bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of a Novel Cytochrome P450 Promotes Flavonoid Biosynthesis and Osmotic Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Ahmad Naveed , Jianyu Liu , Xu Tian , Noman Muhammad , Jameel Aysha , Na Yao , Yuanyuan Dong , Nan Wang , Xiaowei Li , Fawei Wang , Xiuming Liu , Haiyan Li
Published: September 2019

Flavonoids are mainly associated with growth, development, and responses to diverse abiotic stresses in plants. A growing amount of data have demonstrated the biosynthesis of flavonoids through multienzyme complexes of which the membrane-bounded cytochrome P450 supergene family shares a crucial part. However, the explicit regulation mechanism of Cytochrome P450s related to flavonoid biosynthesis largely remains elusive. In the present study, we reported the identification of a stress-tolerant flavonoid biosynthetic CtCYP82G24 gene from Carthamus tinctorius. The transient transformation of CtCYP82G24 determined the subcellular localization to the cytosol. Heterologously expressed CtCYP82G24 was effective to catalyze the substrate-specific conversion, promoting the de novo biosynthesis of flavonoids in vitro. Furthermore, a qRT-PCR assay and the accumulation of metabolites demonstrated that the expression of CtCYP82G24 was effectively induced by Polyethylene glycol stress in transgenic Arabidopsis. In addition, the overexpression of CtCYP82G24 could also trigger expression levels of several other flavonoid biosynthetic genes in transgenic plants. Taken together, our findings suggest that CtCYP82G24 overexpression plays a decisive regulatory role in PEG-induced osmotic stress tolerance and alleviates flavonoid accumulation in transgenic Arabidopsis.
Leishmania Mitochondrial Genomes: Maxicircle Structure and Heterogeneity of Minicircles
Authors: Camacho Esther , Rastrojo Alberto , Sanchiz África , González-de la Fuente Sandra , Aguado Begoña , Requena Jose M.
Published: September 2019

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is present in almost all eukaryotic organisms, is a useful marker for phylogenetic studies due to its relative high conservation and its inheritance manner. In Leishmania and other trypanosomatids, the mtDNA (also referred to as kinetoplast DNA or kDNA) is composed of thousands of minicircles and a few maxicircles, catenated together into a complex network. Maxicircles are functionally similar to other eukaryotic mtDNAs, whereas minicircles are involved in RNA editing of some maxicircle-encoded transcripts. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is increasingly used for assembling nuclear genomes and, currently, a large number of genomic sequences are available. However, most of the time, the mitochondrial genome is ignored in the genome assembly processes. The aim of this study was to develop a pipeline to assemble Leishmania minicircles and maxicircle DNA molecules, exploiting the raw data generated in the NGS projects. As a result, the maxicircle molecules and the plethora of minicircle classes for Leishmania major, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis have been characterized. We have observed that whereas the heterogeneity of minicircle sequences existing in a single cell hampers their use for Leishmania typing and classification, maxicircles emerge as an extremely robust genetic marker for taxonomic studies within the clade of kinetoplastids.
A Useful SNP Panel to Distinguish Two Cockle Species, Cerastoderma edule and C. glaucum, Co-Occurring in Some European Beds, and Their Putative Hybrids
Authors: Maroso Francesco , Pérez de Gracia Celia , Iglesias David , Cao Asunción , Díaz Seila , Villalba Antonio , Vera Manuel , Martínez Paulino
Published: September 2019

Cockles are highly appreciated mollusks and provide important services in coastal areas. The two European species, edible (Cerastoderma edule) and lagoon (Cerastoderma glaucum) cockles, are not easily distinguishable, especially when young. Interestingly, the species show different resistance to Marteilia cochillia, the parasite responsible for marteiliosis outbreaks, which is devastating cockle production in some areas. C. edule is severely affected by the parasite, while C. glaucum seems to be resistant, although underlying reasons are still unknown. Hybrids between both species might be interesting to introgress allelic variants responsible for tolerance, either naturally or through artificial selection, from lagoon into edible cockle. Here, we used 2b restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (2b–RAD) to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) diagnostic for cockle discrimination (fixed for alternative allelic variants). Among the nine diagnostic SNPs selected, seven were validated using a SNaPshot assay in samples covering most of the distribution range of both species. The validated SNPs were used to check cockles that were suggested to be hybrids by a claimed diagnostic tool based on the internal transcribed spacers of the ribosomal RNA. Although these were shown to be false positives, we cannot rule out the fact that hybrids can occur and be viable. The SNP tool here developed will be valuable for their identification and management.
Absence of Collagen Flowers on Electron Microscopy and Identification of (Likely) Pathogenic COL5A1 Variants in Two Patients
Authors: Angwin Chloe , Brady Angela F. , Colombi Marina , Ferguson David J. P. , Pollitt Rebecca , Pope F. Michael , Ritelli Marco , Symoens Sofie , Ghali Neeti , van Dijk Fleur S.
Published: September 2019

Two probands are reported with pathogenic and likely pathogenic COL5A1 variants (frameshift and splice site) in whom no collagen flowers have been identified with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). One proband fulfils the clinical criteria for classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cEDS) while the other does not and presents with a vascular complication. This case report highlights the significant intrafamilial variability within the cEDS phenotype and demonstrates that patients with pathogenic COL5A1 variants can have an absence of collagen flowers on TEM skin biopsy analysis. This has not been previously reported in the literature and is important when evaluating the significance of a TEM result in patients with clinically suspected cEDS and underscores the relevance of molecular analysis.
Integrated Geomorphological and Geospatial Analysis for Mapping Fluvial Landforms in Murge Basse Karst of Apulia (Southern Italy)
Authors: Teofilo Gianvito , Gioia Dario , Spalluto Luigi
Published: September 2019

An integrated geomorphological and geospatial study was performed in order to map fluvial landforms in a sector of Lama Lamasinata close to the town of Binetto in the Murge Basse karst (metropolitan area of Bari, Apulia, Southern Italy). This study describes a combined approach, based on geomorphological fieldwork and topographical position index (TPI)-based landform classification, aimed at identifying the main landforms in an anthropically-modified environment, which suffered a progressive transformation of original morphologies. The resulting geomorphological map of fluvial features was then compared with the available cartography in order to highlight the main strength of the applied methodology in mapping fluvial landforms. Moreover, semi-automatic landform classification was performed for the entire catchment of the Lama Lamasinata in order to evaluate the usefulness of the approach for the fast and objective delimitation of widespread geomorphological elements of the Murge area such as flat-bottomed valleys with steep- or gently-dipping flanks and relict incised valleys. We demonstrated that such an approach can efficiently support land use planning in an area affected by hydrogeological hazards.
Association between Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and Microalbuminuria and to Predict the Risk for the Development of Microalbuminuria Using Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity Measurement in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Kim Byong-Kyu , Acharya Dilaram , Nah Deuk-Young , Rhee Moo-Yong , Yoo Seok-Ju , Lee Kwan
Published: September 2019

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) provides a useful means of assessing cardiovascular events and diabetic complications. However, the nature of associations between baPWV and microalbuminuria (MAU) and its presence in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) have rarely been investigated. This study aimed to examine the association between baPWV and MAU coupled with prediction of MAU using baPWV measurement among Type 2 DM patients. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 424 Type 2 DM patients who visited the cardiology and endocrinology department at a tertiary level health care facility, Republic of Korea between 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2008. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, and risk factors associated with MAU and prediction of risk for the development of MAU using baPWV measurement. The association between MAU and baPWV was examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis and predicted MAU by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Of the 424 Type 2 DM patients, 93 (21.9%) had MAU (20–200 μg/min). baPWV (cm/sec) was found to be significantly correlated with MAU levels (ug/min) (r = 0.791, p < 0.001). Further, baPWV was significantly associated MAU with higher odds ratio (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 10.899; 95% confidence interval (CI) (4.518–26.292)). Similarly, smoking (AOR 5.736; 95% CI (1.036–31.755)), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (mg/dL) (AOR 1.017; 95% CI (1.001–1.033)) were also significantly associated with MAU. The appropriate cut-off value for baPWV to predict MAU 20 μg/min in our study was 1700 cm/sec (area under ROC curve = 0.976). This study shows that baPWV, cigarette smoking, and LDL-cholesterol are associated with MAU in Type 2 DM patients and suggests that a baPWV cut-off of 1700 cm/sec could be used to predict the presence of MAU (20 μg/min) in Type 2 DM patients in the Korean community.
A Counting Process Approach for Trend Assessment of Drought Condition
Authors: Di Giuseppe Edmondo , Pasqui Massimiliano , Magno Ramona , Quaresima Sara
Published: September 2019

This paper discusses some methodological aspects of the historical analysis of drought, particularly the trend assessment. The Standardized Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) is widely used as a measure of drought condition. Since different SPEI thresholds allow classifying the risk into moderate, severe, and extreme, the drought occurrence becomes a counting process. In this framework, would a statistical trend test based on a Non-Homogeneous Poisson Process (NHPP) give a similar result of the nonparametric Mann–Kendall (M-K) test? In this paper, we demonstrate that the NHPP approach is able to characterize the information given by the classical M-K approach in term of drought risk classes. Furthermore, we show how it can be used to reinforce the framework of drought trend analysis in combination with a standard non-parametric approach. At a global scale, we find that: (1) areas under increasing risk of drought identified by the NHPP approach are considerably larger in comparison to those identified by M-K; and (2) the results of the two tests are different during crucial periods such as hydrological droughts in winter and spring.
In Vitro Reconstruction of Xenopus Oocyte Ovulation
Authors: Tokmakov Alexander A. , Matsumoto Yuta , Isobe Takumi , Sato Ken-Ichi
Published: September 2019

Progesterone is widely used to induce maturation of isolated fully grown oocytes of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. However, the hormone fails to release oocytes from the layer of surrounding follicle cells. Here, we report that maturation and follicle rupture can be recapitulated in vitro by treating isolated follicular oocytes with progesterone and low doses of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), collagenase, which are ineffective in the absence of the steroid. Using this in vitro ovulation model, we demonstrate that germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and oocyte liberation from ovarian follicles occur synchronously during ovulation. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway in these experimental settings suppresses both GVBD and follicular rupture, whereas inhibition of MMP activity delays follicular rupture without affecting GVBD. These results highlight importance of MAPK and MMP activities in the ovulation process and provide the first evidence for their involvement in the release of oocytes from ovarian follicles in frogs. The in vitro ovulation model developed in our study can be employed for further dissection of ovulation.
BET Proteins Are Required for Transcriptional Activation of the Senescent Islet Cell Secretome in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Thompson Peter J. , Shah Ajit , Apostolopolou Hara , Bhushan Anil
Published: September 2019

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from the progressive loss of pancreatic beta cells as a result of autoimmune destruction. We recently reported that during the natural history of T1D in humans and the female nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model, beta cells acquire a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that is a major driver of disease onset and progression, but the mechanisms that activate SASP in beta cells were not explored. Here, we show that the SASP in islet cells is transcriptionally controlled by Bromodomain ExtraTerminal (BET) proteins, including Bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4). A chromatin analysis of key beta cell SASP genes in NOD islets revealed binding of BRD4 at active regulatory regions. BET protein inhibition in NOD islets diminished not only the transcriptional activation and secretion of SASP factors, but also the non-cell autonomous activity. BET protein inhibition also decreased the extent of SASP induction in human islets exposed to DNA damage. The BET protein inhibitor iBET-762 prevented diabetes in NOD mice and also attenuated SASP in islet cells in vivo. Taken together, our findings support a crucial role for BET proteins in the activation of the SASP transcriptional program in islet cells. These studies suggest avenues for preventing T1D by transcriptional inhibition of SASP.
The Need for Multi-Omics Biomarker Signatures in Precision Medicine
Authors: Olivier Michael , Asmis Reto , Hawkins Gregory A. , Howard Timothy D. , Cox Laura A.
Published: September 2019

Recent advances in omics technologies have led to unprecedented efforts characterizing the molecular changes that underlie the development and progression of a wide array of complex human diseases, including cancer. As a result, multi-omics analyses—which take advantage of these technologies in genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics areas—have been proposed and heralded as the key to advancing precision medicine in the clinic. In the field of precision oncology, genomics approaches, and, more recently, other omics analyses have helped reveal several key mechanisms in cancer development, treatment resistance, and recurrence risk, and several of these findings have been implemented in clinical oncology to help guide treatment decisions. However, truly integrated multi-omics analyses have not been applied widely, preventing further advances in precision medicine. Additional efforts are needed to develop the analytical infrastructure necessary to generate, analyze, and annotate multi-omics data effectively to inform precision medicine-based decision-making.
New Strategies to Overcome Resistance to Chemotherapy and Immune System in Cancer
Authors: Riganti Chiara , Contino Marialessandra
Published: September 2019

MultiDrug resistance (MDR) is a complex phenomenon responsible for multiple cross-resistance towards structurally unrelated drugs and it characterizes almost 70% of solid and haematological tumours at the diagnosis [...]
SLAM-SAP-Fyn: Old Players with New Roles in iNKT Cell Development and Function
Authors: Bahal Devika , Hashem Tanwir , Nichols Kim E. , Das Rupali
Published: September 2019

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique T cell lineage that develop in the thymus and emerge with a memory-like phenotype. Accordingly, following antigenic stimulation, they can rapidly produce copious amounts of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and mediate activation of several immune cells. Thus, it is not surprising that iNKT cells play diverse roles in a broad range of diseases. Given their pivotal roles in host immunity, it is crucial that we understand the mechanisms that govern iNKT cell development and effector functions. Over the last two decades, several studies have contributed to the current knowledge of iNKT cell biology and activity. Collectively, these studies reveal that the thymic development of iNKT cells, their lineage expansion, and functional properties are tightly regulated by a complex network of transcription factors and signaling molecules. While prior studies have clearly established the importance of the SLAM-SAP-Fyn signaling axis in iNKT cell ontogenesis, recent studies provide exciting mechanistic insights into the role of this signaling cascade in iNKT cell development, lineage fate decisions, and functions. Here we summarize the previous literature and discuss the more recent studies that guide our understanding of iNKT cell development and functional responses.
Lysyl Oxidase-Like 2 Protects against Progressive and Aging Related Knee Joint Osteoarthritis in Mice
Authors: Tashkandi Mustafa , Ali Faiza , Alsaqer Saqer , Alhousami Thabet , Cano Amparo , Martin Alberto , Salvador Fernando , Portillo Francisco , C. Gerstenfeld Louis , Goldring Mary B. , Bais Manish V.
Published: September 2019

Background: The goal of this study was to determine if adenovirus-delivered LOXL2 protects against progressive knee osteoarthritis (OA), assess its specific mechanism of action; and determine if the overexpression of LOXL2 in transgenic mice can protect against the development of OA-related cartilage damage and joint disability. Methods: Four-month-old Cho/+ male and female mice were intraperitoneally injected with either Adv-RFP-LOXL2 or an empty vector twice a month for four months. The proteoglycan levels and the expression of anabolic and catabolic genes were examined by immunostaining and qRT-PCR. The effect of LOXL2 expression on signaling was tested via the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1β in the cartilage cell line ATDC5. Finally; the OA by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) injection was also induced in transgenic mice with systemic overexpression of LOXL2 and examined gene expression and joint function by treadmill tests and assessment of allodynia. Results: The adenovirus treatment upregulated LOXL2; Sox9; Acan and Runx2 expression in both males and females. The Adv-RFP-LOXL2 injection; but not the empty vector injection increased proteoglycan staining and aggrecan expression but reduced MMP13 expression. LOXL2 attenuated IL-1β-induced phospho-NF-κB/p65 and rescued chondrogenic lineage-related genes in ATDC5 cells; demonstrating one potential protective mechanism. LOXL2 attenuated phospho-NF-κB independent of its enzymatic activity. Finally; LOXL2-overexpressing transgenic mice were protected from MIA-induced OA-related functional changes; including the time and distance traveled on the treadmill and allodynia. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that systemic LOXL2 adenovirus or LOXL2 genetic overexpression in mice can protect against OA. These findings demonstrate the potential for LOXL2 gene therapy for knee-OA clinical treatment in the future.
Disruptions of Autophagy in the Rat Retina with Age During the Development of Age-Related-Macular-Degeneration-like Retinopathy
Authors: Kozhevnikova Oyuna S. , Telegina Darya V. , Tyumentsev Mikhail A. , Kolosova Nataliya G.
Published: September 2019

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the main causes of vision impairment in the elderly. Autophagy is the process of delivery of cytoplasmic components into lysosomes for cleavage; its age-related malfunction may contribute to AMD. Here we showed that the development of AMD-like retinopathy in OXYS rats is accompanied by retinal transcriptome changes affecting genes involved in autophagy. These genes are associated with kinase activity, immune processes, and FoxO, mTOR, PI3K-AKT, MAPK, AMPK, and neurotrophin pathways at preclinical and manifestation stages, as well as vesicle transport and processes in lysosomes at the progression stage. We demonstrated a reduced response to autophagy modulation (inhibition or induction) in the OXYS retina at age 16 months: expression of genes Atg5, Atg7, Becn1, Nbr1, Map1lc3b, p62, and Gabarapl1 differed between OXYS and Wistar (control) rats. The impaired reactivity of autophagy was confirmed by a decreased number of autophagosomes under the conditions of blocked autophagosome–lysosomal fusion according to immunohistochemical analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Thus, the development of AMD signs occurs against the background of changes in the expression of autophagy-related genes and a decrease in autophagy reactivity: the ability to enhance autophagic flux in response to stress.
CircRNA Expression Pattern and ceRNA and miRNA–mRNA Networks Involved in Anther Development in the CMS Line of Brassica campestris
Authors: Liang Yuwei , Zhang Yuzhi , Xu Liai , Zhou Dong , Jin Zongmin , Zhou Huiyan , Lin Sue , Cao Jiashu , Huang Li
Published: September 2019

Male-sterile plants provide an important breeding tool for the heterosis of hybrid crops, such as Brassicaceae. In the last decade, circular RNAs (circRNAs), as a novel class of covalently closed and single-stranded endogenous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), have received much attention because of their functions as “microRNA (miRNA) sponges” and “competing endogenous RNAs” (ceRNAs). However, the information about circRNAs in the regulation of male-sterility and anther development is limited. In this study, we established the Polima cytoplasm male sterility (CMS) line “Bcpol97-05A”, and the fertile line, “Bcajh97-01B”, in Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Makino, syn. B. rapa ssp. chinensis, and performed RNA expression profiling comparisons between the flower buds of the sterile line and fertile line by whole-transcriptome sequencing. A total of 31 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs, 47 DE miRNAs, and 4779 DE mRNAs were identified. By using Cytoscape, the miRNA-mediated regulatory network and ceRNA network were constructed, and the circRNA A02:23507399|23531438 was hypothesized to be an important circRNA regulating anther development at the post-transcriptional level. The gene ontology (GO) analysis demonstrated that miRNAs and circRNAs could regulate the orderly secretion and deposition of cellulose, sporopollenin, pectin, and tryphine; the timely degradation of lipids; and the programmed cell death (PCD) of tapetum cells, which play key roles in anther development. Our study revealed a new circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network, which is involved in the anther development of B. campestris, which enriched the understanding of CMS in flowering plants, and laid a foundation for further study on the functions of circRNAs and miRNAs during anther development.
Sperm IZUMO1-Dependent Gamete Fusion Influences Male Fertility in Mice
Authors: Saito Takako , Wada Ikuo , Inoue Naokazu
Published: September 2019

Sperm–egg fusion is accomplished through the interaction of a specific set of membrane proteins in each gamete: sperm IZUMO1 and oocyte JUNO. Recently, we found that alternative splicing of the Izumo1 gene generates a novel IZUMO1 isoform (IZUMO1_v2). Here, we obtained four mouse lines, having graded different levels of IZUMO1 protein by combining an original IZUMO1 (IZUMO1_v1) knockout with IZUMO1-null (both IZUMO1_v1 and _v2 disrupted) genetic background, in order to determine how the quantity of IZUMO1 influences male fertility. Subsequently, we clarified that the signal intensity from two quantitative assays, western blot and immunostaining analyses with a monoclonal antibody against mouse IZUMO1, were strongly correlated with average litter size. These results suggest that evaluating IZUMO1 protein levels is useful for predicting fecundity, and is a suitable test for male fertility.
Decorin Secreted by Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induces Macrophage Polarization via CD44 to Repair Hyperoxic Lung Injury
Authors: Kwon Ji Hye , Kim Miyeon , Bae Yun Kyung , Kim Gee-Hye , Choi Soo Jin , Oh Wonil , Um Soyoun , Jin Hye Jin
Published: September 2019

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), caused by hyperoxia in newborns and infants, results in lung damage and abnormal pulmonary function. However, the current treatments for BPD are steroidal and pharmacological therapies, which cause neurodevelopmental impairment. Treatment with umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) is an efficient alternative approach. To prevent pulmonary inflammation in BPD, this study investigated the hypothesis that a key regulator was secreted by MSCs to polarize inflammatory macrophages into anti-inflammatory macrophages at inflammation sites. Lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages co-cultured with MSCs secreted low levels of the inflammatory cytokines, IL-8 and IL-6, but high levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Silencing decorin in MSCs suppressed the expression of CD44, which mediates anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages. The effects of MSCs were examined in a rat model of hyperoxic lung damage. Macrophage polarization differed depending on the levels of decorin secreted by MSCs. Moreover, intratracheal injection of decorin-silenced MSCs or MSCs secreting low levels of decorin confirmed impaired alveolarization of damaged lung tissues by down-regulation of decorin. In tissues, a decrease in the anti-inflammatory macrophage marker, CD163, was observed via CD44. Thus, we identified decorin as a key paracrine factor, inducing macrophage polarization via CD44, a master immunoregulator in mesenchymal stem cells.
Auxin-Induced Adventitious Root Formation in Nodal Cuttings of Camellia sinensis
Authors: Wei Kang , Ruan Li , Wang Liyuan , Cheng Hao
Published: September 2019

Adventitious root (AR) formation is essential for the successful propagation of Camellia sinensis and auxins play promotive effects on this process. Nowadays, the mechanism of auxin-induced AR formation in tea cuttings is widely studied. However, a lack of global view of the underlying mechanism has largely inhibited further studies. In this paper, recent advances including endogenous hormone changes, nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) signals, secondary metabolism, cell wall reconstruction, and mechanisms involved in auxin signaling are reviewed. A further time course analysis of transcriptome changes in tea cuttings during AR formation is also suggested to deepen our understanding. The purpose of this paper is to offer an overview on the most recent developments especially on those key aspects affected by auxins and that play important roles in AR formation in tea plants.
Self-Portrait, Selfie, Self: Notes on Identity and Documentation in the Digital Age
Authors: Gorichanaz Tim
Published: September 2019

Though the self-portrait has been hailed as the defining artistic genre of modernity, there is not yet a good account of what the self-portrait actually is. This paper provides such an account through the lens of document theory and the philosophy of information. In this paper, the self-portrait is conceptualized as a kind of document, more specifically a kind of self-document, to gain insight into the phenomenon. A self-portrait is shown to be a construction, and not just a representation, of oneself. Creating a self-portrait then is a matter of bringing oneself forth over time—constructing oneself, rather than simply depicting oneself. This account provides grounds to consider whether or how the selfie truly is a form of self-portrait, as is often asserted. In the end, it seems that while both are technologies for self-construction, the self-portrait has the capacity for deep self-construction, whereas the selfie is limited to fewer aspects of the self. This prospect leads into an ethical discussion of the changing concept of identity in the digital age.
Population Genetic Structure of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Korea
Authors: Nam Hwa Yeun , Park Yujeong , Lee Joon-Ho
Published: September 2019

Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a serious polyphagous agricultural pest worldwide. In the present study, we used eight microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of A. gossypii populations in Korea. Samples were collected from 37 locations in Korea (18 populations in 2016, 14 populations in 2017, and five populations in 2018) from pepper plants. A. gossypii had low to moderate genetic diversity, and expected heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.354 to 0.719. A Mantel test of isolation by distance indicated no relationship between genetic structure and geographic distance among all populations (r2 = 0.0004, p = 0.370), suggesting high gene flow among populations in Korea. Populations of A. gossypii in Korea were divided into two distinct genetic clusters (ΔK = 2). In 2016 and 2017, the genetic clusters changed into opposite genetic structures within one year mostly in northwest and southeast parts of Korea. Possible relevance of study results was discussed. Chemical control, cyclical parthenogenesis, and immigrants from the exterior might have resulted in this low genetic diversity and opposite genetic clusters.
Rotator Cuff Tenocytes Differentiate into Hypertrophic Chondrocyte-Like Cells to Produce Calcium Deposits in an Alkaline Phosphatase-Dependent Manner
Authors: Darrieutort-Laffite Christelle , Arnolfo Paul , Garraud Thomas , Adrait Annie , Couté Yohann , Louarn Guy , Trichet Valérie , Layrolle Pierre , Le Goff Benoit , Blanchard Frédéric
Published: September 2019

Calcific tendonitis is a frequent cause of chronic shoulder pain. Its cause is currently poorly known. The objectives of this study were to better characterize the cells and mechanisms involved in depositing apatite crystals in human tendons. Histologic sections of cadaveric calcified tendons were analyzed, and human calcific deposits from patients undergoing lavage of their calcification were obtained to perform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry-based proteomic characterizations. In vitro, the mineralization ability of human rotator cuff cells from osteoarthritis donors was assessed by alizarin red or Von Kossa staining. Calcifications were amorphous areas surrounded by a fibrocartilaginous metaplasia containing hypertrophic chondrocyte-like cells that expressed tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), which are two key enzymes of the mineralization process. Calcific deposits were composed of apatite crystals associated with proteins involved in bone and cartilage development and endochondral bone growth. In vitro, tenocyte-like cells extracted from the rotator cuff were able to mineralize in osteogenic cultures, and expressed TNAP, type X COLLAGEN, and MMP13, which are hypertrophic chondrocytes markers. The use of a TNAP inhibitor significantly prevented mineral deposits. We provide evidence that tenocytes have a propensity to differentiate into hypertrophic chondrocyte-like cells to produce TNAP-dependent calcium deposits. We believe that these results may pave the way to identifying regulating factors that might represent valuable targets in calcific tendonitis.
A Dual Protective Effect of Intestinal Remote Ischemic Conditioning in a Rat Model of Total Hepatic Ischemia
Authors: Czigany Zoltan , Hata Koichiro , Lai Wei , Schwandt Timo , Yamamoto Yuzo , Uemoto Shinji , Tolba Rene H.
Published: September 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intestinal remote ischemic preconditioning (iRIC) on ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and gut barrier integrity in a rat model of total hepatic ischemia (THI). Male Wistar rats (n = 50; 250–300 g) were randomly allocated into two experimental groups: RIC/Control. Thirty minutes of THI was induced by clamping the hepatoduodenal ligament. iRIC was applied as 4-min of ischemia followed by 11-min of reperfusion by clamping the superior mesenteric artery. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 6, 24 h post-reperfusion (n = 5/group/timepoint). RIC of the gut significantly improved microcirculation of the ileum and the liver. Tissue ATP-levels were higher following iRIC (Liver: 1.34 ± 0.12 vs. 0.97 ± 0.20 μmol/g, p = 0.04) and hepatocellular injury was reduced significantly (ALT: 2409 ± 447 vs. 6613 ± 1117 IU/L, p = 0.003). Systemic- and portal venous IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels were markedly lower following iRIC, demonstrating a reduced inflammatory response. iRIC led to a structural and functional preservation of the intestinal barrier. These results suggest that iRIC might confer a potent protection against the detrimental effects of THI in rats via reducing IRI and systemic inflammatory responses and at the same time by mitigating the dramatic consequences of severe intestinal congestion and bacterial translocation.
Metabolic Fingerprint of Acromegaly and Its Potential Usefulness in Clinical Practice
Authors: Biagetti Betina , Herance J.R. , Ferrer Roser , Aulinas Anna , Palomino-Schätzlein Martina , Mesa Jordi , Castaño J.P. , Luque Raul M. , Simó Rafael
Published: September 2019

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) levels are the main targets for monitoring acromegaly activity, but they are not in close relationship with the clinical course of the disease and the associated comorbidities. The present study was aimed at identifying metabolites that could be used as biomarkers for a better disease phenotyping. For this purpose, metabolic fingerprint using an untargeted metabolomic approach was examined in serum from 30 patients with acromegaly and 30 age-matched controls. Patients with acromegaly presented fewer branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) compared to the control group (valine: 4.75 ± 0.87 vs. 5.20 ± 1.06 arbitrary units (AUs), p < 0.05; isoleucine: 2.54 ± 0.41 vs. 2.80 ± 0.51 AUs; p < 0.05). BCAAs were also lower in patients with active disease compared to patients with normal levels of IGF-1 with or without medical treatment. GH, but not IGF-1, serum levels were inversely correlated with both valine and isoleucine. These findings indicate that low levels of BCAAs represent the main metabolic fingerprint of acromegaly and that GH, rather than IGF-1, might be the primary mediator. In addition, our results suggest that the assessment of BCAAs could help to identify active disease and to monitor the response to therapeutic strategies.
What Difference Does it Make? Risk-Taking Behavior in Obesity after a Loss is Associated with Decreased Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Activity
Authors: Steward Trevor , Juaneda-Seguí Asier , Mestre-Bach Gemma , Martínez-Zalacaín Ignacio , Vilarrasa Nuria , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Fernández-Formoso Jose A , Veciana de las Heras Misericordia , Custal Nuria , Virgili Nuria , Lopez-Urdiales Rafael , García-Ruiz-de-Gordejuela Amador , Menchón José M , Soriano-Mas Carles , Fernandez-Aranda Fernando
Published: September 2019

Altered activity in decision-making neural circuitry may underlie the maladaptive food choices found in obesity. Here, we aimed to identify the brain regions purportedly underpinning risk-taking behavior in individuals with obesity. Twenty-three adult women with obesity and twenty-three healthy weight controls completed the Risky Gains Task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This task allows participants to choose between a safe option for a small, guaranteed monetary reward and risky options with larger rewards. fMRI analyses comparing losing trials to winning trials found that participants with obesity presented decreased activity in the left anterior insula in comparison to controls (p < 0.05, AlphaSim corrected). Moreover, left insula activation during losses vs. wins was negatively correlated with UPPS-P questionnaire sensation seeking scores. During safe vs. risky trials following a loss, the control group exhibited increased activation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) (p < 0.05, AlphaSim corrected) in comparison to the OB group. Moreover, vmPFC response in the obesity group during post-loss trials was negatively correlated with risky choices on the task overall. As a whole, our findings support that diminished tuning of the insula towards interoceptive signals may lead to a lack of input to the vmPFC when weighing the costs and benefits of risky choices.
Effectiveness of Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin versus Nitrofurazone on Nail Post-Surgery Bleeding and Wound Cicatrization Period Reductions: A Randomized Single Blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Garrido-Castells Xavier , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , Calvo-Lobo César , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , Palomo-López Patricia , Navarro-Flores Emmanuel , López-López Daniel
Published: September 2019

Background: Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) may be considered a co-adjuvant intervention that may play a key role in blood coagulation and tissue repair after nail surgeries. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of L-PRF versus nitrofurazone on the post-surgical bleeding and wound cicatrization period in patients with bilateral onychocryptosis during surgeries of chemical matrixectomies with 88% phenol solution. Methods: A randomized single-blind clinical trial was registered with the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT) with identification number 2016-002048-18. Twenty healthy participants with bilateral onychocryptosis (n = 40) were recruited and bilaterally received both protocols for both halluces. Patients with a mean age mean of 45.55 ± 12.19 years attended a specialized foot and ankle surgery clinic. Both halluces of each patient were randomized and allocated to receive L-PRF (experimental group; n = 20 halluces) or nitrofurazone (control group; n = 20 halluces) interventions in conjunction with surgery of chemical matrixectomies with 88% phenol solution for bilateral ingrown of toenail border (medial and lateral). Patients were blinded to their intervention in each hallux. The primary outcome measurement was post-surgical bleeding. The secondary outcome measurements were post-surgical pain intensity, inflammation, infection, analgesic intake, and wound cicatrization period. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were found between both groups showing a reduction for wound cicatrization period and post-surgical bleeding for the L-PRF intervention with respect to nitrofurazone treatment. The rest of the outcome measurements did not show any statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: L-PRF rather than nitrofurazone in conjunction with chemical matrixectomies performed with 88% phenol solution reduced the wound cicatrization period and bleeding after nail surgery. Thus, L-PRF may be considered a first-line co-adjuvant intervention for patients who suffer from nail problems, such as onychocryptosis, that require surgical procedures.
Prevalence of Psychological Frailty in Japan: NCGG-SGS as a Japanese National Cohort Study
Authors: Shimada Hiroyuki , Lee Sangyoon , Doi Takehiko , Bae Seongryu , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Arai Hidenori
Published: September 2019

There has been less research conducted on the psychological aspects of frailty than on the physical and cognitive characteristics of frailty. Thus, we aimed to define psychological frailty, clarify its prevalence, and investigate the relationship between psychological frailty and lifestyle activity or disability incidence in older adults in Japan. The participants in our study were 4126 older adults (average age 71.7 years) enrolled in the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-i87uStudy of Geriatric Syndromes (NCGG-SGS). We characterized physical frailty of the following as ≥ 3: slow walking speed, muscle weakness, exhaustion, low physical activity, and weight loss. We used the Geriatric Depression Scale 15 items version (GDS-15) to screen for depressive mood, indicated by 5 points or more on the scale. The co-presence of physical frailty and depressive mood was defined as psychological frailty. The incidence of disability was determined using data from the Japanese long-term care insurance system over 49 months. We found that the prevalence of physical frailty, depressive mood, and psychological frailty were 6.9%, 20.3%, and 3.5%, respectively. Logistic regression indicated that the odds ratios for loss of lifestyle activities were significantly higher in participants with psychological frailty for going outdoors using the bus or train, driving a car, using maps to go to unfamiliar places, reading books or newspapers, cognitive stimulation, culture lessons, giving advice, attending community meetings, engaging in hobbies or sports, house cleaning, fieldwork or gardening, and taking care of grandchildren or pets. During the follow-up period, 385 participants (9.3%) developed a disability. The incidence of disability was associated with both physical and psychological frailty in the fully adjusted model. However, no significant association between disability and depressive mood was found. We conclude that individuals with psychological frailty had the highest risk of disability. Future policies should implement disability prevention strategies among older adults with psychological frailty.
Serial, Visually-Evoked Potentials for the Assessment of Visual Function in Patients with Craniosynostosis
Authors: Haredy Mostafa M. , Liasis Alki , Davis Amani , Koesarie Kathleen , Fu Valeria , Losee Joseph E. , Goldstein Jesse A. , Nischal Ken K.
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of craniofacial surgical intervention on the visual pathway’s function by comparing pre- to post-operative patterned, visually-evoked potentials (pVEP). A retrospective review was conducted on craniosynostosis patients who had pre- and post-craniofacial surgery pVEP testing. The pVEP measured grade in terms of amplitude latency and morphology of the waveforms. The pre- and post-operative results were compared. The study identified 63 patients (mean age at preoperative pVEP of 16.9 months). Preoperatively, 33 patients (52.4%) had abnormal pVEP. Nine patients had evidence of intracranial hypertension, and of those, eight (88.9%) had abnormal pVEP. Within 6 months postoperatively, 24 of 33 patients (72.7%) with abnormal preoperative pVEP developed normal postoperative pVEP, while all 30 patients with normal preoperative VEP maintained their normal results postoperatively. Significant improvements in pVEP latency in patients with broad or delayed latency waveforms was evident for subjects with preoperative grades 2–4 (grade 2, p = 0.015; grade 3, p = 0.029; grade 4; p = 0.007), while significant postoperative increase in amplitude was significant for patients with abnormally low amplitude grade 3 and 5 waveforms (grade 3, p = 0.011; grade 5, p = 0.029). Serial pVEP testing represents a useful tool for the early detection of visual pathway dysfunction and follow up visual pathway function in craniosynostosis. Surgical intervention for craniosynostosis can result in the reversal of preoperative pVEP abnormalities seen in these patients, resulting in the normalization of the pVEP waveform, amplitude and latency, depending on the preoperative pVEP abnormality.
A Discussion on Present Theories of Rubber Friction, with Particular Reference to Different Possible Choices of Arbitrary Roughness Cutoff Parameters
Authors: Genovese Andrea , Farroni Flavio , Papangelo Antonio , Ciavarella Michele
Published: September 2019

Since the early study by Grosch in 1963 it has been known that rubber friction shows generally two maxima with respect to speed—the first one attributed to adhesion, and another at higher velocities attributed to viscoelastic losses. The theory of Klüppel and Heinrich and that of Persson suggests that viscoelastic losses crucially depend on the “multiscale” aspect of roughness and in particular on truncation at fine scales. In this study, we comment a little on both theories, giving some examples using Persson’s theory on the uncertainties involved in the truncation of the roughness spectrum. It is shown how different choices of Persson’s model parameters, for example the high-frequency cutoff, equally fit experimental data on viscoelastic friction, hence it is unclear how to rigorously separate the adhesive and the viscoelastic contributions from experiments.
Axial Impact Load of a Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Member with Axial Compression Considering the Creep Effect
Authors: Lan Tao , Qin Guangchong , Zhuang Jinzhao , Wang Youdi , Zheng Qian , Ding Min
Published: September 2019

The dynamic loads acting on concrete-filled steel tubular members under axial impacts by rigid bodies were studied herein by FEM. The whole impact process was simulated and the time history of the impact load was obtained. The effects of eight factors on the axial impact load were studied; these factors were the impact speed, mass ratio, axial pressure ratio, steel ratio, slenderness ratio, concrete strength, impact position, and boundary conditions. Besides this, the effects of concrete creep on the impact load were also considered by changing the material parameters of the concrete. The results show that axial impact load changes with time as a triangle. The peak value of impact load increases and the impact resistance improves with the growth of the axial pressure ratio, steel ratio, slenderness ratio, and concrete strength after creep occurs. As the eccentricity of the axial impact acting on a concrete-filled steel tubular member increases, the peak value of the impact load decreases. The enhancement of constraints at both ends of the member can improve the impact resistance. The creep reduction coefficients for the peak axial impact load of a concrete-filled steel tubular member under axial compression and considering the creep effect over 6 months and 30 years are 0.60 and 0.55, respectively. A calculation formula for the peak value of impact load was suggested based on the existing formula, and its accuracy was proved by finite element calculation in this study.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of the Constitutive Relations of Artificial Frozen Silty Clay
Authors: Li Zhiming , Chen Jian , Mao Chaojun
Published: September 2019

The strength and deformation characteristics of artificial frozen soils are quite sensitive to temperature, confining pressure, and water content. To investigate these effects, a series of triaxial compressive tests on frozen Harbin silty clay were conducted at temperatures of −5 °C, −10 °C, and −15 °C under different confining pressures and water contents. From the stress–strain curves under lower water content and confining pressure, strain–softening behavior was observed. The modified Duncan–Chang (MDC) model was employed to describe the constitutive relations of artificial frozen silty clay while considering the strain–softening effects. After introducing statistical damage (SD) theory, an SD constitutive model with the failure strain as a random variable was proposed, which is able to overcome the drawbacks of the MDC model. The predicted SD model results are found to be consistent with the experimental results.
Hydrogen Absorption in Pd–Ag Systems: A TPD and Electrical Resistivity Study
Authors: Pozio Alfonso , Jovanovic Zoran , Tosti Silvano
Published: September 2019

Hydrogen retention in Pd–Ag (silver 21 wt. %) thin foil has been tested by means of temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) in the temperature range 25–200 °C and compared to the resistivity measurements for the purpose of explaining the characteristic S-shaped resistivity curve and its minimum observed in the same temperature range. The TPD results indicated that the highest uptake of hydrogen was between 65 °C and 105 °C, with a maximum at ~85 °C. Furthermore, in all examined cases, the hydrogen desorption peak was between 140 °C and 180 °C. The resistivity measurements in argon, hydrogen, and vacuum allowed us to examine the influence of hydrogen on the resistivity of a Pd–Ag alloy. The results showed evidence of two kinds of hydrides: (1) a weak absorption at low temperature (T < 70 °C) with the hydrogen present mainly in tetrahedral sites, and (2) a strong absorption up to 150 °C with the hydrogen present mainly in octahedral sites. The behaviour of the electrical resistivity and the minimum between 90 °C and 110 °C can be explained by the two kinds of hydrogen uploaded into the metal lattice.