bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noncoding variations in Cyp24a1 gene are associated with Klotho‐mediated aging phenotypes in different strains of mice
Authors: Singh Amit , Verma Anjali , Sallin Michelle A. , Lang Florian , Sen Ranjan , Sen Jyoti Misra
Published: March 2019

In mutant mice, reduced levels of Klotho promoted high levels of active vitamin D in the serum. Genetic or dietary manipulations that diminished active vitamin D alleviated aging‐related phenotypes caused by Klotho down‐regulation. The hypomorphic Klotho [kl/kl] allele that decreases Klotho expression in C3H, BALB/c, 129, and C57BL/6 genetic backgrounds substantially increases 1,25(OH)2D3 levels in the sera of susceptible C3H, BALB/c, and 129, but not C57BL/6 mice. This may be attributed to increased basal expression of Cyp24a1 in C57BL/6 mice, which promotes inactivation of 1,25(OH)2D3. Decreased expression of Cyp24a1 in susceptible strains was associated with genetic alterations in noncoding regions of Cyp24a1 gene, which were strongly reminiscent of super‐enhancers that regulate gene expression. These observations suggest that higher basal expression of an enzyme required for catabolizing vitamin D renders B6‐kl/kl mice less susceptible to changes in Klotho expression, providing a plausible explanation for the lack of aging phenotypes on C57BL/6 strain.
Peritonectomy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: What gynaecological oncologists really think
Authors: Farrell Rhonda
Published: March 2019

Background

Peritonectomy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is used in specialised units outside of gynaecological cancer centres in Australia and New Zealand to treat advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC). There is significant equipoise toward this treatment by gynaecological oncologists (CGOs).

Aims

To determine the attitudes and preferences of CGOs toward peritonectomy and HIPEC for the treatment of AEOC.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire was sent to all 53 CGOs in Australia and New Zealand asking their opinions about peritonectomy and HIPEC for the treatment of AEOC. Data collected included surgeon demographics, individual surgical practices, and willingness of CGOs to refer patients for peritonectomy or HIPEC. Potential factors influencing this decision were investigated using χ2 tests and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Response rate was 89%. While 68% of CGOs would refer a patient for peritonectomy, most cases would be recurrent tumour of borderline or mucinous histology. Only 13% would refer a case of primary stage 3 EOC, even if predicting they cannot completely resect the tumour. This was due to concerns around morbidity and mortality, and a preference for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In regard to HIPEC, 61% of CGOs were unsure about its use, due to reported lack of evidence, and potential morbidity. CGOs of female gender were more likely to recommend peritonectomy and HIPEC.

Conclusions

CGOs would refer only selected cases of AEOC for peritonectomy or HIPEC, due to concerns around insufficient evidence, and potential morbidity. The results of large well‐conducted clinical trials will help determine the future of peritonectomy and HIPEC for the treatment of AEOC.
The synthetic antimicrobial peptide LTX21 induces inflammatory responses in a human whole blood model and a murine peritoneum model
Authors: Granslo Hildegunn Norbakken , Aarag Fredheim Elizabeth G. , Esaiassen Eirin , Christophersen Lars , Jensen Peter Østrup , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Moser Claus , Flægstad Trond , Klingenberg Claus , Cavanagh Jorunn Pauline
Published: March 2019

The global spread of antimicrobial resistance and the increasing number of immune‐compromised patients are major challenges in modern medicine. Targeting bacterial virulence or the human host immune system to increase host defence are important strategies in the search for novel antimicrobial drugs. We investigated the inflammatory response of the synthetic short antimicrobial peptide LTX21 in two model systems: a human whole blood ex vivo model and a murine in vivo peritoneum model – both reflecting early innate immune response. In the whole blood model, LTX21 increased the secretion of a range of different cytokines, decreased the level of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and activated the complement system. In a haemolysis assay, we found 2.5% haemolysis at a LTX21 concentration of 500 mg/L. In the murine model, increased influx of white blood cells (WBCs) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in the murine peritoneal cavity was observed after treatment with LTX21. In addition, LTX21 increased monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). In conclusion, LTX21 affected the inflammatory response; the increase in cytokine secretion, complement activation and WBC influx indicates an activated inflammatory response. The present results indicate the impact of LTX21 on the host–pathogen interplay. Whether this will also affect the course of infection has to be investigated.
Letter: vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune hepatitis – from research to treatment
Authors: Wang Jiamei , Xu Jianjiang , Shao Xiaoping , Wu Zonggui , Liang Chun
Published: March 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Ebadi et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15029 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15154.
Letter: vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune hepatitis – from research to treatment—authors' reply
Authors: Ebadi Maryam , Czaja Albert J. , Montano‐Loza Aldo J.
Published: March 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Ebadi et al and Wang et al papers. To view
these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15029 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15147.
Editorial: you bet your life – medication risk taking by gastroparesis patients in a hypothetical exercise
Authors: Hasler William L.
Published: March 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Navas et al paper. To view this article, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15112.
Letter: the low FODMAP diet is not the only diet for IBS
Authors: Rej Anupam , Trott Nick , Sanders David S. , Aziz Imran
Published: March 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Mitchell et al papers. To view these articles,
visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15079 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15199.
Letters: low FODMAP diet—directions for future research and the low FODMAP diet is not the only diet for IBS—authors' reply
Authors: Mitchell Hannah , Porter Judi , Gibson Peter R. , Barrett Jacqueline , Garg Mayur
Published: March 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Mitchell et al, O'Brien et al and Rej et al
papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15075, https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15076 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15199.
Letter: the end of duodenal biopsies in coeliac disease?
Authors: Scicluna Catriona , Ellul Pierre
Published: March 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Fuchs et al and Kurppa et al papers. To view
these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15109 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15220.
Editorial: importance of an elevated mean platelet volume for prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Targher Giovanni , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: March 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Abeles et al and Mullish et al papers. To view
these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15191, and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15215.
Adverse immunostimulation caused by impurities: The dark side of biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Reijers Joannes A. A. , Malone Karen E. , Bajramovic Jeffrey J. , Verbeek Richard , Burggraaf Jacobus , Moerland Matthijs
Published: March 2019

Drug safety is an important issue, especially in the experimental phases of development. Adverse immunostimulation (AI) is sometimes encountered following treatment with biopharmaceuticals, which can be life‐threatening if it results in a severe systemic inflammatory reaction. Biopharmaceuticals that unexpectedly induce an inflammatory response still enter the clinic, even while meeting all regulatory requirements. Impurities (of microbial origin) in biopharmaceuticals are an often‐overlooked cause of AI. This demonstrates that the current guidelines for quality control and safety pharmacology testing are not flawless. Here, based on two case examples, several shortcomings of the guidelines are discussed. The most important of these are the lack of sensitivity for impurities, lack of testing for pyrogens other than endotoxin, and the use of insensitive animal species and biomarkers in preclinical investigations. Moreover, testing for the immunotoxicity of biopharmaceuticals is explicitly not recommended by the international guidelines. Publication of cases of AI is pivotal, both to increase awareness and to facilitate scientific discussions on how to prevent AI in the future.
Understanding the roles of ICT enterprises in promoting the ICT industry ecosystem in education: Case studies from China
Authors: Li Xuanxi , Wang Fei , Gu Xiaoqing
Published: March 2019

This study aims to explore the roles of Chinese ICT enterprises in promoting the ICT industry ecosystem in education in China, and construct a structural model of a healthy ICT industry ecosystem in education. After examining ICT demands in education, this study adopts a multiple case studies methodology. Fifty‐five employees from five enterprises (iFLYTEK, Tencent, EIST, Sh‐tz and Beijing Tstudy) participated in this research. This study mainly adopted qualitative research methods to collect data, including interviews and documentations (secondary data). Quantitative data from a questionnaire were also collected to complement the qualitative data. To ensure reliability and validity, data from multiple sources were triangulated to address the same research question. The result in‐depth illustrates the products and roles of three cases which are iFLYTEK, Tencent and EIST, and further reveals the roles of ICT enterprises. Based on the results, this study divides ICT enterprises into Small and Medium‐sized enterprises with less roles, and Large‐Scale Enterprises with more roles, and puts forward a structural model of a healthy ICT industry ecosystem in education. This study provides feasible recommendations for governments, consumers and micro and macro directions and paths for the strategic choices of enterprises. This work offers guidance to relevant researches and practices.
A posthumanist critique of flexible online learning and its “anytime anyplace” claims
Authors: Houlden Shandell , Veletsianos George
Published: March 2019

Flexible approaches to online learning are gaining renewed interest in some part due to their capacity to address emergent opportunities and concerns facing higher education. Importantly, flexible approaches to online learning are purported to be democratizing and liberatory, broadening access to higher education and enabling learners to participate in educational endeavours at “anytime” from “anyplace.” In this paper, we critique such narratives by showing that flexibility is neither universal nor neutral. Using critical theory, we demonstrate how flexibility assumes imagined autonomous learners that are self‐reliant and individualistic. Through relevant examples, we show how such a framing to flexibility is oppressive, and argue that a contextual, relative and relational understanding of flexibility may in fact be more liberatory. Such an approach to flexibility, for example, may involve contextual and relational efforts to relax prescribed curricula within courses or programmes of study.
Lysyl oxidase induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and predicts intrahepatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Umezaki Naoki , Nakagawa Shigeki , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Kitano Yuki , Arima Kota , Miyata Tatsunori , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Okabe Hirohisa , Nitta Hidetoshi , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Imai Katsunori , Chikamoto Akira , Baba Hideo
Published: March 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high recurrence rates even after curative hepatectomy. Drug therapy for recurrence of HCC is still limited; therefore, identifying new therapeutic targets is urgently needed. We searched for genes that would predict HCC recurrence from intrahepatic metastasis in an exhaustive DNA microarray database by searching genes associated with high early recurrence rate and having higher expression in the tumor area compared to background liver. We detected lysyl oxidase (LOX) and validated the clinical significance of LOX in 358 patients who underwent hepatectomy. Expression of LOX was evaluated by qRT‐ PCR, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. High LOX expression group had a significantly higher recurrence rate than the low LOX expression group (2‐year recurrence rate was 64.0% vs 24.2%, P < .0001 for IHC) and poorer survival rate (5‐year rate was 60.1% vs 86.2%, P < .0001 for IHC). Multivariate analysis showed that high LOX expression was an independent risk factor for early recurrence (IHC: HR, 2.52; P < .0001). Bioinformatic analysis showed that LOX expression was associated with hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and the hypoxia cascade, suggesting that HIF‐1α or hypoxia regulates LOX expression and induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vitro, LOX and HIF‐1α were involved in migration and invasion capability. High LOX expression is associated with EMT markers and predicts early recurrence and poor survival in patients with HCC. These findings indicate that lysyl oxidase could be a potential therapeutic target for early recurrence of HCC.
The State of the Art in Multilayer Network Visualization
Authors: McGee F. , Ghoniem M. , Melançon G. , Otjacques B. , Pinaud B.
Published: March 2019

Modelling relationship between entities in real‐world systems with a simple graph is a standard approach. However, reality is better embraced as several interdependent subsystems (or layers). Recently, the concept of a multilayer network model has emerged from the field of complex systems. This model can be applied to a wide range of real‐world data sets. Examples of multilayer networks can be found in the domains of life sciences, sociology, digital humanities and more. Within the domain of graph visualization, there are many systems which visualize data sets having many characteristics of multilayer graphs. This report provides a state of the art and a structured analysis of contemporary multilayer network visualization, not only for researchers in visualization, but also for those who aim to visualize multilayer networks in the domain of complex systems, as well as those developing systems across application domains. We have explored the visualization literature to survey visualization techniques suitable for multilayer graph visualization, as well as tools, tasks and analytic techniques from within application domains. This report also identifies the outstanding challenges for multilayer graph visualization and suggests future research directions for addressing them.
Increased urinary glucose excretion is associated with a reduced risk of hyperuricaemia
Authors: Chen J. , Qiu S.‐H. , Guo H.‐J. , Li W. , Sun Z.‐L.
Published: March 2019

Aim

To investigate the association of urinary glucose excretion with levels of serum uric acid in adults with newly diagnosed diabetes.

Methods

A total of 597 people with newly diagnosed diabetes, confirmed in an oral glucose tolerance test, were included in the present study. The participants were divided into two groups: 142 participants with low urinary glucose excretion and 455 with high urinary glucose excretion. Demographic characteristics and clinical variables were evaluated. The association of urinary glucose excretion with uric acid was analysed using multivariable regression analysis.

Results

The low urinary glucose excretion group had a significantly higher prevalence of hyperuricaemia than the high urinary glucose excretion group. Moreover, urinary glucose excretion was negatively associated with uric acid level. The correlation remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders, including gender, age, fasting plasma glucose, 2‐h plasma glucose and BMI. The results also showed that participants with high urinary glucose excretion were at decreased risk of hyperuricaemia (odds ratio 0.47, 95% CI 0.27–0.80; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Urinary glucose excretion was independently associated with uric acid level in participants with newly diagnosed diabetes. In addition to lowering blood glucose, promoting urinary glucose excretion may also be an effective approach to reducing serum uric acid levels, especially for people with diabetes complicated with hyperuricaemia.
Florivory by a floriphilic katydid,Phaneroptera brevis, induces changes in a leaf trait inLantana camara
Authors: Goh Cherry Pei Shan , Tan Ming Kai , Tan Hugh Tiang Wah
Published: March 2019

1. Plants can induce a response when they are attacked by herbivores. Although the induction of responses by herbivory in both flowers and leaves is relatively well studied, whether florivory (feeding of flowers) can also induce responses in flowers and leaves is less well explored and there are still unanswered questions. These include whether plants exhibit different levels of induced responses depending on the length of exposure to the florivores.

2. To address this knowledge gap, this study used a tropical floriphilic katydid,Phaneroptera brevis, and its non‐native food plant,Lantana camara. Nursery experiments were performed in which dry matter content and anthocyanin concentration of the flower (corolla and stamens), leaf dry matter content, and leaf blade punch resistance were measured at three time phases before and after exposing the plant to the katydid individuals for 0–7 days.

3. It was demonstrated that increasing the length (days) of exposure to the katydid individual leads to higher levels of induced plant response (leaf blade punch resistance), but only in the leaves. It was also shown that higher levels of induced plant response owing to the increase in the length of exposure to the katydid individual was not observed beyond the first set of leaves developed after the exposure.

4. These results address the knowledge gap and show that plants can exhibit different levels of induced responses depending on the length of exposure to florivores. This study thus highlights the far‐reaching importance of florivory on plants.
A review on the relation between soil and mycotoxins: Effect of aflatoxin on field, food and finance
Authors: Winter Gal , Pereg Lily
Published: March 2019

Soil phytopathogenic fungi are principally associated with crop diseases; however, the effects of fungal infection may extend beyond the field to human and animal consumers putting their health at risk. Mycotoxigenic fungi can produce secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins, which are considered to be toxic when present in human food and animal feed. Mycotoxins are characterized as odourless and tasteless compounds, thus their identification in food is difficult. Furthermore, mycotoxins are heat resistant and tolerate a wide range of pH, making them hard to breakdown. In this review we follow the fates of mycotoxins from the ecology of their producers in the soil to pre‐harvest occurrence in host plants, postharvest in storage and their effect on human well‐being, focusing on aflatoxin as a case study. Aflatoxin production begins in the soil, the natural habitat of toxin‐producing fungi of the Aspergillus spp., and its production is influenced by agricultural practices, environmental conditions and fungal interaction with the plant. The fungi are further dispersed during storage, which leads to a vast increase in toxin concentration during the storage period. Aflatoxin may then be consumed by humans or animals in raw or processed foods and feeds, respectively. Animal consumption of the toxin might carry over to humans in animal food products, such as milk. Once consumed, various forms of aflatoxin are recognized as human carcinogens and exposure is mainly associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The presence of mycotoxins in foods also carries severe economic implications because of the loss of crops, the cost of analysis and enforcement of a regulatory system. This review provides a critical analysis of each of these stages and highlights the importance of understanding soil–fungal–plant interactions as key steps in the development of successful strategies to minimize mycotoxin exposure.

Highlights

Mycotoxins are produced by soil‐borne fungi during pre‐ and post‐harvest stages.

Mycotoxins reach human diet directly by contamination of foods or indirectly through animal feeds.

Chronic and acute exposure to mycotoxins is a major health hazard.

Economic impact from mycotoxin contamination exceeds US$1 billion.
Beyond the “Crazy House”: Mental/Moral Breakdowns and Moral Agency in First‐Episode Psychosis
Authors: Myers Neely
Published: March 2019

This paper draws on a two‐year, longitudinal, prospective study of 38 young people diagnosed with early psychosis. It focuses on one young Mexican‐American woman, Ariana, over a five month period during and after her initial hospitalization for a psychotic break. I trace Ariana's moral experiences as she goes through a process of “moral breakdown” and moral rejuvenation (Zigon 2007). Ariana uses moral experiments and “ordinary ethics” to re‐imagine herself as a good person living a good life beyond the limitations of her diagnosis, prescriptions for her treatment, and the reaction of her broader community to her experience (Lambek 2010; Robbins 2013; Mattingly 2014). Her work exposes the importance and potential of intersubjective moral experimentation for healing. This paper also looks closely at the moral entanglements of the ethnographer and interlocutor to re‐imagine the ways ethnographic work can help us all mutually repair moral wounds.
Injury modifies the fate of hair follicle dermal stem cell progeny in a hair cycle‐dependent manner
Authors: Abbasi Sepideh , Biernaskie Jeff
Published: March 2019

The dermal papilla (DP) is one of two principal mesenchymal compartments of the hair follicle (HF). We previously reported that a population of HF dermal stem cells (hfDSCs) function to regenerate the dermal sheath (DS), but intriguingly also contribute new cells to the adult DP at the onset of anagen hair growth to maintain normal cycling of HFs and support the production of large hair fibres. Here, we asked whether injury altered the behaviour of hfDSCs and their progeny in order to support wound‐induced hair growth (WIHG) and if the response was modulated by hair cycle stage. αSMACreERT2:ROSAYFP mice received tamoxifen to label the DS, including hfDSCs. Full‐thickness excisions were made on the dorsal skin during various stages of the hair cycle. The skin was harvested at the subsequent anagen. Interestingly, there was an increase in the magnitude of recruitment of hfDSC progeny into the DP after injury compared to follicles entering natural second anagen. This bias towards a DP fate only occurred when a wound was induced during certain stages of the HC. In summary, injury modifies the fate of hfDSCs progeny, biasing them towards recruitment into the DP, with the hair cycle stage also influencing this response.
Impacts of increasing nitrogen:phosphorus ratios on zooplankton community composition and whitefish (Coregonus macrophthalmus) growth in a pre‐alpine lake
Authors: Lorenz Patrick , Trommer Gabriele , Stibor Herwig
Published: March 2019

The combination of increasing atmospheric depositions of reactive nitrogen (N) and the highly effective diminishing of external phosphorus (P) loadings can change key nutrient ratios in lake ecosystems. Consequently, ratios of dissolved inorganic N (DIN) to dissolved P (DP) in lakes are increasing. However, potential consequences for aquatic organisms are as yet far from understood.

We formulated three hypotheses on the potential effects of rising DIN:DP ratios on a lake food web: (1) increasing DIN:DP ratios intensify the P limitation of phytoplankton communities and lower their food quality; (2) densities of P rich zooplankters (e.g. cladocerans) will be negatively affected by P‐limited food algae; (3) as result, planktivorous fish will experience a reduction of their main prey (especially Daphnia species) and respond with lowered growth.

These hypotheses were tested in a mesocosm experiment conducted in a pre‐alpine lake in southern Germany, Lake Brunnensee. For 76 days, the natural phytoplankton and zooplankton communities were exposed to a wide gradient of DIN:DP ratios. At the end of the experiment, juvenile planktivorous whitefish (Coregonus macrophthalmus) were released into the mesocosms and allowed to feed on zooplankton communities for 72 hr.

Along the gradient of DIN:DP ratios, we found evidence for a rising P limitation of autotroph growth, which was indicated by increasing ratios of N:P (15:1–157:1) and C:P (91:1–797:1) in seston biomass. The rising P limitation in algae reduced the nutritional food quality for the majority of herbivorous zooplankton. Both the total zooplankton biomass and the Daphnia biomass declined substantially with increasing DIN:DP ratios. In contrast, increasing DIN:DP ratios favoured rotifer species, showing strong positive correlation with rotifer biomass. Whitefish weights decreased with increasing rotifer biomass and increased with rising Daphnia biomass in zooplankton communities.

In summary, our results provide an experimental demonstration that increasing DIN:DP ratios can cause stoichiometric shifts in the biomass of primary producers towards higher N:P and C:P ratios. Effects on zooplankton were changes in the taxonomical community composition towards lower cladoceran biomass (mainly Daphnia spp.). The reduction in Daphnia biomass in turn caused significantly reduced growth rates of whitefish in our experiment. Our experimental results therefore support the assumption that stoichiometric effects can travel up the food chain. General consequences of such multi‐trophic effects induced by altered nutrient ratios could be potentially visible during re‐oligotrophication of water bodies, often resulting in high N:P ratios. Further empirical studies could look for signatures of these effects on the yield of economically important species.
Temporal expression and functional analysis of long non‐coding RNAs in colorectal cancer initiation
Authors: Dai Lei , Li Junshu , Dong Zhexu , Liu Yi , Chen Ye , Chen Na , Cheng Lin , Fang Chao , Wang Huiling , Ji Yanhong , Chen Shuang , Su Xiaolan , Shi Gang , Lin Yi , Zhang Shuang , Yang Yang , Qiu Meng , Yu Dechao , Huang Wei , Zhou Zongguang , Wei Yuquan , Deng Hongxin
Published: March 2019

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have potential applications in clinical diagnosis and targeted cancer therapies. However, the expression profile of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation is still unclear. In this study, the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs were determined by microarray at specific tumour stages in an AOM/DSS‐induced primary colon cancer model. The temporal expression of lncRNAs was analysed by K‐means clustering. Additionally, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and gene ontology analysis were performed to construct co‐expression networks and establish functions of the identified lncRNAs and mRNAs. Our results suggested that 4307 lncRNAs and 5798 mRNAs are deregulated during CRC initiation. These differential expression genes (DEGs) exhibited a clear correlation with the differential stage of tumour initiation. WGCNA results suggested that a series of hub lncRNAs are involved in regulating cell stemness, colon inflammation, oxidative stress response and cell death at each stage. Among them, lncRNA H19 was up‐regulated in colon tumours and correlated with poor patient prognosis. Collectively, we have been the first to demonstrate the temporal expression and function of lncRNAs in CRC initiation. These results provide novel diagnosis and therapy targets for CRC.
Circulating anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase‐65 antibody titers are positively associated with the capacity of insulin secretion in acute‐onset type 1 diabetes with short duration in a Japanese population
Authors: Yamamura So , Fukui Tomoyasu , Mori Yusaku , Hayashi Toshiyuki , Yamamoto Takeshi , Ohara Makoto , Fukase Ayako , Sasamori Hiroto , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Hirano Tsutomu
Published: March 2019

Aims/Introduction

To elucidate the relationship between titers of islet autoantibodies, the C‐X‐C motif chemokine 10 – a circulating chemokine that activates T‐helper 1 cells leading to β‐cell destruction – and β‐cell function in type 1 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

In total, 58 type 1 diabetes patients positive for glutamic decarboxylase‐65 autoantibodies (GADA)‐radioimmunoassay (mean age 54.1 years; 27 acute‐onset cases and 31 slowly progressive cases) were enrolled; serum C‐X‐C motif chemokine 10 (n = 50), zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies (n = 50) and GADA (n = 58) by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and insulinoma‐associated antigen‐2 autoantibodies by radioimmunoassay (n = 50) were measured. The ratio of 100 × random C‐peptide (ng/mL)‐to‐plasma glucose levels (mg/dL; C‐peptide index [CPI]) was measured.

Results

The CPI significantly decreased in both groups with the progression of disease duration. GADA titers by radioimmunoassay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were strongly correlated with the CPI in acute‐onset type 1 diabetes patients with a shorter disease duration (≤10 years), but not in those with a longer duration or slowly progressive type 1 diabetes. Neither insulinoma‐associated antigen‐2 nor zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies titers were correlated with the CPI. Serum C‐X‐C motif chemokine 10 levels in both groups were significantly higher than in non‐diabetic controls, and persisted at high levels even in those with chronic duration.

Conclusions

Among islet autoantibodies, the intensity of the humoral immune response, as defined by GADA titers, reflected the degree of residual β‐cell function in acute‐onset type 1 diabetes patients with short duration. Prolonged disease activity might accelerate β‐cell impairment in both subtypes of type 1 diabetes.
Shared decision‐making (SDM) in dentistry: A concise narrative review
Authors: Asa'ad Farah
Published: March 2019

Objective

The aim of this review was to evaluate the implementation of shared decision‐making (SDM) in dentistry and the roles of informed consent and patient decision‐making aids (PDAs) as part of this process.

Materials and Methods

A review of pertinent literature was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE to determine the current position of the application of SDM in dentistry and the influence of informed consent and PDAs on this process.

Results

Limited number of published studies on the implementation of SDM in dental practice is available. These studies demonstrated that SDM is influenced by many factors. Informed consent intertwines with the SDM process and begins with providing high quality information to patients and employing PDAs. PDAs have been developed for some dental fields to facilitate the SDM process.

Conclusions

SDM is applied in dentistry and is influenced by many factors. Informed consent is an important part of this process. PDAs in more dental fields need to be further developed, in order to ensure a satisfactory integration of patients in the SDM process.
Evaluation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model for the viral infections of fish
Authors: Rakus Krzysztof , Adamek Mikołaj , Mojżesz Miriam , Podlasz Piotr , Chmielewska‐Krzesińska Małgorzata , Duk Karolina , Kasica‐Jarosz Natalia , Kłak Katarzyna , Rakers Sebastian , Way Keith , Steinhagen Dieter , Chadzińska Magdalena
Published: March 2019

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a laboratory model organism used in different areas of biological research including studies of immune response and host–pathogen interactions. Thanks to many biological tools available, zebrafish becomes also an important model in aquaculture research since several fish viral infection models have been developed for zebrafish. Here, we have evaluated the possible use of zebrafish to study infections with fish viruses that have not yet been tested on this model organism. In vitro studies demonstrated that chum salmon reovirus (CSV; aquareovirus A) and two alloherpesviruses cyprinid herpesvirus 1 (CyHV‐1) and cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) are able to replicate in zebrafish cell lines ZF4 and SJD.1. Moreover, CSV induced a clear cytopathic effect and up‐regulated the expression of antiviral genes vig‐1 and mxa in both cell lines. In vivo studies demonstrated that both CSV and CyHV‐3 induce up‐regulation of vig‐1 and mxa expression in kidney and spleen of adult zebrafish after infection by i.p. injection but not in larvae after infection by immersion. CyHV‐3 is eliminated quickly from fish; therefore, virus clearing process could be evaluated, and in CSV‐infected fish, a prolonged confrontation of the host with the pathogen could be studied.
Effect of low‐temperature vacuum frying assisted by microwave on the property of fish fillets (Aristichthys nobilis)
Authors: Shi Hao , Zhang Min , Yang Chaohui
Published: March 2019

This study investigated the effect of microwave‐assisted vacuum frying (MVF) on the processing of bighead carp fish fillets (Aristichthys nobilis, FF) at low temperature (90 ± 2°C) and at the same vacuum degree (0.085 ± 0.002 MPa). FF were fried with vacuum frying (VF) and MVF methods at different power levels (800, 900, and 1,000 W). Parameters were used to evaluate the effect of various VF conditions on the processing of fried FF, including moisture content, oil content, color parameters (L*, a*, b*, ΔE*), texture (hardness), also scanning electron microscopy and sensory evaluation of fried FF were carried out in our study. The application of MVF significantly increased the water evaporation rate. Oil content of the fried FF reduced significantly at lower power levels (800 and 900 W), producing with more well‐distributed pores, thinner fiber interval and more desirable outlooks. Higher microwave power (1,000 W) during MVF resulted in faster moisture removal, brighter the products. Results of this study indicated that MVF is an alternative frying method for the fried FF to maintain good quality.

Practical applications

Microwave‐assisted vacuum frying (MVF) can significantly reduce the oil content in the fish fillets on the premise of ensuring the good appearance and texture of the products, compared with the traditional frying at normal atmospheric pressure and vacuum condition. It could be applied to other aquatic products and meat products in further study. With deepening of research on microwave technology and the development of microwave instruments, MVF technology will have wide application and development prospects.
An inductive qualitative approach to explore Nurse Practitioners views on leadership and research: An international perspective
Authors: Ryder Mary , Jacob Elisabeth , Hendricks Joyce
Published: March 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore the ways in which Irish and Australian Nurse Practitioners (NPs) implement leadership and research in their roles and whether there is a difference in how leadership and research are demonstrated between NPs in Ireland and Australia.

Background

The original concept of the NP role was to expand nursing practice in order to provide high‐quality, accessible health care to patients. This placed NPs at the crux of changes to healthcare delivery. Implementing these changes requires leadership. Research demonstrates the effects of these changes to healthcare delivery and contributes to healthcare knowledge from the nursing profession.

Design

In the qualitative phase of a mixed methods study, an interpretative descriptive approach was used to draw on participant experiences.

Methods

Thirty‐eight respondents agreed to be interviewed following an online survey. Ten interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke thematic analysis method. The research complied with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research, COREQ.

Results

Ten participants, five NPs from Ireland and five from Australia were interviewed. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (a) Innovative leadership, which included the categories of leadership activities, the work of NPs and trailblazers; (b) Optimism, incorporating pride in achievements, the future outlook for the role and continued innovation of NPs over time; (c) Research, which included the NP research role, research challenges, support and research leadership; and (d) Resilience, which included overcoming resistance, isolation and seeking positive support systems.

Conclusion

Nurse Practitioners are clinical leaders focused on improving healthcare delivery for patient populations. There is a lack of understanding of the NP role. Nurse Practitioners lack confidence to be independently research active. Research by NPs requires support from nurses in academia. There is no difference in the role in Ireland and Australia.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse Practitioners are engaged in healthcare transformation. Nurse Practitioners require support from research experts in academia to make a significant contribution to nursing knowledge in healthcare delivery.
Perceptions of Australian and New Zealand clinicians caring for neonates born at the borderline of viability have changed since the 2005 consensus guideline
Authors: Hogan Sara , Lui Kei , Kent Alison L
Published: March 2019

Aim

To determine whether clinician and consumer considerations have changed regarding the resuscitation and support of neonates born at the borderlines of viability since the 2005 New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) consensus guidelines were developed.

Methods

A prospective survey based on the hypotheses and scenarios developed in the original NSW and ACT consensus workshop on perinatal care at the borderlines of viability was sent to neonatologists, fetal medicine specialists, clinical midwife and clinical neonatal consultants and consumer representatives in Australia and New Zealand. Four scenarios and 16 questions were used to explore the respondent's views towards different aspects of the management of neonates born at the borderlines of viability. Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network data from 2013 or NSW/ACT Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUS) data from 1998 to 2004 were used to provide outcome data for each scenario.

Results

A total of 87% or more of respondents advocated for resuscitation of neonates at 24 and 25 weeks' gestation in 2015. Only 29% (49/169) would agree to parental request not to resuscitate at 25 weeks and only 10% (17/170) at 260–6 weeks. The number of perinatal clinical care providers considering resuscitation at 235 weeks' gestation increased from 23% in 2005 to more than 50% in 2015.

Conclusion

These findings support the development of updated guidelines for the management of neonates in Australia and New Zealand born at the borderlines of viability to reflect the changes in clinical perceptions and management.
HEV in pregnancy: Understanding the crucial role of steroid hormones
Authors: Horvatits Thomas , Pischke Sven
Published: March 2019

See Article on Page 633
To be or not to be oxidized: A case study of olivine behavior in the fusion crust of ureilite A 09368 and H chondrites A 09004 and A 09502
Authors: Pittarello Lidia , Yamaguchi Akira , Roszjar Julia , Debaille Vinciane , Koeberl Christian , Claeys Philippe
Published: March 2019

Meteorite fusion crusts are quenched melt layers formed during meteoroid atmospheric entry, mostly preserved as coating on the meteorite surface. Antarctic ureilite Asuka (A) 09368 and H chondrites A 09004 and A 09502 exhibit well preserved thick fusion crusts, characterized by extensive olivine crystallization. As olivine is one of the major components of most meteorites and its petrologic behavior is well constrained, it can be roughly considered as representative for the bulk meteorite. Thus, in this work, the evolution of olivine in fusion crusts of the above‐listed selected samples is investigated. The different shape and chemistry of olivine crystallized in the fusion crust, both as overgrown rim on relic olivine clasts and as new crystals, suggest a general temperature and cooling rate gradient. The occurrence of reverse and oscillatory zoning in individual olivine grains within the fusion crust suggests complex redox reactions. Overall, the investigated fusion crusts exhibit a general oxidation of the relatively reduced initial material. However, evidence of local reduction is preserved. Reduction is likely triggered by the presence of carbon in the ureilite or by overheating during the atmospheric entry. Constraining these processes provides a potential analog for interpreting features observed in cosmic spherules and micrometeorites and for calibrating experiments and numerical models on the formation of fusion crusts.
The spatiotemporal control of KatG2 catalase‐peroxidase contributes to the invasiveness of Fusarium graminearum in host plants
Authors: Guo Yan , Yao Shenghua , Yuan Tinglu , Wang Yanzhang , Zhang Dong , Tang Weihua
Published: March 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the pathogen‐host interactions, and play a Janus‐faced role in the resistance and susceptibility of plants to biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens. The ascomycete fungus Fusarium graminearum causes hazardous wheat Fusarium head blight worldwide. Deletion of the putative secreted catalase‐peroxidase gene in F. graminearum, KatG2, reduced the virulence in wheat spike infection. However, it remains unclear when and where KatG2 scavenges ROS during the invasion of wheat. In this study, we delineate the change in ROS levels in the transition of the infection phase under microscopic observation. Correspondingly, the pathogen switches its strategy of infection with temporal and spatial regulation of KatG2 to counteract oxidative stress generated by host plant cells. With the native promoter‐driven KatG2‐mRFP strain, we show that KatG2‐mRFP expression was induced in planta and accumulated in the infection front region at the early infection stage. In contrast to its ubiquitous cellular localization in runner hyphae, KatG2‐mRFP is exclusively located on the cell wall of invading hyphal cells, especially at the pathogen‐host cellular interface. Using posttranslational modification analysis, we found that asparagine residues at the 238 and 391 positions of KatG2 could be modified by N‐glycosylation and that these two residues are required for KatG2 accumulation and cell wall localization in planta.
Oral epithelial membrane‐associated mucins and transcriptional changes with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Culp David J. , Stewart Carol , Wallet Shannon M.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To determine expression and localization of membrane‐associated mucins within human keratinized and non‐keratinized oral epithelia, and to explore transcriptional changes associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Subjects and Methods

Mucin transcripts and glycoproteins were determined by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in oral keratinized (hard palate) and non‐keratinized (buccal) epithelia obtained from three cadavers. Mucin transcripts assessed by quantitative PCR were compared between cells harvested by brushing buccal and palatal epithelia of 25 female primary Sjögren's syndrome patients vs 25 healthy age‐matched female control subjects.

Results

In hard palate, MUC4 is absent and MUC1 localized to deeper cell layers. Both mucins are within the apical layers of buccal epithelium. MUC15 is localized throughout all palatal cell layers and in all but the basal layer of buccal epithelia. MUC16, MUC20, and MUC21 glycoproteins are localized within all but the basal cell layer of both tissue types. In buccal cells of primary Sjögren's patients, MUC21 transcripts are down‐regulated 3.4‐fold and MUC20 2.6‐fold. Dysregulation of select epithelial mucins may therefore contribute to xerostomia.

Conclusions

Differential expression of multiple mucins and down‐regulation in Sjögren's syndrome support further study of oral epithelial mucin physiology and pathophysiology, including their functions in hydration and lubrication of the oral mucosal pellicle.
A “Ferguson Effect” on 2016 Presidential Vote Preference? Findings from a Framing Experiment Examining “Shy Voters” and Cues Related to Policing and Social Unrest*
Authors: Wozniak Kevin H. , Calfano Brian R. , Drakulich Kevin M.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

This study explored the sociopolitical influence of controversies related to policing and “law and order” during the 2016 presidential campaign. Following incidences of social unrest sparked by lethal confrontations between police officers and people of color, Donald Trump condemned protesters and expressed unwavering support for the police, while Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders expressed empathy with communities of color and called for criminal justice reform.

Method

We conducted a framing experiment to test whether exposure to images designed to evoke a range of hostile to benign police–civilian interactions affected respondents’ vote preference in the lead‐up to the presidential election.

Results

We found that exposure to an image of police–civilian interactions decreased the likelihood that a respondent would choose not to express a vote preference. This effect was most pronounced among political independents and respondents low in political awareness. We also found that exposure to a picture of the militarized police response to protesters in Ferguson, Missouri, significantly altered candidate choice, and this effect varied across political partisanship.

Conclusions

We conclude that electoral rhetoric about crime, mass protests, and “law and order” continues to be impactful in 21st‐century American politics. We also find some evidence consistent with the “shy Trump voters” hypothesis that some people were unwilling to publicly disclose their preference for Donald Trump in pre‐election polls.
Reappraising David Livingstone's The Geographical Tradition from complex locations: More‐than‐contextual historiographies
Authors: Maddrell Avril
Published: March 2019

This paper reflects on The Geographical Tradition through the lens of feminist and other critical historiographies of geography, linking therein to recent discussion on the relative merits of canonical status and the dilemmas and legacies of wide‐ranging, selective, and partial histories. It argues for inclusive, more‐than‐contextual historiographies, and reflects on what these mean epistemologically, methodologically, and in terms of the contemporary experience of the discipline.