bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habituation and novelty detection fNIRS brain responses in 5‐ and 8‐month‐old infants: The Gambia and UK
Authors: Lloyd‐Fox Sarah , Blasi Anna , McCann Samantha , Rozhko Maria , Katus Laura , Mason Luke , Austin Topun , Moore Sophie E. , Elwell Clare E. ,   The BRIGHT project team
Published: February 2019

The first 1,000 days of life are a critical window of vulnerability to exposure to socioeconomic and health challenges (i.e. poverty/undernutrition). The Brain Imaging for Global Health (BRIGHT) project has been established to deliver longitudinal measures of brain development from 0 to 24 months in UK and Gambian infants and to assess the impact of early adversity. Here results from the Habituation‐Novelty Detection (HaND) functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) task at 5 and 8 months are presented (N = 62 UK;N = 115 Gambia). In the UK cohort distinct patterns of habituation and recovery of response to novelty are seen, becoming more robust from 5 to 8 months of age. In The Gambia, an attenuated habituation response is evident: a larger number of trials are required before the response sufficiently suppresses relative to the response during the first presented trials. Furthermore, recovery of response to novelty is not evident at 5 or 8 months of age. As this longitudinal study continues in The Gambia, the parallel collection of socioeconomic, caregiving, health and nutrition data will allow us to stratify how individual trajectories of habituation and recovery of response to novelty associate with different risk factors and adaptive mechanisms in greater depth. Given the increasing interest in the use of neuroimaging methods within global neurocognitive developmental studies, this study provides a novel cross‐culturally appropriate paradigm for the study of brain responses associated with attention and learning mechanisms across early development.
Separation between maternal and paternal effects on offspring following exposure of adult red flour beetles to two stressors
Authors: Gilad Tomer , Scharf Inon
Published: February 2019

1. The contribution of non‐genetic maternal effects to offspring performance is well established and the evidence for paternal effects has also been increasing recently. Studies determining the relative contributions of the two parents to offspring success are, however, still rare.

2. In this study, two stressors were applied to adult red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum) – starvation and cold stress – and a full‐factorial design was used to distinguish between maternal and paternal reproductive decisions and their effects on the offspring.

3. Starvation had a stronger negative effect than cold stress on both males and females, and the likelihood of starved females producing offspring was very low. Furthermore, starved fathers led to lower offspring mass at the larval stage, probably leading to impaired starvation tolerance of the offspring.

4. Cold‐stressed fathers were less likely than unstressed fathers to reproduce, whereas cold‐stressed mothers demonstrated a similar effect by producing fewer offspring.

5. Applying stress probably led to energy saving that came at the expense of reproduction intensity. It is suggested that the smaller offspring mass is a negative consequence of the parental exposure to stress.

6. The differences between the consequences of the two stressors applied and between the relative contribution of each parent could perhaps be explained by the distinct physiological responses of each sex to each of the stressors.
Abnormal α‐synuclein deposits in skin nerves: intra‐ and inter‐laboratory reproducibility
Authors: Donadio V. , Doppler K. , Incensi A. , Kuzkina A. , Janzen A. , Mayer G. , Volkmann J. , Rizzo G. , Antelmi E. , Plazzi G. , Sommer C. , Liguori R. , Oertel W. H.
Published: February 2019

Background and purpose

Visualization of phosphorylated α‐synuclein at serine 129 (p‐syn) in skin nerves is a promising test for the in vivo diagnosis of synucleinopathies. Here the aim was to establish the intra‐ and inter‐laboratory reproducibility of measurement of intraneural p‐syn immunoreactivity in two laboratories with major expertise (Würzburg and Bologna).

Methods

In total, 43 patients affected by Parkinson's disease (PD 21 patients), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB 1), rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD 11), multiple system atrophy (MSA‐P 4) and small fibre neuropathy (SFN 6) were enrolled. Skin biopsy was performed at the C7 paravertebral spine region and distal skin sites (thigh or leg). The analysis was standardized in both laboratories and carried out blinded on a single skin section double stained with antibodies to p‐syn and the pan‐axonal marker protein gene product 9.5. Fifty skin sections were randomly selected for the analysis: 25 from C7 and 25 from distal sites. Differently classified sections were re‐evaluated to understand the reasons for the discrepancy.

Results

The intra‐laboratory analysis showed an excellent reproducibility both in Würzburg (concordance of classification 100% of sections; K = 1; P < 0.001) and Bologna (96% of sections; K = 0.92; P < 0.001). Inter‐laboratory analysis showed reproducibility in 45 sections (90%; K = 0.8; P < 0.001) and a different classification in five sections, which was mainly due to fragmented skin samples or weak fluorescent signals.

Conclusions

Analysis of p‐syn showed excellent inter‐ and intra‐laboratory reproducibility supporting the reliability of this technique. The few ascertained discordances were important to further improve the standardization of this technique.
Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 deletion promotes Theiler's virus–induced seizures in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Juda Michal B. , Brooks Alexandra K. , Towers Albert E. , Freund Gregory G. , McCusker Robert H. , Steelman Andrew J.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Viral encephalitis increases the risk for developing seizures and epilepsy. Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (Ido1) is induced by inflammatory cytokines and functions to metabolize tryptophan to kynurenine. Kynurenine can be further metabolized to produce kynurenic acid and the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor agonist quinolinic acid (QuinA). In the present study, we sought to determine the role of Ido1 in promoting seizures in an animal model of viral encephalitis.

Methods

C57BL/6J and Ido1 knockout mice (Ido1‐KO) were infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate hippocampal expression of proinflammatory cytokines, Ido1, and viral RNA. Body weights and seizure scores were recorded daily. Elevated zero maze was used to assess differences in behavior, and hippocampal pathology was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Infected C57BL/6J mice up‐regulated proinflammatory cytokines, Ido1, and genes encoding the enzymatic cascade responsible for QuinA production in the kynurenine pathway prior to the onset of seizures. Seizure incidence was elevated in Ido1‐KO compared to C57BL/6J mice. Infection increased locomotor activity in Ido1‐KO compared to C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, the occurrence of seizures was associated with hyperexcitability. Neither expression of proinflammatory cytokines nor viral RNA was altered as a result of genotype. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased hippocampal pathology in Ido1‐KO mice.

Significance

Our findings suggest that Ido1 deletion promotes seizures and neuropathogenesis during acute TMEV encephalitis.
A novel long non‐coding RNA regulates the immune response in MAC‐T cells and contributes to bovine mastitis
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Xixi , Li Xueru , Wang Qianwen , Qing Suzhu , Zhang Yong , Gao Ming‐Qing
Published: February 2019

The long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to transcriptionally regulate a wide spectrum of diseases. Here, we screened for potentially functional lncRNAs in a mammary epithelial cell model of bovine mastitis by RNA‐Seq technology and identified a class of previously undetected mastitis‐related lncRNAs. A novel lncRNA was widely expressed in a variety of bovine tissues with diverse relative abundance and had a relatively low expression in mammary tissue. Given its predicted target gene is TUBA1C, we name it lncRNA‐TUB. We found a higher expression of lncRNA‐TUB in mammary epithelial cells that received a proinflammatory stimulus compared to normal cells. Knockout of lncRNA‐TUB by the CRISPR/Cas9 system revealed that it plays crucial roles in the morphological shape, proliferation, migration and β‐casein secretion of mammary epithelial cells. In addition, lncRNA‐TUB mediates Escherichia coli‐induced inflammatory factor secretion and Staphylococcus aureus adhesion to epithelial cells. Our results suggest that the lncRNAs identified here function in bovine mastitis, and that lncRNA‐TUB affects the basic biological characteristics and functions of bovine mammary epithelial cells in inflammatory conditions, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of bovine mastitis.
The C‐terminal domain of HpDprA is a DNA‐binding winged helix domain that does not bind double‐stranded DNA
Authors: Lisboa Johnny , Celma Louisa , Sanchez Dyana , Marquis Mathilde , Andreani Jessica , Guérois Raphael , Ochsenbein Françoise , Durand Dominique , Marsin Stéphanie , Cuniasse Philippe , Radicella J. Pablo , Quevillon‐Cheruel Sophie
Published: February 2019

DNA‐processing protein A, a ubiquitous multidomain DNA‐binding protein, plays a crucial role during natural transformation in bacteria. Here, we carried out the structural analysis of DprA from the human pathogen Helicobacter pylori by combining data issued from the 1.8‐Å resolution X‐ray structure of the Pfam02481 domain dimer (RF), the NMR structure of the carboxy terminal domain (CTD), and the low‐resolution structure of the full‐length DprA dimer obtained in solution by SAXS. In particular, we sought a molecular function for the CTD, a domain that we show here is essential for transformation in H. pylori. Albeit its structural homology to winged helix DNA‐binding motifs, we confirmed that the isolated CTD does not interact with ssDNA nor with dsDNA. The key R52 and K137 residues of RF are crucial for these two interactions. Search for sequences harboring homology to either HpDprA or Rhodopseudomonas palustris DprA CTDs led to the identification of conserved patches in the two CTD. Our structural study revealed the similarity of the structures adopted by these residues in RpDprA CTD and HpDprA CTD. This argues for a conserved, but yet to be defined, CTD function, distinct from DNA binding.
Tyrosine metabolism: identification of a key residue in the acquisition of prephenate aminotransferase activity by 1β aspartate aminotransferase
Authors: Giustini Cecile , Graindorge Matthieu , Cobessi David , Crouzy Serge , Robin Adeline , Curien Gilles , Matringe Michel
Published: February 2019

Alternative routes for the post‐chorismate branch of the biosynthetic pathway leading to tyrosine exist, the 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate or the arogenate route. The arogenate route involves the transamination of prephenate into arogenate. In a previous study, we found that, depending on the microorganisms possessing the arogenate route, three different aminotransferases evolved to perform prephenate transamination, that is, 1β aspartate aminotransferase (1β AAT), N‐succinyl‐l,l‐diaminopimelate aminotransferase, and branched‐chain aminotransferase. The present work aimed at identifying molecular determinant(s) of 1β AAT prephenate aminotransferase (PAT) activity. To that purpose, we conducted X‐ray crystal structure analysis of two PAT competent 1β AAT from Arabidopsis thaliana and Rhizobium meliloti and one PAT incompetent 1β AAT from R. meliloti. This structural analysis supported by site‐directed mutagenesis, modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations allowed us to identify a molecular determinant of PAT activity in the flexible N‐terminal loop of 1β AAT. Our data reveal that a Lys/Arg/Gln residue in position 12 in the sequence (numbering according to Thermus thermophilus 1β AAT), present only in PAT competent enzymes, could interact with the 4‐hydroxyl group of the prephenate substrate, and thus may have a central role in the acquisition of PAT activity by 1β AAT.
The burden of proof: The process of involving young people in research
Authors: Dovey‐Pearce Gail , Walker Sophie , Fairgrieve Sophie , Parker Monica , Rapley Tim
Published: February 2019

Patient and public involvement in research includes non‐academics working with researchers, on activities from consultative tasks, to joint working, and on user‐led initiatives. Health and social care funding bodies require involvement in research projects. A current debate focuses on a perceived lack of empirical “proof” to demonstrate the impact of involvement upon the quality of research. It is also argued that the working relationships between researchers and those becoming involved need to be understood more fully. These areas are beginning to be reported upon but there are few studies of young people involved in health research. This study describes the experiences of adult academics and young people, working together on a large‐scale, UK health research programme. Using qualitative interview and focus group methods, the aim was to explore participants’ perceptions about the process and outcomes of their work together. The importance of cyclical, dynamic and flexible approaches is suggested. Enablers include having clear mechanisms for negotiation and facilitation, stakeholders having a vision of “the art of the possible,” and centrally, opportunities for face‐to‐face working. What is needed is a continuing discourse about the challenges and benefits of working with young people, as distinct from younger children and adults, understanding the value of this work, without young people having to somehow “prove” themselves. Involvement relies on complex social processes. This work supports the view that an improved understanding of how key processes are enabled, as well as what involvement achieves, is now needed.
Post‐fledging interactions between the Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus and its cavity‐nesting Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus host
Authors: Kysučan Michal , Samaš Peter , Grim Tomáš
Published: February 2019

Brood parasite–host interactions during the incubation and nestling stages have been well studied, but the post‐fledging period remains virtually unknown. Using radiotracking, we provide the first detailed data on post‐fledging interactions between the Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus and its only regular cavity‐nesting host, the Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Cuckoos raised alone (‘solitary’) fledged at higher mass, with higher wing and tarsus length and started to fly at a younger age than Cuckoos raised alongside young Redstarts (‘mixed’). However, a further 23 fledging and post‐fledging parameters measured at five pre‐determined times (fledging, first‐flight, predation, starvation, independence) did not differ between solitary and mixed Cuckoos. In addition, none of the parameters measured during the post‐fledging period (growth, dispersal distances, number of flights) differed between solitary and mixed Cuckoos. Redstart fledglings from non‐parasitized broods (‘solitary’) showed generally similar fledging and post‐fledging parameters to fledglings reared alongside a Cuckoo (‘mixed’). Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in post‐fledging predation rate, starvation or overall survival rates between mixed and solitary Cuckoos or mixed and solitary Redstarts. Thus, during the post‐fledging period, mixed Cuckoo fledglings successfully compensated for the poorer performance experienced during the nestling stage whereas mixed and solitary Redstarts did not differ in any measured parameters. This suggests that the regular occurrence of mixed broods in this host–parasite system – which is unique among the many Cuckoo hosts – is evolutionarily stable for both hosts and parasites.
Factors associated with readmission and mortality in adult patients with skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Raya‐Cruz Manuel , Payeras‐Cifre Antonio , Ventayol‐Aguiló Lola , Díaz‐Antolín Paz
Published: February 2019

Background

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are a common cause of consultation, and complicated cases require hospitalization. We describe factors that are related to readmission and/or mortality of hospitalized patients diagnosed with SSTIs.

Methods

Retrospective review of hospital‐admitted patients with a diagnosis of cellulitis, abscess, hidradenitis, fasciitis, and Fournier's gangrene. Cases from January 2002 to October 2015 were extracted from the diagnostic codification database of the Archives and Clinical Documentation Department.

Findings

We studied 1,482 episodes of hospitalized patients diagnosed with SSTIs. There were 187 (12.3%) readmissions, the most frequent diagnosis was cellulitis (72.7%), and the most commonly isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus (25; 30.1%). Factors associated with readmissions were healthcare‐related infections (P = 0.002), prior antibiotic therapy (P < 0.001), ischemic heart disease (P = 0.01), chronic liver disease (P = 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (DM) (P = 0.006). The number of patients who died as a result of an infection was 34 (2.2%) and, in these patients, the most common diagnosis was also cellulitis (79.4%), which in 52.9% (P = 0.001) was community acquired. DM (P = 0.01), heart failure (P = 0.001), and chronic liver disease (P = 0.003) were the most frequent comorbidities. This group presented more complications (P < 0.005) such as endocarditis (P < 0.005), amputation (P = 0.018), severe sepsis (P < 0.005), and septic shock (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Readmitted patients had healthcare‐related S. aureus infection, had received prior antibiotic therapy, and presented comorbid conditions such as ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, chronic liver disease, or DM. Comorbidities such as advanced age, DM, heart failure, and chronic liver disease were associated with complications and higher infection‐related mortality.
Longitudinal active sampling for respiratory viral infections across age groups
Authors: Galanti Marta , Birger Ruthie , Ud‐Dean Minhaz , Filip Ioan , Morita Haruka , Comito Devon , Anthony Simon , Freyer Greg A. , Ibrahim Sadiat , Lane Benjamin , Ligon Chanel , Rabadan Raul , Shittu Atinuke , Tagne Eudosie , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: February 2019

Background

Respiratory viral infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, their characterization is incomplete because prevalence estimates are based on syndromic surveillance data. Here, we address this shortcoming through the analysis of infection rates among individuals tested regularly for respiratory viral infections, irrespective of their symptoms.

Methods

We carried out longitudinal sampling and analysis among 214 individuals enrolled at multiple New York City locations from fall 2016 to spring 2018. We combined personal information with weekly nasal swab collection to investigate the prevalence of 18 respiratory viruses among different age groups and to assess risk factors associated with infection susceptibility.

Results

17.5% of samples were positive for respiratory viruses. Some viruses circulated predominantly during winter, whereas others were found year round. Rhinovirus and coronavirus were most frequently detected. Children registered the highest positivity rates, and adults with daily contacts with children experienced significantly more infections than their counterparts without children.

Conclusion

Respiratory viral infections are widespread among the general population with the majority of individuals presenting multiple infections per year. The observations identify children as the principal source of respiratory infections. These findings motivate further active surveillance and analysis of differences in pathogenicity among respiratory viruses.
Intrinsic dielectric properties of columbite ZnNb2O6 ceramics studied by P–V–L bond theory and Infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Zhang Shuren , Yang Hongcheng , Yuan Ying , Li Enzhu
Published: February 2019

In this study, intrinsic dielectric properties of ZnNb2O6 ceramics were investigated using P–V–L chemical bond theory and far‐infrared reflectivity spectra. The largest bond ionicity and bond susceptibility of Nb–O bonds suggest that the dielectric polarizability is mainly determined by Nb–O bonds. Relative permittivity, calculated via P–V–L bond theory, is close to experimental value determined using TE011 mode. The Nb–O bonds are also crucial for the structural stability. According to far‐infrared reflectivity spectra and complex dielectric function analysis, a relatively consistent result between calculated and measured dielectric properties, fit using classical damped oscillator mode, indicate that the B1u mode at 168.87 cm−1 provides majority contribution to the dielectric properties.
Nanostructure‐enhanced magnetoelectric/magnetostrictive properties and reduced losses in self‐assembled epitaxial CuFe2O4–BiFeO3 layers on Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–33at%PbTiO3 crystals
Authors: Tang Xiao , Leung Chung Ming , Gao Min , Winkler Christopher , Luo Haosu , Li Jiefang , Viehland Dwight
Published: February 2019

Self‐assembled two‐phase heterostructures of BiFeO3 and CuFe2O4 (BFO–CuFO) were deposited on (100)‐oriented SrRuO3‐buffered Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3) O3–33at%PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) by using switching pulsed laser deposition (SPLD), and compared to single layers of CuFO on the same single crystal substrate. The CuFO phase of the self‐assembled layers had notably slimmer M‐H loops than for previously reported vertically integrated CoFe2O4 nanopillar ones, but wider ones than for CuFO/PMN–PT heterostructures. Notable changes in the magnetization of the CuFO nanopillars were found with applied DC electric field (EDC), where Mr/Ms exhibited typical butterfly‐shaped hysteresis with EDC. This was in distinct difference to CuFO/PMN–PT heterostructures which did not exhibit magnetoelectric coupling. The findings demonstrate a trade‐off between magnetoelectric/magnetostrictive properties and loss that can be controlled by nanostructure features.
Sr‐induced color‐tunable and thermal stability enhancing in the phosphor (Ba1‐xSrx)9Lu2Si6O24:Eu2+ for solid‐state lighting
Authors: Dong Rujia , Zou Haifeng , Zhang Xiangting , An Zhengce , Zhou Xiuqing , Zheng Keyan , Sheng Ye , Shi Zhan , Song Yanhua
Published: February 2019

Rare earth ions’ site occupation is significant for studying luminescence properties by changing the host composition. The (Ba1‐xSrx)9Lu2Si6O24:Eu2+ (x = 0‐0.4) tunable‐color phosphors were synthesized via a high temperature solid‐state reaction. With the Sr2+ ions concentration increase, the luminescent color could be tuned from blue to green. This phenomenon is discussed in detail through the ions occupation in the host lattice. More importantly, the temperature‐dependent luminescence of (Ba1‐xSrx)9Lu2Si6O24:Eu2+ phosphors was investigated and exhibited excellent thermal stability. Furthermore, white LED device has been fabricated using (Ba1‐xSrx)9Lu2Si6O24:Eu2+ phosphor mixed with commercial red phosphor Sr2Si5N8:Eu3+ combined with a 370 nm UV‐chip. This device showed correlated color temperature (CCT) of 5125 K and high color render index (CRI) of 91. This phosphor will be a promising candidate as a tunable‐color phosphor for UV‐based white LEDs.
Matrine attenuates high‐fat diet‐induced in vivo and ox‐LDL‐induced in vitro vascular injury by regulating the PKCα/eNOS and PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathways
Authors: Zhang Song , Guo Shun , Gao Xiao‐bo , Liu An , Jiang Wei , Chen Xi , Yang Peng , Liu Lin‐na , Shi Lei , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2019

Lipid metabolism disorders lead to vascular endothelial injury. Matrine is an alkaloid that has been used to improve obesity and diabetes and for the treatment of hepatitis B. However, its effect on lipid metabolism disorders and vascular injury is unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of matrine on high‐fat diet fed mice and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL)‐induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Computational virtual docking analyses, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase C‐α (PKCα) inhibitors were used to localize matrine in vascular injuries. The results showed that matrine‐treated mice were more resistant to abnormal lipid metabolism and inflammation than vehicle‐treated mice and exhibited significantly alleviated ox‐LDL‐stimulated dysfunction of HUVECs, restored diminished nitric oxide release, decreased reactive oxygen species generation and increased expression phosphorylation of AKT‐Ser473 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)‐Ser1177. Matrine not only up‐regulates eNOS‐Ser1177 but also down‐regulates eNOS‐Thr495, a PKCα‐controlled negative regulator of eNOS. Using computational virtual docking analyses and biochemical assays, matrine was also shown to influence eNOS/NO via PKCα inhibition. Moreover, the protective effects of matrine were significantly abolished by the simultaneous application of PKCα and the PI3K inhibitor. Matrine may thus be potentially employed as a novel therapeutic strategy against high‐fat diet‐induced vascular injury.
Ligustilide attenuates nitric oxide‐induced apoptosis in rat chondrocytes and cartilage degradation via inhibiting JNK and p38 MAPK pathways
Authors: Zhou Yan , Ming Jianghua , Li Yaming , Deng Ming , Chen Qing , Ma Yonggang , Chen Zhonghui , Zhang Yubiao , Liu Shiqing
Published: February 2019

Ligustilide (LIG) is the main lipophilic component of the Umbelliferae family of pharmaceutical plants, including Radix angelicae sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong. LIG shows various pharmacological properties associated with anti‐inflammation and anti‐apoptosis in several kinds of cell lines. However, the therapeutic effects of LIG on chondrocyte apoptosis remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether LIG had an anti‐apoptotic activity in sodium nitroprusside (SNP)‐stimulated chondrocyte apoptosis and could delay cartilage degeneration in a surgically induced rat OA model, and elucidated the potential mechanisms. In vitro studies revealed that LIG significantly suppressed chondrocyte apoptosis and cytoskeletal remodelling, which maintained the nuclear morphology and increased the mitochondrial membrane potential. In terms of SNP, LIG treatment considerably reduced the expression levels of cleaved caspase‐3, Bax and inducible nitric oxide synthase and increased the expression level of Bcl‐2 in a dose‐dependent manner. The LIG‐treated groups presented a significantly suppressed expression of activating transcription factor 2 and phosphorylation of Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). The inhibitory effect of LIG was enhanced by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or the JNK inhibitor SP600125 and offset by the agonist anisomycin. In vivo studies demonstrated that LIG attenuated osteoarthritic cartilage destruction by inhibiting the cartilage chondrocyte apoptosis and suppressing the phosphorylation levels of activating transcription factor 2, JNK and p38 MAPK. This result was confirmed by histological analyses, micro‐CT, TUNEL assay and immunohistochemical analyses. Collectively, our studies indicated that LIG protected chondrocytes against SNP‐induced apoptosis and delayed articular cartilage degeneration by suppressing JNK and p38 MAPK pathways.
N‐myc and STAT interactor correlates with severity and prognosis in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Xiong Lifu , Du Yanan , Zhou Tianhui , Du Bingying , Visalath Phimphone , Lin Lanyi , Bao Shisan , Cai Wei
Published: February 2019

Background and Aim

Hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (HBV‐ACLF) is characterized by acute deterioration of chronic liver disease with excessive inflammation. N‐myc and STAT interactor (NMI), an inflammation‐mediated protein, involves in various inflammatory‐related diseases, but the role of NMI in development and prognosis in HBV‐ACLF remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Serum NMI from healthy controls (HCs, n = 20), chronic hepatitis B (CHB, n = 50) patients, and HBV‐ACLF patients (n = 50) was determined using ELISA. NMI from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and liver was confirmed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence.

Results

Serum NMI was increased 1.9‐fold or 2.2‐fold from HBV‐ACLF patients compared with that from HCs (P < 0.01) or CHB patients (P < 0.01). Consistently, NMI from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was upregulated significantly from HBV‐ACLF patients compared with that from HCs and CHB patients at mRNA and protein levels. Hepatic NMI from HBV‐ACLF patients was 2.8‐fold higher than that from HCs. Serum NMI was correlated with Model for End‐stage Liver Disease, Chronic Liver Failure Consortium ACLF score, and ACLF grades. In contrast, serum NMI was significantly decreased in HBV‐ACLF ameliorated patients during follow‐up, whereas serum NMI was sustained at high levels in non‐ameliorated patients. Elevated serum NMI (≥ 198.5 pg/mL) was correlated with poor survival rate of HBV‐ACLF patients. Using receiver operating characteristics curves, it was suggested that serum NMI was a potential biomarker in predicting 3‐month mortality of HBV‐ACLF patients.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the potential role of NMI in assessing the development and prognosis of HBV‐ACLF.
Parry‐Romberg syndrome treatment with fat transfer and a new bleaching formula
Authors: Liapakis Ioannis E. , Tzouganakis Angelos C. , Paschalis Eleftherios I. , Englander Miriam , Christopoulos Athanasios , Gloustianou Georgia , Kontoes Paraskevas
Published: February 2019

Parry‐Romberg syndrome is a hemifacial atrophy which can be complicated by melasma. We present two cases of Parry‐Romberg syndrome, treated by fat transfer and bleaching of the skin using a modified “Kligman's formula.” The atrophy, as well as the skin dyschromia, improved, and the results were stable.
Efficacy of microneedling with topical vitamin C in the treatment of melasma
Authors: Ismail Esraa Salah Ali , Patsatsi Aikaterini , Abd el‐Maged Wafaa Mohammed , Nada Essam El‐Din Abd el‐Aziz
Published: February 2019

Background

Despite the wide therapeutic options available for the treatment of melasma, including many active topical medications, technologies with lights and peelings, clinical control of this disorder is extremely challenging.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of microneedling with topical vitamin C in the treatment of melasma.

Methods

Thirty female patients with melasma received six sessions of microneedling with addition of topical vitamin C every two weeks. At each session, photos were taken and Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score was calculated to assess the clinical improvement.

Results

Mean age of the eligible patients was 33.2 ± 5.77 years. About 50% of cases were of Fitzpatrick skin type III. All patients showed improvement at the end of the sessions. Mean MASI score in the first session was 8.61 ± 4.45 and there was a gradual decline in its value till it reached a mean of 5.75 ± 4.16 in the last session (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Microneedling with topical vitamin C is an effective and safe treatment option for epidermal melasma especially in Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I‐III.
Efficacy of fractional CO2 laser with intralesional steroid compared with intralesional steroid alone in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars
Authors: Alexander Sajin , Girisha Banavasi S. , Sripathi Handattu , Noronha Tonita M. , Alva Akshata C.
Published: February 2019

Background and objective

Keloids and hypertrophic scars (HTS) are abnormal fibrous reactions that persist for prolonged periods, rarely regress without treatment and recur after excision. Many modalities of treatment have been advocated but the success rates of these have been variable. The present study is an attempt to evaluate and compare the efficacy of combination of fractional CO2 laser (FCL) and intralesional steroid (ILS) against ILS alone in the treatment of keloids and HTS.

Methods

Patients with keloids or HTS were divided into two groups of 25 each receiving four sessions of therapy. Group 1 (FCL + ILS) received combination of FCL and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) 10 mg/mL. Group 2 (ILS only) received intralesional TAC 10 mg/mL alone. Pretreatment measurements and photographs were taken. Two unbiased qualified dermatologists made independent evaluation of the photographs using modified Manchester quartile score (MQS). The patient's satisfaction to treatment was graded on a scale of 1‐4. Statistical analysis was done using a statistical software.

Results

Statistically significant improvement was seen in height and length of the lesions. Overall appearance criteria of modified MQS showed an improvement of more than 50% in 43.3% of the lesions by the end of four sessions. Degree of hypertrophy showed more than 50% improvement in 40% of the lesions treated. Dyschromia showed more than 50% improvement in 33.4%. Texture showed the least improvement, with only 30% of lesions showing an improvement of more than 50%. The improvement of these parameters in ILS only group was significantly lower than the improvement seen in the FCL + ILS group.

Conclusion

Combination therapy with FCL and ILS was superior in efficacy when compared to ILS alone, in the treatment of keloids and HTS.
Human scalp hair: Modulation by various factors and hormones do estrogens inhibit or stimulate—A perplexing perspective
Authors: Lephart Edwin D.
Published: February 2019

Several journal reports, reviews, and commentaries over the last 20‐25 years have pointed out the controversy attached to 17β‐estradiol's inhibitory or stimulatory influence on hair follicle growth/cycling citing rodent (murine) and human results. While 17β‐estradiol is the most potent sex steroid hormone in the body and has almost equal affinity for estrogen receptor (ER) alpha (α) and beta (β), there appears to be specific ER‐mediated effects on scalp hair follicles/growth, etc. Additionally, the newly discovered G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPR30 or GPER) and the orphan receptor, estrogen‐related receptor (ERR) gamma (γ), in skin and other tissue sites have potential impacts of how estrogens via these receptors may alter scalp hair characteristics, but this remains to be elucidated. Conversely, the negative impact of the 5α‐reductase enzyme and its steroid product, 5α‐dihydrotestosterone, on scalp hair growth is clear. Less clear is how 17β‐estradiol is stimulatory in some scalp hair studies, but inhibitory in others. This brief summary examines the potential influences of steroidogenesis via aromatase (estrogen biosynthesis) and 5α‐reductase expression, their enzyme activities, and steroid products along with the concepts of how steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) and estrone sulfate may be involved in the complex hormonal, cellular/molecular signaling cascade of the hair follicle in growth and cycling.
Confucian Entrepreneurship: Towards a Genealogy of a Conceptual Tool
Authors: Smith Andrew , Kaminishi Miriam
Published: February 2019

The concept of the ‘Confucian Entrepreneur’ is now used by many scholars to understand entrepreneurship in China and other East Asian countries. This paper traces the development of this concept from its roots in the writings of nineteenth‐century Western authors to its use in modern management journals. We show that while this conceptual tool has been adapted over time, the claims associated with it have remained largely similar. Use of the term Confucian entrepreneur implies belief that Confucian ideas induce Chinese entrepreneurs to behave differently than their Western counterparts, a claim for which the empirical foundations are weak. We do not go so far as to say that those who research Chinese entrepreneurship should discard the concept of the Confucian entrepreneur simply because of its historical origins in colonialism. However, we do call on researchers to reflect on the historical origins of their conceptual tools. By historicising our theories of entrepreneurship, this paper should encourage greater scholarly reflexivity and thus the development of entrepreneurship and management theory with greater predictive power.
Within‐couple configuration of gender‐related attitudes and its association with marital satisfaction in Chinese marriage: A dyadic, pattern‐analytic approach
Authors: Cao Hongjian , Li Xiaomin , Chi Peilian , Du Hongfei , Wu Qinglu , Liang Yue , Zhou Nan , Fine Mark A.
Published: February 2019

Objective

This study seeks to understand the ways in which spouses’ gender‐related attitudes are configured within couples and how such configurations are linked to marital satisfaction in Chinese marriage.

Method

Latent profile analysis was conducted using dyadic data from a nationwide large sample of Chinese couples from the China Family Panel Studies (N = 7,257 couples; Myears of marriage = 28.36, SD = 12.84; Mage for wives = 52.38, SD = 12.63; Mage for husbands = 50.51, SD = 12.37).

Results

Four profile groups were identified: the “modern female and traditional male” group (MFTM); the “traditional female and modern male” group; the “child‐oriented” group; and the “traditional female and traditional male” group. Husbands’ and wives’ marital satisfaction varied across groups in different patterns (yet all relevant effect sizes were modest). In general, husbands in the congruent group reported higher satisfaction than did those in the incongruent groups, whereas wives in the “MFTM” group reported lower satisfaction than did those in the other groups.

Conclusions

Such findings shed light on the understudied heterogeneity that inherently exists in the within‐couple patterning of gender‐related attitudes and its implications for marital well‐being in a Chinese cultural context.
Child, Mother, Father, and Teacher Beliefs About Child Academic Competence: Predicting Math and Reading Performance in European American Adolescents
Authors: Putnick Diane L. , Hahn Chun‐Shin , Hendricks Charlene , Suwalsky Joan T. D. , Bornstein Marc H.
Published: February 2019

Beliefs about child competence in math and reading have important implications for academic performance in adolescence. However, it is unclear whether children's own beliefs are the most important predictor of their academic performance or whether parents’ and teachers’ beliefs about child competence influence child academic performance. We assessed mothers’, fathers’, teachers’, and children's beliefs about European American children's (N = 189) competence in math and reading at age 10 and children's math and language performance at ages 10, 13, and 18 years. Confirmatory factor models demonstrated that children's and teachers’ beliefs had lower loadings on a latent variable of child competence in math and reading than mothers’ beliefs. Children's self‐competence beliefs in math and reading were not significantly correlated, suggesting children may use dimensional comparisons when assessing their own competence. Mothers’, fathers’, and teachers’ assessments of child competence in math were strongly correlated with their assessments of child competence in reading. Controlling for stability in academic performance, family socioeconomic status, and other reporters, mothers and fathers who rated their children's math competence higher had adolescents who performed better in math, and fathers who rated their children's reading competence higher had adolescents who performed better in language tasks. However, children who rated their own competence higher in math and reading had lower math and language (for girls only) performance in adolescence. European American children may use dimensional comparisons that render them poorer judges of their math and reading competence than parents.
Development and validation of a novel clinical scoring system for short‐term prediction of death in dogs with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Fabrès Virginie , Dossin Olivier , Reif Clémence , Campos Miguel , Freiche Valerie , Maurey Christelle , Pilot‐Storck Fanny , Desquilbet Loïc , Benchekroun Ghita
Published: February 2019

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with a high death rate in dogs, but accurate predictors of early death are still lacking.

Objectives

To develop a scoring system for prediction of short‐term case fatality in dogs with AP.

Animals

One hundred sixty‐nine dogs with AP including 138 dogs in the training cohort and 31 dogs in the validation cohort.

Methods

Multicenter, retrospective cohort study. Survival analysis was used to assess the associations with short‐term death (within 30 days after admission). Independent predictors of death were identified by a stepwise selection method and used for the score calculation.

Results

Death rate within 30 days after admission was 33% in the training cohort. Four independent risk factors for short‐term death were identified in the training cohort: presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, coagulation disorders, increased creatinine and ionized hypocalcemia. Canine Acute Pancreatitis Severity (CAPS) score was developed to predict short‐term death, integrating these 4 factors in a weighted way. A simplified version of CAPS score (sCAPS) including respiratory rate instead of SIRS was also assessed. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) of CAPS and sCAPS scores was 0.92 in the training cohort with an optimal cutoff of 11 (sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 90%) and 6 (sensitivity, 96%; specificity, 77%), respectively. CAPS and sCAPS score were validated in the validation cohort with respective AUC of 0.91 and 0.96.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We propose 2 scoring systems that allow early and accurate prediction of short‐term death in dogs with AP.
Activation of upper respiratory tract mucosal innate immune responses in cats by liposomal toll‐like receptor ligand complexes delivered topically
Authors: Wheat William , Chow Lyndah , Coy Jonathan , Contreras Elena , Lappin Michael , Dow Steven
Published: February 2019

Background

Nonspecific induction of local innate immune responses by mucosally administered immunotherapy is a new approach to protection from upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, a new liposome‐toll‐like receptor complex (LTC) immune stimulant was developed and investigated for its ability to activate innate immune responses in cats, both in vitro and in vivo, as part of an initial evaluation of LTC for use as an immunotherapeutic agent in cats.

Objectives

We hypothesized that LTC could activate innate immune responses in cats after topical application to nasal and oropharyngeal mucosal surfaces.

Animals

Mucosal immune responses to topical administration of LTC were assessed in 7 healthy, purpose‐bred cats, and in vitro responses were assessed using blood samples from healthy cats.

Methods

Cytokine and cellular immune responses to LTC were evaluated in blood samples, nasal lavage specimens, and pharyngeal swabs from cats, using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays, ELISA assays, and flow cytometry.

Results

Liposome‐TLR complexes rapidly activated leukocytes in vitro, including upregulation of costimulatory molecule expression and cytokine production. Topical administration of LTC in healthy cats triggered rapid recruitment of monocytes to the nasal and oropharyngeal mucosa.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Liposome‐TLR complexes were found to effectively activate innate immune responses in cats after mucosal administration. These findings suggest that LTC have potential for use as a new mucosally administered immunotherapy for nonspecific protection from viral and bacterial respiratory tract infections.
Molecular epidemiology of acute HCV infection in HIV–positive patients from Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo
Authors: Sun Hsin‐Yun , Uemura Haruka , Wong Ngai‐Sze , Chan Denise P‐C , Wong Bonnie C‐K , Lin Pi‐Han , Su Li‐Hsin , Hung Chien‐Ching , Oka Shinichi , Chang Sui‐Yuan , Lee Shui‐Shan
Published: February 2019

Background

Acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections have been increasingly reported among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Asia‐Pacific region. It remains unknown whether international network of HCV transmission has occurred in this region.

Methods

HIV‐positive patients with acute HCV infection, defined as HCV seroconversion within a year or documented acute hepatitis with seroconversion, diagnosed in Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo during 2010‐2016 were included in this molecular epidemiology study. The NS5B region of the HCV genome (365 bp) was amplified using nested polymerase chain reaction and sequenced.

Results

Of 234 HIV‐positive patients with acute HCV infection, all were male with 94% being MSM. At the diagnosis of acute HCV infection, 73.5% had concurrent sexually transmitted diseases and 88.0% were receiving combination antiretroviral therapy. The most prevalent HCV genotype was 3a, 2a and 1b in Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo respectively. Nine independent clusters belonging to five genotypes (1b, 2a, 2c, 3a and 6a) were identified, each of which occurred in one city without overlapping except for one 3a sequence from Taipei that was closely related genetically to the Hong Kong cluster.

Conclusions

No international network of HCV transmission was identified among HIV–positive patients in the three Asia‐Pacific cities. The transmission dynamics of sexually acquired HCV differed by city, but the risk of intercity clustering should not be ignored.
Divergent mitochondrial lineages arose within a large, panmictic population of the Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Authors: Benham Phred M. , Cheviron Zachary A.
Published: February 2019

Unusual patterns of mtDNA diversity can reveal interesting aspects of a species’ biology. However, making such inferences requires discerning among the many alternative scenarios that could underlie any given mtDNA pattern. Next‐generation sequencing methods provide large, multilocus data sets with increased power to resolve unusual mtDNA patterns. A mtDNA‐based phylogeography of the Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) previously identified two sympatric, but divergent (~2%) clades within the nominate subspecies group and a third clade that consisted of birds sampled from northwest Mexico. We revisited the phylogeography of this species using a population genomic data set to resolve the processes leading to the evolution of sympatric and divergent mtDNA lineages. We identified two genetic clusters in the genomic data set corresponding to (a) the nominate subspecies group and (b) northwestern Mexico birds. Following divergence, the nominate clade maintained a large, stable population, indicating that divergent mitochondrial lineages arose within a panmictic population. Simulations based on parameter estimates from this model further confirmed that this demographic history could produce observed levels of mtDNA diversity. Patterns of divergent, sympatric mtDNA lineages are frequently interpreted as admixture of historically isolated lineages. Our analyses reject this interpretation for Savannah sparrows and underscore the need for genomic data sets to resolve the evolutionary mechanisms behind anomalous, locus‐specific patterns.