bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What did we learn from CTLA‐4 insufficiency on the human immune system?
Authors: Mitsuiki Noriko , Schwab Charlotte , Grimbacher Bodo
Published: December 2018

Cytotoxic‐T‐lymphocyte‐antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) is a negative immune regulator constitutively expressed on regulatory T (Treg) cells and upregulated on activated T cells. CTLA‐4 inhibits T cell activation by various suppressive functions including competition with CD28, regulation of the inhibitory function of Treg cells, such as transendocytosis, and the control of adhesion and motility. Intrinsic CTLA‐4 signaling has been controversially discussed, but so far no distinct signaling pathway has been identified. The CTLA‐4‐mediated Treg suppression plays an important role in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Human CTLA‐4 insufficiency is caused by heterozygous germline mutations in CTLA4 and characterized by a complex immune dysregulation syndrome. Clinical studies on CTLA4 mutation carriers showed a reduced penetrance and variable expressivity, suggesting modifying factor(s). One hundred and forty‐eight CTLA4 mutation carriers have been reported; patients showed hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent infectious diseases, various autoimmune diseases, and lymphocytic infiltration into multiple organs. The CTLA‐4 expression level in Treg cells was reduced, while the frequency of Treg cells was increased in CTLA‐4‐insufficient patients. The transendocytosis assay is a specific functional test for the assessment of newly identified CTLA4 gene variants. Immunoglobulin substitution, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, and targeted therapy such as with CTLA‐4 fusion proteins and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors were applied; patients with life‐threatening, treatment‐resistant symptoms underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The fact that in humans CTLA‐4 insufficiency causes severe disease taught us that the amount of CTLA‐4 molecules present in/on T cells matters for immune homeostasis. However, whether the pathology‐causing activated T lymphocytes in CTLA‐4‐insufficient patients are antigen‐specific is an unsolved question. CTLA‐4, in addition, has a role in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Anti‐CTLA‐4 drugs are employed as checkpoint inhibitors to target various forms of cancer. Thus, clinical research on human CTLA‐4 insufficiency might provide us a deeper understanding of the mechanism(s) of the CTLA‐4 molecule and immune dysregulation disorders.
Human adenosine deaminase 2 deficiency: A multi‐faceted inborn error of immunity
Authors: Moens Leen , Hershfield Michael , Arts Katrijn , Aksentijevich Ivona , Meyts Isabelle
Published: December 2018

Human adenosine deaminase 1 deficiency was described in the 1970s to cause severe combined immunodeficiency. The residual adenosine deaminase activity in these patients was attributed to adenosine deaminase 2. Human adenosine deaminase type 2 deficiency (DADA2), due to biallelic deleterious mutations in the ADA2 gene, is the first described monogenic type of small‐ and medium‐size vessel vasculitis. The phenotype of DADA2 also includes lymphoproliferation, cytopenia, and variable degrees of immunodeficiency. The physiological role of ADA2 is still enigmatic hence the pathophysiology of the condition is unclear. Preliminary data showed that in the absence of ADA2, macrophage differentiation is skewed to a pro‐inflammatory M1 subset, which is detrimental for endothelial integrity. The inflammatory phenotype responds well to anti‐TNF therapy with etanercept and that is the first‐line treatment for prevention of severe vascular events including strokes. The classic immunosuppressive drugs are not successful in controlling the disease activity. However, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been shown to be a definitive cure in DADA2 patients who present with a severe cytopenia. HSCT can also cure the vascular phenotype and is the treatment modality for patients’ refractory to anti‐cytokine therapies. In this review, we describe what is currently known about the molecular mechanisms of DADA2. Further research on the pathophysiology of this multifaceted condition is needed to fine‐tune and steer future therapeutic strategies.
Common variable immune deficiency: Dissection of the variable
Authors: Cunningham‐Rundles Charlotte
Published: December 2018

Starting about 60 years ago, a number of reports appeared that outlined the severe clinical course of a few adult subjects with profound hypogammaglobinemia. Puzzled by the lack of family history and adult onset of symptoms in most, the name “acquired” hypogammaglobinemia was given, but later altered to the current name common variable immune deficiency. Pathology reports remarked on the loss of lymph node architecture and paucity of plasma cells in lymphoid tissues in these subjects. While characterized by reduced serum IgG and IgA and often IgM, and thus classified among the B‐cell defects, an increasing number of cellular defects in these patients have been recognized over time. In the early years, severe respiratory tract infections commonly led to a shortened life span, but the wide spread availability of immune globulin concentrates for the last 25 years has improved survival. However, chronic non‐infectious inflammatory and autoimmune conditions have now emerged as challenging clinical problems; these require further immunologic understanding and additional therapeutic measures. Recent study of this phenotypic syndrome have provided an increasingly fertile ground for the identification of autosomal recessive and now more commonly, autosomal dominant gene defects which lead to the loss of B‐cell development in this syndrome.
Adolescent patterns of peer victimization: Concurrent and longitudinal health correlates
Authors: Ames Megan E. , Leadbeater Bonnie J. , Merrin Gabriel J. , Sturgess Clea M. B.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

We examined how heterogeneity in the patterns of adolescent experiences of different types and severity of peer victimization is associated with concurrent and longitudinal mental health, substance use, and physical health.

Method

Data come from a randomly recruited community‐based sample of youth (T1 ages 12–18; N = 662; 52% female) followed biennially across 10 years (T6 ages 22–29; n = 478; 55% female).

Results

Using latent class analysis, we identified four classes of adolescent peer victimization: Low victimization (63%), Physical victimization only (15%), Relational victimization only (17%), and Poly‐victimization (6%). Youth in the Poly‐victimization class reported the most detrimental health consequences in adolescence (e.g., internalizing and externalizing symptoms, illicit drug use, physical symptoms, poor physical self‐concept, physical activity) and in young adulthood (e.g., depressive symptoms, sleep problems). Youth in the Relational and Physical victimization classes also reported health problems, some of which persisted into young adulthood. Youth in the Low victimization class reported the fewest health concerns.

Conclusions

Findings add to our understanding of how different types of adolescent victimization are related to mental health, substance use, and physical health problems both within adolescence and long‐term.
Beyond working conditions, psychosocial predictors of job satisfaction, and work engagement among French dentists and dental assistants
Authors: Chevalier Séverine , Fouquereau Evelyne , Bénichoux Florence , Colombat Philippe
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Using Job Demands and Resources Theory (Demerouti & Bakker, 2011,South African Journal of Industrial Psychology, 37, 1) as the guiding theoretical framework, the present study tested a model that included working condition variables (i.e., remuneration, workplace ergonomics, and work area), two psychosocial factors (i.e., perceived organizational support and psychological meaningfulness of work), and job satisfaction and work engagement among French dentists and dental assistants.

Method

A sample of 218 French self‐employed dentists and 143 dental assistants were surveyed via a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Multiple regression analysis revealed that the model accounted for 44% of variance in overall job satisfaction for dentists and 64% for dental assistants. In addition, the same model accounted for 39% of variation in overall work engagement for dentists and 50% for dental assistants. For both groups, the greatest part of the variance of job satisfaction and engagement at work was explained by psychosocial variables.

Discussion

This study underscores the importance of psychosocial factors in job satisfaction and engagement at work among dental teams. It also provides a more comprehensive understanding of these relationships.
A strategy for defects healing in 3D printed ceramic compact via cold isostatic pressing: Sintering kinetic window and microstructure evolution
Authors: An Di , Liu Wei , Xie Zhipeng , Li Hezhen , Luo Xudong , Wu Haidong , Huang Meipeng , Liang Jianwei , Tian Zhuo , He Rongxuan
Published: December 2018

In this study, we developed a unique defect healing method for 3D printed ceramic compact via cold isostatic pressing (CIP) after debinding, and typical features of interlayer interface defects of 3D‐printed zirconia compact were characterized and found to be reduced significantly. The characteristic sintering kinetics window and microstructure evolution of the healed sintered bodies were systematically investigated, which was found to be quite different from conventional shaping methods. The three sintering stages are probed by their feature microstructure details such as the mechanically flattening surface at the early sintering stage, the heterogeneous microstructure and high porosity in the interlayer interface region at the middle stage, and the slightly ripple‐like structural features combined with the healed interlayer defects at the final stage. The evolution of the pore structure of the healed 3D printed bodies were traced and the mechanical properties such as the Young's modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness were measured to understand the significance of the heal effect.
A multifunctional Ag/TiO2/reduced graphene oxide with optimal surface‐enhanced Raman scattering and photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Yanfen , Zhang Miao , Fang Lulu , Yang Haocheng , Zuo Yong , Gao Juan , He Gang , Sun Zhaoqi
Published: December 2018

A multifunctional Ag/TiO2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) ternary nanocomposite was prepared by a one‐step photochemical reaction with TiO2 and Ag nanoparticles successively deposited on reduced graphene oxide. The structure, morphology, composition, optical, and photoelectrochemical properties of Ag/TiO2/rGO were investigated in detail. Meanwhile, the ternary nanocomposite possessed much higher adsorption capacity to organic dyes compared with bare TiO2 and binary Ag/TiO2, which would help to its use for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering detection and photocatalytic degradation. Due to the charge transfer between rGO and organic dyes and enhanced electromagnetic mechanism of Ag, Ag/TiO2/rGO nanocomposites as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrates demonstrated dramatically improved sensitivity and good uniformity. The detection limit of rhodamine 6G (R6G) was as low as 10−9 mol/L, and the relative standard deviation values of the intensities remained below 5%. Most importantly, the synergistic coupling effect of three components extended the photoresponse range and accelerated separation of the electron‐hole pairs, leading to greatly improved photocatalytic activity under simulated sunlight. The maximum rate constant (k, 0.06243 min−1) of Ag/TiO2/rGO was 50 and four times higher than that of TiO2 and Ag/TiO2, respectively.
Production and characterization of durable self‐cleaning and engineering porous Al2O3/CaAl12O19 ceramic membranes
Authors: Dong Binbin , Yang Mingye , Wang Feihong , Wang JunWei , Hao LuYuan , Xu Xin , Wang Gang , Agathopoulos Simeon
Published: December 2018

The rapid development of engineering filtering process suggests that it is imperative to produce membrane substrates with a fine pore size, high gas permeation, and antifouling properties for efficient and long‐term application. This study reports on a novel fabrication method of a porous Al2O3/CaAl12O19 ceramic membrane substrate by a direct foaming method combined with cement solidification and tape‐casting technology. The microstructure of the produced ceramic membrane consisted of pores with a size of 50‐150 μm, which were interconnected with each other with a large number of small filtering functional pores of <10 μm. By increasing the amount of the foaming agent, the porosity of the porous Al2O3/CaAl12O19 ceramic membranes was tailored from 64.8% to 80.5%, and the bending strength decreased from 32.1 ± 1.0 to 9.6 ± 0.9 MPa, respectively. The sintered hydrophilic ceramic substrate was successfully modified to a hydrophobic one (with water contact angles of 143°) by pyrolysis of dimethyldichlorosilane and dichloromethylsilane. The resultant membrane displayed high chemical stability and self‐cleaning features. The membrane with a porosity of 64.8% had a N2 permeation of 3.0 (±0.5) × 107 L m−2 h−1 at 0.5 bar and a water flux which could be totally suppressed at a liquid entry pressure of 0.45 bar.
Fracture and property relationships in the double diboride ceramic composites by spark plasma sintering of TiB2 and NbB2
Authors: Demirskyi Dmytro , Solodkyi Ievgen , Nishimura Toshiyuki , Vasylkiv Oleg O.
Published: December 2018

Bulk titanium diboride–niobium diboride ceramic composites were consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1950°C. SPS resulted in dense specimens with a density exceeding 98% of the theoretical density and a multimodal grain size ranging from 1 to 10 μm. During the SPS consolidation, the pressure was applied and released at 1950 and 1250°C, respectively. This allowed obtaining a two‐phase composite consisting of TiB2 and NbB2. For these ceramics composites, we evaluated the flexural strength and fracture toughness and room and elevated temperatures. Room‐temperature strength of thus produced bulks was between 300 and 330 MPa, at 1200°C or 1600°C an increase in strength up to 400 MPa was observed. Microstructure after flexure at elevated temperatures revealed the appearance of the needle‐shape subgrains of NbB2, an evidence for ongoing plastic deformation. TiB2–NbB2 composites had elastic loading stress curves at 1600°C, and at 1800°C fractured in the plastic manner, and strength was ranged from 300 to 450 MPa. These data were compared with a specimen where a (Ti,Nb)B2 solid solution was formed during SPS to explain the behavior of TiB2–NbB2 ceramic composites at elevated temperatures.
Accounting for population structure in selective cow genotyping strategies
Authors: Perez Bruno C. , Balieiro Julio C. C. , Carvalheiro Roberto , Tirelo Fabio , Oliveira Junior Gerson A. , Dementshuk Juliana M. , Eler Joanir P. , Ferraz José B. S. , Ventura Ricardo V.
Published: December 2018

The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of considering population structure in cow genotyping strategies over the accuracy and bias of genomic predictions. A small dairy cattle population was simulated to address these objectives. Based on four main traditional designs (random, top‐yield, extreme‐yield and top‐accuracy cows), different numbers (1,000; 2,000 and 5,000) of cows were sampled and included in the reference population. Traditional designs were replicated considering or not population structure and compared among and with a reference population containing only bulls. The inclusion of cows increased accuracy in all scenarios compared with using only bulls. Scenarios accounting for population structure when choosing cows to the reference population slightly outperformed their traditional versions by yielding higher accuracy and lower bias in genomic predictions. Building a cow‐based reference population from groups of related individuals considering the frequency of individuals from those same groups in the validation population yielded promising results with applications on selection for expensive‐ or difficult‐to‐measure traits. Methods here presented may be easily implemented in both new or already established breeding programs, as they improved prediction and reduced bias in genomic evaluations while demanding no additional costs.
LncRNA MEG3 inhibits the progression of prostate cancer by modulating miR‐9‐5p/QKI‐5 axis
Authors: Wu Meng , Huang Yawei , Chen Tongchang , Wang Weichao , Yang Shiguang , Ye Zhenfeng , Xi Xiaoqing
Published: December 2018

This study was designed to detecting the influences of lncRNA MEG3 in prostate cancer. Aberrant lncRNAs expression profiles of prostate cancer were screened by microarray analysis. The qRT‐PCR and Western blot were employed to investigating the expression levels of lncRNA MEG3, miR‐9‐5p and QKI‐5. The luciferase reporter assay was utilized to testifying the interactions relationship among these molecules. Applying CCK‐8 assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry in turn, the cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities as well as apoptosis were measured respectively. LncRNA MEG3 was a down‐regulated lncRNA in prostate cancer tissues and cells and could inhibit the expression of miR‐9‐5p, whereas miR‐9‐5p down‐regulated QKI‐5 expression. Overexpressed MEG3 and QKI‐5 could decrease the abilities of proliferation, migration and invasion in prostate cancer cells effectively and increased the apoptosis rate. On the contrary, miR‐9‐5p mimics presented an opposite tendency in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, MEG3 inhibited tumour growth and up‐regulated expression of QKI‐5 in vivo. LncRNA MEG3 was a down‐regulated lncRNA in prostate cancer and impacted the abilities of cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and cell apoptosis rate, this regulation relied on regulating miR‐9‐5p and its targeting gene QKI‐5.
FAM3B promotes progression of oesophageal carcinoma via regulating the AKT–MDM2–p53 signalling axis and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: He Song‐Lin , Wang Wen‐Ping , Yang Yu‐Sang , Li En‐Min , Xu Li‐Yan , Chen Long‐Qi
Published: December 2018

FAM3B has been suggested to play important roles in the progression of many cancers, such as gastric, oral, colon and prostate cancer. However, little is known about the role of FAM3B in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In the present study, we found that FAM3B expression was higher in ESCC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. Using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, we found similar results in cell lines. FAM3B expression was significantly related to T/TNM stage. Importantly, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that a high expression level of FAM3B predicted a poor outcome for ESCC patients. Overexpression of FAM3B inhibits ESCC cell death, increases oesophageal tumour growth in xenografted nude mice, and promotes ESCC cell migration and invasion. Further studies confirmed that FAM3B regulates the AKT–MDM2–p53 pathway and two core epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition process markers, Snail and E‐cadherin. Our results provide new insights into the role of FAM3B in the progression of ESCC and suggest that FAM3B may be a promising molecular target and diagnostic marker for ESCC.
Signature of circular RNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with active tuberculosis
Authors: Fu Yurong , Wang Jindong , Qiao Jinjuan , Yi Zhengjun
Published: December 2018

The study was to characterize the expression profiles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from active tuberculosis (TB) patients and to investigate their function. Microarray was applied to detect circRNA expression and reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction was conducted to validate the microarray results. Meanwhile, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve was calculated to evaluate the predictive power of the selected circRNAs for TB diagnosis. Additionally, circRNA/miRNA interaction was predicted based on miRNA target prediction software, and gene ontology as well as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were used to predict their biological function. In total, 171 circRNAs were found to be dysregulated in TB samples. Specifically, circRNA_103017, circRNA_059914 and circRNA_101128 were confirmed to be increased, while circRNA_062400 was decreased in TB samples. ROC analysis revealed that circRNA_103017 had potential value for TB diagnosis, followed by circRNA_059914 and circRNA_101128. Moreover, circRNA_101128 expression in TB samples was negatively correlated with the level of its possible target let‐7a and bioinformatics analysis showed that circRNA_101128 was potentially involved in MAPK and P13K‐Akt pathway possibly via modulation of let‐7a. Taken together, our results indicated that some dysregulated circRNAs were potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of TB and circRNA_101128‐let‐7a interplay may play considerable role in PBMCs response to Mtb infection.
A biflagellate spermatozoon in the African bonytongue Heterotis niloticus (Teleostei, Osteoglossidae)
Authors: Mattei Xavier , Marchand Bernard , Quilichini Yann
Published: December 2018

In this transmission electron microscopy study, we describe the ultrastructure of the spermatozoon of Heterotis niloticus (Osteoglossiformes), which is distinguished by having two flagella. Our investigation also highlights the great diversity of sperm cell structures observed across osteoglossiform families, such as aflagellate (Gymnarchidae, Mormyridae), monoflagellate (Notopteridae, Pantodontidae) and biflagellate spermatozoa. As biflagellate spermatozoa are rare in vertebrates, we also summarize the orders and families known to possess this ultrastructural character, most of which are fishes.
Multiobjective process optimization for betaine enriched spelt flour based extrudates
Authors: Kojić Jovana S. , Ilić Nebojša M. , Kojić Predrag S. , Pezo Lato L. , Banjac Vojislav V. , Krulj Jelena A. , Bodroža Solarov Marija I.
Published: December 2018

The main purposes of this work are successful modeling of twin‐screw extrusion process using predictive models, investigating the effect of process parameters such as screw speed, feed rate, and feed moisture content on the process and product responses and finally optimizing the process regarding betaine content in the extruded product and energy consumption. The second order polynomial approximation models and the artificial neural network were developed to predict the betaine content, showing the high accuracy in the prediction of experimental results. This study introduces the multiobjective optimization (MOO) approach in the extrusion process of spelt flour. The maximal betaine content (between 1,506.8 and 1,605.2 mg/40 g) and minimal energy consumption (between 101.3 and 108.5 W hr/kg) were indicated by MOO procedure, which were gained using the following input parameters: feed flow rate feed about 24 kg/h, screw speed about 252 RPM and moisture content from 21.6 to 23.4%.

Practical applications

This study introduces the multiobjective optimization (MOO) approach in the extrusion process of spelt flour, which provides the selection of optimal solution that enables the extruder to reach the optimum conditions of the process and provide decision maker with deeper understanding of the process. The present study analyzes the influence of extrusion cooking parameters like: screw speed, feed flow rate, and feed moisture content on the betaine content in the extrudate product and specific mechanical energy input during the processing of betaine enriched spelt flour based extrudates. One way to improve the intake of betaine in the general population can be to enrich foods with betaine. According to European Breakfast Cereal Association for extruded products portion sizes should be 40 g. Consuming a portion of a functional extrudate product with the addition of betaine (1,500 mg/day) could give expected health effects. Final extrudate product from this study satisfies these statements.
A novel on‐chip solution enabling rapid analysis of melamine and chloramphenicol in milk by smartphones
Authors: Yang Ning , Xie Liang‐Liang , Pan Chen , Yuan Min‐Feng , Tao Zhi‐Han , Mao Han‐Ping
Published: December 2018

Ubiquitous food security control is desirable. However, the analysis methods, such as those for milk, are highly based on manual analysis, leading to low efficiency. Thus, we report a multilayer paper‐based microfluidic chip transforming chromatic readout to electric signals. First, colloidal gold immunochromatographic assays (GICA) are used to achieve the colorimetric occurrence. Secondly, the test (T) lines and control (C) lines are patterned to encode different EAN‐8 barcode. Furthermore, accurate scanning is accomplished by the automatic threshold segmentation. These technologies make the digital determination of melamine (MEL) and chloramphenicol (CAP) by phone readily accessible. Results indicate that the accurate machine‐scanning can be assured when MEL and CAP is above 30 ng/mL and 6 ng/mL in milk respectively. The detection time is under 8 min, and the stable storage life is over 90 days. Therefore, this simple chip allows rapid, machine‐readable, electric‐recordable diagnostic directly from chromatic assays with satisfying stability, specificity and accuracy.

Practical applications

This article illustrates a method used to determine the concentration of melamine and chloramphenicol in milk. When melamine and chloramphenicol is above 30 and 6 ng/ml in milk, the produced EAN‐8 barcode can be recognized with high accurate level, compared with international standards, the results are acceptable and sensitive. This method is highly intellectual and environmentally friendly, with the disposable materials and instant smartphone‐readable EAN‐8 results patterns. This article demonstrates a multilayer paper chip based on EAN‐8 encoding rules, colloidal gold nanoparticles, and immunochromatographic assays. The EAN‐8 format assay is achieved by color‐development occurrence of colloidal GICA in different encoding areas of EAN‐8 code, and the analysis device, namely smartphone, is accessible by almost every individual. Therefore, this chip can pave a potential way for massive health control and digital automated analysis for daily life and industrial manufacture.
Effect of UV‐C radiation on Salmonella spp. reduction and oxidative stability of caiman (Caiman crocodilus yacare) meat
Authors: Canto Anna Carolina Vilhena da Cruz Silva , Monteiro Maria Lucia Guerra , Costa‐Lima Bruno Reis Carneiro da , Lázaro Cesar Aquiles , Marsico Eliane Teixeira , Silva Teófilo José Pimentel da , Conte‐Junior Carlos Adam
Published: December 2018

Non‐UV‐C dose and 0.005, 0.010, 0.016, 0.037, 0.065, 0.105, 0.127, and 0.199 J/cm2 were applied in inoculated agar plates and in inoculated caiman (Caiman crocodilus yacare) meat to investigate the reduction of Salmonella spp. Moreover, noninoculated caiman meat was submitted to the same treatments and was evaluated for color parameters (L*, a*, b* values, and ΔE) and lipid oxidation. The most effective Salmonella spp. reductions ranged from 6.72 to 7.13 log cfu/g, and from 2.47 to 2.88 log cfu/g in inoculated agar plates and caiman meat treated with 0.105–0.199 J/cm2 and 0.065–0.199 J/cm2 (p < 0.05), respectively. However, these doses increased (p < 0.05) L* values and lipid oxidation, while decreased (p < 0.05) a* and b* values. Therefore, UV‐C at 0.016 J/cm2 is an alternative technology to improve the bacterial quality of caiman meat without negative effects on oxidative parameters.

Practical applications

Salmonella spp. is a potential disease agent being the pathogen more commonly detected in meat and meat products. UV‐C has easy implementation in meat industry, low cost, rapid application, and lack of toxic wastes, which could be an alternative for food industries to produce high‐quality food products without the use of chemical agents to meet consumers demand. Otherwise, UV‐C may induce oxidation depending on type of food, lipid profile, and dose applied, which would limit the meat quality and their industrial application. In this study, eight UV‐C doses (0.005, 0.010, 0.016, 0.037, 0.065, 0.105, 0.127, and 0.199 J/cm2) were applied in inoculated agar plates and caiman meat to investigate Salmonella spp. reduction. Moreover, noninoculated caiman meat was submitted to the same treatments and was evaluated for color parameters and lipid oxidation. UV‐C at 0.016 J/cm2 is an alternative technology to improve bacterial quality of caiman meat without altering the oxidative parameters.
Efficacy and safety of steroid in the prevention of esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Jiahui , Wang Xin , Li Yarui , Lu Guifang , Lu Xinlan , Guo Dan , Wang Wancong , Liu Chuan , Xiao Ye , Han Nini , He Shuixiang
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

Even though endoscopic submucosal dissection is an important endoscopic resection technique for gastrointestinal neoplasms, there are chances that postoperative esophageal stricture might take place as a side effect. Steroid applications were reported to be effective for the prevention of stricture formation. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different steroid applications.

Methods

Eligible studies published on PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database before August 2018 were reviewed. The preventions were divided as placebo/no treatment, long‐term oral steroid (LOS), median‐term oral steroid, short‐term oral steroid, single‐dose steroid injection, multiple‐dose steroid injection, topical superficial steroid, steroid injection combined with oral steroid, and preemptive endoscopic balloon dilatation. The primary outcomes were postoperative esophageal stricture rate and endoscopic balloon dilatation sessions required. Complications were also analyzed.

Results

A total of 19 studies were included. The network meta‐results illustrated that compared with the placebo, all kinds of steroid interventions were associated with lower rates of postoperative esophageal stenosis and less number of endoscopic balloon dilatation sessions. Moreover, combined therapy was no better than single regimen therapy. No significant differences between various steroid applications in the incidence of complications were spotted during this study. Based on the results of the network and clustered ranking, LOS might be the superior prevention for postoperative stricture with satisfying efficacy.

Conclusion

The present study showed that LOS appears to be the optimal prevention method for postoperative stricture formation.
The F‐box protein HAWAIIAN SKIRT is required for mimicry target‐induced microRNA degradation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mei Jun , Jiang Ning , Ren Guodong
Published: December 2018

Mimicry target‐directed microRNA degradation is widespread and highly conserved among eukaryotes. However, little is known about its mechanism of action. In this letter, by using STTM160 (target mimic of miR160) as a reporter, we show that dysfunction of HAWAIIAN SKIRT (HWS) suppresses the pleiotropic phenotype of STTM160. Small RNA sequencing and Northern blot analyses suggested that HWS only affects a subset of microRNAs. Intriguingly, we identified a stable coexistence of miR160/miR399 and their mimicry targets within the AGO1 complex when HWS is compromised, pointing to a possible role of HWS in the clearance of RNA‐induced silencing complexes associated with mimicry target.
Three‐dimensional imaging of the human internal acoustic canal and arachnoid cistern: a synchrotron study with clinical implications
Authors: Mei Xueshuang , Schart‐Morén Nadine , Li Hao , Ladak Hanif M. , Agrawal Sumit , Behr Robert , Rask‐Andersen Helge
Published: December 2018

A thorough knowledge of the gross and micro‐anatomy of the human internal acoustic canal (IAC) is essential in vestibular schwannoma removal, cochlear implantation (CI) surgery, vestibular nerve section, and decompression procedures. Here, we analyzed the acoustic‐facial cistern of the human IAC, including nerves and anastomoses using synchrotron phase contrast imaging (SR‐PCI). A total of 26 fresh human temporal bones underwent SR‐PCI. Data were processed using volume‐rendering software to create three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions allowing soft tissue analyses, orthogonal sectioning, and cropping. A scalar opacity mapping tool was used to enhance tissue surface borders, and anatomical structures were color‐labeled for improved 3D comprehension of the soft tissues. SR‐PCI reproduced, for the first time, the variable 3D anatomy of the human IAC, including cranial nerve complexes, anastomoses, and arachnoid membrane invagination (acoustic‐facial cistern; an extension of the cerebellopontine cistern) in unprocessed, un‐decalcified specimens. An unrecognized system of arachnoid pillars and trabeculae was found to extend between the arachnoid and cranial nerves. We confirmed earlier findings that intra‐meatal vestibular schwannoma may grow unseparated from adjacent nerves without duplication of the arachnoid layers. The arachnoid pillars may support and stabilize cranial nerves in the IAC and could also play a role in local fluid hydrodynamics.
Novel mediators and mechanisms in the resolution of infectious inflammation: evidence for vagus regulation
Authors: Serhan C. N. , de la Rosa X. , Jouvene C.
Published: December 2018

Excessive chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases and considered a stress factor in humans (Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 1999, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2008, 105: 17949, Immunity, 44, 2016, 44: 463, N Engl J Med, 2011, 364: 656). Today, the resolution of inflammation is widely recognized as a cellular biochemically active process involving biosynthesis of a novel superfamily of endogenous chemical signals coined specialized pro‐resolving mediators (SPMs; Nature, 2014, 510:92). Herein, we review recent evidence, indicating a role for the vagus nerve and vagotomy in the regulation of lipid mediators. Vagotomy reduces pro‐resolving mediators, including the lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins, delaying resolution in mouse peritonitis. Vagotomy also delays resolution of Escherichia coli infection in mice. Specifically, right vagus regulates peritoneal Group 3 innate lymphoid cell (ILC‐3) number and peritoneal macrophage responses with lipid mediator profile signatures with elevated pro‐inflammatory eicosanoids and reduced resolvins, including the novel protective immunoresolvent agonist protectin conjugate in tissue regeneration1 (PCTR1). Acetylcholine upregulates PCTR biosynthesis, and administration of PCTR1 to vagotomized mice restores tissue resolution and host responses to E. coli infections. Results obtained with human vagus ex vivo indicate that vagus can produce both pro‐inflammatory eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, as well as the SPM. Electrical stimulation of human vagus in vitro reduces both prostaglandins and leukotrienes and enhances resolvins and the other SPM. These results elucidate a host protective mechanism mediated by vagus stimulation of SPM that includes resolvins and PCTR1 to regulate myeloid antimicrobial functions and resolution of infection. Moreover, they define a new pro‐resolution of inflammation reflex operative in mice and human tissue that involves a vagus SPM circuit.
Adolescent Bullying and Weapon Carrying: A Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Lu Yu , Avellaneda Flor , Torres Elizabeth D. , Temple Jeff R.
Published: December 2018

Using four data waves from an ongoing longitudinal study, we examined the longitudinal association between weapon carrying and bullying (i.e., bully, victim, bully‐victim). Participants were 1,042 adolescents (55.9% female) recruited from Texas high schools, including Hispanic (31.7%), White (30.3%), African American (26.6%), and other (11.4%) with a mean age of 15.1 years at baseline. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that only baseline bully‐victim was linked to weapon carrying and only 1 year later (Adjusted odds ratio = 1.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 2.85), after controlling for baseline weapon carrying, age, gender, race, and parent education. No significant longitudinal association was found with bully or victim. Findings emphasize the importance of interventions targeting both bullying perpetrators and victims, while also highlighting the necessity of longitudinal research.
Financial Behaviors, Couple‐Level Conflict, and Adolescent Relationship Abuse: Longitudinal Results From a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Copp Jennifer E. , Taylor Bruce G. , Mumford Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2018

Financial disagreements have been identified as a severe source of discord in adult relationships, yet limited work has considered whether financial considerations contribute to conflict among younger samples. Drawing on longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents, the current investigation examined the extent to which money lending practices, feelings of financial resentment, and exposure to economic control contribute to couple‐level interactions, and in turn, to conflict that escalates to the point of violence. Findings provide evidence of an association between adolescent financial behaviors and concurrent conflict due to economic considerations. Moreover, conflict due to economic considerations was an important predictor of future adolescent relationship abuse perpetration. We discuss the implications of our findings for intervention/prevention efforts.
Sydney Diabetes centre's experience of the Australian Government's roll out of subsidised continuous glucose monitoring for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sandy Jessica L , Nyunt Ohn , Woodhead Helen J , Youde Lesley S , Ramjan Kim A , Jack Michelle M , Lim Lena , Shepherd Margaret , Marshall Ailsa , Townsend Nicky , Wilson Suzi , Duke Sally‐Anne , Slavich Eve , Hameed Shihab
Published: December 2018

Aim

To determine patient/carer expectations of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and short‐term satisfaction, to assess the efficacy of CGM in improving: fear of hypoglycaemia and glycaemic control (HbA1c, ketosis, hypoglycaemia) and to determine time requirements of diabetes clinic staff in commencing and administering CGM.

Methods

We assessed CGM‐naïve patients starting on CGM at a Sydney Diabetes Centre following the introduction of a nationwide government subsidy for CGM. A standardised questionnaire was administered collecting demographic and glycaemic information in addition to Likert scale assessment of expectations and satisfaction. Clinic staff reported time dedicated to CGM education, commencement and follow‐up.

Results

A total of 55 patients or parents/carers completed baseline questionnaires, with 37 completing a 3‐month follow‐up questionnaire. There were high expectations of CGM prior to commencement and high satisfaction ratings on follow‐up. CGM improved fear of hypoglycaemia, and total daily insulin dose increased after commencement of CGM. There was a trend towards lower HbA1c that was not statistically significant and no statistically significant reduction in ketosis or hypoglycaemia. Comments were mostly positive, with some concern raised regarding technical issues and a lack of subsidy after 21 years of age. Staff time requirements were substantial, with an estimated average of 7.7 h per patient per year.

Conclusions

Patients and families have high expectations of CGM, and satisfaction levels are high in the short term. Total insulin delivery increased after CGM commencement. Time requirements by staff are substantial but are worthwhile if families' overall satisfaction levels are high.
Sirolimus in blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Wong Xin Lin , Phan Kevin , Rodríguez Bandera Ana I , Sebaratnam Deshan F
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study is to review sirolimus as a treatment for blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome (BRBNS). A literature search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Google Scholar was conducted for publications reporting treatment of patients with BRBNS with sirolimus. Of 46 articles identified, 17 studies reporting 23 patients met inclusion criteria. Sirolimus was well tolerated in all but one patient who required treatment cessation; 17/18 patients noted an improvement in gastrointestinal disease where this was reported; 21/22 patients noted an improvement in cutaneous disease where this was reported. Based on these results, sirolimus may be considered a first‐line treatment of BRBNS depending on patient morbidity.
Collections from the mesophytic zone off Bermuda reveal three species of Kallymeniaceae (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) in genera with transoceanic distributions
Authors: Schneider Craig W. , Popolizio Thea R. , Saunders Gary W.
Published: December 2018

A molecular survey of red algae collected by technical divers and submersibles from 90 m in the mesophotic zone off the coast of Bermuda revealed three species assignable to the Kallymeniaceae. Two of the species are representative of recently described genera centered in the western Pacific in Australia and New Zealand, Austrokallymenia and Psaromenia and the third from the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic, Nothokallymenia. A phylogenetic analysis of concatenated mitochondrial (COI‐5P) and chloroplast (rbcL) genes, as well as morphological characteristics, revealed that two are shown to be new species with distant closest relatives (N. erosa and Psaromenia septentrionalis), while the third represents a deep water western Atlantic species now moved to an Australasian genus (A. westii).
Transitory and Enduring Disability Among Urban and Rural People
Authors: Sage Rayna , Ward Bryce , Myers Andrew , Ravesloot Craig
Published: December 2018

Background

Disabilities are not evenly distributed across geography or age, yet few studies on disability have considered these factors. The purpose of this study was to explore rural‐urban differences in disability rates, particularly related to gender and race, and what other rural‐urban disparities help explain these differences.

Methods

Utilizing the 2008‐2016 Current Population Survey (CPS), we first examined rural and urban disability trends by gender and race, estimating means and rural‐urban percentage differences for men and women by race and conducting t test analysis to test group differences by age cohort (eg, comparing white, non‐Hispanic, rural 15‐ to 24‐year‐old women to white, non‐Hispanic, urban 15‐ to 24‐year‐old women). We then conducted a logistic regression to explore whether or not the effects of rurality on disability rates could be explained by rural‐urban differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

Results

Descriptively, rural people report disability at higher rates than urban people across nearly all age category, gender, and racial combinations. These differences are more pronounced for nonwhite respondents in middle to older age categories. Additionally, while some of the rural disability disparity can be explained by adding demographic and socioeconomic variables to the logistic regression model, the effect of rurality remains significant.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that when researchers, policy makers, and service providers are addressing rural and urban differences in health and well‐being, self‐reported disability is another factor to consider. Future work should be mindful of how disability and space intersect with gender and race, creating significant disparities for people of color in rural places.
The impact of sleep on complex gross‐motor adaptation in adolescents
Authors: Bothe Kathrin , Hirschauer Franziska , Wiesinger Hans‐Peter , Edfelder Janina , Gruber Georg , Birklbauer Juergen , Hoedlmoser Kerstin
Published: December 2018

Sleep has been shown to facilitate the consolidation of newly acquired motor memories in adults. However, the role of sleep in motor memory consolidation is less clear in children and adolescents, especially concerning real‐life gross‐motor skills. Therefore, we investigated the effects of sleep and wakefulness on a complex gross‐motor adaptation task by using a bicycle with an inverse steering device. A total of 29 healthy adolescents aged between 11 and 14 years (five female) were either trained to ride an inverse steering bicycle (learning condition) or a stationary bicycle (control condition). Training took place in the morning (wake, n = 14) or in the evening (sleep, n = 15) followed by a 9‐hr retention interval and a subsequent re‐test session. Slalom cycling performance was assessed by speed (riding time) and accuracy (standard deviation of steering angle) measures. Behavioural results showed no evidence for sleep‐dependent memory consolidation. However, overnight gains in accuracy were associated with an increase in left hemispheric N2 slow sleep spindle activity from control to learning night. Furthermore, decreases in REM and tonic REM duration were related to higher overnight improvements in accuracy. Regarding speed, an increase in REM and tonic REM duration was favourable for higher overnight gains in riding time. Thus, although not yet detectable on a behavioural level, sleep seemed to play a role in the acquisition of gross‐motor skills. A promising direction for future research is to focus on the possibility of delayed performance gains in adolescent populations.
Sleep and pain interference in individuals with chronic pain in mid‐ to late‐life: The influence of negative and positive affect
Authors: Ravyts Scott G. , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Raldiris Tarah , Perez Elliottnell
Published: December 2018

Poor sleep and chronic pain are known to be interrelated, but the influence of negative and positive affect on this relationship is not fully understood. The present study sought to examine whether negative and positive affect mediate the relationship between sleep and pain interference. Secondary data analysis from Midlife in the United States (MIDUS‐III) was used to examine 948 individuals with chronic pain (mean age = 64.73 years). Sleep disturbance was conceptualized as the sum of self‐reported difficulty with sleep‐onset latency, wake after sleep onset, early morning awakening and daytime sleepiness, and total sleep time was assessed via self‐reported sleep duration. Pain interference was operationalized as the sum of pain‐related interference with general activity, relationships and enjoyment of life. Finally, items from the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule were used to measure affect. Mediation analyses revealed that sleep disturbance indirectly predicted pain interference via both negative affect (β = 0.15, confidence interval: 0.10, 0.21) and positive affect (β = 0.18, confidence interval: 0.12, 0.25). Similarly, negative (β = −0.003, confidence interval: −0.01, −0.001) and positive affect (β = −0.003, confidence interval: −0.01, −0.001) also mediated the effect between total sleep time and pain interference. This study highlights the unique role of negative and positive affect on pain interference for individuals with chronic pain in mid‐ to late‐life. Additionally, findings suggest that holistic treatment approaches, which assess both sleep and affect in the context of chronic pain, may be beneficial.
Making the simple more complex: the influence of job‐embedded professional development in supporting teacher expertise in reading
Authors: Dennis Danielle , Hemmings Chris
Published: December 2018

This paper explores how job‐embedded professional development supported a Year 1 teacher as he enacted his growing expertise in the teaching of guided reading. By analysing coaching conversations focussed on the teacher's guided reading practices, we studied the way his teaching developed over a 7‐month period. Our findings suggest the teacher gained deeper understandings in the domain of reading, which allowed him to be more responsive to children during guided reading. We discuss the factors that enhanced or inhibited his ability to implement what he learned and offer suggestions for supporting teachers through job‐embedded professional development.