bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 promotes osteogenic differentiation and collagen I alpha 2 synthesis via induction of mRNA‐binding protein LARP6 expression
Authors: Guo Yue , Tang Chen‐Yi , Man Xiao‐Fei , Tang Hao‐Neng , Tang Jun , Zhou Ci‐La , Tan Shu‐Wen , Wang Min , Feng Yun‐Zhi , Zhou Hou‐De
Published: February 2017

This study explored the mechanism underlying the stimulation of collagen synthesis and osteoblastic differentiation by insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in primary mouse osteoblasts. Primary mouse calvarial osteoblasts were cultured and treated with various doses of IGF1 before transfection with siRNA targeting the collagen type I alpha 2 (Col1a2) or La ribonucleoprotein domain family member 6 (Larp6) genes. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin staining, alizarin red quantification and the expression level of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) were performed to assess the differentiation of pre‐osteoblasts. Based on Western blot analysis, IGF1 up‐regulated COL1A2 protein expression in the primary osteoblasts in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. In addition, Col1a2 interference inhibited the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts. IGF1 also stimulated the differentiation of mouse primary osteoblasts and increased LARP6 expression during osteogenic differentiation. RNA‐Immunoprecipitation (IP) indicated that LARP6 could bind to Col1a2 mRNA after IGF1 stimulation. However, transfection of Larp6‐specific siRNA significantly reduced collagen and ALP secretion, mineralization and inhibited the expression of osteocalcin and RUNX2, indicating that Larp6 interference inhibited the differentiation ability of primary mouse calvarial osteoblasts, and these effects could not be reversed by IGF1. Thus, IGF1 could promote COL1A2 expression and osteoblast differentiation in primary mouse calvarial pre‐osteoblasts by increasing LARP6 expression via a posttranscriptional mechanism.
Summer habitat and movements of juvenile salmonids in a coastal river of Washington State
Authors: Winkowski John J. , Zimmerman Mara S.
Published: February 2017

We investigated the summer ecology of juvenile steelhead trout Onchorhynchus mykiss and Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha in the context of habitat use and movement behaviour. The study area was a 14.8 km section of the Chehalis River, Washington, and is of particular interest due to recent proposals for both a flood retention dam and restoration actions in this watershed. Ten study reaches were paired in distance upstream and downstream from a central point where a passive integrated transponder antenna array was operated between late June and September 2014. Juvenile densities for each species were associated with reach‐scale habitat and temperature characteristics. Juvenile steelhead underwent upstream and downstream movements up to 7 km, although more fish from further away moved downstream than upstream. Juvenile steelhead repeated horizontal movements throughout the study period, but daily detections were not associated with temperature or flow. The majority (81%) of steelhead movements occurred between the hours of 04:00–07:00 and 18:00–21:00. Juvenile Chinook underwent a downstream migration that was nearly complete by the end of August. Most juvenile Chinook were detected just once and movements occurred on days with warmer stream temperature and higher flows. The majority of Chinook movements occurred at night. Although juvenile salmonids are often thought to have small home ranges during summer months, our results suggest that horizontal movements may be more prevalent than previously thought. Summer habitat should be defined by a network of suitable rearing reaches with connectivity available in both upstream and downstream directions.
Cryptonormative Judgments
Authors: Worsnip Alex
Published: February 2017

A cryptonormative judgment, roughly speaking, is a judgment that is presented by the agent who makes it as non‐normative (either generally or in some particular respect), but that is in fact normative (either generally or in that particular respect). The idea of cryptonormativity is familiar from debates in social theory, social psychology, and continental political philosophy, but has to my knowledge never been treated in analytic metaethics, moral psychology or epistemology except in passing. In this paper, I argue, first, that cryptonormative judgments are pervasive: familiar cases from everyday life are most naturally diagnosed as cryptonormative judgments. Secondly, they reveal that normative judgment is a state that can be quite deeply non‐transparent to its bearer, in a way that is not, for example, assimilable to the phenomenon of self‐deception. Thirdly, they shed light on debates over amoralism and lend some support to a picture of normative psychology that links normative judgment constitutively to motivation. In the conclusion, I make some remarks about the social and political insidiousness of cryptonormativity, looking forward to future work.
Phenotypic spectrum of Charcot−Marie−Tooth disease due to LITAF/SIMPLE mutations: a study of 18 patients
Authors: Guimarães‐Costa R. , Iancu Ferfoglia R. , Leonard‐Louis S. , Ziegler F. , Magy L. , Fournier E. , Dubourg O. , Bouche P. , Maisonobe T. , Lacour A. , Moerman A. , Latour P. , Stojkovic T.
Published: February 2017

Background and purpose

Charcot−Marie−Tooth (CMT) 1C due to mutations in LITAF/SIMPLE is a rare subtype amongst the autosomal dominant demyelinating forms of CMT. Our objective was to report the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of 18 CMT1C patients and compare them to 20 patients with PMP22 mutations: 10 CMT1A patients and 10 patients with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP).

Methods

Charcot−Marie−Tooth 1C patients were followed‐up in referral centres for neuromuscular diseases or were identified by familial survey. All CMT1A and HNPP patients were recruited at the referral centre for neuromuscular diseases of Pitié‐Salpêtrière Hospital.

Results

Two phenotypes were identified amongst 18 CMT1C patients: the classical CMT form (‘CMT‐like’, 11 cases) and a predominantly sensory form (‘sensory form’, seven cases). The mean CMT neuropathy score was 4.45 in CMT1C patients. Motor nerve conduction velocities in the upper limbs were significantly more reduced in CMT1A than in CMT1C patients. On the other hand, the motor nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve was significantly lower in CMT1C compared to the HNPP group. Distal motor latency was significantly more prolonged in CMT1A patients compared to the CMT1C and HNPP groups, the latter two groups having similar distal motor latency values. Molecular analysis revealed five new LITAF/SIMPLE mutations (Ala111Thr, Gly112Ala, Trp116Arg, Pro135Leu, Arg160Cys).

Conclusions

Our study delineates CMT1C as mostly a mild form of neuropathy, and gives clinical and electrophysiological clues differentiating CMT1C from CMT1A and HNPP. Delineating phenotypes in CMT subtypes is important to orient molecular diagnosis and to help to interpret complex molecular findings.
Retracted: Nrf2: a novel therapeutic target in fragile X syndrome is modulated by NNZ2566
Authors: Deacon R. M. J. , Hurley M. J. , Rebolledo C. M. , Snape M. , Altimiras F. J. , Farías L. , Pino M. , Biekofsky R. , Glass L. , Cogram P.
Published: February 2017

Retraction: “Nrf2: a novel therapeutic target in fragile X syndrome is modulated by NNZ2566” by R. M. J. Deacon, M. J. Hurley, C. M. Rebolledo, M. Snape, F. J. Altimiras, L. Farías, M. Pino, R. Biekofsky, L. Glass and P. Cogram.

The above article, from Genes, Brain and Behavior, published online on 12th May 2017 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Andrew Holmes and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed as all authors cannot agree on a revised author order, and at least one author continues to dispute the original order. In this case, the original article is being retracted on the grounds that the journal does not have permission to publish.

Reference:

Deacon, R. M. J., Hurley, M. J., Rebolledo, C. M., Snape, M., Altimiras, F. J., Farías, L., Pino, M., Biekofsky, R., Glass, L. and Cogram, P. (2017), Nrf2: a novel therapeutic target in fragile X syndrome is modulated by NNZ2566. Genes, Brain and Behavior. doi:10.1111/gbb.12373.
Phenotypic distribution models corroborate species distribution models: A shift in the role and prevalence of a dominant prairie grass in response to climate change
Authors: Smith Adam B. , Alsdurf Jacob , Knapp Mary , Baer Sara G. , Johnson Loretta C.
Published: February 2017

Phenotypic distribution within species can vary widely across environmental gradients but forecasts of species’ responses to environmental change often assume species respond homogenously across their ranges. We compared predictions from species and phenotype distribution models under future climate scenarios for Andropogon gerardii, a widely distributed, dominant grass found throughout the central United States. Phenotype data on aboveground biomass, height, leaf width, and chlorophyll content were obtained from 33 populations spanning a ~1000 km gradient that encompassed the majority of the species’ environmental range. Species and phenotype distribution models were trained using current climate conditions and projected to future climate scenarios. We used permutation procedures to infer the most important variable for each model. The species‐level response to climate was most sensitive to maximum temperature of the hottest month, but phenotypic variables were most sensitive to mean annual precipitation. The phenotype distribution models predict that A. gerardii could be largely functionally eliminated from where this species currently dominates, with biomass and height declining by up to ~60% and leaf width by ~20%. By the 2070s, the core area of highest suitability for A. gerardii is projected to shift up to ~700 km northeastward. Further, short‐statured phenotypes found in the present‐day short grass prairies on the western periphery of the species’ range will become favored in the current core ~800 km eastward of their current location. Combined, species and phenotype models predict this currently dominant prairie grass will decline in prevalence and stature. Thus, sourcing plant material for grassland restoration and forage should consider changes in the phenotype that will be favored under future climate conditions. Phenotype distribution models account for the role of intraspecific variation in determining responses to anticipated climate change and thereby complement predictions from species distributions models in guiding climate adaptation strategies.
Do low oxygen environments facilitate marine invasions? Relative tolerance of native and invasive species to low oxygen conditions
Authors: Lagos Marcelo E. , Barneche Diego R. , White Craig R. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: February 2017

Biological invasions are one of the biggest threats to global biodiversity. Marine artificial structures are proliferating worldwide and provide a haven for marine invasive species. Such structures disrupt local hydrodynamics, which can lead to the formation of oxygen‐depleted microsites. The extent to which native fauna can cope with such low oxygen conditions, and whether invasive species, long associated with artificial structures in flow‐restricted habitats, have adapted to these conditions remains unclear. We measured water flow and oxygen availability in marinas and piers at the scales relevant to sessile marine invertebrates (mm). We then measured the capacity of invasive and native marine invertebrates to maintain metabolic rates under decreasing levels of oxygen using standard laboratory assays. We found that marinas reduce water flow relative to piers, and that local oxygen levels can be zero in low flow conditions. We also found that for species with erect growth forms, invasive species can tolerate much lower levels of oxygen relative to native species. Integrating the field and laboratory data showed that up to 30% of available microhabitats within low flow environments are physiologically stressful for native species, while only 18% of the same habitat is physiologically stressful for invasive species. These results suggest that invasive species have adapted to low oxygen habitats associated with manmade habitats, and artificial structures may be creating niche opportunities for invasive species.
Sedation with orally administered midazolam in elderly dental patients with major neurocognitive disorder
Authors: Rignell Lena , Mikati Mona , Wertsén Madeleine , Hägglin Catharina
Published: February 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate acceptance of treatment after oral sedation with midazolam in dental patients with major neurocognitive disorder.

Background

Midazolam is commonly used as premedication in paediatric dentistry, oral surgery and people suffering from dental fear. Little is known about its use in other patient groups.

Methods

Dental and sedation records of 61 patients (64% women) sedated with midazolam were examined retrospectively. All records came from patients with major neurocognitive disorder who had been referred to a special dental care unit in Sweden due to uncooperative behaviour and sedated with orally administered midazolam between 2006 and 2011. Data concerning dose, degree of acceptance of dental treatment (four‐point scale) and number of possible interacting drugs were collected from dental records.

Results

On average, the participants were 80 years old (range: 62‐93) and used 3.4 possible interacting drugs. The average midazolam dose was 0.11 mg/kg body weight, which is in line with the regional medical guidelines for sedation. Twenty‐seven participants (44%) had no cooperation problems when sedated, twenty‐six (43%) were treated with minor adaptations, five had poor cooperation, and three were not possible to treat. No statistically significant differences were found for degree of acceptance of treatment and dose or number of possible interacting drugs. Antiepileptics were used by 13% (n=7) with good or quite good acceptance compared to 37% (n=3) among those with poor or no acceptance. Unfavourable side effects were rare; one participant became hyperactive and one drowsier than expected.

Conclusion

Sedation with orally administered midazolam seems to be effective and safe in dental treatment of uncooperative persons with major neurocognitive disorder.
Bringing Organisations and Systems Back Together: Extending Clark's Entrepreneurial University
Authors: Rhoades Gary , Stensaker Bjørn
Published: February 2017

Burton R. Clark's 1998 book, Creating Entrepreneurial Universities, has had a major impact on the field of higher education, especially internationally. In this paper, key aspects of Clark's conceptualisation of organisational pathways of transformation are identified, speaking to its theoretical and empirical contributions to higher education studies, policy and practice. In addition, the larger corpus of Clark's work is built on to offer avenues by which considerations of systems analysis and organisational studies can be brought back together to address the strategic challenges and opportunities for individual universities and state as well as national systems of higher education.
The emerging role of GSK‐3β in the pathobiology of classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Agostinelli Claudio , Carloni Silvia , Limarzi Francesco , Righi Simona , Laginestra Maria Antonella , Musuraca Gerardo , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Napolitano Roberta , Cuneo Antonio , Vergara Daniele , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Sabattini Elena , Pileri Stefano A , De Matteis Serena
Published: February 2017

Aims

Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta (GSK‐3β) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in glycogen metabolism, cell cycle progression, differentiation, embryogenesis, migration, metabolism, survival and cellular senescence. Its main biological function is to inhibit β‐catenin by sequestration and promotion of its proteasomal degradation in the Wnt canonical pathway; however, GSK‐3β interacts with multiple signalling pathways, and aberrant expression of the enzyme was reported in many solid neoplasms. This study aimed to investigate the biological relevance of GSK‐3β in classical Hodgkin lymphomas (cHL).

Methods and results

We analysed the functional status of GSK‐3β enzyme in cHL by using antibodies raised against fixation‐resistant epitopes of phospho Y216 GSK‐3β (active form), phospho S9 GSK‐3β (inactive form) and β‐catenin protein. We first detected the pY216 GSK‐3β active form of the enzyme in 100 of 100 (100%) of the cases, and in line with the latter expression profile, the β‐catenin protein was found in only 12 of 100 (12%) of the samples. As reported previously in bladder cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, we showed an aberrant nuclear localization in the neoplastic clone of active pY216 GSK‐3β in 78 of 100 (78%) of cHL cases.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the activation of GSK‐3β in cHL resulting in inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin signal cascade and the aberrant accumulation of its activated form in nuclei of Hodgkin Reed–Sternberg and Hodgkin cells. These findings may be relevant for future clinical studies, identifying GSK‐3β as a potential therapeutic target for cHL.
Dentine matrix proteins: isolation and effects on human pulp cells
Authors: Widbiller M. , Eidt A. , Lindner S. R. , Hiller K.‐A. , Schweikl H. , Buchalla W. , Galler K. M.
Published: February 2017

Aim

To establish a simplified and efficient protocol for the isolation and concentration of matrix proteins from human dentine, and to assess the effects of extracted dentine matrix proteins (eDMP) on the behaviour of human pulp cells.

Methodology

Matrix proteins were isolated from human dentine, purified, concentrated and characterized with protein and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Culture media were supplemented with eDMP in different concentrations, referred to as eDMP 1–10 000, to assess viability and proliferation of human pulp cells by DNA and MTT assays; apoptotic events were quantified by flow cytometry. Chemotactic effects of eDMP were assessed in a modified Boyden chamber assay. Expression levels of odontoblastic marker genes in pulp cells cultured with eDMPs were determined by real‐time quantitative PCR, and the ability to induce mineralization was demonstrated by alizarin red staining. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed to pairwise compare different groups at all time‐points (Mann–Whitney U‐test, α = 0.05).

Results

High concentrations of eDMP exhibited significant antiproliferative effects (P ≤ 0.023) after 5 (eDMP 1000) and 7 days (eDMP 500) without affecting cell viability. Apoptosis was barely influenced (P ≥ 0.089). eDMP exerted a concentration‐dependent chemotactic stimulus on dental pulp cells with statistical significance already at low dosage (P = 0.006 at eDMP 10). Changes in gene expression indicated a differentiation into odontoblast‐like cells, which was corroborated by findings of mineral nodule formation.

Conclusions

A novel, effective and time‐saving protocol for isolation and concentration of dentine matrix proteins is presented. As eDMP stimulates chemotaxis, differentiation and mineralization without affecting viability, endogenous dentine matrix proteins might be valuable for approaches to regenerate or engineer dental pulp.
Optimisation of extraction conditions and thermal properties of protein from the Andean pseudocereal cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen)
Authors: Betalleluz‐Pallardel Indira , Inga Marianela , Mera Lizbeth , Pedreschi Romina , Campos David , Chirinos Rosana
Published: February 2017

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimise alkaline protein extraction from cañihua grain meal as to maximise protein extraction yield. Different factors (temperature, extraction time, solvent/meal ratio, pH and NaCl molar concentration) were screened, and their significant influence on the extracted protein yield was evaluated. The first four factors were selected and studied by RSM using a central composite design (CCD). The obtained model produced a satisfactory fitting of the results (R2 = 0.801). Optimal cañihua protein extraction conditions corresponded to a temperature of 21 °C, time extraction of 5 min, solvent/meal ratio of 37/1 (v/w) at pH 10 resulting in a protein yield of 80.4 ± 1.3%, which closely agree with the predicted value of 81.4%. Moreover, protein degradation was studied via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) obtaining a denaturation temperature of 93.4 °C and an enthalpy value of 1.22 ± 0.05 J g−1. These results are interesting from a technological point to help in designing an optimal protein extraction process and cañihua food processing strategies.
Technological properties, in vitro starch digestibility and in vivo glycaemic index of bread containing crude malva nut gum
Authors: Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Siripatrawan Ubonrat , Teekachunhatean Supanimit , Wangtueai Sutee , Seesuriyachan Phisit , Surawang Suthat , Laokuldilok Thunnop , Regenstein Joe M. , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: February 2017

The effects of crude malva nut gum (CMG) on the texture, digestion and the glycaemic index (GI) of white bread were investigated. Different CMG levels (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% w/w based on weight of flour) were added into a bread formula. The lightness (L*) and loaf‐specific volumes of the bread decreased with increased CMG levels. Firmness of the bread increased with increased CMG content. The in vitro starch digestion kinetics showed that bread containing CMG had generally lower predicted GI (74–81 vs. the control). In vivo human testing showed that increasing the CMG reduced the GI of the bread. The GI values of bread containing CMG ranged from 73 to 98 of the control. Overall liking scores of consumers ranged between ‘like slightly’ and ‘like moderately’ (6.1–7.1) compared to 7.1 for the control. Thus, the addition of CMG in carbohydrate‐based foods may lower the GI.
Water‐dispersible microparticles of polyunsaturated oils
Authors: Chimpibul Wichchulada , Rengpipat Sirirat , Wanichwecharungruang Supason
Published: February 2017

Health benefits of polyunsaturated oils are well known; nevertheless, incorporating these oils into food/feed products is not possible due to their chemical instability. Here purified fish oil with 32% (w/w) polyunsaturated fatty acids is co‐encapsulated with the antioxidant butylhydroxyanisole, into 1.0 ± 0.7 μm cellulose‐based microspheres by solvent precipitation method, at the fish oil loading content of 41% and encapsulation efficiency of 81%. Aqueous suspension of the encapsulated fish oil particles shows significantly improved oxidative stability, thermal stability, photostability and shelf‐life stability. Dry powder of the fish oil particles shows excellent shelf‐life stability. Double bond functionality of the encapsulated oil can tolerate high production temperature such as the shrimp feed production process (95 °C for 10 min) or spray dry process (outlet temperature of 120 °C). This encapsulation strategy using biocompatible cellulose polymer should enable effective and versatile applications of polyunsaturated oils in foods, feeds and cosmetics.
Do housing regimes matter? Assessing the concept of housing regimes through configurations of housing outcomes
Authors: Dewilde Caroline
Published: February 2017

Based on a conceptualisation of de‐commodification as the right to decent and affordable housing, we assessed to what extent this right is realised for low‐to‐moderate‐income owners and renters across Western European housing regimes in 1995 and 2012. If differences in the social production of housing do matter (regardless of type of welfare state and the country's economic affluence), then distinct configurations of housing outcomes should exist. This was found to be indeed the case: More state intervention results in good housing conditions and low housing cost burdens across tenure‐age groups (but particularly for renters), although more so in social‐democratic than in conservative‐corporatist welfare states. A more important role for the family in housing provision is associated with higher subjective housing cost burdens and poor housing conditions. As housing regimes became more commodified between 1995 and 2012, it seems that configurations of housing outcomes have become less associated with the features of housing regimes, and more with type of welfare state and the country's economic affluence.
Microstructure evolution of a W‐doped ZrB2ceramic upon high‐temperature oxidation
Authors: Silvestroni Laura , Sciti Diletta , Monteverde Frédéric , Stricker Kerstin , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim
Published: February 2017

This basic research deals with the microstructure evolution of a W‐doped ZrB2ceramic, as‐sintered and upon oxidation at 1650°C. Transmission electron microscopy enabled to disclose microstructural features occurred during oxidation never observed before. In the pristine material, (Zr,W)B2solid solutions surround the original ZrB2nuclei, whereas refractory W‐compounds at triple junctions and clean grain boundaries are distinctive of this ceramic. After oxidation, the microstructure is typified by intragranular nanostructures, in which nanosized W inclusions remained trapped within ZrO2grains, or decorate their surfaces. The understanding of the oxidation reactions occurring in the system as a function of the oxygen partial pressure was fundamental to conclude that W‐based compounds do not notably suppress or retard the oxidation of ZrB2ceramics.
Thermo‐structural design of ZrB2–SiC‐based thermal protection system for hypersonic space vehicles
Authors: Purwar Anupam , Basu Bikramjit
Published: February 2017

The leading edges of hypersonic space vehicle experience high temperature and stress due to prevailing aerothermodynamic conditions of extreme heat flux and pressure. The design of thermal protection system (TPS) to protect the metallic airframe structure can ensure longer life and reliability under flight conditions. The effective design of TPS system requires the precise quantitative understanding of thermo‐mechanical stresses and deformation, which demands careful computational study under flight simulated conditions. In the above perspective, TPS design for a leading edge exposed to Mach 7 hypersonic flow for 250 seconds has been carried out by performing finite element‐based thermo‐structural analysis with pressure and heat flux estimated from computational fluid dynamics analysis (CFD). The fidelity and robustness of CFD scheme is established using grid independence and convergence analysis. CFD analysis effectively captures the formation of bow shock around the leading edge and stagnation region near its nose. For finite element analysis, high‐quality structural elements have been generated using HyperMesh to precisely model the thermo‐structural behavior of TPS. In our computational analysis, TPS is modeled as a three‐layered system with outermost layer of ZrB2‐SiC, middle layer of phenolic cork and innermost layer of Ti‐alloy. The analytical values of spatial variation of temperature, stress components, and displacement across the TPS have been critically analysed to rationalise specific structural configuration for better thermo‐structural stability. Together with temporal variation of temperature, the implication of such computational results has led us to propose a new design for TPS. The proposed TPS is capable of containing the stress and displacement within 32 MPa and 0.58 mm, respectively, when the leading edge is exposed to shock induced aero‐thermal heating as high as 2.11 MW/m2 and pressure of 72.8 kPa for a hypersonic cruise flight of 500 km range.
Saitohin Q7R polymorphism is associated with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease susceptibility among caucasian populations: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Rong , Tian Sai , Cai Rongrong , Sun Jie , Xia Wenqing , Dong Xue , Shen Yanjue , Wang Shaohua
Published: February 2017

Saitohin (STH) Q7R polymorphism has been reported to influence the individual's susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, conclusions remain controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta‐analysis to explore the association between STH Q7R polymorphism and AD risk. Systematic literature searches were performed in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science for studies published before 31 August 2016. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association using a fixed‐ or random‐effects model. Subgroup analyses, Galbraith plot and sensitivity analyses were also performed. All statistical analyses were performed with STATA Version 12.0. A total of 19 case–control studies from 17 publications with 4387 cases and 3972 controls were included in our meta‐analysis. The results showed that the Q7R polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of AD in a recessive model (RR versus QQ+QR, OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.01–1.60, P = 0.040). After excluding the four studies not carried out in caucasians, the overall association was unchanged in all comparison models. Further subgroup analyses stratified by the time of AD onset, and the quality of included studies provided statistical evidence of significant increased risk of AD in RR versus QQ+QR model only in late‐onset subjects (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.07–2.26, P = 0.021) and in studies with high quality (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.01–1.86, P = 0.043). This meta‐analysis suggests that the RR genotype in saitohin Q7R polymorphism may be a human‐specific risk factor for AD, especially among late‐onset AD subjects and caucasian populations.
Endothelial glycocalyx as a critical signalling platform integrating the extracellular haemodynamic forces and chemical signalling
Authors: Zeng Ye
Published: February 2017

The glycocalyx covers the human mammalian cells and plays important roles in stroke, inflammation and atherosclerosis. It has also been shown to be involved in endothelial mechanotransduction of shear stress. Shear stress induces the remodelling of the major component of the glycocalyx including glypican‐1, a cell membrane heparan sulphate proteoglycan. Other factors, such as sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), protect the glycocalyx against syndecan‐1 ectodomain shedding and induce the synthesis of heparan sulphate. In this study, we reviewed the role of shear stress and S1P in glycocalyx remodelling and revealed that the glycocalyx is a critical signalling platform, integrating the extracellular haemodynamic forces and chemical signalling, such as S1P, for determining the fate of endothelial cells and vascular diseases. This review integrated our current understanding of the structure and function of the glycocalyx and provided new insight into the role of the glycocalyx that might be helpful for investigating the underlying biological mechanisms in certain human diseases, such as atherosclerosis.
Description and Molecular Phylogeny of a Novel Hypotrich Ciliate from the Soil of Marche Region, Italy; Including Notes on the MOSYSS Project
Authors: Bharti Daizy , Kumar Santosh , La Terza Antonietta
Published: February 2017

The morphology and morphogenesis during cell division of a new stylonychine hypotrich, Rigidocortex quadrinucleatus n. sp., were investigated using live observation and protargol staining. The new species was isolated from soil samples collected from an organic farm in the Marche Region, Italy, in framework of the MOSYSS project. Rigidocortex quadrinucleatus is characterized as follows: cell size about 180 × 80 μm in vivo; four ellipsoidal macronuclear nodules; 44 adoral membranelles: 18 fronto‐ventral‐transverse cirri consisting of three frontal, four frontoventral, one buccal, three ventral, two pretransverse, and five transverse cirri; dorsal kinety 3 with multiple fragmentation; resting cyst with hyaline ridges. Rigidocortex quadrinucleatus mainly differs from the type species R. octonucleatus in having four (vs. eight) macronuclear nodules. Rigidocortex quadrinucleatus can be easily confused with Sterkiella cavicola since both have a rather similar ventral ciliature; however, they can be separated by the slightly higher number of cirri in the left marginal row that runs along the posterior cell's margin in R. quadrinucleatus. Morphogenesis on the ventral surface is highly similar to that of Sterkiella species, but differs significantly on the dorsal surface (multiple vs. simple fragmentation of dorsal kinety 3). Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA gene sequences consistently place the new species within the stylonychine oxytrichids, clustering closer to Gastrostyla steinii than to S. cavicola.
Role of Modular Polyketide Synthases in the Production of Polyether Ladder Compounds in Ciguatoxin‐Producing Gambierdiscus polynesiensis and G. excentricus (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Kohli Gurjeet S. , Campbell Katrina , John Uwe , Smith Kirsty F. , Fraga Santiago , Rhodes Lesley L. , Murray Shauna A.
Published: February 2017

Gambierdiscus, a benthic dinoflagellate, produces ciguatoxins that cause the human illness Ciguatera. Ciguatoxins are polyether ladder compounds that have a polyketide origin, indicating that polyketide synthases (PKS) are involved in their production. We sequenced transcriptomes of Gambierdiscus excentricus and Gambierdiscus polynesiensis and found 264 contigs encoding single domain ketoacyl synthases (KS; G. excentricus: 106, G. polynesiensis: 143) and ketoreductases (KR; G. excentricus: 7, G. polynesiensis: 8) with sequence similarity to type I PKSs, as reported in other dinoflagellates. In addition, 24 contigs (G. excentricus: 3, G. polynesiensis: 21) encoding multiple PKS domains (forming typical type I PKSs modules) were found. The proposed structure produced by one of these megasynthases resembles a partial carbon backbone of a polyether ladder compound. Seventeen contigs encoding single domain KS, KR, s‐malonyltransacylase, dehydratase and enoyl reductase with sequence similarity to type II fatty acid synthases (FAS) in plants were found. Type I PKS and type II FAS genes were distinguished based on the arrangement of domains on the contigs and their sequence similarity and phylogenetic clustering with known PKS/FAS genes in other organisms. This differentiation of PKS and FAS pathways in Gambierdiscus is important, as it will facilitate approaches to investigating toxin biosynthesis pathways in dinoflagellates.
Q10 measures of metabolic performance and critical swimming speed in King George whiting Sillaginodes punctatus
Authors: Mazloumi N. , Johansen J. L. , Doubleday Z. A. , Gillanders B. M.
Published: February 2017

This study examined thermally driven changes in swimming performance and aerobic metabolism (Q10 and aerobic scope of activity) of adult King George whiting Sillaginodes punctatus to the coldest (16° C) and the warmest (26° C) temperature encountered by this species. Compensation of aerobic scope, higher maximal swimming speeds and a maintained capacity to repay oxygen debt indicate that this species is capable of thermal acclimation to conditions expected under global warming.
Reproductive energy expenditure and changes in body morphology for a population of Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha with a long distance migration
Authors: Bowerman T. E. , Pinson‐Dumm A. , Peery C. A. , Caudill C. C.
Published: February 2017

Energetic demands of a long freshwater migration, extended holding period, gamete development and spawning were evaluated for a population of stream‐type Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Female and male somatic mass decreased by 24 and 21%, respectively, during migration and by an additional 18 and 12% during holding. Between freshwater entry and death after spawning, females allocated 14% of initial somatic energy towards gonad development and 78% for metabolism (46, 25 and 7% during migration, holding and spawning, respectively). Males used only 2% of initial somatic energy for gonad development and 80% on metabolic costs, as well as an increase in snout length (41, 28 and 11% during migration, holding and spawning, respectively). Individually marked O. tshawytscha took between 27 and 53 days to migrate 920 km. Those with slower travel times through the dammed section of the migration corridor arrived at spawning grounds with less muscle energy than faster migrants. Although energy depletion did not appear to be the proximate cause of death in most pre‐spawn mortalities, average final post‐spawning somatic energy densities were low at 3·6 kJ g−1 in females and 4·1 kJ g−1 in males, consistent with the concept of a minimum energy threshold required to sustain life in semelparous salmonids.
Impact of a targeted direct marketing price promotion intervention (Buywell) on food‐purchasing behaviour by low income consumers: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Stead M. , MacKintosh A. M. , Findlay A. , Sparks L. , Anderson A. S. , Barton K. , Eadie D.
Published: February 2017

Background

Price promotions are a promising intervention for encouraging healthier food purchasing. We aimed to assess the impact of a targeted direct marketing price promotion combined with healthy eating advice and recipe suggestions on the purchase of selected healthier foods by low income consumers.

Methods

We conducted a randomised controlled trial (n = 53 367) of a direct marketing price promotion (Buywell) combined with healthy eating advice and recipe suggestions for low income consumers identified as ‘less healthy’ shoppers. Impact was assessed using electronic point of sale data for UK low income shoppers before, during and after the promotion.

Results

The proportion of customers buying promoted products in the intervention month increased by between 1.4% and 2.8% for four of the five products. There was significantly higher uptake in the promotion month (P < 0.001) for the intervention group than would have been expected on the basis of average uptake in the other months. When product switching was examined for semi‐skimmed/skimmed milk, a modest increase (1%) was found in the intervention month of customers switching from full‐fat to low‐fat milk. This represented 8% of customers who previously bought only full‐fat milk. The effects were generally not sustained after the promotion period.

Conclusions

Short‐term direct marketing price promotions combined with healthy eating advice and recipe suggestions targeted at low income consumers are feasible and can have a modest impact on short‐term food‐purchasing behaviour, although further approaches are needed to help sustain these changes.
IP3 receptor mutations and brain diseases in human and rodents
Authors: Hisatsune Chihiro , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko
Published: February 2017

The inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is a huge Ca2+ channel that is localized at the endoplasmic reticulum. The IP3R releases Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum upon binding to IP3, which is produced by various extracellular stimuli through phospholipase C activation. All vertebrate organisms have three subtypes of IP3R genes, which have distinct properties of IP3‐binding and Ca2+ sensitivity, and are differently regulated by phosphorylation and by their associated proteins. Each cell type expresses the three subtypes of IP3R in a distinct proportion, which is important for creating and maintaining spatially and temporally appropriate intracellular Ca2+ level patterns for the regulation of specific physiological phenomena. Of the three types of IP3Rs, the type 1 receptor (IP3R1) is dominantly expressed in the brain and is important for brain function. Recent emerging evidence suggests that abnormal Ca2+ signals from the IP3R1 are closely associated with human brain pathology. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in our knowledge of the regulation of IP3R1 and its functional implication in human brain diseases, as revealed by IP3R mutation studies and analysis of human disease‐associated genes.

This article is part of the mini review series “60th Anniversary of the Japanese Society for Neurochemistry”.

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The Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug™ for Vascular Embolization in Children With Congenital Heart Diseases
Authors: Sathanandam Shyam , Justino Henri , Waller B. Rush , Gowda Srinath T. , Radtke Wolfgang , Qureshi Athar M.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To describe the early multi‐center, clinical experience with the Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug™ (MVP) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing vascular embolization.

Background

The MVP is a large diameter vascular occlusion device that can be delivered through a microcatheter for embolization of abnormal blood vessels.

Methods

A retrospective review of embolization procedures using the MVP in children with CHD was performed in 3‐centers. Occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus using the MVP was not included.

Results

Ten children underwent attempted occlusion using the MVP. The most common indication to use the MVP was failed attempted occlusion using other embolic devices. Five, single ventricle patients (median age 3‐years, median weight 14.9 kg) underwent occlusion of veno‐venous collaterals following bidirectional Glenn operation. Three patients (Median age 8 years) underwent occlusion of coronary artery fistulae (CAF). Two patients (age 7 months and 1 year) underwent occlusion of large aorto‐pulmonary collaterals. A 7‐day‐old child with a large CAF required 2 MVPs and an Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP‐II) for complete occlusion. Occlusion of all other blood vessels was achieved using a single MVP. One MVP embolized distally in an 8‐years‐old child with a large CAF. There were no other procedural complications or during follow‐up (median 9 months).

Conclusions

The MVP is a new, large‐diameter vascular embolization device that can be delivered through a microcatheter. It may play an important role in providing highly effective occlusion of abnormal vessels in children.
Compensating need satisfaction across life boundaries: A daily diary study
Authors: Hewett Rebecca , Haun Verena C. , Demerouti Evangelia , Rodríguez Sánchez Alma Maria , Skakon Janne , De Gieter Sara
Published: February 2017

Self‐determination theory suggests that satisfaction of an individual's basic psychological needs (for competence, autonomy, and relatedness) is a key for well‐being. This has gained empirical support in multiple life domains, but little is known about the way that need satisfaction interacts between work and home. Drawing from ideas of work–home compensation, we expect that the benefits of need satisfaction in the home domain are reduced when needs are satisfied in the work domain. We tested this hypothesis with a daily diary study involving 91 workers. Results showed that individuals particularly benefit from satisfaction of their need for competence in the home domain when it is not satisfied during the working day. No such interactions were found between the needs for autonomy or relatedness. Our study highlights that the interaction of need satisfaction across domains represents a boundary condition for the beneficial effects of need satisfaction.

Practitioner points

The study examines the interplay between daily need satisfaction at work and at home and its relation to employee well‐being at bedtime.

Employees particularly benefit from competence need satisfaction at home (e.g., doing a hobby which challenges them) on days when they do not get a sense of competence from their job (e.g., if the tasks are not particularly challenging, or they are underperforming).
Inhibitory effects of a standardized extract of Justicia pectoralis in an experimental rat model of airway hyper-responsiveness
Authors: Moura Carlos T M , Batista-Lima Francisco J , Brito Teresinha S , Silva Alfredo A V , Ferreira Luan C , Roque Cássia R , Aragão Karoline S , Havt Alexandre , Fonseca Francisco N , Leal Luzia K A M , Magalhães Pedro J C
Published: February 2017

Objective

Justicia pectoralis is a plant useful for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Here, we studied the antiasthmatic properties of a standardized extract of J. pectoralis (Jp).

Methods

Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rats were actively challenged with saline or OVA to study airway hyper-responsiveness after oral treatment with saline or Jp. The ability of Jp to inhibit hyper-reactivity was evaluated in isolated trachea mounted in isolated organ bath chamber.

Key findings

Using KCl or carbachol as contractile agents, tracheal rings of OVA-challenged rats contracted with higher magnitude than trachea of rats challenged with saline. Such hyper-responsive phenotype of OVA-challenged tissues decreased with Jp administration. In Ca+-free medium, Jp or its major constituent coumarin inhibited preferentially the contractions induced by Ca2+ addition in tissues of OVA-challenged rats stimulated with KCl or acetylcholine. In tissues depleted of their internal Ca+ stores in the presence of thapsigargin, Jp inhibited the contraction induced by capacitative Ca2+ entry. By gavage, Jp abolished the increase caused by challenge with OVA on the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the bronchoalveolar fluid and also impaired the changes in gene expression of canonical transient receptor proteins.

Conclusions

Jp has antiasthmatic properties in an experimental model that reproduces tracheal hyper-reactivity.
Inhibition of PDE5A1 guanosine cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) hydrolysing activity by sildenafil analogues that inhibit cellular cGMP efflux
Authors: Subbotina Anna , Ravna Aina W , Lysaa Roy A , Abagyan Ruben , Bugno Ryszard , Sager Georg
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To determine the ability of 11 sildenafil analogues to discriminate between cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (cnPDEs) and to characterise their inhibitory potencies (Ki values) of PDE5A1-dependent guanosine cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) hydrolysis.

Methods

Sildenafil analogues were identified by virtual ligand screening (VLS) and screened for their ability to inhibit adenosine cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) hydrolysis by PDE1A1, PDE1B1, PDE2A1, PDE3A, PDE10A1 and PDE10A2, and cGMP hydrolysis by PDE5A, PDE6C, PDE9A2 for a low (1 nm) and high concentration (10 μm). Complete IC50 plots for all analogues were performed for PDE5A-dependent cGMP hydrolysis. Docking studies and scoring were made using the ICM molecular modelling software.

Key findings

The analogues in a low concentration showed no or low inhibition of PDE1A1, PDE1B1, PDE2A1, PDE3A, PDE10A1 and PDE10A2. In contrast, PDE5A and PDE6C were markedly inhibited to a similar extent by the analogues in a low concentration, whereas PDE9A2 was much less inhibited. The analogues showed a relative narrow range of Ki values for PDE5A inhibition (1.2–14 nm). The sildenafil molecule was docked in the structure of PDE5A1 co-crystallised with sildenafil. All the analogues had similar binding poses as sildenafil.

Conclusions

Sildenafil analogues that inhibit cellular cGMP efflux are potent inhibitors of PDE5A and PDE6C.