bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant MitoQ reduced renal damage caused by ischemia‐reperfusion injury in rodent kidneys: Longitudinal observations of T2‐weighted imaging and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Liu Xiaoge , Murphy Michael P. , Xing Wei , Wu Huanhuan , Zhang Rui , Sun Haoran
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To investigate the effect of mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant MitoQ in reducing the severity of renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats using T2‐weighted imaging and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI).

Methods

Ischemia‐reperfusion injury was induced by temporarily clamping the left renal artery. Rats were pretreated with MitoQ or saline. The MRI examination was performed before and after IRI (days 2, 5, 7, and 14). The T2‐weighted standardized signal intensity of the outer stripe of the outer medulla (OSOM) was measured. The unilateral renal clearance rate kcl was derived from DCE‐MRI. Histopathology was evaluated after the final MRI examination.

Results

The standardized signal intensity of the OSOM on IRI kidneys with MitoQ were lower than those with saline on days 5 and 7 (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, respectively). Kcl values of IRI kidneys with MitoQ were higher than those with saline at all time points (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001). Histopathology showed that renal damage was the most predominant on the OSOM of IRI kidneys with saline, which was less obvious with MitoQ (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that MitoQ can reduce the severity of renal damage in rodent IRI models using T2‐weighted imaging and DCE‐MRI. Magn Reson Med 79:1559–1667, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
High‐order algorithms for Riesz derivative and their applications (V)
Authors: Ding Hengfei , Li Changpin
Published: June 2017

In this article, based on the idea of combing symmetrical fractional centred difference operator with compact technique, a series of even‐order numerical differential formulas (named the fractional‐compact formulas) are established for the Riesz derivatives with order . Properties of coefficients in the derived formulas are studied in details. Then applying the constructed fourth‐order formula, a difference scheme is proposed to solve the Riesz spatial telegraph equation. By the energy method, the constructed numerical algorithm is proved to be stable and convergent with order , where τ and h are the temporal and spatial stepsizes, respectively. Finally, several numerical examples are presented to verify the theoretical results.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1754–1794, 2017
Circulating Adiponectin Levels Differ Between Patients with Multiple Myeloma and its Precursor Disease
Authors: Hofmann Jonathan N. , Mailankody Sham , Korde Neha , Wang Ye , Tageja Nishant , Costello Rene , Zingone Adriana , Hultcrantz Malin , Pollak Michael N. , Purdue Mark P. , Landgren Ola
Published: June 2017

Objective

An increased risk of multiple myeloma (MM) has been observed among individuals with low prediagnostic circulating levels of adiponectin, a metabolic hormone that is typically underexpressed among those with overweight or obesity. To assess whether adiponectin may influence myeloma development or progression to frank MM, circulating adiponectin levels were compared across patients with different stages of MM and its precursor, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).

Methods

Adiponectin was measured in 213 patients with MGUS, smoldering MM, or fully developed MM. Differences in adiponectin levels across patient groups were assessed using multivariate linear regression.

Results

Relative to MGUS patients, adiponectin levels were statistically significantly lower among those with smoldering and fully developed MM, both overall (16%‐20% decrease;P = 0.048) and among those with IgG/IgA isotypes (26%‐28% decrease;P = 0.004). Among MGUS patients, adiponectin levels were significantly lower for those with the higher‐risk IgM isotype compared with those who had IgG/IgA isotypes (42% decrease;P = 0.036).

Conclusions

The findings of this study, the largest to investigate adiponectin levels in patients with different stages of MM and the first to evaluate associations with clinical characteristics, suggest that reduced expression of adiponectin may be associated with progression from MGUS to MM.
Antimicrobial, mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties of bio‐based poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/Ag2O nanocomposite films for packaging application
Authors: Venkatesan Raja , Rajeswari Natesan , Tamilselvi Alagumuthu
Published: June 2017

Bio‐based nanocomposites of poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/silver oxide (Ag2O) were prepared by the composite film casting method using chloroform as the solvent. The prepared Ag2O at different ratios (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt%) is incorporated in the PBAT. The PBAT nanocomposite films were subjected to structural, thermal, mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties. The electron micrographs indicated uniform distribution of Ag2O in the PBAT matrix. However, the images indicated agglomeration of Ag2O particles at 10 wt% loading. The thermal stability of the nanocomposite films increased with Ag2O content. The tensile strength and elongation of the composite films were found to be higher than those of PBAT and increased with Ag2O content up to 7 wt%. The PBAT‐based nanocomposite films showed the lower oxygen and water vapor permeability when compared to the PBAT film. Antimicrobial studies were performed against two food pathogenic bacteria, namely, Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus.
Pro‐migratory and TGF‐β‐activating functions of αvβ6 integrin in pancreatic cancer are differentially regulated via an Eps8‐dependent GTPase switch
Authors: Tod Jo , Hanley Christopher J , Morgan Mark R , Rucka Marta , Mellows Toby , Lopez Maria‐Antoinette , Kiely Philip , Moutasim Karwan A , Frampton Steven J , Sabnis Durgagauri , Fine David R , Johnson Colin , Marshall John F , Scita Giorgio , Jenei Veronika , Thomas Gareth J
Published: June 2017

The integrin αvβ6 is up‐regulated in numerous carcinomas, where expression commonly correlates with poor prognosis. αvβ6 promotes tumour invasion, partly through regulation of proteases and cell migration, and is also the principal mechanism by which epithelial cells activate TGF‐β1; this latter function complicates therapeutic targeting of αvβ6, since TGF‐β1 has both tumour‐promoting and ‐suppressive effects. It is unclear how these different αvβ6 functions are linked; both require actin cytoskeletal reorganization, and it is suggested that tractive forces generated during cell migration activate TGF‐β1 by exerting mechanical tension on the ECM‐bound latent complex. We examined the functional relationship between cell invasion and TGF‐β1 activation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, and confirmed that both processes are αvβ6‐dependent. Surprisingly, we found that cellular functions could be biased towards either motility or TGF‐β1 activation depending on the presence or absence of epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (Eps8), a regulator of actin remodelling, endocytosis, and GTPase activation. Similar to αvβ6, we found that Eps8 was up‐regulated in >70% of PDACs. In complex with Abi1/Sos1, Eps8 regulated αvβ6‐dependent cell migration through activation of Rac1. Down‐regulation of Eps8, Sos1 or Rac1 suppressed cell movement, while simultaneously increasing αvβ6‐dependent TGF‐β1 activation. This latter effect was modulated through increased cell tension, regulated by Rho activation. Thus, the Eps8/Abi1/Sos1 tricomplex acts as a key molecular switch altering the balance between Rac1 and Rho activation; its presence or absence in PDAC cells modulates αvβ6‐dependent functions, resulting in a pro‐migratory (Rac1‐dependent) or a pro‐TGF‐β1 activation (Rho‐dependent) functional phenotype, respectively. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
High‐grade serous carcinomas arise in the mouse oviduct via defects linked to the human disease
Authors: Zhai Yali , Wu Rong , Kuick Rork , Sessine Michael S , Schulman Stephanie , Green Megan , Fearon Eric R , Cho Kathleen R
Published: June 2017

Recent studies have suggested that the most common and lethal type of ‘ovarian’ cancer, i.e. high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), usually arises from epithelium on the fallopian tube fimbriae, and not from the ovarian surface epithelium. We have developed Ovgp1‐iCreERT2 mice in which the Ovgp1 promoter controls expression of tamoxifen‐regulated Cre recombinase in oviductal epithelium – the murine equivalent of human fallopian tube epithelium (FTE). We employed Ovgp1‐iCreERT2 mice to show that FTE‐specific inactivation of several different combinations of tumour suppressor genes that are recurrently mutated in human HGSCs – namely Brca1, Trp53, Rb1, and Nf1 – results in serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas (STICs) that progress to HGSC or carcinosarcoma, and to widespread metastatic disease in a subset of mice. The cancer phenotype is highly penetrant and more rapid in mice carrying engineered alleles of all four tumour suppressor genes. Brca1, Trp53 and Pten inactivation in the oviduct also results in STICs and HGSCs, and is associated with diffuse epithelial hyperplasia and mucinous metaplasia, which are not observed in mice with intact Pten. Oviductal tumours arise earlier in these mice than in those with Brca1, Trp53, Rb1 and Nf1 inactivation. Tumour initiation and/or progression in mice lacking conditional Pten alleles probably require the acquisition of additional defects, a notion supported by our identification of loss of the wild‐type Rb1 allele in the tumours of mice carrying only one floxed Rb1 allele. Collectively, the models closely recapitulate the heterogeneity and histological, genetic and biological features of human HGSC. These models should prove useful for studying the pathobiology and genetics of HGSC in vivo, and for testing new approaches for prevention, early detection, and treatment. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐coverage proteomics reveals methionine auxotrophy in Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Zhou Yanxia , Shen Pan , Lan Qiuyan , Deng Chen , Zhang Yao , Li Yanchang , Wei Wei , Wang Yihao , Su Na , He Fuchu , Xie Qiong , Lyu Zhitang , Yang Dong , Xu Ping
Published: June 2017

Deinococcus radiodurans is a robust bacterium best known for its capacity to resist to radiation. In this study, the SDS‐PAGE coupled with high‐precision LC‐MS/MS was used to study the D. radiodurans proteome. A total of 1951 proteins were identified which covers 63.18% protein‐coding genes. Comparison of the identified proteins to the key enzymes in amino acid biosyntheses from KEGG database showed the methionine biosynthesis module is incomplete while other amino acid biosynthesis modules are complete, which indicated methionine auxotrophy in D. radiodurans. The subsequent amino acid‐auxotrophic screening has verified methionine instead of other amino acids is essential for the growth of D. radiodurans. With molecular evolutionary genetic analysis, we found the divergence in methionine biosynthesis during the evolution of the common ancestor of bacteria. We also found D. radiodurans lost the power of synthesizing methionine because of the missing metA and metX in two types of methionine biosyntheses. For the first time, this study used high‐coverage proteome analysis to identify D. radiodurans amino acid auxotrophy, which provides the important reference for the development of quantitative proteomics analysis using stable isotope labeling in metabolomics of D. radiodurans and in‐depth analysis of the molecular mechanism of radiation resistance.
Computational study on 1,3‐disilacyclobutane‐1,3‐diylidene disilylenes: A synthetic strategy for cis‐bent disilenes
Authors: Fujita Yoshiki , Abe Manabu
Published: June 2017

Coupled‐cluster calculations were performed for 1,3‐disilacyclobutane‐1,3‐diylidene disilylenes at the CCSD(T)//CCSD/cc‐pVDZ level of theory to investigate the ground‐state spin multiplicity and structures of these unique molecules in detail. The cis‐bent disilene with an R2Si═SiR2 double‐bonding structure was found to be the most energetically stable structure for the 2,2,4,4‐tetrafluoro‐substituted compound. In contrast, the singlet disilylene structures (R2Si:) with a 4‐membered ring geometry were calculated to be more energetically stable than the disilene structures for 1,3‐disilacyclobutane‐1,3‐diylidene disilylenes with electron‐donating substituents such as H and SiH3. Thus, the perfluoro‐substituted disilylene was found to be a candidate for the synthesis of cis‐bent disilenes.
Comparison of different dosing strategies of intratracheally instilled budesonide on meconium injured piglet lungs
Authors: Lin Chih‐Hsueh , Jeng Mei‐Jy , Yang Yi‐Chiang , Hsiao Yu‐Hsuan , Kou Yu Ru
Published: June 2017

Background

Severe inflammation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Intratracheal (IT) instillation of corticosteroids may be beneficial for MAS in optimizing local effect and reducing systemic adverse effects, but the optimum dosing course remains open to question.

Methods

Thirty meconium‐injured newborn piglets were enrolled into six study groups. The first four groups consisted of the IT instillation of 0.25/0.5 mg/kg using either one (IT‐B251/IT‐B501) or two (IT‐B252/IT‐B502) doses of budesonide, while the other two groups were the intravenous (IV) dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) (IV‐Dex) group and the control group (Ctrl). Vital signs and cardiopulmonary functions were monitored throughout the experiments. Pulmonary histology was examined after completing the experiments.

Results

Both the IV‐Dex and IT‐B501 groups got significant improvement in oxygenation (P < 0.05). Lung compliance became worse after one dose of 0.25 mg/kg of IT budesonide. Pulmonary histology revealed that there were significantly lower lung injury scores for all treatment groups compared to control group, especially at the non‐dependent sites of both the IT‐B501 and IT‐B502 groups. There was no significant difference between double‐ and single‐dose groups, no matter whether 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg of budesonide was used.

Conclusions

IT instillation of one dose of 0.5 mg/kg budesonide is beneficial in treating meconium‐injured piglet lungs during the first 8 h of injury, but a second dose at an interval of 4 h does not have a superior beneficial effect compared to one dose.
Association between ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and the vine mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in table‐grape vineyards in Eastern Spain
Authors: Beltrà Aleixandre , Navarro‐Campos Cristina , Calabuig Altea , Estopà Luis , Wäckers Felix L , Pekas Apostolos , Soto Antonia
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a key pest of grapevine in the Mediterranean Basin. Some honeydew collecting ant species are known to increase mealybug populations in other grape‐growing regions. However, there is scarce information on either the ant species present in Mediterranean vineyards or their impact on mealybugs. We conducted a study in four commercial vineyards in Eastern Spain in order to i) identify the ant species foraging on the vine canopies, ii) study the association among ant activity, vine mealybug abundance and fruit damage, and iii) test a novel method for ant management, distracting ants from guarding vine mealybugs by providing sugar dispensers.

RESULTS

We recorded three ant species native to the Mediterranean foraging on the vine canopies: Lasius grandis (Forel), Pheidole pallidula (Nylander) and Plagiolepis schmitzii (Forel). The mean percentage of damaged fruits per vine was positively correlated with the number of vine mealybugs captured in traps placed at the trunk. We detected a positive but weak relationship between ant activity, vine mealybug abundance and fruit damage. The provisioning of sugar dispensers reduced the number of ants foraging on the vines by 23.4% although this reduction was not statistically significant. Vine mealybug abundance was significantly reduced (72%) after sugar provisioning.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the ant species native to vineyards in eastern Spain induce population increases of the vine mealybug. Moreover, the provisioning of sugars can be a valuable tool for ant management and mealybug control. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Practical Approach in Developing Desirable Peel–Seal and Clear Lidding Films Based on Poly(Lactic Acid) and Poly(Butylene Adipate‐Co‐Terephthalate) Blends
Authors: Liewchirakorn Pitcha , Aht‐Ong Duangdao , Chinsirikul Wannee
Published: June 2017

In this research, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blend with poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) were selected to fabricate peelable lidding films. In general, blending PLA with PBAT results in hazy films; however, desirable low haze films (<10%) could be achieved in this study by designing proper blend composition and cast film process under optimum conditions. Based on various blends containing PBAT ranging from 15 to 30% by weight, it could be seen that a PBAT/PLA blend of 20/80 showed desired optical and peel–seal property, which had a haze of <10% and low peel strength in an easy‐peel characteristic. It was also observed that not only the blend composition but also the film thickness could influence both optical and peel–seal behaviours because the bulk morphology and surface irregularities of the films could vary by changing films' thicknesses. Thus, cast extruded pristine and PBAT/PLA (20/80) blend films of three different thicknesses (20, 35 and 50 μm) were studied. Peel–seal behaviour and optical properties of these films were examined. An I‐peel test (180°) of films sealed on PLA sheet (thickness of ~350 μm) with different interfacial sealing temperature illustrated failure mechanism of four types, i.e. tearing, partial tearing, cohesive and adhesive failure. Based on this study, the PBAT/PLA of 20/80 wt% films with thickness of 20 μm can be used as easy‐peel lidding film sealed with PLA container. Such PBAT/PLA blend films possess a low haze of ~4% and a low peel strength of 8–10 N/15 mm at a broad range of interfacial sealing temperature of 76–105°C. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semiparametric regression on cumulative incidence function with interval‐censored competing risks data
Authors: Bakoyannis Giorgos , Yu Menggang , Yiannoutsos Constantin T.
Published: June 2017

Many biomedical and clinical studies with time‐to‐event outcomes involve competing risks data. These data are frequently subject to interval censoring. This means that the failure time is not precisely observed but is only known to lie between two observation times such as clinical visits in a cohort study. Not taking into account the interval censoring may result in biased estimation of the cause‐specific cumulative incidence function, an important quantity in the competing risks framework, used for evaluating interventions in populations, for studying the prognosis of various diseases, and for prediction and implementation science purposes. In this work, we consider the class of semiparametric generalized odds rate transformation models in the context of sieve maximum likelihood estimation based on B‐splines. This large class of models includes both the proportional odds and the proportional subdistribution hazard models (i.e., the Fine–Gray model) as special cases. The estimator for the regression parameter is shown to be consistent, asymptotically normal and semiparametrically efficient. Simulation studies suggest that the method performs well even with small sample sizes. As an illustration, we use the proposed method to analyze data from HIV‐infected individuals obtained from a large cohort study in sub‐Saharan Africa. We also provide the R function ciregic that implements the proposed method and present an illustrative example. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information criteria for Firth's penalized partial likelihood approach in Cox regression models
Authors: Nagashima Kengo , Sato Yasunori
Published: June 2017

In the estimation of Cox regression models, maximum partial likelihood estimates might be infinite in a monotone likelihood setting, where partial likelihood converges to a finite value and parameter estimates converge to infinite values. To address monotone likelihood, previous studies have applied Firth's bias correction method to Cox regression models. However, while the model selection criteria for Firth's penalized partial likelihood approach have not yet been studied, a heuristic AIC‐type information criterion can be used in a statistical package. Application of the heuristic information criterion to data obtained from a prospective observational study of patients with multiple brain metastases indicated that the heuristic information criterion selects models with many parameters and ignores the adequacy of the model. Moreover, we showed that the heuristic information criterion tends to select models with many regression parameters as the sample size increases. Thereby, in the present study, we propose an alternative AIC‐type information criterion based on the risk function. A Bayesian information criterion type was also evaluated. Further, the presented simulation results confirm that the proposed criteria performed well in a monotone likelihood setting. The proposed AIC‐type criterion was applied to prospective observational study data. © 2017 The Authors.Statistics in MedicinePublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
An asynchronous collaborative reconciliation model based on data provenance
Authors: de Almeida Dayse Silveira , Hara Carmem Satie , Ciferri Ricardo Rodrigues , de Aguiar Ciferri Cristina Dutra
Published: June 2017

Reconciliation is the process of providing a consistent view of the data imported from different sources. Despite some efforts reported in the literature for providing data reconciliation solutions with asynchronous collaboration, the challenge of reconciling data when multiple users work asynchronously over local copies of the same imported data has received less attention. In this paper, we propose AcCORD, an asynchronous collaborative data reconciliation model based on data provenance. AcCORD is innovative because it supports applications in which all users are required to agree on the data values to provide a single consistent view to all of them, as well as applications that allow users to disagree on the data values to keep in their local copies but promote collaboration by sharing integration decisions. We also introduce a decision integration propagation method that keeps users from taking inconsistent decisions over data items present in several sources. Further, different policies based on data provenance are proposed for solving conflicts among multiusers' integration decisions. Our experimental analysis shows that AcCORD is efficient and effective. It performs well, and the results highlight its flexibility by generating either a single integrated view or different local views. We have also conducted interviews with end users to analyze the proposed policies and feasibility of the multiuser reconciliation. They provide insights with respect to acceptability, consistency, correctness, time‐saving, and satisfaction. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Hopes: International Student Expectations for Studying in the United States
Authors: Dorsett James
Published: June 2017

This chapter describes many common expectations international students have and how many U.S. institutions support students from abroad during their first year.
Building Campus Communities Inclusive of International Students: A Framework for Program Development
Authors: Jameson Helen Park , Goshit Sunday
Published: June 2017

This chapter provides readers with a practical, how‐to approach and framework for developing inclusive, intercultural training programs for student affairs professionals on college campuses in the United States.
Getting Personalization Right!
Authors: DeWaters Carrie
Published: June 2017

In today's differentiated classroom, each individual student receives from their teacher student‐centered instruction and customized assignments to reflect their skills and knowledge. Teachers differentiate their assignments so each of their students may access the Common Core State Standards, interact with complex nonfiction texts, integrate rigorous literacy skills across the content areas, and contend with complex mathematical skills, procedures, and understandings.
Effect of human papilloma virus infection onin‐vitrofertilization outcome: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Siristatidis C. , Vaidakis D. , Sertedaki E. , Martins W. P.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To identify, appraise and summarize the available data concerning the impact of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection on reproductive outcome followingin‐vitrofertilization (IVF).

Methods

We searched for studies in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Lilacs and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to March 2017. Any type of HPV infection assessed through polymerase chain reaction, subfertility factors and IVF indications and protocols were considered. Our primary outcomes were live birth/ongoing pregnancy and miscarriage, while secondary outcomes included clinical and laboratory parameters. We planned subgroup analyses according to the status of cervical cytology and presence of infection in the male partner. We assessed the relative risk (RR), using a random‐effects model; heterogeneity was assessed using theI2statistic. Quality of the evidence was evaluated using the recommendations of the GRADE Working Group.

Results

From the 14 studies eligible for inclusion, quantitative data from 10, evaluating 299 women with HPV infection and 2049 women without HPV infection, were included in the analysis. The pooled results showed no significant difference between HPV‐infected and non‐infected women in rates of live birth/ongoing pregnancy (RR, 1.16 (95% CI, 0.88–1.53);I2 = 0%; six studies, 983 women), clinical pregnancy (RR, 1.06 (95% CI, 0.74–1.54);I2 = 61%; eight studies, 1173 women) or miscarriage (RR, 1.58 (95% CI, 0.93–2.69);I2 = 8%; six studies, 290 clinical pregnancies). The overall quality of the evidence was very low, downgraded two levels because of serious limitations of the included studies (observational studies) and imprecision. In contrast, pooled results in the subgroup analysis based on the presence of infection in the male partner showed significant differences in rates of live birth/ongoing pregnancy (RR, 0.43 (95% CI, 0.23–0.82);I2 = 0%; three studies, 429 participants;P = 0.01) and miscarriage (RR, 3.70 (95% CI, 1.94–7.05);I2 = 0%; two studies, 90 participants;P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The available evidence is still inadequate to enable us to draw firm conclusions regarding the effect of HPV infection in women on the most important reproductive outcomes following IVF; however, it suggests that the effect is not large for rates of live birth/ongoing pregnancy and clinical pregnancy. When infection is present in the male partner, it seems that there is a negative effect on live birth/ongoing pregnancy rate and an increase in miscarriage rate, a finding that should be interpreted with caution, owing to the very low quality of evidence supporting it. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Discovery and function of transfer RNA‐derived fragments and their role in disease
Authors: Soares Ana Raquel , Santos Manuel
Published: June 2017

Until recently, transfer RNAs (tRNAs) were thought to function in protein translation only. However, recent findings demonstrate that both pre‐ and mature tRNAs can undergo endonucleolytic cleavage by different ribonucleases originating different types of small non‐coding RNAs, known as tRNA‐derived fragments (tRFs). tRFs are classified according to their origin and are implicated in various cellular processes, namely apoptosis, protein synthesis control, and RNA interference. Although their functions are still poorly understood, their mechanisms of action vary according to the tRF sub‐type. Several tRFs have been associated with cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and viral infections and growing evidence shows that they may constitute novel molecular targets for modulating pathological processes. Here, we recapitulate the current knowledge of tRF biology, highlight the known functions and mechanisms of action of the different sub‐classes of tRFs and discuss their implications in human disease. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1423. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1423

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > tRNA Processing

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Quantitative speciation of manganese oxide mixtures by RIXS/RRS spectroscopy
Authors: Leani Juan José , Robledo José Ignacio , Sánchez Héctor Jorge
Published: June 2017

Resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering, also named X‐ray resonant Raman scattering, was recently used to discriminate local chemical environments. By means of this novel technique, the speciation of samples could be attained in a variety of samples and experimental conditions. Until now, this discrimination methodology had been applied only to pure compounds, being the speciation possible by two different mathematical treatments. Nevertheless, the effectiveness/sensitivity of this technique has not been tested yet in samples containing mixtures of oxides of the same element. In this work, the first results of quantitative speciation of mixtures of manganese compounds, using resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering/X‐ray resonant Raman scattering spectroscopy, are presented. The results show that it is possible to discriminate and quantify oxide mixtures of the same element in slightly different proportions, allowing a quantitative speciation of compound mixtures in a variety of experimental conditions, presenting also several advantages over conventional spectroscopic techniques. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief report: A preliminary comparison of self‐compassion between adolescents with nonsuicidal self‐injury thoughts and actions
Authors: Jiang Yongqiang , You Jianing , Ren Yaxuan , Sun Rui , Liao Shiyi , Zhu Jianjun , Ma Na
Published: June 2017

Despite the public health significance of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) among adolescents, little is known about the possible overlaps or differences between individuals with NSSI thoughts and those with NSSI actions. The present study compared between individuals with different NSSI status on self‐compassion. With a sample of 606 Chinese adolescents (38.8% females; Mage = 13.58, SD = 1.04), we investigated differences on the six subscales of the Self‐Compassion Scale (i.e., self‐kindness/self‐judgment, common humanity/isolation, and mindfulness/over‐identification) across three groups: NSSI‐action group (n = 86), NSSI‐thought group (n = 98), and no‐NSSI group (n = 422). Results revealed that individuals with NSSI thoughts and NSSI actions shared greater self‐judgment, isolation, and over‐identification than those without NSSI, but differed from each other on self‐kindness and common humanity, with individuals with NSSI thoughts reporting more self‐kindness and common humanity than those with NSSI actions. Further empirical investigations into the influence of self‐compassion on NSSI will benefit the development of interventions for adolescent NSSI.
Positive modulation of α5 GABAA receptors in preadolescence prevents reduced locomotor response to amphetamine in adult female but not male rats prenatally exposed to lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Batinić Bojan , Santrač Anja , Jančić Ivan , Li Guanguan , Vidojević Aleksandra , Marković Bojan , Cook James M. , Savić Miroslav M.
Published: June 2017

We previously demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to pregnant Wistar rat dams, at embryonic days 15 and 16 (E15/16), induced a decrease of baseline locomotor activity and diminished reactivity to amphetamine in adult female offspring. In the present study we aimed to assess the duration of LPS‐induced maternal immune activation (MIA) and investigate possible changes in levels of main neurotransmitters in fetal brain during MIA. We hypothesized that the observed behavioral changes may be linked with MIA‐induced disturbance of prenatal GABAergic system development, especially with α5 GABAA receptors (α5GABAARs), expression of which takes place between E14 and E17. Thereafter, we set to investigate if later potentiation of α5GABAARs in offspring's preadolescence (from postnatal day 22–28) could prevent the deficit in locomotor reactivity to amphetamine observed in adulthood, at postnatal day P60. The elevation of IL‐6 in amniotic fluid 6 h after LPS treatment (100 μg/kg, i.p.) at E15 was concurrent with a significant increase of GABA and decrease of glutamate concentration in fetal brain. Moreover, repeated administration of MP‐III‐022, a selective positive allosteric modulator of α5GABAARs, at a dose (2 mg/kg daily, i.p.) derived from a separate pharmacokinetic study, prevented the LPS‐induced decrease in locomotor reactivity to amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) in adult females. These results were not mirrored in the parallel set of experiments with male offspring from LPS‐treated rats. The results suggest that pharmacological potentiation of α5GABAARs activity in preadolescence may ameliorate at least some of adverse consequences of exposure to MIA in utero.
From Handmaidens to POSH Humanitarians: The Case for Making Human Capabilities the Business of I-O Psychology
Authors: Gloss Alexander , Carr Stuart C. , Reichman Walter , Abdul-Nasiru Inusah , Oestereich W. Trevor
Published: June 2017

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology has begun to shed its reputation as a handmaiden to corporate and managerial interests, in part, through its engagement with humanitarian concerns. However, as highlighted by recent commentary, I-O psychology still has a decidedly POSH perspective on the world; that is, it has focused on Professionals who hold Official jobs in a formal economy and who enjoy relative Safety from discrimination while also living in High-income countries. This POSH perspective reflects an underlying bias away from people living in multidimensional poverty. We empirically illustrate some of the connections between a POSH perspective and poverty by reviewing 100 years of research in I-O psychology, and then we make a case for why a neglect of people living in poverty undermines the discipline's science, its practice, and its humanist charge. As moral justification for greater engagement with humanitarian concerns and as a guide to navigate the difficult ethical quandaries involved in doing so, we suggest that I-O psychologists should consider the capability approach. We discuss the concept of human capabilities, relate it to I-O psychology, and demonstrate its utility in the form of three hypothetical scenarios. Perhaps our most controversial claim is that there is a moral imperative for I-O psychology to overrepresent people living in the deepest forms of poverty in both its science and practice.
An All-Sky Portable (ASP) Optical Catalogue
Authors: Flesch Eric Wim
Published: June 2017

This optical catalogue combines the all-sky USNO-B1.0/A1.0 and most-sky APM catalogues, plus overlays of SDSS optical data, into a single all-sky map presented in a sparse binary format that is easily downloaded at 9 Gb zipped. Total count is 1 163 237 190 sources and each has J2000 astrometry, red and blue magnitudes with PSFs and variability indicator, and flags for proper motion, epoch, and source survey and catalogue for each of the photometry and astrometry. The catalogue is available on http://quasars.org/asp.html, and additional data for this paper is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.4225/50/5807fbc12595f.
Association of flavonoid-rich foods and flavonoids with risk of all-cause mortality
Authors: Ivey Kerry L. , Jensen Majken K. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Eliassen A. Heather , Cassidy Aedín , Rimm Eric B.
Published: June 2017

Flavonoids are bioactive compounds found in foods such as tea, red wine, fruits and vegetables. Higher intakes of specific flavonoids, and flavonoid-rich foods, have been linked to reduced mortality from specific vascular diseases and cancers. However, the importance of flavonoid-rich foods, and flavonoids, in preventing all-cause mortality remains uncertain. As such, we examined the association of intake of flavonoid-rich foods and flavonoids with subsequent mortality among 93 145 young and middle-aged women in the Nurses’ Health Study II. During 1 838 946 person-years of follow-up, 1808 participants died. When compared with non-consumers, frequent consumers of red wine, tea, peppers, blueberries and strawberries were at reduced risk of all-cause mortality (P<0·05), with the strongest associations observed for red wine and tea; multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios 0·60 (95 % CI 0·49, 0·74) and 0·73 (95 % CI 0·65, 0·83), respectively. Conversely, frequent grapefruit consumers were at increased risk of all-cause mortality, compared with their non-grapefruit consuming counterparts (P<0·05). When compared with those in the lowest consumption quintile, participants in the highest quintile of total-flavonoid intake were at reduced risk of all-cause mortality in the age-adjusted model; 0·81 (95 % CI 0·71, 0·93). However, this association was attenuated following multivariable adjustment; 0·92 (95 % CI 0·80, 1·06). Similar results were observed for consumption of flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. Flavonols, flavanones and flavones were not associated with all-cause mortality in any model. Despite null associations at the compound level and select foods, higher consumption of red wine, tea, peppers, blueberries and strawberries, was associated with reduced risk of total and cause-specific mortality. These findings support the rationale for making food-based dietary recommendations.
Towards an evaluation of physical loss pressure in the Italian seas for the implementation of the marine strategy framework directive
Authors: Paganelli Daniela , La Valle Paola , Pulcini Marina , Proietti Raffaele , Nicoletti Luisa , La Porta Barbara , Lattanzi Loretta , Pazzini Alfredo , Targusi Monica , Gabellini Massimo
Published: June 2017

All over the world marine waters are under increasing pressure from human activities affecting marine ecosystems. Several EU Directives require assessment of the condition of marine environments; in particular the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) applies an ecosystem approach to the management of human activities. In this context, the mapping of pressures in a standardized and comparable way is a critical step to assess the spatial pattern, the temporal change and the ecological impacts of human pressures. Within the MSFD, one of the stressors directly affecting the seafloor is the Physical Loss (PL) pressure, representing the permanent or long-term alteration of marine habitats. The main purpose of this study was to propose a method to estimate the spatial extent of PL pressure in the framework of the Initial Assessment phase of the MSFD. Furthermore, considering that human activities PL-related cause the loss of benthic habitats, and that the Mediterranean sea is characterized by sensitive and protected habitats such as the biogenic substrates sensu MSFD, the distribution of PL pressure was overlaid with the distribution of the seabed habitats to estimate the loss of biogenic substrates. This study represents a useful tool for establishing the baseline condition for PL pressure, to compare future conditions and to evaluate different management scenarios. Moreover, it allows identification of the areas where pressure tends to accumulate as ‘hot spots’ on which to focus in future impact analyses and the areas where few stressors are present.
Dynamic four-dimensional CT angiography for the assessment of pulmonary perfusion in an adult patient with pulmonary artery occlusion and major aortopulmonary collateral after multistage repair of Fallot’s Pentalogy
Authors: Loßnitzer Dirk , Baumann Stefan , Henzler Thomas
Published: June 2017

Dynamic CT angiography provides haemodynamic assessment combined with detailed information on complex cardiac anatomy in patients with congenital malformations such as multistage correction of Fallot’s Pentalogy.
Importance of bovine mastitis in Africa
Authors: Motaung Thabiso E. , Petrovski Kiro R. , Petzer Inge-Marie , Thekisoe Oriel , Tsilo Toi J.
Published: June 2017

Bovine mastitis is an important animal production disease that affects the dairy industry globally. Studies have estimated the prevalence of this disease in approximately 30% of African countries, with the highest prevalence found in Ethiopia. This is despite the wide cattle distribution in Africa, and the largest number of dairy farms and herds in countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Uganda. Furthermore, the estimated financial losses due to direct and indirect impacts of bovine mastitis are lacking in this continent. Therefore, intensive research efforts will help determine the continent-wide economic impacts and advance careful monitoring of disease prevalence and epidemiology. Here, published cases supporting the occurrence and importance of bovine mastitis in certain regions of Africa are outlined.
Migration and Differential Labour Market Participation: Theoretical Directions, Recurring Themes, Implications of Brexit and Areas for Future Research
Authors: Netto Gina , Craig Gary
Published: June 2017

Extensive research in a number of disciplines, including economics, social policy, sociology, geography and management have been undertaken relating to migrant participation in the labour market. Given the highly topical nature of migrant employment in Western Europe and the US, the aim of this brief review is to draw together some of the more recent attempts to theorise on the presence of migrants in the labour market, discuss some of the recurrent themes that have emerged from empirical research in this area, consider some of the main implications for policy-making in what now seems likely to be known as the post-Brexit era and outline areas for future research. In doing so, the intention is to contribute to further inter-disciplinary theory-building and to a more nuanced understanding of the complexity of this highly politicised area and the implications of migrant employment for policy and future research.
SIW-fed microstrip patch antenna array for circular polarization
Authors: Sabri Laaya , Amiri Nasrin , Forooraghi Keyvan
Published: June 2017

A new single-feed aperture-coupled, X-band microstrip patch antenna array with circular polarization (CP) is designed. CP is achieved using indented microstrip patches fed through the slots on a substrate integrated waveguide. The antenna has the high radiation efficiency more than 90% over the operating frequency. Impedance bandwidth (VSWR < 2) and axial ratio bandwidth (AR < 3 dB) of 11.8, and 10.9% is attained, respectively. Good agreement is achieved between simulated and measured results.
Herbicide Programs for the Termination of Various Cover Crop Species
Authors: Cornelius Cody D. , Bradley Kevin W.
Published: June 2017

The recent interest in cover crops as a component of Midwest corn and soybean production systems has led to a greater need to understand the most effective herbicide treatments for cover crop termination prior to planting corn or soybean. Previous research has shown that certain cover crop species can significantly reduce subsequent cash crop yields if not completely terminated. Two field experiments were conducted in 2013, 2014, and 2015 to determine the most effective herbicide program for the termination of winter wheat, cereal rye, crimson clover, Austrian winter pea, annual ryegrass, and hairy vetch; and cover crops were terminated in early April or early May. Visual control and above ground biomass reduction was determined 28 d after application (DAA). Control of grass cover crop species was often best with glyphosate alone or combined with 2,4-D, dicamba, or saflufenacil. The most consistent control of broadleaf cover crops occurred following treatment with glyphosate +2,4-D, dicamba, or saflufenacil. In general, control of cover crops was higher with early April applications compared to early May. In a separate study, control of 15-, 25-, and 75-cm tall annual ryegrass was highest with glyphosate at 2.8 kg ha−1or glyphosate at 1.4 kg ha−1plus clethodim at 0.136 kgha−1. Paraquat- or glufosinate-containing treatments did not provide adequate annual ryegrass control. For practitioners who desire higher levels of cover crop biomass, these results indicate that adequate levels of cover crop control can still be achieved in the late spring with certain herbicide treatments. But it is important to consider cover crop termination well in advance to ensure the most effective herbicide or herbicide combinations are used and the products are applied at the appropriate stage.
Ultraschallausbildung in Nepal
Authors: Blank Wolfgang , Benkel Wolfgang
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Das Dhulikhel Hospital liegt 30 km östlich von Kathmandu. Zum Einzugsgebiet der Klinik gehören zwei Millionen Menschen, die häufig in schwer zugänglichen Berggebieten (remote areas) leben, in denen viele Strassen während des Monsuns nicht passierbar sind. Um diese Menschen medizinisch versorgen zu können, gründete das Dhulikhel Hospital sogenannte «Outreach»-Kliniken, in denen jeweils ein Arzt, ein «Paramedic» und eine Krankenschwester, die gleichzeitig Hebamme ist, arbeiten. Jede der medizinischen Aussenstellen soll mit einem tragbaren, batteriebetriebenen Ultraschallgerät ausgestattet werden und das Personal im neu eingerichteten Ultraschall-Trainingscenter ausgebildet werden. Ultraschallkurse werden in Zusammenarbeit mit der DEGUM durchgeführt.
Solide Pleuraveränderungen im Ultraschall
Authors: Mathis Gebhard
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Infizierte und septierte Pleuraergüsse sind kompliziert. Ultraschall ist die beste Methode, Septierungen zu entdecken. Unzureichend behandelte parapneumonische Ergüsse haben ein hohes Risiko für lange Hospitalisation und erhöhte Mortalität bei insuffizienter Pleuradrainage. Pleurale Verdickungen sind vielgestaltig, diffus oder umschrieben, knotig und meist echoarm. Die meisten Patienten mit Pleuritis zeigen typische Veränderungen. In malignen Pleuraergüssen sind oft Metastasen zu entdecken. Die Rolle der Sonografie beim Mesotheliom ist in Diskussion.