bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fyn‐dependent phosphorylation of PlexinA1 and PlexinA2 at conserved tyrosines is essential for zebrafish eye development
Authors: St. Clair Riley M. , Emerson Sarah E. , D'Elia Kristen P. , Weir Marion E. , Schmoker Anna M. , Ebert Alicia M. , Ballif Bryan A.
Published: November 2017

Plexins (Plxns) are semaphorin (Sema) receptors that play important signaling roles, particularly in the developing nervous system and vasculature. Sema‐Plxn signaling regulates cellular processes such as cytoskeletal dynamics, proliferation, and differentiation. However, the receptor‐proximal signaling mechanisms driving Sema‐Plxn signal transduction are only partially understood. Plxn tyrosine phosphorylation is thought to play an important role in these signaling events as receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases have been shown to interact with Plxn receptors. The Src family kinase Fyn can induce the tyrosine phosphorylation of PlxnA1 and PlxnA2. However, the Fyn‐dependent phosphorylation sites on these receptors have not been identified. Here, using mass spectrometry‐based approaches, we have identified highly conserved, Fyn‐induced PlexinA (PlxnA) tyrosine phosphorylation sites. Mutation of these sites to phenylalanine results in significantly decreased Fyn‐dependent PlxnA tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, in contrast to wild‐type human PLXNA2 mRNA, mRNA harboring these point mutations cannot rescue eye developmental defects when coinjected with a plxnA2 morpholino in zebrafish embryos. Together these data suggest that Fyn‐dependent phosphorylation at two critical tyrosines is a key feature of vertebrate PlxnA1 and PlxnA2 signal transduction.
Mice lacking a functional NMDA receptor exhibit social subordination in a group‐housed environment
Authors: Ujita Waka , Kohyama‐Koganeya Ayako , Endo Nozomi , Saito Toki , Oyama Hiroshi
Published: November 2017

Social dominance, in which an individual asserts control over others or benefits most after social conflict, has an influence on social behaviour. However, the mechanisms mediating social dominance remain unclear. Social dominance within social groups determines the distribution of rewards such as food and access to mating partners, which can act as reinforcers. In this study, we used the water competition test to determine whether mice were dominant or subordinate. It has been previously reported that mice heterozygous for a missense mutation in Grin1 (Grin1Rgsc174) showed altered social behaviour, with increased locomotor activity, novelty seeking and anxiety. However, social dominance in these mice has not been previously investigated. We subjected Grin1Rgsc174/+ mice to the water competition test using IntelliCage and observed that Grin1 influences competitive dominance. We found that Grin1Rgsc174/+ mice exhibited social subordination characterised by decreased corner visit frequency and occupancy time at the beginning of the task. However, Grin1Rgsc174/+ mice retained increased basal activity and exploring behaviour under a group‐housed environment. Our findings suggested that Grin1 plays an important role in determining social dominance.
Salt bridge interactions within the β2 integrin α7 helix mediate force‐induced binding and shear resistance ability
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Li Linda , Li Ning , Shu Xinyu , Zhou Lüwen , Lü Shouqin , Chen Shenbao , Mao Debin , Long Mian
Published: November 2017

The functional performance of the αI domain α7 helix in β2 integrin activation depends on the allostery of the α7 helix, which axially slides down; therefore, it is critical to elucidate what factors regulate the allostery. In this study, we determined that there were two conservative salt bridge interaction pairs that constrain both the upper and bottom ends of the α7 helix. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for three β2 integrin members, lymphocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1; αLβ2), macrophage‐1 antigen (Mac‐1; αMβ2) and αxβ2, indicated that the magnitude of the salt bridge interaction is related to the stability of the αI domain and the strength of the corresponding force‐induced allostery. The disruption of the salt bridge interaction, especially with double mutations in both salt bridges, significantly reduced the force‐induced allostery time for all three members. The effects of salt bridge interactions of the αI domain α7 helix on β2 integrin conformational stability and allostery were experimentally validated using Mac‐1 constructs. The results demonstrated that salt bridge mutations did not alter the conformational state of Mac‐1, but they did increase the force‐induced ligand binding and shear resistance ability, which was consistent with MD simulations. This study offers new insight into the importance of salt bridge interaction constraints of the αI domain α7 helix and external force for β2 integrin function.
Cnn3 regulates neural tube morphogenesis and neuronal stem cell properties
Authors: Junghans Dirk , Herzog Sebastian
Published: November 2017

Calponin 3 (Cnn3) is a member of the Cnn family of actin‐binding molecules that is highly expressed in the mammalian brain and has been shown to control dendritic spine morphology, density, and plasticity by regulating actin cytoskeletal reorganization and dynamics. However, little is known about the role of Cnn3 during embryonic development. In this study, we analyzed mutant animals deficient in Cnn3 to gain a better understanding of its role in brain morphogenesis. Embryos lacking Cnn3 exhibited massive malformation of the developing brain including exoencephaly, closure defects at the rostral neural tube, and strong enlargement of brain tissue. In wild‐type animals, we found Cnn3 being localized to the apical lining of the neuroepithelium in close vicinity to beta‐Catenin and N‐cadherin. By performing immunohistochemistry on beta‐Catenin and p‐Smad, and furthermore taking advantage of Wnt‐reporter animals, we provide evidence that the loss of Cnn3 during development can affect signaling pathways crucial for correct morphogenesis of the neural tube. In addition, we used embryonic neurosphere cultures to investigate the role of Cnn3 in embryonic neuronal stem cells (NSC). Here, we observed that Cnn3 deficiency in NSCs increased the number of newly formed neurospheres and increased neurosphere size without perturbing their differentiation potential. Together, our study provides evidence for an important role of Cnn3 during development of the embryonic brain and in regulating NSC function.
Reciprocal interactions between bile acids and gut microbiota in human liver diseases
Authors: Ikegami Tadashi , Honda Akira
Published: November 2017

The gut microbiota (GM) play a central role in their host's metabolism of bile acids (BAs) by regulating deconjugation, dehydroxylation, dehydrogenation, and epimerization reactions to generate unconjugated free BAs and secondary BAs. These BAs generated by the GM are potent signaling molecules that interact with BA receptors, such as the farnesoid X receptor and Takeda G‐protein‐coupled receptor 5. Each BA has a differential affinity to these receptors; therefore, alterations in BA composition by GM could modify the intensity of receptor signaling. Bile acids also act as antimicrobial agents by damaging bacterial membranes and as detergents by altering intracellular macromolecular structures. Therefore, BAs and the GM reciprocally control each other's compositions. In this review, we discuss the latest findings on the mutual effects of BAs and GM on each other; we also describe their roles in the pathophysiology of liver disease progression and potential therapeutic applications of targeting this cross‐talk.
How to practice person‐centred care: A conceptual framework
Authors: Santana Maria J. , Manalili Kimberly , Jolley Rachel J. , Zelinsky Sandra , Quan Hude , Lu Mingshan
Published: November 2017

Background

Globally, health‐care systems and organizations are looking to improve health system performance through the implementation of a person‐centred care (PCC) model. While numerous conceptual frameworks for PCC exist, a gap remains in practical guidance on PCC implementation.

Methods

Based on a narrative review of the PCC literature, a generic conceptual framework was developed in collaboration with a patient partner, which synthesizes evidence, recommendations and best practice from existing frameworks and implementation case studies. The Donabedian model for health‐care improvement was used to classify PCC domains into the categories of “Structure,” “Process” and “Outcome” for health‐care quality improvement.

Discussion

The framework emphasizes the structural domain, which relates to the health‐care system or context in which care is delivered, providing the foundation for PCC, and influencing the processes and outcomes of care. Structural domains identified include: the creation of a PCC culture across the continuum of care; co‐designing educational programs, as well as health promotion and prevention programs with patients; providing a supportive and accommodating environment; and developing and integrating structures to support health information technology and to measure and monitor PCC performance. Process domains describe the importance of cultivating communication and respectful and compassionate care; engaging patients in managing their care; and integration of care. Outcome domains identified include: access to care and Patient‐Reported Outcomes.

Conclusion

This conceptual framework provides a step‐wise roadmap to guide health‐care systems and organizations in the provision PCC across various health‐care sectors.
Reading the Lives of Others: Biography as Political Thought in Hannah Arendt and Simone de Beauvoir
Authors: Zebadúa Yáñez Verónica
Published: November 2017

In this essay, I focus on two biographical works by Hannah Arendt and Simone de Beauvoir that I read as political texts:Rahel Varnhagen: The Life of a Jewess(Arendt 1957) and “Must We Burn Sade?” (Beauvoir 2012). Reading Arendt'sVarnhagenand Beauvoir's “Sade” side by side illuminates their shared preoccupation with lived experience and their common political premises: the antagonism between freedom and sovereignty, and the centrality of action and constructive relations with others. My argument is that these texts constitute an original style of political thinking, which I call politico‐biographical hermeneutics, or reading the life of others as exercises in political theory. Politico‐biographical hermeneutics, as I take it, is not a systematic methodology, but an approach to interpreting sociopolitical forces as they come to bear and are embodied and inscribed in the lived experiences, struggles, and works of representative or exemplary individuals. This approach identifies the political lessons of lived experience and supports one of the central claims of feminist philosophy, namely, that the personal and the political are not antithetical, but relational.
Hermeneutical Dissent and the Species of Hermeneutical Injustice
Authors: Goetze Trystan S.
Published: November 2017

According to Miranda Fricker, a hermeneutical injustice occurs when there is a deficit in our shared tools of social interpretation (the collective hermeneutical resource), such that marginalized social groups are at a disadvantage in making sense of their distinctive and important experiences. Critics have claimed that Fricker's account ignores or precludes a phenomenon I call hermeneutical dissent, where marginalized groups have produced their own interpretive tools for making sense of those experiences. I clarify the nature of hermeneutical injustice to make room for hermeneutical dissent, clearing up the structure of the collective hermeneutical resource and the fundamental harm of hermeneutical injustice. I then provide a more nuanced account of the hermeneutical resources in play in instances of hermeneutical injustice, enabling six species of the injustice to be distinguished. Finally, I reflect on the corrective virtue of hermeneutical justice in light of hermeneutical dissent.
Gender as Lived Time: Reading The Second Sex for a Feminist Phenomenology of Temporality
Authors: Burke Megan M.
Published: November 2017

This article suggests that Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex offers an important contribution to a feminist phenomenology of temporality. In contrast to readings of The Second Sex that focus on the notion of “becoming” as the main claim about the relation between “woman” and time, this article suggests that Beauvoir's discussion of temporality in volume II of The Second Sex shows that Beauvoir understands the temporality of waiting, or a passive present, to be an underlying structure of women's existence and subordination. Accordingly, I argue that Beauvoir does not see “woman” as a mere becoming, as that which unfolds in time, but instead understands becoming a woman to be realized as lived time. As such, Beauvoir's account shows that gender and temporality are deeply entangled, and thus she challenges the classic phenomenological account of temporality as a general, given structure of human existence. More specifically, I argue that her account shows how a particular experience of time is an underlying structure of sexual objectification, a claim that expands on the feminist phenomenological claim that a particular relation to space becomes a way in which women take up and negotiate their own subordination and objectification.
The effect of agarose content on the morphology, phase evolution, and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles prepared by sol‐gel autocombustion method
Authors: Rouhani Amir Reza , Esmaeil‐Khanian Amir Hossein , Davar Fatemeh , Hasani Saeed
Published: November 2017

Hard‐magnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were produced with the sol‐gel autocombustion route using agarose and citric acid as a neutral organic gel and combustion agent. For this purpose, the obtained gel is annealed at 800°C for 3 hours and then the spinel structure of the samples was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, the existence of metal‐oxygen complexes in the gel and nanoparticles was investigated by Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectra. Furthermore, FESEM images showed that semispherical and rod‐like particles were obtained by variation in agarose contents. For the rod‐like sample with 2.5 g agarose, the saturation magnetization and coercivity were measured equal to 71.7 emu/g and 10076.84 Oe, respectively.
Stability of the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of five fruit (apple, orange, grape, pomelo and kiwi) juices during in vitro‐simulated gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Quan Wei , Tao Yadan , Lu Mei , Yuan Bo , Chen Jie , Zeng Maomao , Qin Fang , Guo Fengxian , He Zhiyong
Published: November 2017

The in vitro digestive stability of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity of five kinds of commonly consumed fruit juices in the daily diet, including apple juice (AJ), orange juice (OJ), grape juice (GJ), pomelo juice (PJ) and kiwifruit juice (KJ), were studied. Following in vitro digestion, the total phenolic (TP) content of fruit juices decreased to different extents by 35%, 25.3%, 23.5%, 22.2% and 7.8% for KJ, OJ, PJ, GJ and AJ, respectively. The individual phenolic content showed similar changes to the TP content, showing reductions of naringenin‐trisaccharide in OJ and PJ, epicatechin in GJ, and chlorogenic acid in AJ by 43.74%, 27.59%, 47.11% and 33.28%, respectively. Conversely, the antioxidant capacity of fruit juices during digestion measured by ABTS assay increased from 4.79% to 35.53%, except in KJ, which decreased by 19.34%. These results show the health benefits of fruit juices after processing and contribute towards establishing suitable dietary recommendations.
Retrogradation of partially gelatinised potato starch prepared by ball milling
Authors: Fu Zong‐qiang , Wu Min , Zhang Hai , Wang Jia‐hui
Published: November 2017

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of partial gelatinisation on the retrogradation of modified potato starch. The partially gelatinised starches with gelatinisation degree at mean levels of 22.47%, 49.18%, 76.80% and 86.19% were prepared by ball milling (0.5, 1.5, 3 and 10 h). The thermal properties and crystal structure of retrograded starch were examined during 21 days of refrigerated storage at 4 °C. Retrograded starch with high initial gelatinisation degree (86.19%) showed higher retrogradation enthalpy of 6.12 ± 0.18 J g−1 and lower onset temperature of 45.41 ± 0.24 °C than sample with low gelatinisation degree (22.47%) where the results were 1.32 ± 0.18 J g−1 and 54.05 ± 0.03 °C, respectively. During storage, two peaks in the X‐ray diffractograms for starch with high gelatinisation degree appeared and increased rapidly, while the peaks for starch with low gelatinisation degree increased slowly. These results suggest that a certain amount of remainder crystals presented in partially gelatinised starch impeded the retrogradation.
JAK2 V617F mutation can be reliably detected in serum using droplet digital PCR
Authors: Nystrand C. F. , Ghanima W. , Waage A. , Jonassen C. M.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Detection of the JAK2 V617F mutation is a key step in the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Sensitive real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) detection on peripheral blood (PB) is the most widely used method. The main objective of this study was to determine whether serum, the most common material available in archival biobanks, is a good liquid biopsy for detecting and quantifying the JAK2 V617F mutation using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR).

Methods

Paired PB and serum samples from 66 patients with MPN were used. Serum samples were frozen at −25°C before analysis. DNA was extracted from 200 μL PB and 400 μL serum, and ddPCR analysis was performed.

Results

Among the 47 patients with detectable mutation in their PB samples, the overall sensitivity for the detection of JAK2 mutation in serum was of 96% (45 of 47); V617F was detected in all cases where mutation load was above 1%. Our results showed very strong correlation between PB and serum (Spearman r: 0.989, P < .0001). Significantly higher allele burden was detected in serum compared to PB (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, Z = −5.672, P < .0001).

Conclusion

In our study, JAK2 V617F mutation load as low as 1% was reliably detected in serum using ddPCR.
Cancer stem cells as targets for immunotherapy
Authors: Codd Amy S. , Kanaseki Takayuki , Torigo Toshihiko , Tabi Zsuzsanna
Published: November 2017

Current cancer therapies target the bulk of the tumour, while a population of highly resistant tumour cells may be able to repopulate the tumour and metastasize to new sites. Cancer cells with such stem cell‐like characteristics can be identified based on their phenotypical and/or functional features which may open up ways for their targeted elimination. In this review we discuss potential off‐target effects of inhibiting cancer stem‐cell self‐renewal pathways on immune cells, and summarize some recent immunological studies specifically targeting cancer stem cells based on their unique antigen expression.
Identifying and addressing sexual health in serious mental illness: Views of mental health staff working in two National Health Service organizations in England
Authors: Hughes Elizabeth , Edmondson Amanda J. , Onyekwe Ijeoma , Quinn Chris , Nolan Fiona
Published: November 2017

People with serious mental illness (service users) have needs related to sexual health and sexuality, yet these have been poorly addressed in mental health services. In the present study, we report the current practice of mental health professionals in relation to sexual health. Focus groups conducted in two mental health trusts explored routine practice in relation to discussing, assessing, and planning care in relation to sexual health. A thematic analysis identified seven themes: (i) sexual health provision is a complex issue; (ii) mental health staff are aware of sexual health needs; (iii) current provision regarding sexual health is ‘neglected’; (iv) barriers to sexual health provision; (v) enabling a discussion around sexual health; (vi) sexual health provision is a role for mental health professionals; and (vii) training needs. Mental health staff are aware of complex issues related to sexual health for service users, but this is mainly seen through the lens of risk management and safeguarding. We need to develop the mental health workforce to be able to incorporate sexual health into routine health care.
Crystal structure, defect relaxation, and microwave dielectric properties of Ba[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1−xHfx]O3 solid solutions
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yue Zhenxing , Li Longtu
Published: November 2017

Ba[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1−xHfx]O3 (BMNH, x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2) solid solutions were prepared via the solid‐state reaction method. The effect of BaHfO3 on the crystal structure, microwave dielectric performance, and defect relaxation behavior of Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BMN) were studied. BaHfO3 additions degraded the sintering activity of BMN powder, requiring a high sintering temperature (Ts) ~ 1650°C; but it could be effectively improved by a prolonged sintering process at a lower Ts of 1600°C. The well‐sintered BMNH ceramics (1600°C for 30 h) possessed a high densification >96%, and exhibited cubic perovskite structures without 1:2 cation ordering. Once doped with Hf, the low‐temperature relaxation in dielectric spectroscopy and thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) for pure BMN disappeared, further indicating such relaxation is related to cation‐ordered structure. Oxygen vacancies, namely showing in‐grain and across‐grain‐boundary relaxation of ‐related defects, were the main defect types in BMNH. The concentrations of in‐grain decreased as x increased, which is beneficial to BMNH to maintain high Q × f values of 69 400‐73 000 GHz. Accompanied by a high εr of 33.27‐33.59 and a low τf of +13.6 to +20.7 ppm/°C, these materials have a good potential for applications in microwave components and devices.
The production of a lead glaze with galena: Thermal transformations in the PbS–SiO2 system
Authors: Di Febo Roberta , Molera Judit , Pradell Trinitat , Melgarejo Joan C. , Madrenas Josep , Vallcorba Oriol
Published: November 2017

Galena, also known as PbS, was widely used in the production of lead glazes from the beginning of the 18th century to the second half of the 20th century. Although the PbO‐SiO2 system has been studied for years, the PbS–SiO2 phase diagram, involved in the formation of a glaze with galena, has not yet been investigated. Temperature transformations for the system 75 wt% PbS‐25 wt% SiO2 are investigated in a high‐temperature resolved X‐ray diffraction experiment with synchrotron radiation and compared to those of the equivalent system 70 wt% PbO‐30 wt% SiO2. Lanarkite, PbO·PbSO4, is the phase predominantly formed as soon as galena decomposes during the heating. The results show that the system melts at a temperature higher than the PbO–SiO2 system, but far lower than those expected for the PbO–PbSO4–PbS system. A historical misfired lead glaze produced with galena is also studied. The presence of galena, lanarkite, and mattheddleite, Pb10(SiO4)3.5(SO4)2Cl2, is determined and discussed in terms of the composition of the galena mineral used and the firing conditions in light of the high‐temperature transformations previously obtained.
Mountains as barriers to gene flow in amphibians: Quantifying the differential effect of a major mountain ridge on the genetic structure of four sympatric species with different life history traits
Authors: Sánchez‐Montes Gregorio , Wang Jinliang , Ariño Arturo H. , Martínez‐Solano Íñigo
Published: November 2017

Aim

To test the role of mountains as barriers to gene flow in co‐distributed taxa with different life history traits.

Location

Sierra de Guadarrama, Central Spain.

Methods

We used larval genotypes of four amphibian species (Epidalea calamita, Hyla molleri, Pelophylax perezi and Pelobates cultripes) sampled on northern and southern slopes of Sierra de Guadarrama to describe genetic structure with FST, migration rates per generation, clustering algorithms and resistance by elevation surfaces. We also recorded individual displacement events as a proxy of dispersal potential during a seven‐year monitoring project based on capture–mark–recapture (CMR).

Results

All species travelled longer cumulative distances than those reported in the study area for P. cultripes (0.71 km). Individuals of E. calamita travelled up to 3.55 km, followed by H. molleri (2.84 km) and P. perezi (1.51 km). Pairwise FST estimates showed lower overall connectivity in P. cultripes. Average migration rates per generation were low in all species, with exceptions in same‐slope populations of H. molleri and P. cultripes. Clustering algorithms consistently recovered well‐differentiated population groups of P. cultripes in northern versus southern slopes, but widely admixed areas were observed in the other species, especially near mountain passes. Resistance by elevation surfaces showed a strong barrier effect of Sierra de Guadarrama in P. cultripes and suggested a potential role of topography in the genetic structure of E. calamita and H. molleri.

Main conclusions

Sierra de Guadarrama currently acts as a strong barrier to gene flow for P. cultripes and, to a lesser extent, for E. calamita, H. molleri and P. perezi. This differential effect can be partly explained by differences in life history traits, including dispersal potential. Our findings support the general role of the Central System as a key feature shaping population connectivity and genetic variation in amphibian communities.
Randomized, controlled clinical two‐centre study using xenogeneic block grafts loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 or autogenous bone blocks for lateral ridge augmentation
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Payer Michael , Jakse Norbert , Bienz Stefan P. , Hüsler Jürg , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Jung Ui‐Won , Hämmerle Christoph H.F. , Jung Ronald E.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To test whether or not the use of a xenogeneic block loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) results in different bone quantity and quality compared to an autogenous bone block.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four patients with insufficient bone volume for implant placement were randomly assigned to two treatment modalities: a xenogeneic bone block loaded with rhBMP‐2 (test) and an autogenous bone block (control). The horizontal ridge width was evaluated prior to augmentation, after augmentation and at 4 months. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed at suture removal and at 4 months. Biopsies were obtained at 4 months and histologically evaluated. Intergroup comparisons were tested by a two‐sided Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test, intra‐group comparisons were performed with Wilcoxon‐signed rank test, and all categorical variables were tested with Chi‐squared tests.

Results

One autogenous bone block failed. This patient was replaced, and in all subsequently treated 24 patients, implant placement was possible 4 months later. The median ridge width increased from 4.0 mm (Q1 = 2.0; Q3 = 4.0) (test) and 2.0 mm (Q1 = 2.0; Q3 = 3.0) (control) to 7.0 mm (Q1 = 6.0; Q3 = 8.0) (test) and 7.0 mm (Q1 = 6.0; Q3 = 8.0) (control) at 4 months (intergroup p > .05). A higher morbidity was reported at the augmented site in the control group during surgery. Sensitivity was more favourable in the test than that in the control group at 4 months. The biopsies revealed more mineralized tissue in the control group (p < .0043).

Conclusions

Both treatment modalities were successful in regenerating bone to place dental implants. PROMs did not reveal any significant differences between the groups except for pain during surgery at the recipient site (in favour of the test group). Histologically, a higher amount of mineralized tissue was observed for the control group at 4 months.
Patient‐reported health outcomes in patients with non‐melanoma skin cancer and actinic keratosis: results from a large‐scale observational study analysing effects of diagnoses and disease progression
Authors: Philipp‐Dormston W.G. , Müller K. , Novak B. , Strömer K. , Termeer C. , Hammann U. , Glutsch J.W. , Krähn‐Senftleben G. , Lübbert H. , Koller M. , Szeimies R.M. ,   the NMSC‐QoL Study Group
Published: November 2017

Background

Non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and actinic keratosis (AK) are very common among fair‐skinned individuals. A disease continuum fromAKto squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been frequently postulated.AKandNMSCmay influence quality of life (QL) of patients, and it can be suspected that disease progression entails aQLreduction. The purpose of this study was to documentQLin patients withNMSCandAKusing the health‐outcome questionnaireEQ‐5D‐5L.

Methods

The study was designed as a non‐interventional, prospective, cross‐sectional study. Patients withAK,SCC, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or multiple diagnoses were enrolled in this study in 29 dermatological centres across Germany. Patients were asked to complete theEQ‐5D‐5L (compromisingEQIndex andEQ VAS), and the dermatologists provided diagnosis, disease history and treatment data.

Results

A total of 1184 patients were enrolled and diagnosed as follows: 73%AK, 49%BCCand 17%SCC. 66% had a single diagnosis, 28% two different diagnoses and 6% three different diagnoses.QLwas strongly associated with patients’ diagnosis. Patients with a singleAKdiagnosis had significantly higher meanEQ VAS(78) than patients withBCC(74),SCC(72), andBCCplusSCC(69),P< 0.050. When the effects of disease progression were calculated, patients withAKplusSCCreported significantly less meanEQ VAS(71) than patients with a singleAKdiagnosis (78),P< 0.011.

Conclusions

While rarely being imminently life‐threatening,NMSCandAKhave an impact onQLas quantified by theEQ‐5D‐5L. This impact is associated with diagnosis (AKvs.NMSC) and clinical progression (AKvs.AKplusSCC). Both lead to a clear decline inQL. This shows that disease progression is perceived and judged as detrimental by patients and thatAKandNMSCshould be diligently treated to preserve and restoreQL.
How the environment shapes animal signals: a test of the acoustic adaptation hypothesis in frogs
Authors: Goutte S. , Dubois A. , Howard S. D. , Márquez R. , Rowley J. J. L. , Dehling J. M. , Grandcolas P. , Xiong R. C. , Legendre F.
Published: November 2017

Long‐distance acoustic signals are widely used in animal communication systems and, in many cases, are essential for reproduction. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) implies that acoustic signals should be selected for further transmission and better content integrity under the acoustic constraints of the habitat in which they are produced. In this study, we test predictions derived from the AAH in frogs. Specifically, we focus on the difference between torrent frogs and frogs calling in less noisy habitats. Torrents produce sounds that can mask frog vocalizations and constitute a major acoustic constraint on call evolution. We combine data collected in the field, material from scientific collections and the literature for a total of 79 primarily Asian species, of the families Ranidae, Rhacophoridae, Dicroglossidae and Microhylidae. Using phylogenetic comparative methods and including morphological and environmental potential confounding factors, we investigate putatively adaptive call features in torrent frogs. We use broad habitat categories as well as fine‐scale habitat measurements and test their correlation with six call characteristics. We find mixed support for the AAH. Spectral features of torrent frog calls are different from those of frogs calling in other habitats and are related to ambient noise levels, as predicted by the AAH. However, temporal call features do not seem to be shaped by the frogs’ calling habitats. Our results underline both the complexity of call evolution and the need to consider multiple factors when investigating this issue.
Genotype and diet affect resistance, survival, and fecundity but not fecundity tolerance
Authors: Kutzer M. A. M. , Kurtz J. , Armitage S. A. O.
Published: November 2017

Insects are exposed to a variety of potential pathogens in their environment, many of which can severely impact fitness and health. Consequently, hosts have evolved resistance and tolerance strategies to suppress or cope with infections. Hosts utilizing resistance improve fitness by clearing or reducing pathogen loads, and hosts utilizing tolerance reduce harmful fitness effects per pathogen load. To understand variation in, and selective pressures on, resistance and tolerance, we asked to what degree they are shaped by host genetic background, whether plasticity in these responses depends upon dietary environment, and whether there are interactions between these two factors. Females from ten wild‐type Drosophila melanogaster genotypes were kept on high‐ or low‐protein (yeast) diets and infected with one of two opportunistic bacterial pathogens, Lactococcus lactis or Pseudomonas entomophila. We measured host resistance as the inverse of bacterial load in the early infection phase. The relationship (slope) between fly fecundity and individual‐level bacteria load provided our fecundity tolerance measure. Genotype and dietary yeast determined host fecundity and strongly affected survival after infection with pathogenic P. entomophila. There was considerable genetic variation in host resistance, a commonly found phenomenon resulting from for example varying resistance costs or frequency‐dependent selection. Despite this variation and the reproductive cost of higher P. entomophila loads, fecundity tolerance did not vary across genotypes. The absence of genetic variation in tolerance may suggest that at this early infection stage, fecundity tolerance is fixed or that any evolved tolerance mechanisms are not expressed under these infection conditions.
Detection and Quantification of Two Parasitic Ciliates Boveria labialis and Boveria subcylindrica (Ciliophora: Scuticociliatia) by Fluorescence in situ Hybridization
Authors: Zhan Zifeng , Li Ju , Xu Kuidong
Published: November 2017

The thigmotrich scuticociliates Boveria labialis and Boveria subcylindrica are obligate parasites that may cause high mortality in cultured sea cucumbers and bivalves. Morphological methods can identify these organisms in active state, but are unable to discern them in resting stages. In aquaculture practice, these parasitic ciliates are hard to eradicate when massive infection occurs in sea cucumbers. Thus, early detection and precaution are crucial for the control of these pathogens. Under such circumstances, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) will serve as a fast way to detect and monitor the occurrence of these parasites. We designed two SSU‐rDNA targeted oligonucleotide probes labeled with fluorochromes, and optimized the FISH protocols for the detection of B. labialis and B. subcylindrica from the host sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus and the bivalve Atrina pectinata, respectively. The assays resulted in a clear differentiation of the two similar species by strong fluorescence signals from the oligonucleotide probes. Moreover, we successfully used the FISH protocol to detect the cysts of B. labialis and variation in abundance of active parasites to evaluate the efficacy of chemical treatments. This is the first report and detection of the cysts of B. labialis from the host sea cucumber A. japonicus.
Expression of the clock gene Rev‐erbα in the brain controls the circadian organisation of food intake and locomotor activity, but not daily variations of energy metabolism
Authors: Sen S. , Dumont S. , Sage‐Ciocca D. , Reibel S. , de Goede P. , Kalsbeek A. , Challet E.
Published: November 2017

The nuclear receptor REV‐ERBα is part of the molecular clock mechanism and is considered to be involved in a variety of biological processes within metabolically active peripheral tissues as well. To investigate whether Rev‐erbα (also known as Nr1d1) in the brain plays a role in the daily variations of energy metabolism, feeding behaviour and the sleep‐wake cycle, we studied mice with global (GKO) or brain (BKO) deletion of Rev‐erbα. Mice were studied both in a light/dark cycle and in constant darkness, and then 24‐hour variations of Respiratory quotient (RQ) and energy expenditure, as well as the temporal patterns of rest‐activity and feeding behaviour, were recorded. The RQ increase of GKO mice was not detected in BKO animals, indicating a peripheral origin for this metabolic alteration. Arrhythmic patterns of locomotor activity were only found in BKO mice. By contrast, the circadian rhythm of food intake was lost both in GKO and BKO mice, mostly by increasing the number of daytime meals. These changes in the circadian pattern of feeding behaviour were, to some extent, correlated with a loss of rhythmicity of hypothalamic Hcrt (also named Orx) mRNA levels. Taken together, these findings highlight that Rev‐erbα in the brain is involved in the temporal partitioning of feeding and sleep, whereas its effects on energy metabolism are mainly exerted through its peripheral expression.
T cells are involved in the induction of macrophage phenotypes in oral leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma—a preliminary report
Authors: Stasikowska‐Kanicka Olga , Wągrowska‐Danilewicz Małgorzata , Danilewicz Marian
Published: November 2017

Background

The prognosis of human malignancies has been shown to depend on immunological parameters, such as macrophage polarization (M1 and M2). In this study, we identify the phenotype of macrophages, and investigate an involvement of infiltrated T cells that participate in the polarization of macrophages, in oral leukoplakia (OLK), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Immunohistochemical method was used to examine the number of CD68+, CD163+ (M2), iNOS+ (M1) macrophages, and CD4+, CD8+, CCR4+ (Th2), CCR5+ (Th1) cells in 102 cases of OSCC: without metastases—OSCC M(−) (n = 54), and with metastases—OSCC M(+) (n = 48), 23 cases of OLK, and 18 control cases.

Results

The mean number of CD68+, CD163+, iNOS+, CD4+, CCR4+, CCR5+ cells was significantly increased in OSCC M(+) group compared with OLK, OSCC M(−) and control group. We found positive correlations between the number of CD4+ T cells and CD163+ and iNOS+ macrophages as well as CCR4+ and CCR5+ cells in both OSCC groups. The mean number of CD8+ cells was significantly increased in OSCC M(−) and OLK compared with OSCC M(+) and control group. In OSCC M(+) and OSCC M(−) groups, a negative correlation between the number of CD8+ cells and CD163+ and iNOS+ macrophages was found.

Conclusions

The number and co‐localization of lymphocytes and macrophages in OLK and OSCC may indicate that infiltrating cells influence the early and subsequent stage of oral carcinogenesis.
RAV transcription factors are essential for disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight via activation of melatonin biosynthesis genes
Authors: Wei Yunxie , Chang Yanli , Zeng Hongqiu , Liu Guoyin , He Chaozu , Shi Haitao
Published: November 2017

With 1 AP2 domain and 1 B3 domain, 7 MeRAVs in apetala2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) gene family have been identified in cassava. However, the in vivo roles of these remain unknown. Gene expression assays showed that the transcripts of MeRAVs were commonly regulated after Xanthomonas axonopodis pv manihotis (Xam) and MeRAVs were specifically located in plant cell nuclei. Through virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) in cassava, we found that MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 are essential for plant disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight, as shown by the bacterial propagation of Xam in plant leaves. Through VIGS in cassava leaves and overexpression in cassava leave protoplasts, we found that MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 positively regulated melatonin biosynthesis genes and the endogenous melatonin level. Further investigation showed that MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 are direct transcriptional activators of 3 melatonin biosynthesis genes in cassava, as evidenced by chromatin immunoprecipitation‐PCR in cassava leaf protoplasts and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Moreover, cassava melatonin biosynthesis genes also positively regulated plant disease resistance. Taken together, this study identified MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 as common and upstream transcription factors of melatonin synthesis genes in cassava and revealed a model of MeRAV1 and MeRAV2‐melatonin biosynthesis genes‐melatonin level in plant disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight.
Modification of the lipid profile and antioxidant status of the blood plasma of turkey hens fed mixtures with raw or extruded linseed
Authors: Czech A. , Ognik K. , Laszewska M. , Cholewińska E. , Stępniowska A.
Published: November 2017

The aim of the study was to determine the most beneficial proportion of raw linseed in complete feed mixtures for turkey hens on the basis of lipid and redox indicators in the blood. In experiment 1, the turkey hens received the complete mixture with 2%, 4% or 6% linseed. On the basis of the results obtained in experiment 1, we selected the most effective proportion of linseed, which was given to the birds in the group receiving a 4% linseed additive. In experiment 2, the birds were fed mixtures with a 4% addition of raw or extruded linseed. The use of 4% raw linseed was found to improve production effects (improvement of weight gain, and lower feed conversion ratios), while extruded linseed in the diet of turkey hens did not affect growth performance. The use of linseed (4% and 6%) as a feed component for turkey hens led to an increase in indicators of antioxidant potential, that is the total antioxidant potential of the plasma, vitamins E and C, bilirubin and creatinine. A benefit resulting from the use of linseed, particularly in the amounts of 2% and 4% was a marked improvement in lipid indicators in the blood. The reduced percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (n‐3) following the use of extruded linseed resulted in a decrease in lipid peroxidation (lower content of malondialdehyde, superoxide and vitamins C and E in the blood). The most effective dose and form of linseed in the diet of turkey hens is 4% raw linseed.
Sexual dimorphism, bite force and diet in the diamondback terrapin
Authors: Herrel A. , Petrochic S. , Draud M.
Published: November 2017

Sexual dimorphism in head size and shape has been documented in many animals and is often thought to be related to the consumption of different prey in males and females thus reducing competition between the two sexes. However, for this to be true, the difference in head size and shape should be associated with a difference in performance allowing one sex to exploit different prey resources. In many durophagous turtle species, females are bigger than males and have bigger heads for a given size. Here, we test whether the observed dimorphism in head size and shape in the durophagous Malaclemys terrapin is reflected in differences in bite force. Furthermore, we measure the forces needed to crush different prey items in order to evaluate whether the observed bite force dimorphism allows access to different dietary resources in females. Finally, we compare head size and shape and bite force between the durophagous M. terrapin and a generalist (Trachemys scripta). Our results show that females of M. terrapin have higher bite forces than males in line with their bigger heads relative to their body size. Moreover, the higher bite forces in females allow them to eat larger as well as different types of snails resulting in differences in diet. Finally, our results show that both sexes of M. terrapin have bigger heads and bite forces for their body size compared to the generalist T. scripta, even as juveniles. Moreover, M. terrapin bite harder even when taking into account differences in head size, suggesting intrinsic differences in the jaw musculature in durophagous species.
Group characteristics, site fidelity, and photo‐identification of harbor porpoises,Phocoena phocoena, in Burrows Pass, Fidalgo Island, Washington
Authors: Elliser Cindy R. , MacIver Katrina H. , Green Michelle
Published: November 2017

Little is known about harbor porpoises at the individual level or local group structure. Group characteristics, site fidelity, and photo‐identification of harbor porpoises were investigated off Fidalgo Island, Washington State. Harbor porpoise presence was affected by season and rip tide strength (Wald χ2P< 0.04); calf presence was influenced by season and tide (Wald χ2P< 0.0075). Average group size (2.32 ± 1.38,n= 266) was influenced by season, behavior, and calf presence (F7= 9.71,P< 0.0001,R2= 0.294). Fifty‐three individuals were identified using a matrix of primary, secondary, and confirmation markings that were stable over months/years. Over 35% were resighted in more than 1 mo (range 1–7,= 1.83); 15.1% were seen in more than 1 yr, suggesting some level of residency. Despite having higher effort, presence and group size were significantly lower in Summer. Variations in the significance of rip tide strength and tides relate to calf presence and support other findings that harbor porpoise population structure is complex and varies at small spatiotemporal scales and may also vary between populations and habitats. This study identifies variables affecting group characteristics and emphasizes the importance of research on local populations of harbor porpoises.
Effects of blue light on inflammation and skin barrier recovery following acute perturbation. Pilot study results in healthy human subjects
Authors: Falcone Denise , Uzunbajakava Natallia E. , van Abeelen Frank , Oversluizen Gerrit , Peppelman Malou , van Erp Piet E. J. , van de Kerkhof Peter C. M.
Published: November 2017

Background/purpose

While growing evidence supports the therapeutic effect of 453 nm blue light in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, data on its effects on acutely perturbed human skin are scarce. In this study, we investigated the impact of 453 nm narrow‐band LED light on healthy skin following acute perturbation.

Methods

Tape stripping and histamine iontophoresis were performed on the forearm of 22 healthy volunteers on 2 consecutive weeks. In 1 week, challenges were followed by irradiation for 30 minutes. In the other week (control), no light was administered. Reactions were evaluated up to 72 hours thereafter by transepidermal water loss (TEWL), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and skin surface biomarkers.

Results

Skin barrier disruption resulted in upregulation of IL‐1α at 24 hours after tape stripping (P = .029). In contrast, irradiation abrogated this effect (P > .05). Irradiation also resulted in higher TEWL at 24 hours and in higher b* value at 72 hours after tape stripping compared to the control (P = .034 and P = .018, respectively). At 30 minutes following histamine iontophoresis and irradiation, a trend toward a higher a* value compared to the control was observed (P = .051).

Conclusion

We provide the first in vivo evidence that blue light at 453 nm exerts biological effects on acutely perturbed healthy human skin.
Drug delivery strategies for chemoprevention of UVB‐induced skin cancer: A review
Authors: Bagde Arvind , Mondal Arindam , Singh Mandip
Published: November 2017

Annually, more skin cancer cases are diagnosed than the collective incidence of the colon, lung, breast, and prostate cancer. Persistent contact with sunlight is a primary cause for all the skin malignancies. UVB radiation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the skin which eventually leads to DNA damage and mutation. Various delivery approaches for the skin cancer treatment/prevention have been evolving and are directed toward improvements in terms of delivery modes, therapeutic agents, and site‐specificity of therapeutics delivery. The effective chemoprevention activity achieved is based on the efficiency of the delivery system used and the amount of the therapeutic molecule deposited in the skin. In this article, we have discussed different studies performed specifically for the chemoprevention of UVB‐induced skin cancer. Ultra‐flexible nanocarriers, transethosomes nanocarriers, silica nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, nanocapsule suspensions, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, and polymeric nanoparticles which have been used so far to deliver the desired drug molecule for preventing the UVB‐induced skin cancer.