bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphatase‐mediated bioprecipitation of lead by soil fungi
Authors: Liang Xinjin , Kierans Martin , Ceci Andrea , Hillier Stephen , Gadd Geoffrey Michael
Published: July 2015

Geoactive soil fungi were examined for their ability to release inorganic phosphate (Pi) and mediate lead bioprecipitation during growth on organic phosphate substrates. Aspergillus niger and Paecilomyces javanicus grew in 5 mM Pb(NO3)2–containing media amended with glycerol 2‐phosphate (G2P) or phytic acid (PyA) as sole P sources, and liberated Pi into the medium. This resulted in almost complete removal of Pb from solution and extensive precipitation of lead‐containing minerals around the biomass, confirming the importance of the mycelium as a reactive network for biomineralization. The minerals were identified as pyromorphite (Pb5(PO4)3Cl), only produced by P. javanicus, and lead oxalate (PbC2O4), produced by A. niger and P. javanicus. Geochemical modelling of lead and lead mineral speciation as a function of pH and oxalate closely correlated with experimental conditions and data. Two main lead biomineralization mechanisms were therefore distinguished: pyromorphite formation depending on organic phosphate hydrolysis and lead oxalate formation depending on oxalate excretion. This also indicated species specificity in biomineralization depending on nutrition and physiology. Our findings provide further understanding of lead geomycology and organic phosphates as a biomineralization substrate, and are also relevant to metal immobilization biotechnologies for bioremediation, metal and P biorecovery, and utilization of waste organic phosphates.
Fungi associated with rocks of the Atacama Desert: taxonomy, distribution, diversity, ecology and bioprospection for bioactive compounds
Authors: Gonçalves Vívian N. , Cantrell Charles L. , Wedge David E. , Ferreira Mariana C. , Soares Marco Aurélio , Jacob Melissa R. , Oliveira Fabio S. , Galante Douglas , Rodrigues Fabio , Alves Tânia M. A. , Zani Carlos L. , Junior Policarpo A. S. , Murta Silvane , Romanha Alvaro J. , Barbosa Emerson C. , Kroon Erna G. , Oliveira Jaquelline G. , Gomez‐Silva Benito , Galetovic Alexandra , Rosa Carlos A. , Rosa Luiz H.
Published: July 2015

This study assessed the diversity of cultivable rock‐associated fungi from Atacama Desert. A total of 81 fungal isolates obtained were identified as 29 Ascomycota taxa by sequencing different regions of DNA. Cladosporium halotolerans, Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium cf. citrinum were the most frequent species, which occur at least in four different altitudes. The diversity and similarity indices ranged in the fungal communities across the latitudinal gradient. The Fisher‐α index displayed the higher values for the fungal communities obtained from the siltstone and fine matrix of pyroclastic rocks with finer grain size, which are more degraded. A total of 23 fungal extracts displayed activity against the different targets screened. The extract of P. chrysogenum afforded the compounds α‐linolenic acid and ergosterol endoperoxide, which were active against Cryptococcus neoformans and methicillin‐resistance Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Our study represents the first report of a new habitat of fungi associated with rocks of the Atacama Desert and indicated the presence of interesting fungal community, including species related with saprobes, parasite/pathogen and mycotoxigenic taxa. The geological characteristics of the rocks, associated with the presence of rich resident/resilient fungal communities suggests that the rocks may provide a favourable microenvironment fungal colonization, survival and dispersal in extreme conditions.
Gut microbiota richness promotes its stability upon increased dietary fibre intake in healthy adults
Authors: Tap Julien , Furet Jean‐Pierre , Bensaada Martine , Philippe Catherine , Roth Hubert , Rabot Sylvie , Lakhdari Omar , Lombard Vincent , Henrissat Bernard , Corthier Gérard , Fontaine Eric , Doré Joël , Leclerc Marion
Published: July 2015

Gut microbiota richness and stability are important parameters in host–microbe symbiosis. Diet modification, notably using dietary fibres, might be a way to restore a high richness and stability in the gut microbiota. In this work, during a 6‐week nutritional trial, 19 healthy adults consumed a basal diet supplemented with 10 or 40 g dietary fibre per day for 5 days, followed by 15‐day washout periods. Fecal samples were analysed by a combination of 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, intestinal cell genotoxicity assay, metatranscriptomics sequencing approach and short‐chain fatty analysis. This short‐term change in the dietary fibre level did not have the same impact for all individuals but remained significant within each individual gut microbiota at genus level. Higher microbiota richness was associated with higher microbiota stability upon increased dietary fibre intake. Increasing fibre modulated the expression of numerous microbiota metabolic pathways such as glycan metabolism, with genes encoding carbohydrate‐active enzymes active on fibre or host glycans. High microbial richness was also associated with high proportions of Prevotella and Coprococcus species and high levels of caproate and valerate. This study provides new insights on the role of gut microbial richness in healthy adults upon dietary changes and host microbes' interaction
Leonard Woolf, the League of Nations and Peace Between the Wars
Authors: Wilson Peter
Published: July 2015

Co‐founding The Political Quarterly was one among many of Leonard Woolf's achievements during a long career as a progressive political thinker and publicist, particularly in the field of international affairs. To mark the centenary of the publication of International Government, his most innovative and influential work on the subject, this article seeks to assess Woolf's contribution. It examines the Fabian background to Woolf's work, his support for and approach to the League of Nations and his commitment to collective security as an approach to peace. Through a broader understanding of the League it argues that certain failings in the area of collective security, however profound, should not be permitted to blight an otherwise impressive intellectual legacy.
The nonlinear effects of educational diversity on team creativity
Authors: Luan Kun , Ling Chu‐Ding , Xie Xiao‐Yun
Published: July 2015

Over the past two decades, studies on the relationship between team job‐related diversity and creativity have yielded mixed findings. Drawing on the dynamic capability perspective, we argue that previous studies have underestimated the importance of a team's capability for utilizing diversity. In this study, we re‐examine the mixed findings on the relationship between diversity of educational background and team creativity by adding the consideration of knowledge integration capability. The results from a sample of 47 work teams support the significant moderating effect of knowledge integration capability on the curvilinear relationship between educational diversity and team creativity. The implications of our findings and the directions for future research are also discussed.
A comprehensive transcriptome of early development in yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi)
Authors: Patel A. , Dettleff P. , Hernandez E. , Martinez V.
Published: July 2015

Seriola lalandi is an ecologically and economically important species that is globally distributed in temperate and subtropical marine waters. The aim of this study was to identify large numbers of genic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and differential gene expression (DGE) related to the early development of normal and deformed S. lalandi larvae using high‐throughput RNA‐seq data. A de novo assembly of reads generated 40 066 genes ranging from 300 bases to 64 799 bases with an N90 of 788 bases. Homology search and protein signature recognition assigned gene ontology (GO) terms to a total of 15 744 (39.34%) genes. A search against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway database (KEGG) retrieved 6808 KEGG orthology (KO) identifiers for 10 520 genes (26.25%), and mapping of KO identifiers generated 337 KEGG pathways. Comparisons of annotated genes revealed that 1262 genes were downregulated and 1047 genes were upregulated in the deformed larvae group compared to the normal group of larvae. Additionally, we identified 6989 high‐quality SNPs from the assembled transcriptome. These putative SNPs contain 4415 transitions and 2574 transversions, which will be useful for further ecological studies of S. lalandi. This is the first study to use a global transcriptomic approach in S. lalandi, and the resources generated can be used further for investigation of gene expression of marine teleosts to investigate larval developmental biology. The results of the GO enrichment analysis highlight the crucial role of the extracellular matrix in normal skeleton development, which could be important for future studies of skeletal deformities in S. lalandi and other marine species.
Foxp3+ regulatory T cells are expanded in severe atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Roesner L. M. , Floess S. , Witte T. , Olek S. , Huehn J. , Werfel T.
Published: July 2015

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to play critical roles in homeostasis and immune responses in the skin. Whether Treg frequencies are altered in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients has been addressed by several studies, leading to conflicting results. The detection of Tregs by FOXP3 expression may lead to false‐positive results as activated T cells without regulatory function may transiently upregulate this transcription factor. In contrast, measurement of the DNA methylation status of a region within the FOXP3 locus that is selectively demethylated only in bona fide Tregs (Treg‐specific demethylated region, TSDR) represents a reliable method to quantify Tregs. Here, we measured circulating Treg frequencies of adult patients and detected a positive correlation with disease severity. Subsequent surface marker analysis revealed higher frequencies of CD45RA+CCR7‐ tissue‐homing Tregs in the patient group with a tendency of reduced expression of CD39 compared with healthy donors, a marker for the highly suppressive TREM subtype.
Sublingual allergen immunotherapy in HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Iemoli E. , Borgonovo L. , Fusi A. , Magni C. , Ricci E. D. , Rizzardini G. , Piconi S.
Published: July 2015

HIV infection is a relative contraindication for allergic immunotherapy (AIT). In the last decade, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the immune function and life expectancy in HIV‐infected patients whose respiratory allergic incidence is similar to the general population. We evaluated the safety and clinical effectiveness of sublingual immunotherapy in a group of grass pollen‐allergic HAART‐treated HIV‐positive patients. Thirteen patients received sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablet (Oralair, Stallergenes©) and symptomatic therapy and were compared with nine patients receiving symptomatic therapy alone. Clinical benefits were evaluated by the analysis of total combined score (TCS), sum of symptom–medication score, and a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire. HIV viral load and peripheral TCD4 lymphocytes were analyzed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Clinical efficacy data showed a significant improvement in SLIT‐treated patients compared to controls (TCS: P = 0.0001; QoL: P = 0.03). We did not observe any significant alteration of TCD4 cell counts and viral load (VL) in both groups. Our preliminary data showed that SLIT therapy in viro‐immunological controlled HAART treated HIV positive patients was efficacious, safe and well tolerated.
Progression of cervical dilatation in normal human labor is unpredictable
Authors: Ferrazzi Enrico , Milani Silvano , Cirillo Federico , Livio Stefania , Piola Cinzia , Brusati Valentina , Paganelli Andrea
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze how the progression of cervical dilatation in active labor can be predicted by digital assessment in low‐risk pregnant women, in spontaneous labor at term.

Material and methods

This prospective observational study was performed on 328 women with singleton term gestations experiencing midwife‐led labor according to local protocols, progressing to full dilatation and spontaneous delivery without any medical intervention. Mixed nonlinear models were adopted to (i) model individual cervical data into centile curves and (ii) calculate the time needed to gain 1 cm in cervical dilatation (TNG1cm) modeled as a function of current dilatation. We correlated the first and the last TNG1cmon parturients with at least four cervical data points.

Results

TNG1cmshowed large variations, both before and after 6 cm. This variability of natural progression of cervical curves described by the 10th and 90th centiles exceeded the differences observed in published curves from cohorts homogeneous for parity, weight and ethnicity. There was no significant correlation between the first and the last TNG1cm. Neonatal base excess was not significantly different in women with TNG1cm<10th centile and >90th centile.

Conclusions

The rate of cervical dilatation, traced by parsimonious nonlinear mixed models, is largely unpredictable in the case of spontaneous naturally progressing labor, even when possible larger individual variability is excluded by prudent clinical rules. Future research in labor and delivery should be focused on the diagnosis of the causes that lie behind apparently erratic cervical changes.
Evaluation of response to hormone therapy in patients with measurable adult granulosa cell tumors of the ovary
Authors: van Meurs Hannah S. , van der Velden Jacobus , Buist Marrije R. , van Driel Willemien J. , Kenter Gemma G. , van Lonkhuijzen Luc R.C.W.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the objective response rate to hormone therapy (HT) for patients with a measurable adult granulosa cell tumor (GCT) of the ovary in a consecutive series of patients.

Material and methods

All patients with an adult GCT who were treated with HT [steroidal progestins, selective estrogen receptor modulators, aromatase inhibitors and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists] within three referral hospitals were identified and their records were screened for HT administration. The main outcome measure was the objective response rate to HT.

Results

We identified 127 patients with an adult GCT, of whom 81 (64%) had a recurrence. Twenty‐five of these patients (20%) were treated with hormones, of whom 22 had measurable disease at the start of their treatment, i.e. a tumor of more than 1 cm in diameter as seen on imaging, either as a recurrence or as residual disease. The pooled objective response rate, defined as the proportion of patients whose best overall response to hormone therapy was either complete response or partial response to HT, was 18% (4/22) (95% confidence interval 6–41%). In one patient (4.5%) a complete response and in three (14%) a partial response was described. Fourteen patients (64%) had stable disease and in four patients (18%) disease was progressive.

Conclusions

Although several case reports described good responses to HT in patients with a GCT, we found a response in only four of 22 patients in this relatively large consecutive series of patients.
Retracted: Randomised clinical trial: the clinical efficacy and safety of an alginate‐antacid (Gaviscon Double Action) versus placebo, for decreasing upper gastrointestinal symptoms in symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in China
Authors: Sun J. , Yang C. , Zhao H. , Zheng P. , Wilkinson J. , Ng B. , Yuan Y.
Published: July 2015

Background

There is a paucity of large‐scale studies evaluating the clinical benefit of the Gaviscon Double Action (DA) alginate‐antacid formulation for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms.

Aim

Randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled parallel‐group study to evaluate efficacy and safety of GavisconDAin reducing heartburn, regurgitation and dyspepsia symptoms in individuals with mild‐to‐moderateGERDin China.

Methods

Participants with symptomaticGERD(n = 1107) were randomised to receive GavisconDAor placebo (two tablets four times daily) for seven consecutive days. The primary endpoint compared the change in Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) score for theGERD(heartburn + regurgitation) dimension between GavisconDAand placebo. Secondary endpoints compared the change inRDQscores for individual heartburn, regurgitation and dyspepsia dimensions, overall treatment evaluation (OTE) scores and incidence of adverse events (AEs).

Results

MeanRDQ GERDscores: 2.51 for GavisconDAand 2.50 for placebo at baseline; 1.25 for GavisconDAand 1.46 for placebo post treatment. GavisconDAwas statistically superior to placebo in reducingGERDand dyspepsiaRDQscores [least‐squares mean (LSM) difference:GERD−0.21,P < 0.0001; dyspepsia −0.18,P = 0.0004], despite a substantial placebo response. The GavisconDAgroup reported more favourable overall treatment responses than the placebo group across allOTEcategories (P < 0.0001). Superior relief ofGERDsymptoms was observed both in those with non‐erosive and those with erosive reflux disease (LSMdifference −0.14 [P = 0.038] and −0.29 [P < 0.0001] respectively). Incidence ofAEs was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

GavisconDAtablets provide effective and safe reduction in acid reflux and dyspepsia symptoms in Chinese individuals with mild‐to‐moderateGERD. ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01869491
Paradoxical psoriasis in a large cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving treatment with anti‐TNF alpha: 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Pugliese D. , Guidi L. , Ferraro P. M. , Marzo M. , Felice C. , Celleno L. , Landi R. , Andrisani G. , Pizzolante F. , De Vitis I. , Papa A. , Rapaccini G. L. , Armuzzi A.
Published: July 2015

Background

Psoriasis is an emerging paradoxical side effect in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) when treated with anti‐TNF alpha. Patients with severe skin lesions unresponsive to topical therapy need to withdraw from treatment.

Aim

To estimate the incidence of paradoxical psoriasis in a large cohort of IBD patients treated with anti‐TNF alpha and to analyse its clinical correlates.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study on all IBD patients who started anti‐TNF alpha at our IBD Centre from January 2008 to December 2013 was performed. Proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between each predictor and time to the development of psoriasis. Time‐dependent predictors were updated at each available time point.

Results

Four hundred and two patients were included. Participants contributed a total of 839 person‐years of follow‐up, during which 42 incident cases of psoriasis were recorded, with an incidence rate of five per 100 person‐years. Cox‐regression survival analysis revealed smoking as independent predictor of psoriasis (HR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.36–4.48; P = 0.008). Conversely, concomitant immunosuppressive therapy was inversely related to psoriasis (HR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12–0.92; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Paradoxical psoriasis is a relevant side effect of anti‐TNF alpha therapy, with an incidence rate of five per 100 person‐years. Smoking is confirmed as the main risk factor for developing lesions. The combination therapy with anti‐TNF alpha plus immunosuppressants is associated with a reduced risk of paradoxical psoriasis.
Taste organ growth and development in the direct developing frog Eleutherodactylus coqui (Lissamphibia: Eleutherodactylidae)
Authors: Budzik Karolina A. , Żuwała Krystyna , Buchholz Daniel R.
Published: July 2015

Previous research on amphibian taste organs concerned amphibians with a biphasic life history, that is, with larval period and metamorphosis. Direct developing frog species, such as Eleutherodactylus coqui, undergo a cryptic metamorphosis before hatching, and many larval‐specific features are vestigial or have been lost entirely from their ontogeny. Taste buds are present in larval stages of biphasically developing anurans and are replaced by taste discs during metamorphosis. One goal of this study was to characterize the ontogeny of taste buds and/or discs in E. coqui. The other goal was to examine correlations between body size and taste organ density and size in different regions of oral epithelium. The research reveals the presence of only one type of taste organ, characteristic of metamorphs of biphasic amphibians, namely taste disc. In addition, taste disc density and the area of the taste disc sensory zone change dramatically during growth.
Microscopic structures of the ovary and female genital ducts of Supachai's caecilian, Ichthyophis supachaii Taylor, 1960 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)
Authors: Pewhom Akkanee , Chumnanpuen Pramote , Muikham Itsares , Chatchavalvanich Kannika , Srakaew Nopparat
Published: July 2015

The structures of the female reproductive system (ovary, oviduct and cloaca) of Ichthyophis supachaii were investigated by dissection, histology and light microscopy. Paired, elongated, sac‐like ovaries are parallel to the gut and fat bodies. Follicle stages include germinal nests of oogonia and primary oocytes, early and late previtellogenic follicles, early and late vitellogenic follicles and atretic follicles. Germinal nests of oogonia comprise oogonia and prefollicular cells. Nests of primary oocytes contain clusters of synchronously developing primary oocytes enclosed by connective tissue. Primary oocytes are associated with follicular cells. Previtellogenic follicles initially form the vitelline envelope, theca cell layers and patches of ooplasmic glycoproteins. Vitellogenic follicles contain heterogeneously sized spherical yolk granules. Atresia is present in several stages of developing follicles. The oviduct is divided into the anterior, middle and posterior parts. All oviductal parts are lined by non‐ciliated epithelium. A small number of mucous cells are present in the middle part. The cloaca of female I. supachaii is divided into the anterior and posterior chambers. The anterior chamber is lined by glandular stratified columnar epithelium, while the posterior chamber has stratified cuboidal epithelium with less mucus production. Our results contribute to useful information on the reproductive biology of caecilians.
Using impairment and cognitions to predict walking in osteoarthritis: A series of n‐of‐1 studies with an individually tailored, data‐driven intervention
Authors: O'Brien Nicola , Philpott‐Morgan Siôn , Dixon Diane
Published: July 2015

Objectives

First, this study compares the ability of an integrated model of activity and activity limitations, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to predict walking within individuals with osteoarthritis. Second, the effectiveness of a walking intervention in these individuals is determined.

Design

A series of n‐of‐1 studies with an AB intervention design was used.

Methods

Diary methods were used to study four community‐dwelling individuals with lower‐limb osteoarthritis. Data on impairment symptoms (pain, pain on movement, and joint stiffness), cognitions (intention, self‐efficacy, and perceived controllability), and walking (step count) were collected twice daily for 12 weeks. At 6 weeks, an individually tailored, data‐driven walking intervention using action planning or a control cognition manipulation was delivered. Simulation modelling analysis examined cross‐correlations and differences in baseline and intervention phase means. Post‐hoc mediation analyses examined theoretical relationships and multiple regression analyses compared theoretical models.

Results

Cognitions, intention in particular, were better and more consistent within individual predictors of walking than impairment. The walking intervention did not increase walking in any of the three participants receiving it. The integrated model and the TPB, which recognize a predictive role for cognitions, were significant predictors of walking variance in all participants, whilst the biomedical ICF model was only predictive for one participant.

Conclusion

Despite the lack of evidence for an individually tailored walking intervention, predictive data suggest that interventions for people with osteoarthritis that address cognitions are likely to be more effective than those that address impairment only. Further within‐individual investigation, including testing mediational relationships, is warranted.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

N‐of‐1 methods have been used to study within‐individual predictors of walking in healthy and chronic pain populations

An integrated biomedical and behavioural model of activity and activity limitations recognizes the roles of impairment and psychology (cognitions)

Interventions modifying cognitions can increase physical activity in people with mobility limitations

What does this study add?

N‐of‐1 methods are suitable to study within‐individual predictors of walking and interventions in osteoarthritis

An integrated and a psychological model are better predictors of walking in osteoarthritis than a biomedical model

There was no support for an individually tailored, data‐driven walking intervention
Angiotensin II stimulation alters vasomotor response to adenosine in mouse mesenteric artery: role for A1 and A2B adenosine receptors
Authors: Yadav Vishal R , Nayeem Mohammed A , Tilley Stephen L , Mustafa S Jamal
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

Stimulation of the A1 adenosine receptor and angiotensin II receptor type‐1 (AT1 receptor) causes vasoconstriction through activation of cytochrome P450 4A (CYP4A) and ERK1/2. Thus, we hypothesized that acute angiotensin II activation alters the vasomotor response induced by the non‐selective adenosine receptor agonist, NECA, in mouse mesenteric arteries (MAs).

Experimental Approach

We used a Danish Myo Technology wire myograph to measure muscle tension in isolated MAs from wild type (WT), A1 receptor and A2B receptor knockout (KO) mice. Western blots were performed to determine the expression of AT1 receptors and CYP4A.

Key Results

Acute exposure (15 min) to angiotensin II attenuated the NECA‐dependent vasodilatation and enhanced vasoconstriction. This vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin II in NECA‐treated MAs was abolished in A1 receptor KO mice and in WT mice treated with the A1 receptor antagonist DPCPX, CYP4A inhibitor HET0016 and ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. In MAs from A2B receptor KO mice, the vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin II on the NECA‐induced response was shown to be dependent on A1 receptors. Furthermore, in A2B receptor KO mice, the expression of AT1 receptors and CYP4A was increased and the angiotensin II‐induced vasoconstriction enhanced. In addition, inhibition of KATP channels with glibenclamide significantly reduced NECA‐induced vasodilatation in WT mice.

Conclusions and Implications

Acute angiotensin II stimulation enhanced A1 receptor‐dependent vasoconstriction and inhibited A2B receptor‐dependent vasodilatation, leading to a net vasoconstriction and altered vasomotor response to NECA in MAs. This interaction may be important in the regulation of BP.
Combining citrulline with atorvastatin preserves glucose homeostasis in a murine model of diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Capel Frédéric , Chabrier Gwladys , Pitois Elodie , Rigaudière Jean‐Paul , Plenier Servane Le , Durand Christine , Jouve Chrystèle , de Bandt Jean‐Pascal , Cynober Luc , Moinard Christophe , Morio Béatrice
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

NO is a crucial regulator of energy and lipid metabolism, whose homeostasis is compromised during obesity. Combination of citrulline and atorvastatin potentiated NO production in vitro. Here we have assessed the effects of this combination in mice with diet‐induced obesity (DIO).

Experimental Approach

C57BL/6J male mice were given a standard diet (control) or a high fat–high sucrose diet (DIO) for 8 weeks. DIO mice were then treated with DIO alone, DIO with citrulline, DIO with atorvastatin or DIO with citrulline and atorvastatin (DIOcit–stat) for 3 weeks. Thereafter, body composition, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and liver fat metabolism were measured.

Key Results

DIOcit–stat mice showed lower body weight, fat mass and epididymal fat depots compared with other DIO groups. Unlike other DIO groups, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity of DIOcit–stat, along with blood glucose and insulin concentrations in response to feeding, were restored to control values. Refeeding‐induced changes in liver lipogenic activity were also reduced in DIOcit–stat mice compared with those of DIO animals. This was associated with decreased gene expression of the transcription factor SREBP‐1, liver X receptor α, ChREBP and of target lipogenic enzymes in the liver of DIOcit–stat mice compared with those of other DIO groups.

Conclusions and Implications

The citrulline–atorvastatin combination prevented fat mass accumulation and maintained glucose homeostasis in DIO mice. Furthermore, it potentiated inhibition of hepatic de novo lipogenesis activity. This combination has potential for preservation of glucose homeostasis in patients receiving statin therapy.
Propranolol decreases retention of fear memory by modulating the stability of surface glutamate receptor GluA1 subunits in the lateral amygdala
Authors: Zhou Jun , Luo Yi , Zhang Jie‐Ting , Li Ming‐Xing , Wang Can‐Ming , Guan Xin‐Lei , Wu Peng‐Fei , Hu Zhuang‐Li , Jin You , Ni Lan , Wang Fang , Chen Jian‐Guo
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder with enhanced retention of fear memory and has profound impact on quality of life for millions of people worldwide. The β‐adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol has been used in preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of PTSD, but the mechanisms underlying its potential efficacy on fear memory retention remain to be elucidated.

Experimental Approach

We investigated the action of propranolol on the retention of conditioned fear memory, the surface expression of glutamate receptor GluA1 subunits of AMPA receptors and synaptic adaptation in the lateral amygdala (LA) of rats.

Key Results

Propranolol attenuated reactivation‐induced strengthening of fear retention while reducing enhanced surface expression of GluA1 subunits and restoring the impaired long‐term depression in LA. These effects of propranolol were mediated by antagonizing reactivation‐induced enhancement of adrenergic signalling, which activates PKA and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II and then regulates the trafficking of AMPA receptors via phosphorylation of GluA1 subunits at the C‐terminus. Both i.p. injection and intra‐amygdala infusion of propranolol attenuated reactivation‐induced enhancement of fear retention.

Conclusions and Implications

Reactivation strengthens fear retention by increasing the level of noradrenaline and promotes the surface expression of GluA1 subunits and the excitatory synaptic transmission in LA. These findings uncover one mechanism underlying the efficiency of propranolol on retention of fear memories and suggest that β‐adrenoceptor antagonists, which act centrally, may be more suitable for the treatment of PTSD.
pLR‐HL: A Novel Amphibian Bowman–Birk‐type Trypsin Inhibitor from the Skin Secretion of the Broad‐folded Frog, Hylarana latouchii
Authors: Lin Yan , Hang Haiying , Chen Tianbao , Zhou Mei , Wang Lei , Shaw Chris
Published: July 2015

In this study, we report a novel heptadecapeptide (LIGGCWTKSIPPKPCLV) of the pLR/ranacyclin family, named pLR‐HL, whose structure was deduced from its biosynthetic precursor‐encoding cDNA cloned from the skin secretion‐derived cDNA library of the broad‐folded frog, Hylarana latouchii, by employing a ‘shotgun’ cloning technique. It contains a disulphide loop between Cys5 and Cys15 which is consistent with Bowman–Birk‐type protease inhibitors. The primary structure of pLR‐HL deduced from the cDNA sequence was confirmed by fractionating the skin secretion using reverse‐phase HPLC and subsequent analysis using MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry and LC/MS/MS fragmentation sequencing. On the basis of the establishment of unequivocal amino acid sequence, a synthetic replicate was synthesized by solid‐phase Fmoc chemistry, and it displayed a moderately potent trypsin inhibition with a Ki of 143 nm. The substitution of Lys‐8 by Phe (Phe8‐pLR‐HL) resulted in abolition of trypsin inhibition but generation of modest inhibition on chymotrypsin with a Ki of 2.141 μm. Additionally, both the disulphide loops of pLR‐HL and Phe8‐pLR‐HL were synthesized and tested. Both of the catalytic loops retained similar inhibitory potencies towards trypsin or chymotrypsin in comparison with the original intact molecules. Thus, the replacement of reactive site residues could alter the specificity of these protease inhibitors, while the canonical reactive loop alone can independently constitute biologically active moiety.
Design and Synthesis of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Antagonists and their Effect on Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Jaikhan Pattaporn , Boonyarat Chantana , Arunrungvichian Kuntarat , Taylor Palmer , Vajragupta Opa
Published: July 2015

Structure modification of a lead compound (NSC13378) was accomplished in the present work by an in silico target‐based design aimed at ligands acting on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) for neurodegenerative diseases. A 187‐compound focused library derived from the scaffold of the lead compound was screened against acetylcholine‐binding proteins (AChBPs). Six compounds were identified and synthesized for binding and biological evaluations. Five compounds were found to bind with AChBPs. Among these compounds, QN1 and BZ1 showed the highest affinity binding with AChBP, with Kd values of 260 and 10 nm, respectively. Functional assays on isolated cell lines containing ligand‐gated ion channels revealed that QN1 and BZ1 are α4β2‐nAChR antagonists. QN1 and BZ1 significantly alleviated the memory impairment caused by the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist scopolamine (p < 0.05) in mice. Our findings demonstrate the potential of nAChR antagonists in drug development for cognitive impairments.
On the Meanings of Self‐Regulation: Digital Humanities in Service of Conceptual Clarity
Authors: Burman Jeremy T. , Green Christopher D. , Shanker Stuart
Published: July 2015

Self‐regulation is of interest both to psychologists and to teachers. But what the word means is unclear. To define it precisely, two studies examined the American Psychological Association's system of controlled vocabulary—specifically, the 447 associated terms it presents—and used techniques from the Digital Humanities to identify 88 closely related concepts and six broad conceptual clusters. The resulting analyses show how similar ideas are interrelated: self‐control, self‐management, self‐observation, learning, social behavior, and the personality constructs related to self‐monitoring. A full‐color network map locates these concepts and clusters relative to each other. It also highlights some of the interests of different audiences, which can be described heuristically using two axes that have been labeled abstract versus practical and self‐oriented versus other‐oriented.
Salivary Concentration of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in a Group of Patients with Peri‐Implantitis: A Transversal Study
Authors: Sánchez‐Siles Mariano , Lucas‐Azorin Javier , Salazar‐Sánchez Noemi , Carbonell‐Meseguer Luis , Camacho‐Alonso Fabio
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to know if peri‐implantitis causes an increase in the total salivary concentration of oxidative stress markers.

Materials and Methods

Seventy patients, 28 men and 42 women, 60 of them with dental implants, 30 of which had peri‐implantitis and 30 were healthy. The remaining 10 were the control group: healthy subjects without implants. The average number of implants per patient was 4.70 ± 2.29 in the peri‐implantitis group and 2 70 ± 2.11 in the control group. Periodontal/peri‐implant variables were assessed, including bleeding index, gingival index, clinical attachment level, probing depth, presence of pockets larger than 4 and 6 mm, pain to percussion, suppuration, gingival hyperplasia or granuloma, crestal bone loss (both mesially and distally), evaluated through periapical radiography. Saliva samples from the 70 subjects were collected for measurement of malondialdehyde high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and myeloperoxidase (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis) concentrations.

Results

Implants affected with peri‐implantitis had an average follow‐up of 26.40 ± 7.97 months. 4.12% of implants with peri‐implantitis had a painful response to percussion. 2.06% showed suppuration; 25.77% had granuloma. The mean crestal bone loss in implants wtih peri‐implantitis was 3.78 ± 1.17 mm. Total salivary malondialdehyde concentration in the peri‐implantitis group (0.52 ± 0.37 μM/l) was slightly higher than that in the group with healthy implants (0.40 ± 0.16 μM/l) and also slightly higher than that in the group of healthy patients without implants (0.41 ± 0.79 μM/l), although the difference was not statistically significant, p value = .442. Myeloperoxidase concentration was slightly higher in the peri‐implantitis group (12.32 ± 2.17 ng/ml) than in the group with healthy implants (11.54 ± 2.80 ng/ml) and the group of healthy patients without implants (11.86 ± 2.67 ng/ml), without statistically significant differences, p value = .584.

Conclusions

The salivary concentration of oxidative stress markers in patients with peri‐implantitis and without periodontitis is not higher than that found in healthy patients.
A Computational Model of Linguistic Humor in Puns
Authors: Kao Justine T. , Levy Roger , Goodman Noah D.
Published: July 2015

Humor plays an essential role in human interactions. Precisely what makes something funny, however, remains elusive. While research on natural language understanding has made significant advancements in recent years, there has been little direct integration of humor research with computational models of language understanding. In this paper, we propose two information‐theoretic measures—ambiguity and distinctiveness—derived from a simple model of sentence processing. We test these measures on a set of puns and regular sentences and show that they correlate significantly with human judgments of funniness. Moreover, within a set of puns, the distinctiveness measure distinguishes exceptionally funny puns from mediocre ones. Our work is the first, to our knowledge, to integrate a computational model of general language understanding and humor theory to quantitatively predict humor at a fine‐grained level. We present it as an example of a framework for applying models of language processing to understand higher level linguistic and cognitive phenomena.
Autonomic cardiovascular regulation and cortical tone
Authors: Duschek Stefan , Wörsching Jana , Reyes del Paso Gustavo A.
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to investigate interactions between tonic cortical arousal and features of autonomic cardiovascular regulation. In 50 healthy subjects, the power spectrum of the spontaneous EEG was obtained at resting state. Concurrently, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and R‐wave to pulse interval (RPI) were recorded as indices of cardiovascular control. At the bivariate level, only a negative correlation between beta power recorded at frontal electrode positions and RPI was found. However, when common variance of BRS and RSA was controlled for in multiple regression analyses, a positive association between alpha power and RSA, and an inverse relationship with BRS, also arose. The findings concerning RPI and RSA are suggestive of a relationship between higher levels of cortical tone and increased sympathetic and reduced vagal cardiac influences. The inverse association between BRS and alpha activity may reflect bottom‐up modulation of cortical arousal by baroreceptor afferents.
FGF13 regulates proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle by down‐regulating Spry1
Authors: Lu Hongzhao , Shi Xine , Wu Guofang , Zhu Jiayu , Song Chengchuang , Zhang Qiangling , Yang Gongshe
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Generally, the secretory forms of FGF are known to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis by binding to the extracellular domain of cell surface receptors. Intracellular FGFs (FGF11‐14) are expressed principally in the nervous system. FGF13 is a microtubule‐stabilizing protein that regulates neuronal polarization and migration. Previous studies have reported high expression of FGF13 in cultures of single muscle fibres. However, functions of FGF13 in muscle development have not been explored.

Materials and methods

Real‐time RT‐PCR was performed to detect expression of FGF13 during C2C12 muscle cell proliferation and differentiation. To further understand the role of FGF13, its effects on proliferation and differentiation were examined by western blot analyses of cells transfected with FGF13 siRNA or FGF13 expression plasmids, or treated with chemical MEK inhibitors. Effects of FGF13 on related signalling pathways in C2C12 cell proliferation and differentiation were determined.

Results

FGF13 inhibited C2C12 cell proliferation by up‐regulating p27 mRNA level and by down‐regulating Cyclin E protein expression, during cell proliferation. Additionally, FGF13 down‐regulated Spry1 protein expression, activating the ERK1/2 pathway by phosphorylation and leading to C2C12 cell differentiation inhibition. Consequently, FGF13 seemed to function as a repressor of myoblast differentiation via the ERK1/2 pathway. Although FGF13 inhibited Spry1 regardless of cell proliferation or differentiation, its pathway activation occurred only during the stage of myoblast differentiation.

Conclusions

FGF13 inhibited C2C12 cell proliferation and differentiation by down‐regulating Spry1. These findings indicate that FGF13 played a negative regulatory role in skeletal muscle development.
“Death on Display:” Reflections on Taxidermy and Children's Understanding of Life and Death
Authors: Sanders Dawn , Hohenstein Jill
Published: July 2015

Taxidermic collections have become perceived as extraneous in modern museums, and as such have become vulnerable to disassembly during periods of economic austerity and/or shifts in curatorial perceptions. In this paper we argue that rich educational opportunities could be lost through such actions. We highlight the ways that taxidermy provides a useful context for learning about, and understanding, the relationships between life and death in the animal kingdom. We draw attention to research on the ways taxidermic display is currently used, the ways children learn through family conversation, and the types of understandings children are known to have about life and death. We believe these collections represent potential research spaces for understanding the impact of parental communication on children's understandings of life and death. Our preliminary research plans, and conversations with curatorial partners, suggest that recording and analyzing family conversations at these sites has much to offer. Furthermore, we propose such studies might facilitate new interdisciplinary relationships between museum curators and researchers, thus contributing to wider debate on the place of natural history collections in society.
Artifacts, Identity and Youth: A Cultural Intervention with Pacific Islander Young People Who Offend in Western Sydney, Australia
Authors: Blake Meredith , Liddell Marg , Singh Supriya
Published: July 2015

This article provides information on the evaluation of a project between the Australian Museum and the Juvenile Justice department in New South Wales, Australia, where young people who offend of Pacific Islander heritage were introduced to an extensive range of Pacific Islander cultural materials. The key assumption of the project was that young Pacific Islander people who offend struggled with cultural identity issues, and that a meaningful connection with their heritage would improve cultural knowledge and pride—thereby reducing their involvement in crime. However, this assumption was not borne out by the study's results.

Firstly, the twenty‐two Pacific Islander young offender study participants were already proud of their heritage, and comfortable in their cultural identities. Secondly, though they enjoyed their visit to the museum, most did not want to visit again, so there was no sustained engagement. Thirdly, the Museum program was not designed as part of a holistic approach with multiple strategies which addressed the complex reasons for youth offending. Despite eight out of the twenty‐two participants reoffending after the Museum visit, there was enough potential for the rehabilitative intervention that the Museum was granted funding to take its program to the community and make it more user‐centered. This, it is hoped, will set it on a path towards more sustained engagement, and the potential for a greater influence on Pacific Islander youth.
Fakes on Display: Special Exhibitions of Counterfeit Art
Authors: Casement William
Published: July 2015

Since the mid‐twentieth century, special exhibitions of art forgeries have appeared in many museums in the United States and Europe. These exhibitions have displayed artworks of many kinds, and have been structured around a variety of objectives and methodologies to engage the public. Fundamentally, they inform that public about an uncomfortable reality: that artistic deception is more common than they may think. The collective phenomenon of these forums displaying faux art has reached a point at which it is a topic worthy of study. This article draws upon representative examples of exhibitions of fake art to present an overview of their “what,” “why,” and “how” in light of commonalities and differences among them. It furthermore traces a loose historical pattern in these exhibitions that shows change over time as well as continuity.
White globe appearance is a novel specific endoscopic marker for gastric cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Yoshida Naohiro , Doyama Hisashi , Nakanishi Hiroyoshi , Tsuji Kunihiro , Tominaga Kei , Matsunaga Kazuhiro , Tsuji Shigetsugu , Takemura Kenichi , Yamada Shinya , Tsuyama Sho , Katayanagi Kazuyoshi , Kurumaya Hiroshi
Published: July 2015

Background and Aim

White globe appearance (WGA) is a small white lesion with a globular shape that can be identified by magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging (M‐NBI). WGA was recently reported as a novel endoscopic marker that can differentiate between gastric cancer (GC) and low‐grade adenoma. However, the usefulness of WGA for differentiating GC from non‐cancerous lesions (NC), including those of gastritis, is unknown.

Methods

To compare the prevalence of WGA in GC and NC, we carried out a prospective study of 994 patients undergoing gastroscopy. All patients were examined for target lesions that were suspected to be GC. When a target lesion was detected, the presence or absence of WGA in the lesion was evaluated using M‐NBI, and all target lesions were biopsied or resected for histopathological diagnosis. Primary endpoint was a comparison of WGA prevalence in GC and NC. Secondary endpoints included WGA diagnostic performance for diagnosing GC.

Results

A total of 188 target lesions from 156 patients were analyzed for WGA, and histopathological diagnoses included 70 cases of GC and 118 cases of NC. WGA prevalence in GC and NC was 21.4% (15/70) and 2.5% (3/118), respectively (P < 0.001). WGA diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for detecting GC were 69.1%, 21.4%, and 97.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

WGA prevalence in GC is significantly higher than that in NC. Because WGA is highly specific for GC, the presence of WGA is useful to diagnose GC.