bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labour Migration Policy in Russia: Considerations on Governmentality
Authors: Malakhov Vladimir S. , Simon Mark E.
Published: October 2017

The authors argue that Russian migration policy reflects the functioning of contemporary Russia's entire bureaucratic machine. The bureaucracy's Soviet‐era governance techniques on the one hand and the material interests of particular pressure groups on the other, shape the manipulation of immigration regulation that has occurred since the early 2000s. Therefore, attempts to liberalize migration regulation, i.e., to simplify the legalization of foreign workers, have always been incoherent, accompanied by reservations and limitations. Additionally, Russian actions are riddled with conflict between ‘geopolitical’ and domestic policy rationales. The authorities’ occasional attempts to use immigration regulation as a foreign policy tool acquire primarily symbolic value in the ‘domestic political market’ rather than serving any instrumental purpose. The effort to enhance Russian influence in the post‐Soviet space through the ‘reintegration project’ (Eurasian Economic Union) collides with the goal of national labour market protection, since integration entails the removal of barriers to labour movement.
Immune recognition of irradiated cancer cells
Authors: Wennerberg Erik , Vanpouille‐Box Claire , Bornstein Sophia , Yamazaki Takahiro , Demaria Sandra , Galluzzi Lorenzo
Published: October 2017

Ionizing irradiation has been extensively employed for the clinical management of solid tumors, with therapeutic or palliative intents, for decades. Until recently, radiation therapy (RT) was believed to mediate antineoplastic activity mostly (if not only) as a consequence of cancer cell‐intrinsic effects. Indeed, the macromolecular damage imposed to malignant cells by RT initiates one or multiple signal transduction cascades that drive a permanent proliferative arrest (cellular senescence) or regulated cell death. Both these phenomena show a rather linear dose‐response correlation. However, RT also mediates consistent immunological activity, not only as an “on‐target effect” originating within irradiated cancer cells, but also as an “off‐target effect” depending on the interaction between RT and stromal, endothelial, and immune components of the tumor microenvironment. Interestingly, the immunological activity of RT does not exhibit linear dose‐response correlation. Here, we discuss the mechanisms whereby RT alters the capacity of the immune system to recognize and eliminate irradiated cancer cells, either as an “on‐target” or as on “off‐target” effect. In particular, we discuss the antagonism between the immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects of RT as we delineate combinatorial strategies to boost the former at the expenses of the latter.
Missing in action—The meaning of cell death in tissue damage and inflammation
Authors: Muñoz Luis E. , Leppkes Moritz , Fuchs Tobias A. , Hoffmann Markus , Herrmann Martin
Published: October 2017

Billions of cells die every day in higher organisms as part of the normal process of tissue homeostasis. During special conditions like in development, acute infections, mechanical injuries, and immunity, cell death is a common denominator and it exerts profound effects in the outcome of these scenarios. To prevent the accumulation of aged, superfluous, infected, damaged and dead cells, professional phagocytes act in a rapid and efficient manner to clear the battle field and avoid spread of the destruction. Neutrophils are the most abundant effector immune cells that extravasate into tissues and can turn injured tissues into gory battle fields. In peace times, neutrophils tend to patrol tissues without provoking inflammatory reactions. We discuss in this review actual and forgotten knowledge about the meaning of cell death during homeostatic processes and drive the attention to the importance of the action of neutrophils during patrolling and for the maintenance or recovery of the homeostatic state once the organism gets attacked or injured, respectively. In this fashion, we disclose several disease conditions that arise as collateral damage of physiological responses to death.
The long pentraxin PTX3: A prototypical sensor of tissue injury and a regulator of homeostasis
Authors: Erreni Marco , Manfredi Angelo A. , Garlanda Cecilia , Mantovani Alberto , Rovere‐Querini Patrizia
Published: October 2017

Tissue damage frequently occurs. The immune system senses it and enforces homeostatic responses that lead to regeneration and repair. The synthesis of acute phase molecules is emerging as a crucial event in this program. The prototypic long pentraxin PTX3 orchestrates the recruitment of leukocytes, stabilizes the provisional matrix in order to facilitate leukocyte and stem progenitor cells trafficking, promotes swift and safe clearance of dying cells and of autoantigens, limiting autoimmunity and protecting the vasculature. These non‐redundant actions of PTX3 are necessary for the resolution of inflammation. Recent studies have highlighted the mechanisms by which PTX3 adapts the functions of innate immune cells, orchestrates tissue repair and contributes to select the appropriate acquired immune response in various tissues. Conversely, PTX3 continues to be produced in diseases where the inflammatory response does not resolve. It is therefore a valuable biomarker for more precise and personalized stratification of patients, often independently predicting clinical evolution and outcome. There is strong promise for novel therapies based on understanding the mechanisms with which PTX3 plays its homeostatic role, especially in regulating leukocyte migration and the resolution of inflammatory processes.
Extracellular nucleosides and nucleotides as immunomodulators
Authors: Kepp Oliver , Loos Friedemann , Liu Peng , Kroemer Guido
Published: October 2017

Some anticancer agents induce immunogenic cell death that is accompanied by the emission of danger signals into the tumor microenvironment, thus attracting and activating innate immune effectors and finally inducing anticancer immunity. The release of extracellular nucleosides such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from the tumor in response to anticancer therapy plays a pivotal role in the attraction of antigen presenting cells and the activation of inflammasome‐mediated proinflammatory cascades. In contrast, the ectonucleotidase‐catalyzed phosphohydrolysis of nucleotides to nucleosides reduces the extracellular availability of nucleotides, hence limiting the recruitment and activation of antigen‐presenting cells. In addition, the (over‐)production of nucleosides including adenosine by ectonucleotidases located on cancer cells and regulatory T cells can induce immunosuppression, as adenosine directly inhibits the proliferation and activation of effector T cells. Here, we discuss the importance of death metabolites for immunomodulation in general, and the role of the purine nucleotide ATP and its derivative adenosine in particular. In addition, we provide an overview on therapeutic interventions that reinstate tumor immunogenicity in conditions where nucleotide‐dependent immunostimulation is obstructed.
Immunomodulation by ionizing radiation—impact for design of radio‐immunotherapies and for treatment of inflammatory diseases
Authors: Frey Benjamin , Rückert Michael , Deloch Lisa , Rühle Paul F. , Derer Anja , Fietkau Rainer , Gaipl Udo S.
Published: October 2017

Ionizing radiation is often regarded as an element of danger. But, danger responses on the cellular and molecular level are often beneficial with regard to the induction of anti‐tumor immunity and for amelioration of inflammation. We outline how in dependence of radiation dose and fraction, radiation itself—and especially in combination with immune modulators—impacts on the innate and adaptive immune system. Focus is set on radiation‐induced changes of the tumor cell phenotype and the cellular microenvironment including immunogenic cancer cell death. Mechanisms how anti‐tumor immune responses are triggered by radiotherapy in combination with hyperthermia, inhibition of apoptosis, the adjuvant AnnexinA5, or vaccination with high hydrostatic pressure‐killed autologous tumor cells are discussed. Building on this, feasible multimodal radio‐immunotherapy concepts are reviewed including overcoming immune suppression by immune checkpoint inhibitors and by targeting TGF‐β. Since radiation‐induced tissue damage, inflammation, and anti‐tumor immune responses are interconnected, the impact of lower doses of radiation on amelioration of inflammation is outlined. Closely meshed immune monitoring concepts based on the liquid biopsy blood are suggested for prognosis and prediction of cancer and non‐cancer inflammatory diseases. Finally, challenges and visions for the design of cancer radio‐immunotherapies and for treatment of benign inflammatory diseases are given.
Necroptotic cell death in anti‐cancer therapy
Authors: Krysko Olga , Aaes Tania Løve , Kagan Valerian E. , D'Herde Katharina , Bachert Claus , Leybaert Luc , Vandenabeele Peter , Krysko Dmitri V.
Published: October 2017

Necroptosis is one the best‐characterized forms of regulated necrosis. Necroptosis is mediated by the kinase activities of receptor interacting protein kinase‐1 and receptor interacting protein kinase‐3, which eventually lead to the activation of mixed lineage kinase domain‐like. Necroptosis is characterized by rapid permeabilization of the plasma membrane, which is associated with the release of the cell content and subsequent exposure of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and cytokines/chemokines. This release underlies the immunogenic nature of necroptotic cancer cells and their ability to induce efficient anti‐tumor immunity. Triggering necroptosis has become especially important in experimental cancer treatments as an alternative to triggering apoptosis because one of the hallmarks of cancer is the blockade or evasion of apoptosis. In this review, we discuss recent advances in necroptosis research and the functional consequences of necroptotic cancer cell death, with focus on its immunogenicity and its role in the activation of anti‐tumor immunity. Next, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of phosphatidylserine exposure during necroptosis and its role in the recognition of necroptotic cells. We also highlight the complex role of the necroptotic pathway in tumor promotion and suppression and in metastasis. Future studies will show whether necroptosis is truly a better strategy to overcome apoptosis resistance and provide the insights needed for development of novel treatment strategies for cancer.
The renaissance of anti‐neoplastic immunity from tumor cell demise
Authors: Ma Yuting , Pitt Jonathan M. , Li Qingqing , Yang Heng
Published: October 2017

Cancer therapies can temporarily reduce tumor burdens by inducing malignant cell death. However, cancer cure is still far from realization because tumors often gain resistance to current treatment and eventually relapse. Accumulating evidence suggests that successful cancer interventions require anti‐tumor immunity. Therapy‐induced cell stress responses ultimately result in one or more cell death modalities, including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. These irreversible dying processes are accompanied by active or passive release of cell death‐associated molecular patterns (CDAMPs), which can be sensed by corresponding pattern recognition receptors (PRR) on tumor‐infiltrating immune cells. This crosstalk with the immune system can reawaken immune surveillance in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This review focuses on immune‐modulatory properties of anti‐cancer regimens and CDAMP‐mediated communications between cell stress responses and the immune contexture of TME. In addition, we describe how immunogenic cell death can elicit strong and durable anti‐tumor immune responses.
Costly Long‐Short Strategies Under Short‐Sale Constraints: Chinese Evidence
Authors: Lu Timothy (Jun) , Ren Jinjuan , Zhao Yan
Published: October 2017

Long‐short portfolios based on market anomalies are subject to ubiquitous short‐sale constraints. Few studies directly quantify the impact of shorting on long‐short strategies, largely due to the complexity of the shorting practice. We examine the Chinese market, in which the scope of the short‐sale constraint and the shorting cost are clearly specified. Among size, value, and momentum strategies, we find that only size earns significant profits before short‐sale constraints are considered. Imposing the scope of short‐sale constraint by selling only shortable stocks does not materially change the profits. Deducting shorting costs, however, essentially wipes off all the profits of long‐short portfolios.
Thinking Drawing
Authors: Adams Eileen
Published: October 2017

This article draws heavily on the author's critical autobiography: Eileen Adams: Agent of Change. It presents evidence of the value of drawing as a medium for learning, particularly in art and design, and argues that drawing is a useful educational tool. The premise is that drawing makes you think. This article explains various functions that drawing serves to prompt different kinds of thinking, and shares a framework that describes the purposes of drawing in supporting learning. It explains how action research was used to initiate change in the way teachers in schools and educators in other settings think about drawing, and how they might utilise it to support learning. It offers a glimpse of how evidence was generated, interpreted, validated and disseminated to illuminate practice and prompt development. It challenges teachers and researchers to create a fresh impetus for drawing as a medium for learning.
Development and validation of a reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction for tilapia lake virus detection in clinical samples and experimentally challenged fish
Authors: Tattiyapong P , Sirikanchana K , Surachetpong W
Published: October 2017

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) is an emerging pathogen associated with high mortalities of wild and farm‐raised tilapia in different countries. In this study, a SYBR green‐based reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) assay targeting segment three of the virus was developed to detect and quantify TiLV in clinical samples and experimentally challenged fish. All 30 field samples with clinical signs and history consistent with TiLV infection were positive for TiLV as detected by the developed RT‐qPCR method. The RT‐qPCR technique provided 100 and 10,000 times more sensitive for virus detection than those offered by the RT‐PCR and virus isolation in cell culture methods, respectively. The detection limit of the RT‐qPCR method was as low as two viral copies/μl. Moreover, the RT‐qPCR technique could be applied for TiLV detection in various fish tissues including gills, liver, brain, heart, anterior kidney and spleen. Significantly, this study delivered an accurate and reliable method for rapid detection of TiLV viruses that facilitates active surveillance programme and disease containment.
Diagnostic performance of human epididymis protein 4 compared to a combination of biophysical and biochemical markers to differentiate ovarian endometriosis from epithelial ovarian cancer in premenopausal women
Authors: Nikolova Tanja , Zivadinovic Radomir , Evtimovska Nina , Klisarovska Violeta , Stanojevic Marko , Georgievska Jadranka , Nikolova Natasha
Published: October 2017

Aim

This study is a comparison of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) with cancer antigen 125 (CA125), using the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA), Copenhagen Index (CPH‐I), Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) and Morphology Index (MI) to differentiate ovarian endometriosis from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in premenopausal women.

Methods

The study was performed at the University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Skopje. One hundred and sixty‐four premenopausal patients were divided into three study groups, including ovarian endometriosis (37), other benign pelvic masses (57) and EOCs (11), and a control group (59). After ultrasonography, all subjects underwent blood sampling. Surgery and histological verification was performed. Pelvic masses were classified based on histological findings. Mann–Whitney, receiver operating characteristic‐area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. The level of significance α was set at 5%.

Results

For each of the tested markers, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy to distinguish ovarian endometriosis from EOC were as follows: HE4 (81.82%, 100%, 95.83%); CA125 (81.82%, 48.65%, 56.25%); ROMA (90.91%, 83.78%, 85.42%); CPH‐I (81.82%, 97.30%, 93.75%); RMI (90.91%, 35.14%, 47.92%); and MI (100%, 75.68%, 81.25%), respectively. The AUC for ovarian endometriosis compared to EOC for tested markers was as follows: HE4 (AUC = 0.934), CA125 (AUC = 0.821), ROMA (AUC = 0.929), CPH‐I (AUC = 0.924) and RMI (AUC = 0.880), respectively.

Conclusion

HE4 and CPH‐I perform best to discriminate ovarian endometriosis from EOC in premenopausal women. MI has maximal sensitivity to detect EOC.
Ruptured external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm following surgery for ovarian cancer: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yano Mitsutake , Nasu Kaei , Matsumoto Harunobu , Hirakawa Tomoko , Miyamoto Shinji , Narahara Hisashi
Published: October 2017

Ruptured pseudoaneurysm following pelvic surgery is a rare and fatal complication. Because of its rarity, existing evidence is limited to a small case series. A 60‐year‐old woman underwent staging laparotomy, including pelvic and para‐aortic lymphadenectomy, for ovarian cancer. On the 11th day, the patient developed a sudden lumbar pain and loss of consciousness, which resulted in a state of shock. She was diagnosed as having a pelvic abscess and ruptured external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm. We performed ligation of the external iliac artery to restrain hemorrhage and femoro‐femoral artery bypass to prevent infection, which saved the patient's life. Our study had two findings. First, this is the first reported case of ruptured external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm following surgery for ovarian cancer. Second, treatment of ruptured pseudoaneurysm requires rapid hemostasis, prevention of infection, and revascularization.
Hypervascular retained product of conception: Characteristic magnetic resonance imaging and possible relationship to placental polyp and pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Shiina Yuji , Itagaki Takatomo , Ohtake Hiroya
Published: October 2017

The cases of two patients who developed myometrial vascularization following dilatation and curettage are described. In case 1, pathological diagnosis was possible with the resected specimens. This patient had hypervascular retained products of conception (RPOC). In case 2, the natural course of this pathological condition was observed, confirming a process of regression during repeated withdrawal bleeding. The three principal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in these cases were: (i) presence of a remnant; (ii) breaking of the junctional zone in contact with the remnant; and (iii) vascularization/flow voids infiltrating into the myometrium from the broken junctional zone. These three MRI findings differed in degree and varied in combination in each case of RPOC. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysms have been reported as intrauterine vascularization after abortion or delivery with subsequent spontaneous regression. These reports may include cases of hypervascular RPOC.
Exposure to omentum adipose tissue conditioned medium from obese pregnant women promotes myometrial artery dysfunction
Authors: Hayward Christina E. , Cowley Elizabeth J. , Sibley Colin P. , Myers Jenny E. , Wareing Mark
Published: October 2017

Aim

Underlying mechanisms of poor pregnancy outcome in obese (OB) mothers (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) are unknown. Our studies demonstrate that OB pregnant women have altered myometrial artery (MA) function related to the thromboxane and nitric oxide pathways. In obesity, increased central fat mass is associated with an altered endocrine milieu. We tested the hypothesis that in OB pregnant women the omentum, a central fat store, releases factors that promote dysfunction in normal MAs.

Methods

Myometrial and omental adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from women with uncomplicated term pregnancies. Omental adipose tissue explants from six normal weight (NW; BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and six OB (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) women were cultured and the conditioned medium collected and pooled to produce NW medium and OB medium. Adipokine concentrations were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Wire myography was used to assess the effect of conditioned medium (NW or OB; N = 7) or leptin (100 nM; N = 5) exposure on MA responses to U46619 (thromboxane‐mimetic) and bradykinin (endothelial‐dependent vasodilator).

Results

OB medium had higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels than NW medium. U46619 and bradykinin concentration response curves shifted upwards in MAs exposed to OB medium but were unaffected by leptin.

Conclusions

Omental adipose tissue from OB pregnant women produced altered concentrations of adipokines. Acute OB medium exposure induced MA dysfunction, an effect not mirrored by exposure to leptin. These data suggest that an aberrant endocrine environment created by increased central adiposity in OB pregnant women induces vascular endothelial dysregulation, which may predispose them to a poor pregnancy outcome.
Imaging and pathology features to predict axillary tumor load in breast cancer
Authors: Nicolau Pau , Gamero Rocio , Rodríguez‐Arana Ana , Plancarte Francisco , Alcántara Rodrigo , Carreras Ramon , Sabadell Dolors , Vernet‐Tomas Mar
Published: October 2017

Aim

We investigated if imaging and pathology features could help to identify a high axillary tumor burden (ATB) in breast cancer patients, in order to individualize decisions on axillary lymph node (ALN) dissection (ALND).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients primarily treated with surgery in our unit between 2011 and 2014. We divided the patients in two groups: low ATB (LATB) if ≤ 2 ALN were infiltrated and high ATB (HATB) if > 2 ALN were infiltrated.

Results

Data of 105 patients was included in the study. Axillary ultrasound (AUS) features associated with HATB were any sign of ALN infiltration (76 vs 24%, P = 0.027) and > 2 suspicious ALNs (73% vs 27%, P = 0.018); however, when AUS revealed ≤ 2 suspicious ALNs, 39% of these patients had HATB. Any sign of ALN infiltration on magnetic resonance imaging was associated with HATB (48% vs 52%, P = 0.031). Positive preoperative ALN cytology or biopsy was associated with HATB (53% vs 47%, P = 0.008), while p53 positivity (80% vs 20%) and high histological grade (68% vs. 32%) correlated with LATB (P = 0.05 and P = 0.02, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only positive preoperative ALN cytology or biopsy was associated with HATB (P = 0.038).

Conclusions

AUS was useful for detecting HATB but was not as effective in patients with LATB. Proving axillary infiltration with AUS‐directed cytology or biopsy is the most effective method to predict HATB.
Transient amniotic fluid leakage after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Ota Shiyo , Ishii Keisuke , Kawamura Hiroshi , Mabuchi Aki , Yamamoto Ryo , Hayashi Shusaku , Kanagawa Takeshi , Mitsuda Nobuaki
Published: October 2017

Aim

Iatrogenic premature rupture of membrane (PROM) is one of the major complications related to fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). However, amniotic fluid leakage (AFL) sometimes spontaneously disappears. This study evaluated the incidence and clinical characteristics of transient AFL after FLP.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed pregnancies that underwent FLP for TTTS at a single center. Patients with apparent AFL within 2 weeks after FLP were divided into two groups: transient AFL, defined by the disappearance of fluid leakage within a week; and PROM, if AFL persisted continuously for more than a week or premature birth occurred, including miscarriage, within a week of the first symptom of AFL.

Results

Among 201 monochorionic twin pregnancies that underwent FLP during the study period, nine patients (4.5%) were diagnosed with AFL within a week after FLP. Four patients (2.0%) were classified as transient AFL and five as PROM. Median gestational age at FLP was not significantly different between the groups; operative time in the PROM group was significantly longer (P = 0.01). The surgery to delivery interval and median gestational age at delivery were greater in the transient AFL group (87.8 vs 17.6 days, P = 0.01; 32.5 vs 23.6 weeks, P = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

The incidence of transient AFL after FLP was 2%. Perinatal outcomes of transient AFL might be better than that of PROM.
What is the outcome in patients with acute leukaemia who survive severe acute graft‐versus‐host disease?
Authors: Ringdén O. , Labopin M. , Sadeghi B. , Mailhol A. , Beelen D. , Fløisand Y. , Ghavamzadeh A. , Finke J. , Ehninger G. , Volin L. , Socié G. , Kröger N. , Stuhler G. , Ganser A. , Schmid C. , Giebel S. , Mohty M. , Nagler A.
Published: October 2017

Background

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). With new promising therapies, survival may improve for severe aGVHD.

Objectives

We wanted to analyze the long‐term outcome in patients who survive severe aGVHD.

Methods

This study was a landmark analysis of 23 567 patients with acute Leukaemia who survived for more than 6 months after HSCT, 2002–2014. Patients alive after severe aGVHD (n = 1738) were compared to controls.

Results

Patients with severe aGVHD had higher non‐relapse mortality (NRM) and higher rate of extensive chronic GVHD (cGVHD) than the controls (P < 10−5). The probability of relapse was significantly lower in the severe aGVHD group, but Leukaemia‐free survival (LFS) and overall survival were significantly lower than for the controls (P < 10−5). Five‐year LFS in patients with severe aGVHD was 49%, as opposed to 61% in controls with no or mild GVHD and 59% in patients with moderate GVHD.

Conclusions

HSCT patients who survive severe aGVHD have higher risk of developing extensive cGVHD, a higher NRM, a lower relapse probability, and lower LFS than other HSCT patients. This study is a platform for outcome analysis in patients treated with novel therapies for acute GVHD.
Increases in the expression of Na+/H+ exchanger 1 and 3 are associated with insulin signalling in the ruminal epithelium
Authors: Yan L. , Shen Z. , Lu Z.
Published: October 2017

Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE), which catalyses the exchange of extracellular Na+ for intracellular H+, is of importance in the maintenance of Na+ and pH homoeostasis for rumen epithelial cells. Studies in ruminants showed that high concentrate diets could increase the expression of NHE in ruminal epithelium. Results of recent studies further indicated that insulin, as an important hormone closely related to dietary concentrate, could enhance the expression of NHE. In this study, we have investigated the mechanisms of insulin regulating the expression of NHE in rumen epithelial cells and its potential role in dietary modulation of NHE expression in ruminal epithelium of cows. In primary culture, insulin increased phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and AKT in rumen epithelial cells. However, this promotion was diminished by insulin receptor inhibitor. Insulin also stimulated NHE1 and NHE3 expression. But this increase was suppressed by insulin receptor inhibitor, ERK inhibitor and AKT inhibitor. In the present animal experiment, NHE1 and NHE3 expression increased in rumen epithelium of cows ingesting a high concentrate diet (HC, 60% concentrate), accompanied by increased insulin concentration in plasma, compared to those feeding a low concentrate diet (LC, 20% concentrate). Furthermore, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT was higher in the rumen epithelium of the HC group than those in the LC group. Collectively, these results indicate that diet‐dependent change of NHE1 and NHE3 abundance was mediated, at least in part, by plasma insulin through the ERK and AKT pathway.
Effects of dietary supplementation of spices on forage degradability, ruminal fermentation, in vivo digestibility, growth performance and nitrogen balance in Black Bengal goat
Authors: Chowdhury M. R. , Khan M. M. H. , Mahfuz S. U. , Baset M. A.
Published: October 2017

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of spices on forage utilization and nitrogen (N) emission using in vitro and in vivo approach. A 6 × 5 factorial triplicate arrangement was used to assess the in vitro degradability of rice straw with control (without spices) and individual (40 mg/g rice straw) spices (cumin, coriander, clove, black cumin, turmeric) at five different incubation times. In vitro dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) degradability of rice straw were highest in presence of spices except for clove. Clove significantly reduced the total volatile fatty acids concentration, molar proportion of acetate and propionate ratio, but increased propionate production. Acetate and butyrate production were not affected by treatments. The ammonia‐nitrogen concentration was lowest for clove and turmeric compared to other spices. Rumen pH was unchanged but gradually decreased over the incubation period. For in vivo study, 12 bucks with average live weight 7.65 ± 0.19 kg were assigned to a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replicates for a 28‐day period. Bucks were fed a total mixed ration without (0 g/kg DM) or with (2.5, 7.5 g/kg DM) clove supplementation. DM intake, body weight and apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were not affected by increasing dietary doses of clove but tended (p = .09) to increase DM and OM digestibility. The urinary N and urine urea N concentration of bucks decreased linearly with incremental doses of clove diet. In contrary, clove supplementation had positive effects on plasma urea N and retained N in bucks. We concluded that though some spices had positive effects on ruminal digestion and fermentation, the dosage level assessed in the current study (up to 7.5 g/kg DM clove) can be promoted as an effective dietary approach to mitigate N losses in bucks.
Phototrophic cultivation of NaCl‐tolerant mutant of Spirulina platensis for enhanced C‐phycocyanin production under optimized culture conditions and its dynamic modeling
Authors: Gupta Apurva , Mohan Devendra , Saxena Rishi Kumar , Singh Surendra
Published: October 2017

Commercial cultivation of Spirulina sp. is highly popular due to the presence of high amount of C‐phycocyanin (C‐PC) and other valuable chemicals like carotenoids and γ‐linolenic acid. In this study, the pH and the concentrations of nitrogen and carbon source were manipulated to achieve improved cell growth and C‐PC production in NaCl‐tolerant mutant of Spirulina platensis. In this study, highest C‐PC (147 mg · L−1) and biomass (2.83 g · L−1) production was achieved when a NaCl‐tolerant mutant of S. platensis was cultivated in a nitrate and bicarbonate sufficient medium (40 and 60 mM, respectively) at pH 9.0 under phototrophic conditions. Kinetic study of wildtype S. platensis and its NaCl‐tolerant mutant was also done to determine optimum nitrate concentrations for maximum growth and C‐PC production. Kinetic parameter of inhibition (Haldane model) was fitted to the relationship between specific growth rate and substrate concentration obtained from the growth curves. Results showed that the maximum specific growth rate (μmax) for NaCl‐tolerant mutant increased by 17.94% as compared to its wildtype counterpart, with a slight increase in half‐saturation constant (Ks), indicating that this strain could grow well at high concentration of NaNO3. C‐PC production rate (Cmax) in mutant cells increased by 12.2% at almost half the value of Ks as compared to its wildtype counterpart. Moreover, the inhibition constant (Ki) value was 207.85% higher in NaCl‐tolerant mutant as compared to its wildtype strain, suggesting its ability to produce C‐PC even at high concentrations of NaNO3.
Distribution of aliphatic amines in CO, CV, and CK carbonaceous chondrites and relation to mineralogy and processing history
Authors: Aponte José C. , Abreu Neyda M. , Glavin Daniel P. , Dworkin Jason P. , Elsila Jamie E.
Published: October 2017

The analysis of water‐soluble organic compounds in meteorites provides valuable insights into the prebiotic synthesis of organic matter and the processes that occurred during the formation of the solar system. We investigated the concentration of aliphatic monoamines present in hot acid water extracts of the unaltered Antarctic carbonaceous chondrites, Dominion Range (DOM) 08006 (CO3) and Miller Range (MIL) 05013 (CO3), and the thermally altered meteorites, Allende (CV3), LAP 02206 (CV3), GRA 06101 (CV3), Allan Hills (ALH) 85002 (CK4), and EET 92002 (CK5). We have also reviewed and assessed the petrologic characteristics of the meteorites studied here to evaluate the effects of asteroidal processing on the abundance and molecular distributions of monoamines. The CO3, CV3, CK4, and CK5 meteorites studied here contain total concentrations of amines ranging from 1.2 to 4.0 nmol g−1 of meteorite; these amounts are 1–3 orders of magnitude below those observed in carbonaceous chondrites from the CI, CM, and CR groups. The low‐amine abundances for CV and CK chondrites may be related to their extensive degree of thermal metamorphism and/or to their low original amine content. Although the CO3 meteorites, DOM 08006 and MIL 05013, do not show signs of thermal and aqueous alteration, their monoamine contents are comparable to those observed in moderately/extensively thermally altered CV3, CK4, and CK5 carbonaceous chondrites. The low content of monoamines in pristine CO carbonaceous chondrites suggests that the initial amounts, and not asteroidal processes, play a dominant role in the content of monoamines in carbonaceous chondrites. The primary monoamines, methylamine, ethylamine, and n‐propylamine constitute the most abundant amines in the CO3, CV3, CK4, and CK5 meteorites studied here. Contrary to the predominance of n‐ω‐amino acid isomers in CO3 and thermally altered meteorites, there appears to be no preference for the larger n‐amines.
Identifying critical interactions in complex competition dynamics between bean beetles
Authors: Kawatsu Kazutaka , Kishi Shigeki
Published: October 2017

Identifying behavioural basis of competitive relationship is essential to understand outcome of interspecific competition. However, it remains difficult to investigate demographic effect of competitive behaviour, because various kinds of behaviours may co‐occur in the competition and make the dynamics far complicated in nonlinear ways. We report that the behavioural basis of interspecific interaction can be identified, by focusing on the timescale difference from the occurrence of each behaviour to the appearance of its demographic effect. Between two bean beetles, Callosobruchus chinensis and C. maculatus, major interspecific interactions are resource competition (RC) at the larval stage and reproductive interference (RI) at the adult stage. RC has longer time lag than RI, because effect of RC appears in the adult number of the next generation through larval competition while effect of RI appears instantaneously in the adult number through early death of females. If we detect two effects with different time lags from the competition dynamics, an effect with intergenerational time lag and with no time lag would be considered as RC and RI, respectively. We applied empirical dynamic modelling approach, which is a nonlinear time series analysis for detecting causal interactions and the strength, to two published datasets of experimental competition between those beetles. Results showed the significant causality from the winner species to the loser one in both experiments, but the causality time lag differed between experiments: the causality had no time lag in the C. chinensis‐win data, while intergenerational time lag in C. maculatus‐win data. Furthermore, detection of the causality with intergenerational time lag from C. maculatus to C. chinensis in both experiments suggests interplay of constant RC and variable RI which can reverse the outcome. This study is the first successful case study that links behavioural‐level interactions to demographic‐level effects in interspecific competition.
Fenton reaction‐induced renal carcinogenesis in Mutyh‐deficient mice exhibits less chromosomal aberrations than the rat model
Authors: Li Guang Hua , Akatsuka Shinya , Chew Shan Hwu , Jiang Li , Nishiyama Takahiro , Sakamoto Akihiko , Takahashi Takashi , Futakuchi Mitsuru , Suzuki Hiromu , Sakumi Kunihiko , Nakabeppu Yusaku , Toyokuni Shinya
Published: October 2017

Oxidative stress including iron excess has been associated with carcinogenesis. The level of 8‐oxoguanine, a major oxidatively modified base in DNA, is maintained very low by three distinct enzymes, encoded by OGG1, MUTYH and MTH1. Germline biallelic inactivation of MUTYH represents a familial cancer syndrome called MUTYH‐associated polyposis. Here, we used Mutyh‐deficient mice to evaluate renal carcinogenesis induced by ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe‐NTA). Although the C57BL/6 background is cancer‐resistant, a repeated intraperitoneal administration of Fe‐NTA induced a high incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC; 26.7%) in Mutyh‐deficient mice in comparison to wild‐type mice (7.1%). Fe‐NTA treatment also induced renal malignant lymphoma, which did not occur without the Fe‐NTA treatment in both the genotypes. Renal tumor‐free survival after Fe‐NTA treatment was marginally different (P = 0.157) between the two genotypes. Array‐based comparative genome hybridization analyses revealed, in RCC, the loss of heterozygosity in chromosomes 4 and 12 without p16INKA inactivation; these results were confirmed by a methylation analysis and showed no significant difference between the genotypes. Lymphomas showed a preference for genomic amplifications. Dlk1 inactivation by promoter methylation may be involved in carcinogenesis in both tumors. Fe‐NTA‐induced murine RCCs revealed significantly less genomic aberrations than those in rats, demonstrating a marked species difference.
Reproductive biology of Aechmea bracteata (Sw.) Griseb. (Bromelioideae: Bromeliaceae)
Authors: Pool‐Chalé M. , Ramírez‐Morillo I. , Carnevali Fernández‐Concha G. , Hornung‐Leoni C. T.
Published: October 2017

Individuals of Aechmea bracteata show inflorescences with red scape bracts and odourless, yellow, tubular diurnal flowers, with closely arranged sexual organs, producing a large amount of fruits.

In order to investigate the reproductive system of this species, a suite of characters was assessed: phenology, floral morphology and biology, nectar production dynamics, and fruit and seed production and germination, as a result of controlled pollination crosses. The study was conducted during two flowering seasons in wild populations in Yucatán, Mexico.

Results suggest an annual flowering pattern with one flowering peak; flowers were diurnal, showing partial dichogamy (protandry)‐herkogamy, anthers and stigma become mature before floral aperture, which could lead to self‐pollination, nectar is produced during anthesis, varying in volume and total sugar concentration during the day; fruits and seeds were produced in all experimental crosses (cross‐pollination, obligated cross‐pollination, assisted and unassisted selfing, geitonogamy and apomixis), as well as high percentage seed germination.

Several species of Aechmea are reportedly self‐compatible and autogamous, as suggested by results of selfing and non‐assisted selfing crosses, but these results are negated by the presence of apomixis, indicating that the species is apomictic. This is the first report of this breeding system for subgenus Aechmea and the sixth for Bromeliaceae. Polyembryony is here suggested for the first time in this genus and family based on the fact that more seeds were recorded that expected based on ovule numbers. Finally, when performing experimental crosses, estimating reproductive success based on number of seeds is a better approach than number of fruits, due to the effect of pseudogamy.
Transcriptional profiling reveals no response of fungal pathogens to the durable, quantitative Lr34 disease resistance gene of wheat
Authors: Sucher J. , Menardo F. , Praz C. R. , Boni R. , Krattinger S. G. , Keller B.
Published: October 2017

Durable resistance against fungal pathogens is highly valuable for disease management in agriculture. For its sustainable use, and to avoid pathogen adaptation, it is important to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. Many studies on durable disease resistance in plants have focused exclusively on the host plant, whereas possible reactions and adaptations of pathogens exposed to this type of resistance have not been well researched. The wheat Lr34 gene, encoding a putative ABC‐transporter, provides broad‐spectrum and durable resistance against multiple fungal pathogens in wheat and is functional as a transgene in all major cereals. Lr34‐based resistance is partial, meaning pathogens can grow and reproduce to some degree on Lr34‐containing plants. Therefore, Lr34‐expressing plants are ideal for studying the response of pathogens to partial resistance. Here, transcriptomic responses of the two fungal pathogens Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (barley powdery mildew) and Puccinia triticina (wheat leaf rust) during growth on their respective host plants containing Lr34 were compared to their responses on control plants without Lr34. Two different time points after inoculation were chosen for analysis of powdery mildew on barley and one time point for wheat leaf rust. Transcriptome analyses revealed that there were no differences in the expression patterns of the two pathogens growing on susceptible versus partially resistant plants, even though pathogen growth was reduced in the presence of Lr34. This reflects the absence of observable reaction in the pathogen to the presence of the Lr34 resistance gene and, consequently, no major alteration of fungal pathogen metabolism.
The importance of symptoms in the longitudinal variability of clusters in COPD patients: A validation study
Authors: de Torres Juan P. , Marin Jose M. , Martinez‐Gonzalez Cristina , de Lucas‐Ramos Pilar , Cosio Borja , Casanova Ciro ,   for the COPD History Assessment In SpaiN (CHAIN) cohort
Published: October 2017

Background and objective

Cluster analysis has been utilized to explore phenotypic heterogeneity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To date, little is known about the longitudinal variability of clusters in COPD patients. We aimed to evaluate the 2‐year cluster variability in stable COPD patients.

Methods

We evaluated the following variables in COPD patients at baseline and 2 years later: age, gender, pack‐year history, body mass index (BMI), modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) scale, 6‐min walking distance (6MWD), spirometry and COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Patient classification was performed using cluster analysis at baseline and 2 years later. Each patient’s cluster variability after 2 years and its parameters associated with cluster change were explored.

Results

A total of 521 smokers with COPD were evaluated at baseline and 2 years later. Three different clusters were consistently identified at both evaluation times: cluster A (of younger age, mild airway limitation, few symptoms), cluster B (intermediate) and cluster C (of older age, severe airway limitation and highly symptomatic). Two years later, 70% of patients were unchanged, whereas 30% changed from one cluster to another: 20% from A to B; 15% from B to A; 15% from B to C; 42% from C to B and 8% from C to A. 6MWD, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % and CAT were the principal parameters responsible for this change.

Conclusion

After 2 years of follow‐up, most of the COPD patients maintained their cluster assignment. Exercise tolerance, lung function and quality of life were the main driving parameters in those who change their cluster assignment.
On the use of a six‐level scale for physical activity
Authors: Grimby G. , Frändin K.
Published: October 2017

The 4‐level questionnaire to assess leisure‐time physical activity (PA) originally described by Saltin and Grimby has been extended to a 6 (or 7)‐level questionnaire, especially for the elderly or other persons with a low level ofPA, expanded to include household activities. There are currently two main versions, one used in Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian studies, and one with further modifications used in Finnish studies. In this review, predictive validity for mortality and different aspects of physical performance are demonstrated. In a study regarding concurrent validity in one of the Finnish versions, significant correlations with accelerometer‐basedPAvariables are shown. The scale has been used in a number of studies concerning effects of different types of intervention, such as physical training and increasedPA, or to describe thePAlevel in the studied cohort. In presenting and analyzing the data, different combinations ofPAlevels have been used. As there are major differences between the versions, validity studies cannot easily be transformed between them. Thus, it is suggested that a common consensus be reached with respect to details of the questionnaire.
Refined timing and kinematics for Baltica–Avalonia convergence based on the sedimentary record of a foreland basin
Authors: Mazur Stanisław , Porębski Szczepan J. , Kędzior Artur , Paszkowski Mariusz , Podhalańska Teresa , Poprawa Paweł
Published: October 2017

The Caledonian foreland basin of Poland onlaps the SW slope of the East European Craton and is elongated in a NW–SW direction along the margin of the Baltica palaeocontinent. The base of the synorogenic clastic wedge rises in age from Llandovery to Ludlow between NW and SE Poland, respectively. As the initial influx of orogen‐derived detritus can be unequivocally identified, this diachronism documents a southeastward migration of the basin depocentre, parallel to the present‐day Caledonian Deformation Front. Our best‐fit plate model shows an oblique collision of Baltica and Avalonia, the latter initially indenting the Baltica margin in the NW. Afterwards, Baltica was progressively underthrust beneath Avalonia towards the SE in response to the oblique soft‐mode closure of the Tornquist Ocean. The final deformation event within the Caledonian foreland took place in the earliest Devonian as a far‐field effect of sinistral orogen‐parallel displacements along the Iapetus suture.