had been prescribed thiamine (77%) and a proton pump inhibitor (66%). In contrast, the majority of patients had low circulating magnesium concentrations (<0.75 mmol/L) (64%) and had not been prescribed magnesium (90%). The median age of death at one year was 55 years (P = 0.002). On univariate analysis, age (P < 0.05), GMAWS (P < 0.05), BDZ (P < 0.05), bilirubin (P < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.001), albumin (P < 0.001), CRP (P < 0.05), AST:ALT ratio >2 (P < 0.001), sodium (P < 0.05), magnesium (P < 0.001), platelets (P < 0.05) and the use of proton pump inhibitor medication (P < 0.001) were associated with death at 1 year. On multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, age > 50 years (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.52‐7.48, P < 0.01), AST:ALT ratio >2 (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.38‐6.94, P < 0.01) and magnesium < 0.75 mmol/L (OR 4.11, 95% CI 1.3‐12.8, P < 0.05) remained independently associated with death at 1 year.

Conclusion

Overall, 1‐year mortality was significantly higher among those patients who were magnesium deficient (<0.75 mmol/L) when compared to those who were replete (≥0.75 mmol/L; P < 0.001).
ID3 mediates the TGF‐β1‐induced suppression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 in human granulosa cells
Authors: Li Hui , Chang Hsun‐Ming , Shi Zhendan , Leung Peter C. K.
Published: June 2019

In the mammalian ovary, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP1) is expressed in growing ovarian follicles, and MMP1‐mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling plays a functional role in regulating the formation of corpus luteum. Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is an intraovarian growth factor that acts as a negative regulator of luteinization and progesterone production in human granulosa‐lutein (hGL) cells. At present, whether TGF‐β1 regulates the expression of MMP1 and thus affects ECM remodeling during corpus luteum formation remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TGF‐β1 and the molecular mechanisms by which it regulates the expression of MMP1 in immortalized human granulosa cells lines (SVOG) and primary hGL cells (obtained from consenting patients undergoing IVF treatment). We used inhibition approaches including a competitive antagonist for endogenous TGF‐β type II receptor, pharmacological inhibitors (SB431542 and dorsomorphin), and specific small interfering RNA‐targeted knockdown of ALK5 type I receptor and SMAD4 to demonstrate that TGF‐β1 downregulates the expression and production of MMP1 via a TβRII/ALK5‐mediated SMAD‐dependent signaling pathway in hGL cells. Additionally, our results show that the suppressive effect of TGF‐β1 on the expression of MMP1 is mediated by a transcription factor, the inhibitor of differentiation 3 (ID3) protein. Our findings provide insights into the molecular interactions and mechanisms of TGF‐β1 and ID3 during the regulation of MMP1 in hGL cells.
Net cages enhance golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) larval density and condition factor
Authors: de Rezende Ayroza Daercy Maria Monteiro , do Carmo Clovis Ferreira , Camargo Antonio Fernando Monteiro , de Oliveira Márcia Divina , Petesse Maria Letizia
Published: June 2019

Cage fish farming is an important economic activity in Brazil where tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the main cultivated species. To investigate the cage fish farm as a vector for golden mussel invasion, we hypothesised that: (1) Limnoperna fortunei, a freshwater bivalve mollusc, finds greater food availability in the cage fish farm; (2) the cage fish farm favours mollusc colonisation and its nutritional status; and (3) its performance in the reservoir would vary over the year.

We obtained data from limnological variables as well as the number of larvae and adult individuals, to evaluate condition index (CI) monthly from February 2015 to January of 2016. We established sampling stations at three points with fish farming and three points without fish farming (controls) in the Canoas II Reservoir, Paranapanema River, Brazil. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to identify spatial and temporal distribution of samples according to limnological variables. We performed a linear mixed model analysis to test the hypothesis of no difference between areas (fish farm and control) and time (months) for larval density and CI of L. fortunei.

The first PCA axis (28.48% of variance) revealed a temporal gradient, showing the separation between cold and hot months. The second PCA axis (19.61% of variance) separated the samples of control and fish farms; fish farms displayed higher concentrations of total phosphorus, nitrite, and chlorophyll a. Larval densities of L. fortunei were higher in fish cage areas with time being responsible for 35% of this variation. Mussel CI was also higher in fish farms and time was responsible for 36% of the variation.

We conclude that fish production in cages contributes to the establishment of golden mussels in the reservoir. Our results serve as a warning that other molluscs or invasive species may be favoured by aquaculture activities in aquatic environments. The colonisation of the mussel in the reservoir varies during the year in response to seasonality.
The faster the better? Economic effects of the speed of inter‐city technology transfer in China
Authors: Duan Dezhong , Du Debin , Grimes Seamus
Published: June 2019

Although existing studies questioned the simple positive correlation between the technology transfer speed and the benefits, they have been widely condemned for lacking empirical evidence. Using the patent transfer data at the city scale in China, and distinguishing fast from slow by dividing technology transfer speed into four levels, this paper attempts to answer the question in terms of city economic growth, which is whether the faster is the better. Panel regression results show that for economic growth of city, the speed of technology transfer does not mean that faster is better. In other words, technology transfer maintaining a relatively rapid speed (more than 1 year and less than 2 years) can promote city economic growth, although the evidence is weak.
Prenatal predictors of objectively measured appetite regulation in low‐income toddlers and preschool‐age children
Authors: Boone‐Heinonen Janne , Weeks Heidi M. , Sturza Julie , Miller Alison L. , Lumeng Julie C. , Bauer Katherine W.
Published: June 2019

Background

Prenatal nutrition impacts offspring appetite regulation in animal models. However, evidence from humans is scarce.

Objective

To determine associations between indicators of prenatal nutrition and appetite regulation among young children.

Methods

Participants included 454 low‐income mother/child dyads (mean child age = 45.2 months [SD = 9.7]). Children's appetite regulation was ascertained with the maternal‐reported Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire and objectively assessed using the Eating in the Absence of Hunger protocol. Using hierarchical linear regression, we modelled child appetite regulation measures as a function of prenatal nutrition indicators (child birthweight z scores [BWz, BWz2]; maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index [BMI], gestational weight gain [GWG]), adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Among girls, higher and lower birthweight were associated with greater energy consumed in the absence of hunger, primarily sweet foods, coeff (95% CI): BWz 0.17 (0.05, 0.28), BWz2 0.15 (0.04, 0.26), but not food responsiveness or food enjoyment. Higher birthweight was also associated with greater satiety responsiveness among girls. Among boys, birthweight was unrelated to measures of appetite regulation. Associations between maternal BMI and GWG and child appetite regulation were inconsistent.

Conclusions

Among low‐income girls, but not boys, indicators of adverse prenatal conditions were associated with poor objectively measured appetite regulation during early childhood.
Gut IgA abundance in adult life is a major determinant of resistance to dextran sodium sulfate‐colitis and can compensate for the effects of inadequate maternal IgA received by neonates
Authors: Gupta Suman , Basu Srijani , Bal Vineeta , Rath Satyajit , George Anna
Published: June 2019

Studies with gene‐deficient and gnotobiotic mice have identified many host and microbial factors that contribute to induced colitis, but information on whether specific factors determine susceptibility under more physiological conditions is lacking. Using wild‐type strains that differ in their IgA response but harbor a diverse gut microbiome, we found that the IgA‐high strain CBA/CaJ (CBA) is resistant to acute colitis induced with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), unlike the IgA‐low strain C57BL/6 (B6). Resistance was associated with extensive IgA‐coating of fecal bacteria, lower fecal bacterial loads and greater abundance of barrier‐protective transcripts in colonic tissues under homeostatic conditions. Fecal microbial transplant (FT) experiments revealed that disease induction in B6 mice was associated with a cohort of bacteria that are not targeted by IgA. However, CBA mice continued to be resistant to colitis induction following FTs from B6 mice, indicating that they are able to contain such colitogenic members. In support of a role for bacterial exclusion in resistance, oral administration of immunoglobulins decreased DSS‐induced disease in B6 mice. In F1 mice derived separately with CBA and B6 dams and in F1 mice backcrossed to the two parental strains, resistance segregated with the IgA response of the pups and not with barrier‐associated transcripts or bacterial loads. Interestingly, B6 pups foster‐nursed on CBA dams continued to be susceptible in later life, whereas CBA pups foster‐nursed on B6 dams continued to be resistant. Together, the data indicate that a high‐IgA response in adult life can protect against colitis and compensate for IgA deficiency in early life.
Emotional intelligence a academic procrastination among junior college nursing students
Authors: Guo Min , Yin Xiumin , Wang Cui , Nie Liting , Wang Gongchao
Published: June 2019

Aims

To explore nursing students' academic procrastination and its relationship with emotional intelligence (EI) and self‐efficacy, and self‐efficacy's mediation of the relationship between EI and academic procrastination.

Background

Academic procrastination can lead to a range of negative outcomes. Previous researches have suggested EI and self‐efficacy are associated with academic procrastination, but the underlying mechanism of the relationships between them is not clear. Therefore, it is important to determine how these two factors affect academic procrastination.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A convenience sample of 347 nursing students was recruited from two junior colleges in Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.

Results

Emotional intelligence and self‐efficacy were negatively associated with academic procrastination. Furthermore, self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between EI and academic procrastination.

Conclusions

Students who report lower EI and self‐efficacy may be at a higher risk of academic procrastination. One way of weakening individuals' procrastination is to strengthen their EI. Another is to help them believe in their abilities rather than fear failure in achieving their goal. Focusing more on these influencing factors can help nursing educators develop intervention measures aimed at decreasing students' procrastination behaviour, such as through EI and self‐efficacy training.

Impact

The findings from the current study could have important implications for nursing education. That is, students who report lower EI and self‐efficacy may be at a higher risk of academic procrastination. A larger focus on these influencing factors can help nursing educators and consultants develop intervention measures aimed at decreasing students' procrastination behaviour.
Shank3 regulates striatal synaptic abundance of Cyld, a deubiquitinase specific for Lys63‐linked polyubiquitin chains
Authors: Jin Chunmei , Kim Shinhyun , Kang Hyojin , Yun Ki Na , Lee Yeunkum , Zhang Yinhua , Kim Yoonhee , Kim Jin Young , Han Kihoon
Published: June 2019

The SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins are core organizers of the postsynaptic density in neuronal excitatory synapses, and their defects cause various neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Mechanistically, Shank3 directly and indirectly interacts with hundreds of synaptic proteins with diverse functions and potentially exerts its regulatory roles in synaptic development and function via these interactors. However, Shank3‐dependent regulation of synaptic abundance has been validated in vivo for only a few Shank3 interactors. Here, using a quantitative proteomic analysis, we identified 136 proteins with altered synaptic abundance in the striatum of Shank3‐overexpressing transgenic (TG) mice. By comparing these proteins with those found in a previous analysis of the postsynaptic density of Shank3 knock‐out (KO) striatum, we identified and confirmed that cylindromatosis‐associated deubiquitinase (Cyld), a deubiquitinase specific for Lys63‐linked polyubiquitin chains, was up‐ and down‐regulated in Shank3 TG and KO striatal synapses, respectively. Consistently, we found that the synaptic levels of Lys63‐linked polyubiquitin chains were down‐ and up‐regulated in the Shank3 TG and KO striata, respectively. Furthermore, by isolating and analyzing the synaptic Cyld complex, we generated a Cyld interactome consisting of 103 proteins, which may include Cyld substrates. Bioinformatic analyses suggested associations of the Cyld interactome with a few brain disorders and synaptic functions. Taken together, these results suggest that Shank3 regulates the synaptic abundance of Cyld in the mouse striatum and, thereby, potentially modulates the Lys63‐linked polyubiquitination of striatal synaptic proteins.

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Familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis in pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Frappaolo Anna , Vadnais Mary
Published: June 2019

Familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis (f‐hypoPP) is a rare neuromuscular disorder causing intermittent muscle paralysis. Pregnancy can exacerbate f‐hypoPP, yet obstetric management is not well documented. We present a case of a nulliparous woman with f‐hypoPP, outlining a complete prenatal care plan generalizable to other women with known f‐hypoPP. To our knowledge, this is the first obstetric f‐hypoPP case to prioritize intrapartum oral potassium over intravenous potassium, as well as to outline the importance of multidisciplinary care. The patient had a spontaneous vaginal delivery at term with an uneventful postpartum period. Muscle weakness and episodes of relative hypokalemia in the second trimester and during labor were effectively treated with oral potassium supplementation. Care was provided by a multidisciplinary team, and caution was taken to avoid known triggers of paralytic episodes.
Educational intervention does not reduce non‐invasive urine contamination rates in children presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Jacob Ron , John‐Denny Blessy , Donaldson Katherine , White Brent , Outhred Alexander , McCaskill Mary E
Published: June 2019

Aim

Urinary tract infection is common in children with high contamination rates with non‐invasive urine sampling (NIU). Our aims were to evaluate an educational tool for decreasing contamination rates and find factors associated with contamination.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort interventional study with a review of microbiology data and medical records of all NIU specimens collected at a large tertiary children's emergency department (ED) over a 1‐year period. The intervention was the provision of a urine collection kit and educational pamphlet and education of staff. NIU contamination was calculated for 6 months pre‐intervention and 6 months post‐intervention. The association of factors with NIU contamination was evaluated for all cohorts (age, gender, presence of diarrhoea, season, time of day, time to incubation and activity of the ED).

Results

A total of 2104 NIU samples were included (median age 3 years, 52% females). There was no difference between periods in contamination rates (29.2% and 31.2%, respectively, P = 0.322). Collectively, high monthly activity of the department, age and female gender were associated with contamination. The highest contamination rates were among children aged 0–3 months and 12 years and older (38.1 and 48.9%, respectively).

Conclusions

The urine collection kit and educational tool did not decrease NIU contamination rates in our ED. Contamination rates were correlated with the monthly activity of our department and female gender and were noticeably high among infants and adolescents. Given the high prevalence of urinary tract infection among these age groups, measures should be taken to reassess indications and methods for urine collection.
Industry equilibrium with random exit or default
Authors: Boyarchenko Svetlana , Chiang Piin‐Hueih
Published: June 2019

An industry consisting of a large number of small price taking firms subject to idiosyncratic productivity shocks is considered. At the moment of entry, a firm takes on debt. We show that in a competitive equilibrium, some firms exit and pay out their debt while others choose to default. The outcome depends on the realization of firm‐specific shocks. The paper demonstrates that if the firms self‐select between exit with debt repayment and default, then the default region is disconnected from the exit region. The methodological contribution of the paper is the analytical characterization of the long‐run equilibrium for two scenarios of the initial distribution of productivity shocks. We consider two public policy mechanisms—contract enforcement and creditor protection. Our policy recommendation is that regulators need to reduce the contract enforcement if they want to decrease the long‐run default rate.
The effects of atorvastatin on the kidney injury in mice with pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Karatug Kacar Ayse , Yildirim Merve , Bolkent Sehnaz , Oztay Fusun
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The present study investigated the effects of atorvastatin on kidney injury in mice with pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

Methods

Adult mice were divided into four groups: mice treated with intratracheal bleomycin (I) and their controls (II), and mice treated with atorvastatin for 10 days after 7 days from bleomycin treatment (III) and their controls (IV). Mice were dissected on the 21st day.

Key findings

Mononuclear cell infiltrations, injured proximal tubule epithelium and p-c-Jun level increased, while cell proliferation and the levels of p-SMAD2, ELK1, p-ELK1, p-ATF2 and c-Jun decreased in the kidney tissue of mice with PF. The atorvastatin treatments to mice with PF resulted in significant increases at the TGF-β activation, cell proliferation and kidney damage and decreases in the levels of p-SMAD2, p-ELK1, p-ATF2 and p-c-Jun, but not change the p-SMAD3, ELK1 and ATF2 in kidneys.

Conclusions

The depletion of MAPK signals, rather than SMAD signalling, is effective in kidney damage of mice with PF. Atorvastatin did not regress kidney damage in these mice, whereas it increases the kidney injury. The c-Jun-mediated JNK signals could help kidney repair through cell proliferation. The treatment time and doses of atorvastatin should be optimized for regression of kidney damage.
Relationship between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3levels and severity of chronic periodontitis in type 2 diabetic patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhou Xinyi , Jiang Jingjing , Zhang Peng , Xia Sisi , Ding Yi , Wang Qi
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3(25(OH)D3), a newly emerged immune regulator, is considered to be involved in type 2 diabetic periodontitis (T2DCP). However, the risk factors and genes with altered expression that influence the progression and severity of T2DCP remain unknown. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the relationship between 25(OH)D3deficiency and severity of T2DCP as well as the potential mechanisms.

Material and Methods

A total of 182 subjects were divided into two groups: chronic periodontitis without diabetes (P group, n = 88) and type 2 diabetes mellitus with periodontitis (DM+P group, n = 94). Patients in both groups were further classified according to age as young (Y) and elderly (E) for a total of four groups: P/Y, P/E, DM+P/Y, and DM+P/E. Periodontal status was evaluated based on the probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). The serum levels of human 25(OH)D3, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase non‐receptor type 2 (PTPN2), vitamin D receptor (VDR), and JAK/STAT proteins in the gingival tissue.

Results

Serum 25(OH)D3levels were lower in the DM+P group than those in the P group (P < 0.001). When the patients were subgrouped according to age, 25(OH)D3deficiency was more commonly found in DM+P/E than in DM+P/Y (67% vs 51%), with a significant difference detected in the 25(OH)D3quartile of 15‐20 ng/mL (P = 0.007). The 25(OH)D3level showed a significant negative correlation with fasting blood glucose (FBG) (r = −0.623), serum IL‐1β (r = −0.392), serum TNF‐α (r = −0.218), PD (r = −0.269), and CAL (r = −0.305) in the DM+P group (allP < 0.05), but not with hemoglobin A1c (P = 0.123). Additionally, reduced VDR and PTPN2 expression levels were observed in DM+P patients, whereas JAK1 and p‐STAT5 protein levels were increased in this group.

Conclusions

Vitamin D3deficiency is strongly associated with T2DCP, and age mediates this relationship. Abnormal FBG and IL‐1β levels should be considered as important potential risk factors for the progression and severity of T2DCP. Moreover, 25(OH)D3deficiency may be related to the immune function of T2DCP by weakening PTPN2 signaling.
Specifying the Academic Language Skills That Support Text Understanding in the Middle Grades: The Design and Validation of the Core Academic Language Skills Construct and Instrument
Authors: Barr Christopher D. , Uccelli Paola , Phillips Galloway Emily
Published: June 2019

This study reports on the conceptualization of a new construct targeting the cross‐disciplinary academic language skills most relevant to school reading comprehension, targeting the validation of the Core Academic Language Skills (CALS) Instrument, a novel assessment tool which measures this construct. Participants included Grade 4–8 monolingual English and bilingual students designated as English learners (N= 7,152) from the United States. The study investigated the dimensionality of the core academic language skills construct, the reliability and validity of the CALS Instrument, and the impact of school grade on students’ performance in core academic language skills. Results revealed the assessment measure to be unidimensional and to discriminate performance by grade level. This study offers insight into the value of measuring cross‐disciplinary school‐relevant language proficiency, delineates skills to be targeted through instruction to support reading comprehension, and offers a tool to identify students who will benefit most from this instruction.
Plasma total prion protein as a potential biomarker for neurodegenerative dementia: diagnostic accuracy in the spectrum of prion diseases
Authors: Llorens F. , Villar‐Piqué A. , Schmitz M. , Diaz‐Lucena D. , Wohlhage M. , Hermann P. , Goebel S. , Schmidt I. , Glatzel M. , Hauw J.‐J. , Sikorska B. , Liberski P. P. , Riggert J. , Ferrer I. , Zerr I.
Published: June 2019

Aims

In the search for blood‐based biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, we characterized the concentration of total prion protein (t‐PrP) in the plasma of neurodegenerative dementias. We aimed to assess its accuracy in this differential diagnostic context.

Methods

Plasma t‐PrP was measured in 520 individuals including healthy controls (HC) and patients diagnosed with neurological disease control (ND), Alzheimer's disease (AD), sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Lewy body dementia (LBD) and vascular dementia (VaD). Additionally, t‐PrP was quantified in genetic prion diseases and iatrogenic CJD. The accuracy of t‐PrP discriminating the diagnostic groups was evaluated and correlated with demographic, genetic and clinical data in prion diseases. Markers of blood‐brain barrier impairment were investigated in sCJD brains.

Results

Compared to HC and ND, elevated plasma t‐PrP concentrations were detected in sCJD, followed by FTD, AD, VaD and LBD. In sCJD, t‐PrP was associated neither with age nor sex, but with codon 129 PRNP genotype. Plasma t‐PrP concentrations correlated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of neuro‐axonal damage, but not with CSF t‐PrP. In genetic prion diseases, plasma t‐PrP was elevated in all type of mutations investigated. In sCJD brain tissue, extravasation of immunoglobulin G and the presence of swollen astrocytic end‐feet around the vessels suggested leakage of blood‐brain barrier as a potential source of increased plasma t‐PrP.

Conclusions

Plasma t‐PrP is elevated in prion diseases regardless of aetiology. This pilot study opens the possibility to consider plasma t‐PrP as a promising blood‐based biomarker in the diagnostic of prion disease.
Miller Fisher syndrome presenting with bilaterally impaired adduction in horizontal gaze and dissociated nystagmus of the abducting eyes
Authors: Egashira Shuhei , Naito Tatsuhiko , Seki Tomonari , Sato Tatsuya , Katsumata Junko , Bannai Taro , Nakamoto Fumiko K. , Kaida Kenichi , Shiio Yasushi
Published: June 2019

The patient is a 58‐year‐old woman presenting a 5‐day history of diplopia that started 2 weeks after an upper respiratory tract infection. Neurological examination revealed bilaterally impaired adduction in horizontal gaze with dissociated nystagmus of the abducting eyes, which resembled dissociated nystagmus observed in internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO). She also exhibited slightly impaired abduction and impaired supraduction in both eyes, right‐sided ptosis, and slight truncal ataxia. There were no abnormal findings on contrast‐enhanced MRI of the brain. The diagnosis of Miller Fisher syndrome was confirmed by positive serum anti‐GQ1b and GT1a antibodies. The patient fully recovered without specific treatment. Impaired adduction in horizontal gaze with dissociated nystagmus of the abducting eye is generally presumed to be indicative of INO, a lesion in the medial longitudinal fasciculus. We presumed that an imbalance between severely restricted adduction and preserved abduction of the opposite eye led to the unique ocular motility disturbances observed in our patient.
Gpr126 (Adgrg6) is expressed in cell types known to be exposed to mechanical stimuli
Authors: Musa Gentian , Cazorla‐Vázquez Salvador , van Amerongen Machteld J. , Stemmler Marc P. , Eckstein Markus , Hartmann Arndt , Braun Thomas , Brabletz Thomas , Engel Felix B.
Published: June 2019

GPR126 (ADGRG6) is an adhesion G protein–coupled receptor that plays an important role in a variety of tissues/organs, such as heart, sciatic nerve, cartilage, and ear. Moreover, GPR126 (ADGRG6) mutations are associated with human diseases, like adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, lung disease, bladder cancer, and intellectual disability. Despite its clinical importance, it remains elusive how GPR126 is activated and mediates signal transduction and what cellular processes depend on GPR126 signaling. Here, we generated a lacZ reporter mouse line to determine endogenous Gpr126 (Adgrg6) expression in a cell type‐specific manner during embryonic development, at postnatal day 5 and in adult animals. Our results confirm Gpr126 expression data previously obtained utilizing antibodies and in situ hybridization in embryonic heart and sciatic nerve. In addition, we provide data with cellular resolution for previously described RT‐PCR–based data, including lung and bladder. Moreover, new Gpr126‐expressing tissues and cell types were identified, such as ureter and acinar secretory cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the newly generated lacZ reporter mouse is a suitable model to study Gpr126 expression during development and adulthood, provide detailed insight into Gpr126 expression at the cellular level, and reveal that all identified Gpr126‐expressing cells are known to be exposed to mechanical stimuli.
Defoliation of a grass is mediated by the positive effect of dung deposition, moss removal and enhanced soil nutrient contents: results from a reindeer grazing simulation experiment
Authors: Barthelemy Hélène , Dorrepaal Ellen , Olofsson Johan
Published: June 2019

Herbivory is one of the key drivers shaping plant community dynamics. Herbivores can strongly influence plant productivity directly through defoliation and the return of nutrients in the form of dung and urine, but also indirectly by reducing the abundance of neighbouring plants and inducing changes in soil processes. However, the relative importance of these processes is poorly understood.

We, therefore, established a common garden experiment to study plant responses to defoliation, dung addition, moss cover, and the soil legacy of reindeer grazing. We used an arctic tundra grazed by reindeer as our study system, and Festuca ovina, a common grazing‐tolerant grass species as the model species.

The soil legacy of reindeer grazing had the strongest effect on plants, and resulted in higher growth in soils originating from previously heavily‐grazed sites. Defoliation also had a strong effect and reduced shoot and root growth and nutrient uptake. Plants did not fully compensate for the tissue lost due to defoliation, even when nutrient availability was high. In contrast, defoliation enhanced plant nitrogen concentrations. Dung addition increased plant production, nitrogen concentrations and nutrient uptake, although the effect was fairly small. Mosses also had a positive effect on aboveground plant production as long as the plants were not defoliated. The presence of a thick moss layer reduced plant growth following defoliation.

This study demonstrates that grasses, even though they suffer from defoliation, can tolerate high densities of herbivores when all aspects of herbivores on ecosystems are taken into account. Our results further show that the positive effect of herbivores on plant growth via changes in soil properties is essential for plants to cope with a high grazing pressure. The strong effect of the soil legacy of reindeer grazing reveals that herbivores can have long‐lasting effects on plant productivity and ecosystem functioning after grazing has ceased.
Case report: Cryoballoon ablation of the mitral isthmus using a novel mapping system
Authors: Badertscher Patrick , Wissner Erik
Published: June 2019

Perimitral atrial flutter is commonly treated by deployment of a mitral isthmus line. However, the creation of a contiguous, transmural linear lesion across the anterior mitral isthmus using radiofrequency energy ablation is technically challenging and can be associated with major complications. Herein, we describe the successful deployment of a superolateral mitral isthmus line using the 28‐mm cryoballoon in combination with a new mapping system.
Genetic diversity and virulence of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris isolates from Brassica napus and six Brassica oleracea crops in Serbia
Authors: Popović T. , Mitrović P. , Jelušić A. , Dimkić I. , Marjanović‐Jeromela A. , Nikolić I. , Stanković S.
Published: June 2019

The present study provides insight into the diversity of 147 Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) isolates obtained from six Brassica oleracea vegetable crops (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi) and the winter oilseed rape crop Brassica napus, collected from different regions in Serbia in 2014. The XCF/XCR pathovar‐specific primer set was used for fast preliminary identification. In repetitive sequence‐based PCR (BOX, ERIC and REP) of all isolates, a higher level of genetic diversity was found in winter oilseed rape isolates compared to isolates from the other hosts. ERIC and REP‐PCR showed the highest heterogeneity, with 10 and nine banding patterns, respectively. The REP‐PCR results showed the highest correlation (70%) with those obtained with multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), performed with 10 housekeeping genes (fusA, gap‐1, gltA, gyrB1, lacF, lepA, rpoD, dnaK, fyuA and gyrB2). Three distinct phylogenetic groups of winter oilseed rape isolates were detected using MLSA. Two genes, gltA and rpoD, showed the greatest ability to identify and discriminate winter oilseed rape Xcc isolates from isolates of the other six hosts. The lepA gene exhibited specific three‐nucleotide changes in sequences of some of the isolates. Results of virulence testing of 18 representative isolates showed statistically significant host–pathogen specialization for Xcc isolates from winter oilseed rape, cauliflower, kale and kohlrabi. In conclusion, oilseed rape isolates are more genetically diverse and show greater specialization to their host in comparison to the rest of the tested isolates from other brassica hosts.
Towards semantic‐aware multiple‐aspect trajectory similarity measuring
Authors: Petry Lucas May , Ferrero Carlos Andres , Alvares Luis Otavio , Renso Chiara , Bogorny Vania
Published: June 2019

The large amount of semantically rich mobility data becoming available in the era of big data has led to a need for new trajectory similarity measures. In the context of multiple‐aspect trajectories, where mobility data are enriched with several semantic dimensions, current state‐of‐the‐art approaches present some limitations concerning the relationships between attributes and their semantics. Existing works are either too strict, requiring a match on all attributes, or too flexible, considering all attributes as independent. In this article we propose MUITAS, a novel similarity measure for a new type of trajectory data with heterogeneous semantic dimensions, which takes into account the semantic relationship between attributes, thus filling the gap of the current trajectory similarity methods. We evaluate MUITAS over two real datasets of multiple‐aspect social media and GPS trajectories. With precision at recall and clustering techniques, we show that MUITAS is the most robust measure for multiple‐aspect trajectories.
Chinese poultry farmers' decision‐making for avian influenza prevention: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Cui Bin , Wang Linda Dong‐Ling , Ke Jun , Tian Yi
Published: June 2019

Poultry farmers faced dual risk when mutant avian influenza (AI) virus showed the zoonotic characteristics. A/H5N1 and A/H7N9 were two dominant AI virus strains that have captured the attention of the public over the years for they have been reported to bring about greater loss to poultry and human, respectively. Previous studies mainly used quantitative methods investigating either the means that poultry farmers adopted for protecting their poultry against A/H5N1 infection or the poultry farmers' self‐protective behaviours against A/H7N9 infection. We sought insights into the underlying factors influencing Chinese poultry farmers' protective behaviours in response to the dual risk of AI by a qualitative way. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 25 Chinese chicken farmers recruited by purposive sampling between November 2016 and May 2017, the peak season of AI. All interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach. From participants' experiences, we revealed five main themes: Measures adopted for protecting poultry and farmers, Emotional response to the AI epidemic, Perceived risk of AI, Perceived effectiveness of the preventive measures adopted and Perceived self‐efficacy to take preventive measures. The information of AI outbreak directly triggered Chinese chicken farmers' emotional response and thereafter preventive actions. Compared to the perceived risk of poultry infection with A/H5N1 which mainly connected to economic loss, participants perceived much lower risk of human infection with A/H7N9. AI epidemic information played a key role triggering poultry farmers' response behaviours. Chinese poultry farmers weighted more attention on the risk of poultry infection which was highly associated with economic losses. The government should build and improve an early AI warning and information transmission network to poultry farmers. Further reinforcement of related self‐protective and preventive knowledge training towards poultry farmers is necessary.
Finite Element Analysis of Human Tibia Modeled as a Functionally Graded Material
Authors: Tiwari Ashish , Wahi Pankaj , Sinha Niraj
Published: June 2019

Human tibia, the second largest bone in human body, is made of complex biological material having inhomogeneity and anisotropy in such a manner that makes it a functionally graded material. While analyses of human tibia assuming it to be made of different material regions have been attempted in past, functionally graded nature of the bone in the mechanical analysis has not been considered. This study highlights the importance of functional grading of material properties in capturing the correct stress distribution from the finite element analysis (FEA) of human tibia under static loading. Isotropic and orthotropic material properties of different regions of human tibia have been graded functionally in three different manners and assigned to the tibia model. The nonfunctionally graded and functionally graded models of tibia have been compared with each other. It was observed that the model in which functional grading was not performed, uneven distribution and unrealistic spikes of stresses occurred at the interfaces of different material regions. On the contrary, the models with functional grading were free from this potential artifact. Hence, our analysis suggests that functional grading is essential for predicting the actual distribution of stresses in the entire bone, which is important for biomechanical analysis. We find that orthotropic nature of the bone tends to increase the maximum von Mises stress in the entire tibia, while inclusion of cross-sectional inhomogeneity typically increases the stresses across normal cross section. Accordingly, our analysis suggests that both orthotropy as well as cross-sectional inhomogeneity should be included to correctly capture the stress distribution in the bone.
Synergistic Interactions During Cocombustion of Lignite, Biomass, and Their Chars
Authors: Caliskan Sarikaya A. , Haykiri Acma H. , Yaman S.
Published: June 2019

Woody biomasses such as ash tree (AT), hybrid poplar (HP), and rhododendron (RD) were subjected to torrefaction and carbonization at temperatures of 200 °C and 400 °C. Likewise, several lignite samples were carbonized at 750 °C. Various binary fuel blends such as raw lignite/raw biomass, raw lignite/biochar, lignitic char/raw biomass, and lignitic char/biochar were prepared where the fraction of biomass or biochar was 10 wt% in the blends. The cocombustion characteristics of these blends were investigated through a thermal analysis method from the synergetic point of view considering the fuel properties and the combustion performance. Some parameters relevant to the combustion reactivity such as ignition point, maximum rate, peak temperature, and burnout temperature were commented to figure out whether synergistic interaction or additive behavior governs the combustion characteristics of the blends. Also, the combustion performance indices such as ignition index (Ci), burnout index (Cb), comprehensive combustibility index (S), and the burning stability index (DW) were estimated. It was concluded that the combinations of the additive behavior and the synergistic interactions governs the cocombustion process, and the kind of the fuels and their thermal history determine the reactivity and the interactions during cocombustion.
Two new species of the genus Raphignathus Dugès (Acari: Raphignathidae) from Southeast of Iran
Authors: Poudineh Farzad Minab , Ramroodi Sara , Bagheri Mohammad
Published: June 2019

Two new species of the genus Raphignathus Dugès (Acari: Raphignathidae); R. hamooniensis sp. nov., and R. tamaricis sp. nov., are described based on adult female specimens associated with salt seder trees (Tamaricaceae: Tamarix aphylla L.) in the Sistan region, Sistan and Baluchestan province, southeast Iran.
Biophysical basis underlying dynamic Lck activation visualized by ZapLck FRET biosensor
Authors: Wan Rongxue , Wu Jenny , Ouyang Mingxing , Lei Lei , Wei Jiaming , Peng Qin , Harrison Reed , Wu Yiqian , Cheng Binbin , Li Kaitao , Zhu Cheng , Tang Liling , Wang Yingxiao , Lu Shaoying
Published: June 2019

A new biosensor was engineered to visualize Lck kinase preactivation and regulation in live T cells.