bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity affects peripheral lymphoid organs immune response in murine asthma model
Authors: Esteves de Oliveira Erick , de Castro e Silva Flávia Márcia , Caçador Ayupe Marina , Gomes Evangelista Ambrósio Marcilene , Passos de Souza Viviane , Costa Macedo Gilson , Ferreira Ana Paula
Published: May 2019

Asthma and obesity present rising incidence, and their concomitance is a reason for concern, as obese individuals are usually resistant to conventional asthma treatments and have more exacerbation episodes. Obesity affects several features in the lungs during asthma onset, shifting the T helper type 2 (Th2)/eosinophilic response towards a Th17/neutrophilic profile. Moreover, those individuals can present reduced atopy and delayed cytokine production. However, the impact of obesity on follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and B cells that could potentially result in antibody production disturbances are still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to assess the peripheral response to ovalbumin (OVA) in a concomitant model of obesity and asthma. Pulmonary allergy was induced, in both lean and obese female BALB/c mice, through OVA sensitizations and challenges. Mediastinal lymph nodes (MLNs) and spleen were processed for immunophenotyping. Lung was used for standard allergy analysis. Obese‐allergic mice produced less anti‐OVA IgE and more IgG2a than lean‐allergic mice. Dendritic cells (CD11c+ MHCIIhigh) expressed less CD86 and more PDL1 in obese‐allergic mice compared with lean‐allergic mice, in the MLNs. Meanwhile, B cells (CD19+ CD40+) were more frequent and the amount of PDL1/PD1+ cells was diminished by obesity, with the opposite effects in the spleen. Tfh cells (CD3+ CD4+ CXCR5+ PD1+) expressing FoxP3 were more frequent in obese mice, associated with the predominance of Th (CD3+ CD4+) cells expressing interleukin‐4/GATA3 in the MLNs and interleukin‐17A/RORγT in the spleen. Those modifications to the main components of the germinal centers could be resulting in the increased IgG2a production, which – associated with the Th17/neutrophilic profile – contributes to asthma worsening and represents an important target for future treatment strategies.
Grain boundary curvatures in polycrystalline SrTiO3: Dependence on grain size, topology, and crystallography
Authors: Zhong Xiaoting , Kelly Madeleine N. , Miller Herbert M. , Dillon Shen J. , Rohrer Gregory S.
Published: May 2019

By mapping grain orientations on parallel serial sections of a SrTiO3 ceramic, it was possible to reconstruct three‐dimensional orientation maps containing more than 3000 grains. The grain boundaries were approximated by a continuous mesh of triangles and mean curvatures were determined for each triangle. The integral mean curvatures of grain faces were determined for all grains. Small grains with fewer than 16 neighbors mostly have positive mean curvatures while larger grains with more than 16 neighbors mostly have negative mean curvatures. It is also possible to correlate the mean curvature of individual triangles with the crystallographic characteristics of the grain boundary. The mean curvature is lowest for grain boundaries with (100) orientations and highest for grain boundaries with (111) orientations. This trend is inversely correlated to the relative areas of grain boundaries and directly correlated to the relative grain boundary energy. The direct correlation between the energy and curvature is consistent with the expected behavior of grain boundaries made up of singular orientations. Furthermore, because both the relative energy and curvature of grain boundaries with (100) orientations are minima in the distributions, these boundaries also have the lowest driving force for migration.
Characteristics of hypertension among people living with HIV in Ghana: Impact of new hypertension guideline
Authors: Sarfo Fred Stephen , Nichols Michelle , Singh Arti , Hardy Yasmine , Norman Betty , Mensah Gideon , Tagge Ralle , Jenkins Carolyn , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: May 2019

Data on the burden of hypertension among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Africa are limited, especially after new expert consensus hypertension guidelines were published in 2017. The authors sought to assess the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among PLWH. This is a cross‐sectional study involving PLWH on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) (n = 250) compared with sex‐matched cART‐naïve PLWH (n = 201) in Ghana. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg or use of antihypertensive drugs. The authors also assessed the prevalence and predictors associated with hypertension using the recent guideline recommended cutoff BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with hypertension among PLWH. The mean age of PLWH on cART was 45.7 ± 8.6 years, and 42.9 ± 8.8 years among PLWH cART‐naive with 81% of study participants being women. The prevalence of hypertension among PLWH on cART and PLWH cART‐naïve was 36.9% and 23.4%, P = 0.002 at BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and 57.2% and 42.3%, respectively, P = 0.0009, at BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg. Factors associated with hypertension at BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg in the PLWH group with adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) were increasing age, 2.08 (1.60‐2.71) per 10 years, and body mass index, 1.53 (1.24‐1.88) per 5 kg/m2 rise. At BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg, cART exposure, aOR of 1.77 (95% CI: 1.20‐2.63), family history of hypertension, aOR of 1.43 (1.12‐1.83), and hypertriglyceridemia, aOR of 0.54 (0.31‐0.93), were associated with hypertension. Among PLWH, cART exposure was associated with higher prevalence of hypertension per the new guideline definition, a finding which warrants further investigation and possible mitigation.
Ultrasound as a diagnostic and management tool in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: a multicentre study
Authors: Martorell A. , Alfageme Roldán F. , Vilarrasa Rull E. , Ruiz‐Villaverde R. , Romaní De Gabriel J. , García Martínez F. , Vidal Sarro D. , Velasco Pastor M. , Ciudad Blanco C. , Segura Palacios J.M. , Rodríguez Bandera A.I. , Pascual Ramírez J.C. , Sancho Sánchez C. , Michelena De Gorosábel N. , Wortsman X.
Published: May 2019

Background

It has been reported that clinical evaluation consistently underestimates the severity of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Objective

To determine the usefulness of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in HS compared with clinical examination and to assess the subsequent modification of disease management.

Methods

Cross‐sectional multicentre study. Severity classification and therapeutic approach according to clinical vs. ultrasound examination were compared.

Results

Of 143 HS patients were included. Clinical examination scored 38, 70 and 35 patients as Hurley stage I, II and III, respectively; with ultrasound examination, 21, 80 and 42 patients were staged with Hurley stage I, II and III disease, respectively (P < 0.01). In patients with stage I classification as determined by clinical examination, 44.7% changed to a more severe stage. Clinical examination indicated that 44.1%, 54.5% and 1.4% of patients would maintain, increase or decrease treatment, respectively. For ultrasound examination, these percentages were 31.5%, 67.1% and 1.4% (P < 0.01). Concordance between clinical and ultrasound intra‐rater examination was 22.8% (P < 0.01); intra‐rater and inter‐rater (radiologist) ultrasound agreement was 94.9% and 81.7%, respectively (P < 0.01).

Limitations

The inability to detect lesions that measure ≤0.1 mm or with only epidermal location.

Conclusion

Ultrasound can modify the clinical staging and therapeutic management in HS by detecting subclinical disease.
Non‐lethal sampling for stable isotope analysis of pike Esox lucius: how mucus, scale and fin tissue compare to muscle
Authors: Winter Emily R. , Nyqvist Marina , Britton J. Robert
Published: May 2019

Stable isotope analysis (SIA) was used to examine the isotopic relationships between dorsal muscle and fin, scale and epidermal mucus in pike Esox lucius. δ13C and δ15N varied predictably within each tissue pairing, with conversion factors calculated for the surrogate tissues, enabling their application to the non‐lethal sampling of E. lucius for SIA.
Clinical translational application of Raman spectroscopy to advance Benchside biochemical characterization to bedside diagnosis of esophageal diseases
Authors: Hiremath Girish , Locke Andrea , Sivakumar Adithya , Thomas Giju , Mahadevan‐Jansen Anita
Published: May 2019

Esophageal diseases result in significant mortality, morbidity, and health care costs worldwide. Current approaches to detect and monitor esophageal diseases have severe limitations. Advanced imaging technologies are being developed to complement current approaches to improve diagnostic, therapeutic and surveillance protocols in order to advance the field. Raman spectroscopy‐based technologies hold promise to increase the sensitivity for detection of diseased and high‐risk lesions in vitro and in vivo in real time. This technique allows for the investigation of microstructural changes and also facilitates the discovery of disease‐specific biochemical alterations with the potential to provide novel insights into the pathobiology of these conditions. Raman spectroscopy has been increasingly applied in precancerous and cancerous esophageal conditions. However, its application in benign esophageal diseases is still in the early stages. Continuing its application in cancerous and precancerous conditions and expanding its use to benign esophageal disorders could lay a foundation for integration of this technology in clinical practice and diagnostic paradigms and development of an accurate and cost‐effective tool for use in a clinical setting. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy can also be used as an innovative technique to advance our understanding of the biochemical transformations associated with esophageal diseases and answer a myriad of fundamental questions in the field. In this review, we described the principles of Raman spectroscopy and instrumentation while providing an overview of current applications, challenges, and future directions in the context of esophageal diseases with an emphasis on its clinical translational application.
Descriptive osteology and patterns of limb loss of the European limbless skink Ophiomorus punctatissimus (Squamata, Scincidae)
Authors: Camaiti Marco , Villa Andrea , Wencker Lukardis C. M. , Bauer Aaron M. , Stanley Edward L. , Delfino Massimo
Published: May 2019

The limbless skink Ophiomorus punctatissimus is a cryptozoic species found in the Peloponnese region of Greece and on the Greek island Kythira. To provide the first thorough description of the cranial and postcranial osteology of this species, both disarticulated specimens and X‐ray computed tomographies of wet‐preserved specimens were examined in detail. Resulting from this, an anatomical atlas of this species is provided. Two separate considerations, an evolutionary and an ecomorphological one, are made based on the observed adaptations related to limb loss in this skink. The structure of the girdles shows a particular pattern of reduction: whereas the pelvic girdle is mostly vestigial, the pectoral girdle is instead well developed, with all the elements typical of limbed lizards except for the actual limbs. This led us to hypothesize an asynchronous pattern of limb reduction during the evolution of this species, in which the hindlimbs regressed earlier than the forelimbs. Furthermore, considerations based on overall body morphology, osteology and the structure of the inner ear led to the recognition of this species as a burrowing ecomorph. In contrast to the morphology normally displayed in this ecomorph, O. punctatissimus is characterized by the retention of autotomic vertebrae in its tail. This is consistent with the habitats in which it lives, where active burrowing would be difficult because of the hard, rocky terrain. Instead, this skink hides among rocks on the surface and is, therefore, subject to greater predation risk.
Nonsurgical correction of drooping mouth corners using monophasic hyaluronic acid and incobotulinumtoxinA
Authors: Bae Gee Young , Na Jung‐Im , Park Kyoung‐Chan , Cho Sung Bin
Published: May 2019

Background

Nonsurgical correction of drooping of the corners of the mouth requires a multimodal approach combining botulinum toxin and soft tissue filler injections.

Objective

To validate a nonsurgical therapeutic approach for correcting a “saddened” appearance characterized by drooping mouth corners, oral commissures, and/or marionette lines.

Methods

In this prospective, evaluator‐blinded study, monophasic hyaluronic acid (MHA) was infiltrated to correct drooping mouth corners in four steps, deep oral commissures in two steps, and/or deep marionette lines in two steps, in that order. Then, incobotulinumtoxinA was injected along the depressor anguli oris and mentalis muscles.

Results

The total volumes of MHA used in steps 1‐4 were 0.2 mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.19‐0.3) for the right side of the face and 0.25 mL (IQR: 0.2‐0.3) for the left side; total volumes in steps 5‐8 were 0.18 mL (IQR: 0‐0.4) for the right side and 0.15 mL (IQR: 0‐0.33) for the left side. The total mean dose of incobotulinumtoxinA was 26.5 units (IQR: 24‐28). The median degrees of drooping of the mouth corners were −4° (IQR: −7° to −2°) at baseline, −1° (IQR: −3° to 1°) at post‐treatment 2 weeks, and −1° (IQR: −3° to 0°) at post‐treatment 3 months. Median Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores were 3 (IQR: 2‐3) at post‐treatment 2 weeks and 3 (IQR: 2‐3.75) at 3 months.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that nonsurgical treatment with MHA and incobotulinumtoxinA provides satisfactory therapeutic outcomes in patients with a saddened appearance by correcting drooping of the mouth corners, deep oral commissures, and/or deep marionette lines.
The“Newcastle Nomogram”—Statistical modelling predicts malignant transformation in potentially malignant disorders
Authors: Goodson Michaela L. , Smith Daniel R. , Thomson Peter J.
Published: May 2019

Background

Nomograms are graphical calculating devices used to predict risk of malignant transformation (MT) or response to treatment during cancer management. To date, a nomogram has not been used to predict clinical outcome during oral potentially malignant disorder (PMD) treatment. The aim of this study was to create a nomogram for use by clinicians to predict the probability of MT, thereby facilitating accurate assessment of risk and objective decision‐making during individual patient management.

Methods

Clinico‐pathological data from a previously treated cohort of 590 newly presenting PMD patients were reviewed and clinical outcomes categorized as disease free, persistent PMD or MT. Multiple logistic regression was used to predict the probability of MT in the cohort using age, gender, lesion type, site and incision biopsy histopathological diagnoses. Internal validation and calibration of the model was performed using the bootstrap method (n = 1000), and bias‐corrected indices of model performance were computed.

Results

Potentially malignant disorders were predominantly leukoplakias (79%), presenting most frequently at floor of mouth and lateral tongue sites (51%); 99 patients (17%) developed oral squamous cell carcinoma during the study period. The nomogram performed well when MT predictions were compared with patient outcome data, demonstrating good bias‐corrected discrimination and calibration (Dxy = 0.58; C = 0.790), with a sensitivity of 87% and specificity 63%, and a positive predictive value of 32% and negative predictive value 96%.

Conclusion

The “Newcastle Nomogram” has been developed to predict the probability of MT in PMD, based on an internally validated statistical model. Based upon readily available and patient‐specific clinico‐pathological data, it provides clinicians with a pragmatic diagrammatic aid for clinical decision‐making during diagnosis and management of PMD.
An evaluation of cetuximab dosing strategies using pharmacokinetics and cost analysis
Authors: Ogungbenro Kayode , Patel Alkesh , Saunders Mark , Clark James , Duncombe Robert
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Cetuximab dosing is based on body surface area (BSA), an approach that is associated with significant wastage due to available vial sizes. NHS England recently introduced an alternative strategy for cetuximab dosing based on dose banding. The aim of this work was to investigate approaches to cetuximab dosing to improve its cost-effectiveness.

Methods

A simulation study using a population pharmacokinetic model was used to assess the performance of dosing strategies using exposure, probability of target attainment and cost. Two dosage regimens (500 and 400/250 mg/m2) were investigated; 5% and 10% dose banding, fixed and optimised dosing strategies were evaluated and compared to BSA strategy.

Key findings

The percentage of the total cost associated with wastage for the 400/250 mg/m2 regimen were 8.75%, 5.13%, 3.61%, 9.2% and 0% for BSA; 5 and 10% bands; fixed and optimal strategies, respectively. Similar results were obtained for 500 mg/m2 regimen. In comparison with BSA strategy, other strategies have comparable or improved performance. Optimised strategy showed consistent performance and ensures equal exposure and probability of target attainment.

Conclusions

Cost-effectiveness of cetuximab treatment can be improved with alternative strategies by reducing wastage without compromising exposure.
Invasive species differ in key functional traits from native and non‐invasive alien plant species
Authors: Mathakutha Rabia , Steyn Christien , le Roux Peter C. , Blom Izak J. , Chown Steven L. , Daru Barnabas H. , Ripley Brad S. , Louw Anche , Greve Michelle
Published: May 2019

Questions

Invasive species establish either by possessing traits, or trait trade‐offs similar to native species, suggesting pre‐adaptation to local conditions; or by having a different suite of traits and trait trade‐offs, which allow them to occupy unfilled niches. The trait differences between invasives and non‐invasives can inform on which traits confer invasibility. Here, we ask: (a) are invasive species functionally different or similar to native species? (b) which traits of invasives differ from traits of non‐invasive aliens and thus confer invasibility? and (c) do results from the sub‐Antarctic region, where this study was conducted, differ from findings from other regions?

Location

Sub‐Antarctic Marion Island.

Methods

We measured 13 traits of all terrestrial native, invasive and non‐invasive alien plant species. Using principal components analysis and phylogenetic generalized least‐squares models, we tested for differences in traits between invasive (widespread alien species) and native species. Bivariate trait relationships between invasive and native species were compared using standardized major axis regressions to test for differences in trait trade‐offs between the two groups. Second, using the same methods, we compared the traits of invasive species to non‐invasive aliens (alien species that have not spread).

Results

Between invasive and native species, most traits differed, suggesting that the success of invasive species is mediated by being functionally different to native species. Additionally, most bivariate trait relationships differed either in terms of theiry‐intercept or their position on the axes, highlighting that plants are positioned differently along a spectrum of shared trait trade‐offs. Compared to non‐invasive aliens, invasive species had lower plant height, smaller leaf area, lower frost tolerance, and higher specific leaf area, suggesting that these traits are associated with invasiveness. The findings for the sub‐Antarctic corresponded to those of other regions, except lower plant height which provides a competitive advantage to invaders in the windy sub‐Antarctic context.

Conclusion

Our findings support the expectation that trait complexes of invasive species are predominantly different to those of coexisting native species, and that high resource acquisition and low defence investment are characteristic of invasive plant species.
Altered immunoreactivity of ErbB4, a causative gene product for ALS19, in the spinal cord of patients with sporadic ALS
Authors: Takahashi Yuji , Uchino Akiko , Shioya Ayako , Sano Terunori , Matsumoto Chihiro , Numata‐Uematsu Yurika , Nagano Seiichi , Araki Toshiyuki , Murayama Shigeo , Saito Yuko
Published: May 2019

ErbB4 is the protein implicated in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), designated as ALS19. ErbB4 is a receptor tyrosine kinase activated by its ligands, neuregulins (NRG), and plays an essential role in the function and viability of motor neurons. Mutations in the ALS19 gene lead to the reduced autophosphorylation capacity of the ErbB4 protein upon stimulation with NRG‐1, suggesting that the disruption of the NRG–ErbB4 pathway causes motor neuron degeneration. We used immunohistochemistry to study ErbB4 in the spinal cord of patients with sporadic ALS (SALS) to test the hypothesis that ErbB4 may be involved in the pathogenesis of SALS. ErbB4 was specifically immunoreactive in the cytoplasm of motor neurons in the anterior horns of the spinal cord. In patients with SALS, some of the motor neurons lost immunoreactivity with ErbB4, with the proportion of motor neurons with a loss of immunoreactivity correlated with the severity of motor neuron loss. The subcellular localization was altered, demonstrating nucleolar or nuclear localization, threads/dots and spheroids. The ectopic glial immunoreactivity was observed, mainly in the oligodendrocytes of the lateral columns and anterior horns. The reduction in the ErbB4 immunoreactivity was significantly correlated with the cytoplasmic mislocalization of transactivation response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43) in the motor neurons. No alteration in immunoreactivity was observed in the motor neurons of mice carrying atransgene for mutant form of the superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1). This study provided compelling evidence that ErbB4 is also involved in the pathophysiology of SALS, and that the disruption of the NRG–ErbB4 pathway may underlie the TDP‐43‐dependent motor neuron degeneration in ALS.
The effects of oleoylethanolamide, an endogenous PPAR‐α agonist, on risk factors for NAFLD: A systematic review
Authors: Tutunchi Helda , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Saghafi‐Asl Maryam , Maleki Vahid
Published: May 2019

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease. Recently, some novel compounds have been investigated for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Oleoylethanolamide (OEA), an endogenous PPAR‐α agonist, has exhibited a plethora of pharmacological properties for the treatment of obesity and other obesity‐associated metabolic complications. This systematic review was performed with a focus on the effects of OEA on the risk factors for NAFLD. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to December 2018 using relevant keywords. All articles written in English evaluating the effects of OEA on the risk factors for NAFLD were eligible for the review. The evidence reviewed in this article illustrates that OEA regulates multiple biological processes associated with NAFLD, including lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy homeostasis through different mechanisms. In summary, many beneficial effects of OEA have led to the understanding that OEA may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the management of NAFLD. Although a wide range of studies have demonstrated the most useful effects of OEA on NAFLD and the associated risk factors, further clinical trials, from both in vivo studies and in vitro experiments, are warranted to verify these outcomes.
Acute Shoshin beriberi syndrome immediately post–kidney transplant with rapid recovery after thiamine administration
Authors: Elias Isaac M. , Sinclair Graham , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D.
Published: May 2019

Pediatric kidney transplant surgery is usually well tolerated, despite suboptimal physical conditioning that may result from uremia and nutritional deficiencies that accompany end‐stage kidney failure. Nutritional supplementation is used to overcome such deficiencies, especially for children needing dialysis. Thiamine, a water‐soluble vitamin also known as vitamin B1, is a critical cofactor in energy metabolism and may be competitively inhibited by the antimetabolite oxythiamine, a uremic toxin that accumulates in kidney failure. We report a case of a thiamine deficiency syndrome leading to overwhelming cardiac dysfunction, metabolic instability, and hemodynamic compromise, after otherwise uneventful kidney transplant surgery. Prior to transplant, this 14‐year‐old boy was treated with peritoneal dialysis and received thiamine supplementation. Post‐transplant, the patient first developed hyperglycemia, then lactic acidosis, and subsequently hemodynamic instability despite escalating treatment with volume resuscitation and inotropic medication. He made a rapid and complete recovery after administration of IV thiamine. This is the first reported case of Shoshin beriberi syndrome in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient. Inadequate dialysis may have been a key factor, with toxin accumulation and thiamine transporter downregulation contributing to his status. Functional thiamine deficiency should be considered as a potential treatable cause of early post‐transplant hemodynamic instability.
Medical Applications of Rose Bengal‐ and Riboflavin‐Photosensitized Protein Crosslinking
Authors: Redmond Robert W. , Kochevar Irene E.
Published: May 2019

This review summarizes research on many of the potential applications of photosensitized crosslinking of tissue proteins in surgery and current knowledge of the photochemical mechanisms underlying formation of the covalent protein–protein crosslinks involved. Initially developed to close wounds or reattach tissues, protein photocrosslinking has also been demonstrated to stiffen and strengthen tissues, decrease inflammatory responses and facilitate tissue bioengineering. These treatments appear to result largely from crosslinks within and between collagen molecules in tissue that typically form by an oxygen‐dependent mechanism. Surgical applications discussed include sealing wounds in skin, cornea and bowel; reattaching severed nerves, blood vessels and tendons; strengthening cornea and vein; reducing capsular contracture after breast implants; and regenerating joint cartilage.
The Impact of Tax and Transfer Pricing on a Multinational Firm's Strategic Decision of Selling to a Rival
Authors: Hsu Vernon N. , Xiao Wenqiang , Xu Jiayan
Published: May 2019

We consider an integrated multinational firm (MNF) who produces a product in a low‐tax country and sells it in a high‐tax country. The global firm faces the decision of whether to sell the product (and at what price) to an external rival in the retail market who has an alternative outside sourcing option. Using a Cournot competition model, we show that two salient elements of the global tax planning—namely the tax rate disparity and the regulatory restrictions on transfer pricing between the MNF's low‐tax and high‐tax divisions—have significant impacts on the MNF's decision of selling to the rival. We find that when the tax rate disparity is low, the MNF will sell, but only to a low‐cost rival, a result that is in‐line with the traditional understanding in a tax‐free setting. However, when the tax rate disparity is high, the outcome of selling or not reverses: the MNF will sell only to a high‐cost rival. We also find that under the requirement of minimum order quantity, the MNF may sell to the rival at a price even higher than the latter's alternative sourcing cost. Another interesting finding of our analysis is that the regulatory restriction on transfer pricing may bring benefit rather than burden to the global firm.
Systematic identification and analysis of heat‐stress‐responsive lncRNAs, circRNAs and miRNAs with associated co‐expression and ceRNA networks in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: He Xueying , Guo Shirong , Wang Ying , Wang Liwei , Shu Sheng , Sun Jin
Published: May 2019

Researchers have shown that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) act as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and are mutually regulated by competition for binding to common microRNA response elements (MREs). However, a comprehensive identification and analysis of lncRNAs and circRNAs as ceRNAs have not yet been completed in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) exposed to high‐temperature stress. In our study, 32 663 coding transcripts, 2085 lncRNAs, 2477 circRNAs and 348 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified using RNA sequencing. In addition, six heat‐stress‐responsive miRNAs (five known and one novel miRNAs) and eight lncRNAs were selected for qPCR to confirm their expression profiles. By analyzing the cis effects of lncRNAs, we constructed a lncRNA‐mRNA co‐expression network. Based on the results, the corresponding lncRNAs play a regulatory role in the stress response in cucumber plants. In our study, the PatMatch software was used to predict the potential function of lncRNAs and circRNAs as ceRNAs. A total of 18 lncRNAs and seven circRNAs were predicted to bind to 114 differentially expressed miRNAs and compete with 359 mRNAs for miRNA binding sites. These mRNAs are predicted to be involved in various pathways, such as plant hormone signal transduction, plant–pathogen interaction and glutathione metabolism. Among them, TCONS_00031790, TCONS_00014332, TCONS_00014717, TCONS_00005674, novel_circ_001543 and novel_circ_000876 may interact with miR9748 by plant hormone signal transduction pathways in response to high‐temperature stress. Moreover, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐l‐carboxylic acid (ACC) levels decreased in the high‐temperature treatment group, indicating that IAA and ethylene signaling might be involved in response to high‐temperature stress. In this study, we conducted a full transcriptomic analysis in response to high‐temperature stress in cucumber and, for the first time, integrated the potential ceRNA functions of lncRNAs/circRNAs. The results provide a basis for studying the potential functions of lncRNAs/circRNAs in response to high‐temperature stress.
What do I do now? Intolerance of uncertainty is associated with discrete patterns of anticipatory physiological responding to different contexts
Authors: Morriss Jayne
Published: May 2019

Heightened physiological responses to uncertainty are a common hallmark of anxiety disorders. Many separate studies have examined the relationship between individual differences in intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and physiological responses to uncertainty during different contexts. Despite this, there is a scarcity of research examining the extent to which individual differences in IU are related to shared or discrete patterns of anticipatory physiological responding across different contexts. Anticipatory physiological responses to uncertainty were assessed in three different contexts (associative threat learning and extinction, threat uncertainty, decision‐making) within the same sample (n = 45). During these tasks, behavioral responses (i.e., reaction times, choices), skin conductance, and corrugator supercilli activity were recorded. In addition, self‐reported IU and trait anxiety were measured. IU was related to both skin conductance and corrugator supercilii activity for the associative threat learning and extinction context and decision‐making context. However, trait anxiety was related to corrugator supercilii activity during the threat uncertainty context. Ultimately, this research helps us to further tease apart the role of IU on different aspects of anticipation (i.e., valence and arousal) across contexts, which will be relevant for future IU‐related models of psychopathology.
A longing for the natural past: unexplored benefits and impacts of a nostalgic approach toward restoration in ecology
Authors: Willson Kevin G. , Hart Justin L. , Zengel Bettina
Published: May 2019

Nostalgia has endured a negative societal perception since its inception, which influences how it is deployed in ecological restoration. However, the emotion has undergone a paradigmatic shift over the past 15 years with new quantitative psychological research providing insight into complex and oftentimes positive effects. In particular, personal nostalgia can increase social connectedness, optimism, self‐esteem, inspiration, openness, creativity, and charitable giving. Here, we view ecological nostalgia, which we define as a desire to return a degraded ecosystem to a past state that complements bittersweet memories of a better ecological period, as an accompanying motivator for applied ecological restoration. However, some restoration ecology circles presently reject the connection with nostalgia, which excludes potential benefits for restoration practices. We provide a survey of recent psychological nostalgia research to critique and reevaluate the stigma surrounding nostalgia in restoration. By doing so, we are optimistic that more informed views of nostalgia will be adopted by the restoration community to cautiously embrace a connection that can help motivate ecological restoration activities.
Maximal heart rate assessment in recreational football players: A study involving a multiple testing approach
Authors: Póvoas Susana Cristina Araújo , Krustrup Peter , Pereira Rita , Vieira Silvia , Carneiro Ivone , Magalhães José , Castagna Carlo
Published: May 2019

This study aimed at examining the suitability of a standard treadmill test (TT), popular intermittent field tests, and small‐sided football matches to induce maximal heart rate (HRmax) in recreational football players. Sixty‐six inactive untrained male subjects (age: 39.3 ± 5.8 years, VO2max: 41.2 ± 6.2 mL kg−1 min−1, body mass: 81.9 ± 10.8 kg, height: 173.2 ± 6.4 cm) were evaluated. On separate occasions, the players were randomly submitted to a progressive VO2max TT, to the Yo‐Yo intermittent endurance level 1 (YYIE1) and level 2 (YYIE2) tests, to the Yo‐Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIR1) test, and to 7v7 (43 × 27 m pitch, 83 m2/player) football matches (45 minutes; 2‐4 matches/player). To ensure data consistency, exercise HR was recorded using the same HR monitors in all the experimental conditions. A total of 73%, 24%, 18%, 17%, and 30% of the players achieved their HRmax during the YYIE1, YYIE2, YYIR1, TT, and the small‐sided football matches, respectively. The probability of achieving HRmax increased proportionally to test duration, with 7.8 minutes as the cutoff time. Variations in HRpeak of ±2 b min−1 should be regarded as of practical relevance. YYIE1 HRpeak provided the most accurate estimation of a subject's individual HRmax and much higher probability of reaching HRmax. Nevertheless, the results of this study suggest caution in considering a reference test for HRmax assessment in this population. The use of confirmation tests is still highly advisable when the test duration is shorter than 7.8 minutes. In this regard, field tests seem to be suitable and accurate for individual HRmax assessment in recreational football players.
Here's Looking at You: Public‐ Versus Elite‐Driven Models of Presidential Primary Elections
Authors: Swearingen Colin Douglas , Stiles Elizabeth , Finneran Kate
Published: May 2019

Objective

This study advances the presidential primary literature in two ways. First, since many studies in this literature advocate for more detailed theoretical development, we incorporate an interdisciplinary approach by utilizing social contagion theory from the field of sociology. Second, presidential primaries do not adequately explore what role the public plays during the invisible primary. We thus incorporate Google Trends data into presidential primary models to account for the relative amount of public attention for each presidential primary candidate.

Methods

We use fixed effects regression to determine the impact of public attention on a candidate's share of the contested primary vote (CPV).

Results

We find that increased public attention leads to higher levels of support for a candidate in the Iowa caucuses, New Hampshire primary, and CPV.

Conclusion

These findings illustrate the extra‐voting role the public plays in presidential primary elections and helps us further distinguish how party elites, voters, and candidates uniquely determine the selection of our executive.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*40 allele, B*40:01:43, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Feng Zhi‐Hui , Yu Qi , Li Bei , Jiao Shu‐Xian
Published: May 2019

HLA‐B*40:01:43 was initially identified in a volunteer donor for China marrow donor program by sequence‐based typing.
The MYB5‐driven MBW complex recruits a WRKY factor to enhance the expression of targets involved in vacuolar hyper‐acidification and trafficking in grapevine
Authors: Amato Alessandra , Cavallini Erika , Walker Amanda R. , Pezzotti Mario , Bliek Mattijs , Quattrocchio Francesca , Koes Ronald , Ruperti Benedetto , Bertini Edoardo , Zenoni Sara , Tornielli Giovanni B.
Published: May 2019

The accumulation of secondary metabolites and the regulation of tissue acidity contribute to the important traits of grape berry and influence plant performance in response to abiotic and biotic factors. In several plant species a highly conserved MYB–bHLH–WD (MBW) transcriptional regulatory complex controls flavonoid pigment synthesis and transport, and vacuolar acidification in epidermal cells. An additional component, represented by a WRKY‐type transcription factor, physically interacts with the complex increasing the expression of some target genes and adding specificity for other targets. Here we investigated the function of MBW(W) complexes involving two MYBs (VvMYB5a and VvMYB5b) and the WRKY factor VvWRKY26 in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). Using transgenic grapevine plants we showed that these complexes affected different aspects of morphology, plant development, pH regulation, and pigment accumulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified a core set of putative target genes controlled by VvMYB5a, VvMYB5b, and VvWRKY26 in different tissues. Our data indicated that VvWRKY26 enhances the expression of selected target genes induced by VvMYB5a/b. Among these targets are genes involved in vacuolar hyper‐acidification, such as the P‐type ATPases VvPH5 and VvPH1, and trafficking, and genes involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids. In addition, VvWRKY26 is recruited specifically by VvMYB5a, reflecting the functional diversification of VvMYB5a and VvMYB5b. The expression of MBWW complexes in vegetative organs, such as leaves, indicates a possible function of vacuolar hyper‐acidification in the repulsion of herbivores and/or in developmental processes, as shown by defects in transgenic grape plants where the complex is inactivated.
Elevated maternal linoleic acid reduces circulating leptin concentrations, cholesterol levels and male fetal survival in a rat model
Authors: Shrestha Nirajan , Cuffe James S. M. , Holland Olivia J. , Bulmer Andrew C. , Hill Melissa , Perkins Anthony V. , Muhlhausler Beverly S. , McAinch Andrew J , Hryciw Deanne H.
Published: May 2019

Key points

Linoleic acid consumption is increasing in Western populations.

We investigated whether elevated linoleic acid in pregnancy was deleterious to mothers or offspring.

Maternal and fetal body and organ weights were not affected by elevated linoleic acid consumption.

Maternal lipids and leptin were altered following elevated linoleic acid consumption.

Male offspring numbers were reduced following elevated linoleic acid consumption.

Dietary intakes of linoleic acid (LA) have increased dramatically in Western populations, including in women of reproductive age. Pro‐inflammatory effects of LA may have detrimental effects on maternal and offspring outcomes. We aimed to investigate whether consumption of a maternal diet with elevated LA altered maternal inflammatory or metabolic markers during pregnancy, fetal growth and/or the sex ratio of the offspring. Female Wistar Kyoto rats consumed a diet high in LA (HLA) (6.21% of energy) or a diet low in LA (LLA) (1.44% of energy) for 10 weeks prior to mating and during pregnancy. Pregnant rats were killed at embryonic day 20 (E20). There were no differences in maternal or fetal body weights or organ weights in the HLA group compared to the LLA group. There was no difference in maternal circulating cytokine concentrations between dietary groups. In the maternal liver, IL‐1α concentrations were significantly lower, and TNF‐α and IL‐7 significantly higher in the HLA group. Total plasma cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and the total:HDL cholesterol ratio were lower in dams fed the HLA diet. mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF‐1) and leptin in maternal adipose tissue was lower in the HLA group, as were circulating leptin concentrations. The proportion of male fetuses was lower and circulating prostaglandin E metabolite concentrations were increased in the HLA group. In conclusion, consumption of a maternal diet high in linoleic acid alters cholesterol metabolism and prostaglandin E metabolite concentrations, which may contribute to the reduced proportion of male offspring.
Ca2+ signalling behaviours of intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal in the murine colon
Authors: Drumm Bernard T. , Hwang Sung J. , Baker Salah A. , Ward Sean M. , Sanders Kenton M.
Published: May 2019

Key points

Colonic intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC‐IM) exhibit spontaneous Ca2+ transients manifesting as stochastic events from multiple firing sites with propagating Ca2+ waves occasionally observed.

Firing of Ca2+ transients in ICC‐IM is not coordinated with adjacent ICC‐IM in a field of view or even with events from other firing sites within a single cell.

Ca2+ transients, through activation of Ano1 channels and generation of inward current, cause net depolarization of colonic muscles.

Ca2+ transients in ICC‐IM rely on Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via IP3 receptors, spatial amplification from RyRs and ongoing refilling of ER via the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic‐reticulum‐Ca2+‐ATPase.

ICC‐IM are sustained by voltage‐independent Ca2+ influx via store‐operated Ca2+ entry.

Some of the properties of Ca2+ in ICC‐IM in the colon are similar to the behaviour of ICC located in the deep muscular plexus region of the small intestine, suggesting there are functional similarities between these classes of ICC.

A component of the SIP syncytium that regulates smooth muscle excitability in the colon is the intramuscular class of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC‐IM). All classes of ICC (including ICC‐IM) express Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels, encoded by Ano1, and rely upon this conductance for physiological functions. Thus, Ca2+ handling in ICC is fundamental to colonic motility. We examined Ca2+ handling mechanisms in ICC‐IM of murine proximal colon expressing GCaMP6f in ICC. Several Ca2+ firing sites were detected in each cell. While individual sites displayed rhythmic Ca2+ events, the overall pattern of Ca2+ transients was stochastic. No correlation was found between discrete Ca2+ firing sites in the same cell or in adjacent cells. Ca2+ transients in some cells initiated Ca2+ waves that spread along the cell at ∼100 µm s−1. Ca2+ transients were caused by release from intracellular stores, but depended strongly on store‐operated Ca2+ entry mechanisms. ICC Ca2+ transient firing regulated the resting membrane potential of colonic tissues as a specific Ano1 antagonist hyperpolarized colonic muscles by ∼10 mV. Ca2+ transient firing was independent of membrane potential and not affected by blockade of L‐ or T‐type Ca2+ channels. Mechanisms regulating Ca2+ transients in the proximal colon displayed both similarities to and differences from the intramuscular type of ICC in the small intestine. Similarities and differences in Ca2+ release patterns might determine how ICC respond to neurotransmission in these two regions of the gastrointestinal tract.
Impacts of cross-linker chain length on the physical properties of polyampholyte hydrogels
Authors: Mariner Emily , Haag Stephanie L. , Bernards Matthew T.
Published: May 2019

Polymeric tissue engineering scaffolds have shown promise to aid in regeneration and repair of damaged tissue. In particular, nonfouling polymers have been proposed for eliminating biomaterial-induced concerns such as infection, scarring, and rejection by the immune system. Polyampholyte polymers are one class of nonfouling polymers that are composed of an equimolar mixture of positively and negatively charged monomer subunits. They possess nonfouling properties, bioactive molecule conjugation capabilities, and tunable mechanical properties. In this study, the influence of the cross-linker species on the degradation behavior, mechanical strength, and nonfouling properties of polyampholytes composed of a 1:1 molar ratio of [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (positively charged) and 2-carboxyethyl acrylate (negatively charged) monomers was investigated. Specifically, the impact of ethylene glycol repeat units on the overall material performance was evaluated by synthesizing and characterizing hydrogels containing di-, tri-, and tetra-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate cross-linker species. The degradation studies were conducted for over 100 days in Sorenson's buffer with pH values of 4.5, 7.4, and 9.0 by tracking the swelling behavior and weight change over time. The mechanical properties were assessed using compression and tensile testing to failure. The retention of the nonfouling and protein conjugation capabilities was demonstrated using fluorescently labeled bovine serum albumin. The results demonstrate the tunability of both degradation behavior and mechanical properties through the cross-linker selection, without impacting the underlying nonfouling and biomolecule delivery capabilities. Therefore, it is concluded that polyampholyte hydrogels represent a promising platform for tissue engineering.
Quick liquid packaging: Encasing water silhouettes by three-dimensional polymer membranes
Authors: Coppola Sara , Nasti Giuseppe , Vespini Veronica , Mecozzi Laura , Castaldo Rachele , Gentile Gennaro , Ventre Maurizio , Netti Paolo A. , Ferraro Pietro
Published: May 2019

Quick liquid wrapping of water silhouettes creates 3D polymeric membranes in a single step.
RELMα-expressing macrophages protect against fatal lung damage and reduce parasite burden during helminth infection
Authors: Krljanac Branislav , Schubart Christoph , Naumann Ronald , Wirtz Stefan , Culemann Stephan , Krönke Gerhard , Voehringer David
Published: May 2019

RetnlaCre fate mapping mice reveal differentiation, tissue localization, and in vivo functions of RELMα+macrophages.
Practical Guidance to Implementing Quality Management Systems in Public Health Laboratories Performing Next-Generation Sequencing: Personnel, Equipment, and Process Management (Phase 1)
Authors: Hutchins Rebecca J. , Phan Kristy L. , Saboor Adeeba , Miller Joseph D. , Muehlenbachs Atis
Published: May 2019

Quality standards as part of an effective quality management system (QMS) are the cornerstone for generating high-quality test results. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has the potential to improve both clinical diagnostics and public health surveillance efforts in multiple areas, including infectious diseases. However, the laboratories adopting NGS methods face significant challenges due to the complex and modular process design.