bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common, nonsexual masochistic preferences are positively associated with antisocial personality traits
Authors: Sagioglou Christina , Greitemeyer Tobias
Published: November 2019

Objective

Based on prior research linking masochism and antisocial behavior to sensation seeking, we hypothesized that masochistic and antisocial preferences are positively correlated. Besides sensation seeking, we tested whether disgust sensitivity (due to its inhibitory function) and shared social values (e.g., stimulation) accounted for the masochistic‐antisocial link. We additionally examined the link in relation to broad personality factors.

Method

Six online and laboratory studies (N = 2,999) with US‐American and European samples.

Results

We consistently found positive correlations between masochistic enjoyment (e.g., enjoying the burn of spicy food, disgusting jokes, pounding heart, painful massage) and antisocial traits such as subclinical psychopathy, everyday sadism, and low Honesty‐Humility. We observed behavioral correlations in that experienced pleasure of a painful event was positively related to causing another person to feel pain. Shared sensation seeking, low disgust sensitivity, and endorsement of social values such as social power, hedonism, and a stimulating life partially accounted for the masochistic‐antisocial link.

Conclusion

The extent to which a person enjoys threatening stimuli on the self is reliably related to how much a person enjoys and evokes others' suffering. Future research could explore the common core that underlies common masochistic and antisocial preferences beyond the mediators tested here.
Methionine promotes the development of hair follicles via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway in Rex rabbits
Authors: Zhu Yanli , Wu Zhenyu , Liu Hongli , Liu Gongyan , Li Fuchang
Published: November 2019

To investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of methionine (Met) on the growth of hair follicles (HFs) in Rex rabbits. A total of 200 weaning Rex rabbits were divided into four groups and fed varying levels of Met‐supplemented diets. We measured the HF density on dorsal skin and the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway protein expression level. Meanwhile, whole HFs were isolated from Rex rabbit skins and cultured with Met in vitro to measure hair shaft growth. The relationship between Met and the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway was also characterized by using the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling inhibitor, XAV‐939. The results showed that the addition of dietary Met could significantly increase the HF density on dorsal skin (p < .05) and enhance the protein expression level of Wnt10b (p < .05), β‐catenin (p < .05) and DSH (p < .05). Methionine stimulation could also prolong the hair shafts growth in vitro (p < .05). And inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling using XAV‐939 could eliminate this phenomenon. In summary, Met can increase the density of HFs on dorsal skin in vitro and prolong the hair shaft growth of HFs in vivo via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway.
Effects of yeast cultures with different fermentation times on the growth performance, caecal microbial community and metabolite profile of broilers
Authors: Sun Zhe , Wang Tao , Aschalew Natnael D. , Zhao Wei , Chen Xue , Zhang Xue‐Feng , Zhen Yu‐Guo , Qin Gui‐Xin
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of yeast culture (YC) on the growth performance, caecal microbial community and metabolic profile of broilers. A total of 350 1‐day‐old healthy Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to seven treatment groups. The first group received a basal diet without YC supplementation, whereas the remaining groups received a basal diet supplemented with either YC fermented for 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 hr, or a commercial YC product (SZ2). MiSeq 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing was used to investigate the bacterial community structure, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to identify the metabolites in the caeca of broilers. The broilers that received a diet supplemented with YC had a higher average daily gain and average daily feed intake than those received YC‐free or SZ2‐enriched diets. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of YCs fermented for 24 hr resulted in the best feed efficiency, whereas the FCR of YC fermented for 60 hr resulted in poor feed efficiency (p < .05). In the caeca of broilers, the bacterial communities were well separated, as determined by principal component analysis, and the proportions of the eight genera were significantly different among the seven groups (p < .05). The genus Akkermansia was the most abundant when the diet supplemented with YC fermented for 24 hr (p < .05). Furthermore, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was positively correlated with the FCR in the caecum (r = .47, p < .005). Five differentially expressed metabolites (i.e., L‐alanine, benzeneacetic acid, D‐mannose, D‐arabitol and cholesterol) were identified in the caeca of broilers that received diets supplemented with YCs fermented for 24 or 60 hr. In summary, the different fermentation times of the YCs can markedly improve the growth performance and FCR of broilers by altering the caecal microbial community, and the growth performance which is related to the changes in key metabolic pathways.
Imitation of Management Practices in Supply Networks: Relational and Environmental Effects
Authors: Reusen Evelien , Stouthuysen Kristof , Roodhooft Filip , Van den Abbeele Alexandra , Slabbinck Hendrik
Published: November 2019

This study investigates the imitative use of management practices across a multitier supply network. Although imitation may take the form of any management practice, operationally, we focus on whether the buyer’s control practices used with first‐tier suppliers results in similar control practices being used by these first‐tier suppliers with the second‐tier suppliers. Drawing on institutional theory, we identify relational context (i.e., affective commitment) and environmental context (i.e., environmental uncertainty) as two important factors influencing the extent to which such imitation takes place. Using unique survey data of vertically linked supply chain triads, we generally find support for the occurrence of imitation and more so in cases of high affective commitment. The results regarding environmental uncertainty further reveal selectivity in imitative behavior, calling attention to the level of deliberateness in imitation decisions in supply networks. Besides contributing to theory on imitative behaviors in the supply chain, this study also generates practical implications on the spread of management practices across multiple tiers.
Climate seasonality and tree growth strategies in a tropical dry forest
Authors: García‐Cervigón Ana I. , Camarero J. Julio , Cueva Eduardo , Espinosa Carlos I. , Escudero Adrián
Published: November 2019

Questions

Do tree species in seasonally dry tropical forests differ in the timing of their secondary growth? And in their growth rates between consecutive years? If so, how are these contrasting patterns linked to seasonality in climatic variables (temperature, precipitation)? Which is the role of leaf phenology and functional traits as drivers of stem radial increment responses to climate?

Location

A Tumbesian tropical dry forest in southern Ecuador.

Methods

We used a 12‐year database of stem radial increments to characterize intra‐ and inter‐annual patterns of secondary growth in 13 co‐existing dominant tree species. For each species, we adjusted an additive model to describe intra‐annual increment patterns and created a mean series of annual increments to describe inter‐annual changes. Adjusted increments were then correlated with monthly temperature and rainfall data over the study period, and also with the crown percentage covered by leaves. The role of functional traits (leaf area, wood density, maximum tree height, seed dry mass) was explored using average trait values per species.

Results

We observed continuous variation in the seasonality of radial increments, ranging from species that started incrementing their diameter as early as first rains occurred in the season to species that showed delayed responses. Variability in intra‐ and inter‐annual increment patterns was explained by functional traits (leaf area and seed dry mass, and maximum height and wood density, respectively) and leaf phenology, but this variation was not clearly matched with any functional trait configuration. This, combined with the absence of homogeneous responses of annual growth rates to climate, suggests the existence of contrasting strategies that virtually vary in a species‐specific fashion.

Conclusions

Co‐existing tree species in seasonally dry tropical forests show different growth strategies to face intra‐ and inter‐annual climate variations, which may increase the resilience of these forests against projected climatic variations.
Demographic history has shaped the strongly differentiated corkwing wrasse populations in Northern Europe
Authors: Mattingsdal Morten , Jorde Per Erik , Knutsen Halvor , Jentoft Sissel , Stenseth Nils Christian , Sodeland Marte , Robalo Joana I. , Hansen Michael M. , André Carl , Blanco Gonzalez Enrique
Published: November 2019

Understanding the biological processes involved in genetic differentiation and divergence between populations within species is a pivotal aim in evolutionary biology. One particular phenomenon that requires clarification is the maintenance of genetic barriers despite the high potential for gene flow in the marine environment. Such patterns have been attributed to limited dispersal or local adaptation, and to a lesser extent to the demographic history of the species. The corkwing wrasse (Symphodus melops) is an example of a marine fish species where regions of particular strong divergence are observed. One such genetic break occurred at a surprisingly small spatial scale (FST ~0.1), over a short coastline (<60 km) in the North Sea‐Skagerrak transition area in southwestern Norway. Here, we investigate the observed divergence and purported reproductive isolation using genome resequencing. Our results suggest that historical events during the post‐glacial recolonization route can explain the present population structure of the corkwing wrasse in the northeast Atlantic. While the divergence across the break is strong, we detected ongoing gene flow between populations over the break suggesting recent contact or negative selection against hybrids. Moreover, we found few outlier loci and no clear genomic regions potentially being under selection. We concluded that neutral processes and random genetic drift e.g., due to founder events during colonization have shaped the population structure in this species in Northern Europe. Our findings underline the need to take into account the demographic process in studies of divergence processes.
Two ectomycorrhizal truffles, Tuber melanosporum and T. aestivum, endophytically colonise roots of non‐ectomycorrhizal plants in natural environments
Authors: Schneider‐Maunoury Laure , Deveau Aurélie , Moreno Myriam , Todesco Flora , Belmondo Simone , Murat Claude , Courty Pierre‐Emmanuel , Jąkalski Marcin , Selosse Marc‐André
Published: November 2019

Serendipitous findings and studies on Tuber species suggest that some ectomycorrhizal fungi, beyond their complex interaction with ectomycorrhizal hosts, also colonise roots of nonectomycorrhizal plants in a loose way called endophytism. Here, we investigate endophytism of T. melanosporum and T. aestivum.

We visualised endophytic T. melanosporum hyphae by fluorescent in situ hybridisation on nonectomycorrhizal plants. For the two Tuber species, microsatellite genotyping investigated the endophytic presence of the individuals whose mating produced nearby ascocarps. We quantified the expression of four T. aestivum genes in roots of endophyted, non‐ectomycorrhizal plants.

Tuber melanosporum hyphae colonised the apoplast of healthy roots, confirming endophytism. Endophytic Tuber melanosporum and T. aestivum contributed to nearby ascocarps, but only as maternal parents (forming the flesh). Paternal individuals (giving only genes found in meiotic spores of ascocarps) were not detected. Gene expression of T. aestivum in non‐ectomycorrhizal plants confirmed a living status.

Tuber species, and likely other ectomycorrhizal fungi found in nonectomycorrhizal plant roots in this study, can be root endophytes. This is relevant for the ecology (brûlé formation) and commercial production of truffles. Evolutionarily speaking, endophytism may be an ancestral trait in some ectomycorrhizal fungi that evolved from root endophytes.
The controversial natural history of oral herpes simplex virus type 1 infection
Authors: Petti Stefano , Lodi Giovanni
Published: November 2019

The natural history of oral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) infection in the immunocompetent host is complex and rich in controversial phenomena, namely the role of unapparent transmission in primary infection acquisition, the high frequency of asymptomatic primary and recurrent infections, the lack of immunogenicity of HSV‐1 internalized in the soma (cell body) of the sensory neurons of the trigeminal ganglion, the lytic activity of HSV‐1 in the soma of neurons that is inhibited in the sensory neurons of the trigeminal ganglion and often uncontrolled in the other neurons, the role of keratin in promoting the development of recurrence episodes in immunocompetent hosts, the virus–host Nash equilibrium, the paradoxical HSV‐1‐seronegative individuals who shed HSV‐1 through saliva, the limited efficacy of anti‐HSV vaccines, and why the oral route of infection is the least likely to produce severe complications. The natural history of oral HSV‐1 infection is also a history of symbiosis between humans and virus that may switch from mutualism to parasitism and vice versa. This balance is typical of microorganisms that are highly coevolved with humans, and its knowledge is essential to oral healthcare providers to perform adequate diagnosis and provide proper individual‐based HSV‐1 infection therapy.
DKK1 and TNF‐alpha influence osteogenic differentiation of adBMP9‐infected‐rDFCs
Authors: Li Xinyue , Chen Dongcai , Jing Xueqin , Li Conghua
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Rat dental follicle cells (rDFCs) function as precursor cells of periodontal tissues. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP9) plays an important role in proliferation and differentiation. Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha) is an important contributor to bone resorption. Wnt canonical pathway can be inhibited by Dickkopf 1 (DKK1). The aim of the study was to enhance the osteogenesis of BMP9 treated rDFCs in an inflammatory environment and elucidate the mechanism.

Materials and Methods

rDFCs were infected by adenoviruses expressing BMP9 (adBMP9). Expression levels of proteins and genes were measured by Western blotting and qPCR. The effect on osteogenesis was evaluated by measuring the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), observation of Alizarin Red S and haematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

TNF‐alpha activated the canonical Wnt pathway and inhibited the non‐canonical pathway. DKK1 suppressed the canonical pathway and promoted the non‐canonical pathway. Addition of TNF‐alpha or DKK1 inhibited BMP9/Smad pathway. However, this inhibition was reduced by the addition of DKK1 with TNF‐alpha.

Conclusions

DKK1 reduces the inhibitory effects of TNF‐alpha in adBMP9‐infected‐rDFCs, possibly through interaction with the Smad signalling pathway and Wnt pathways. These findings may lead to a novel approach for the treatment of periodontitis‐related alveolar bone defects.
Addressing the risk domain in the long‐term management of pediatric asthma
Authors: Hamelmann Eckard , von Mutius Erika , Bush Andrew , Szefler Stanley J.
Published: November 2019

There is growing concern regarding the long‐term outcomes of early and poorly controlled childhood asthma, either of which can potentially lead to the development of severe asthma in adults and irrecoverable loss of lung function leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These outcomes of inadequately controlled asthma should prompt a change in practice to better and/or earlier identify children at risk of adverse respiratory outcomes of asthma, to monitor disease progression, and to design intervention strategies that could either prevent or reverse asthma progression in children. The careful follow‐up of spirometry over time—in the form of lung function trajectories, the application of biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis of early asthma and medication selection for these patients, as well as methods to identify patients at risk of asthma attacks—can be used to develop individualized management strategies for children with asthma. It is now time for asthma specialists to communicate this information to patients, parents, and primary care physicians and to incorporate them into routine clinical assessments of children with asthma. In time, these concepts of risk management and prevention can be refined to provide a more comprehensive approach to asthma care so as to prevent adverse respiratory outcomes from poorly controlled childhood asthma.
Derivation and validation of an equation to determine the optimal ventilator setting in children undergoing intracranial revascularization surgery: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Kohara Jumpei , Dong Li , Takeda Chikashi , Shiraki Atsuko , Fukagawa Hiroshi , Mizota Toshiyuki
Published: November 2019

Background

It can be difficult to determine the appropriate ventilator settings to maintain normocapnia in children undergoing general anesthesia for surgery for moyamoya disease, especially immediately following anesthesia induction.

Aim

We conducted this study to attempt to derive an equation to predict the appropriate ventilator settings and subsequently validated the accuracy of the equation.

Methods

A retrospective study of 91 pediatric patients less than 18 years of age who underwent cerebral revascularization for moyamoya disease at our institution. Fifty‐eight patients were used to derive the equation, and the subsequent 33 patients were used to validate the equation. We calculated the required respiratory rate to attain normocapnia based on the median of all values of the minute volume during normocapnia (estimated partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide of 38‐42 mm Hg) and the assumption that the tidal volume was 8 mL/kg body weight. We derived the regression equation from the derivation data set where the required respiratory rate to attain normocapnia was represented by age. We simplified the equation by rounding coefficients to the nearest integer. The level of agreement between the respiratory rate predicted from the equation and the actual required respiratory rate was assessed in the validation group using Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results

The derived equation is tidal volume = 8 mL/kg body weight, respiratory rate = 24‐age/min. Bland‐Altman analysis in the validation group revealed that the mean bias between the predicted and actual respiratory rate was 0.29 (standard deviation, 3.67). The percentage of cases where the predicted rate was within ± 10% and ± 20% of the actual rate was 42.4% and 66.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

We derived and validated a simple and easily applicable equation to predict the ventilator settings required to attain normocapnia during general anesthesia in children with moyamoya disease.
A membrane‐associated NAC transcription factor OsNTL3 is involved in thermotolerance in rice
Authors: Liu Xue‐Huan , Lyu Yu‐Shu , Yang Weiping , Yang Zheng‐Ting , Lu Sun‐Jie , Liu Jian‐Xiang
Published: November 2019

Heat stress induces misfolded protein accumulation in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which initiates the unfolded protein response (UPR) in plants. Previous work has demonstrated the important role of a rice ER membrane‐associated transcription factor OsbZIP74 (also known as OsbZIP50) in UPR. However, how OsbZIP74 and other membrane‐associated transcription factors are involved in heat stress tolerance in rice is not reported. In the current study, we discovered that OsNTL3 is required for heat stress tolerance in rice. OsNTL3 is constitutively expressed and up‐regulated by heat and ER stresses. OsNTL3 encodes a NAC transcription factor with a predicted C‐terminal transmembrane domain. GFP‐OsNTL3 relocates from plasma membrane to nucleus in response to heat stress and ER stress inducers. Loss‐of‐function mutation of OsNTL3 confers heat sensitivity while inducible expression of the truncated form of OsNTL3 without the transmembrane domain increases heat tolerance in rice seedlings. RNA‐Seq analysis revealed that OsNTL3 regulates the expression of genes involved in ER protein folding and other processes. Interestingly, OsNTL3 directly binds to OsbZIP74 promoter and regulates its expression in response to heat stress. In turn, up‐regulation of OsNTL3 by heat stress is dependent on OsbZIP74. Thus, our work reveals the important role of OsNTL3 in thermotolerance, and a regulatory circuit mediated by OsbZIP74 and OsNTL3 in communications among ER, plasma membrane and nucleus under heat stress conditions.
TaDA1, a conserved negative regulator of kernel size, has an additive effect with TaGW2 in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Liu Hong , Li Huifang , Hao Chenyang , Wang Ke , Wang Yamei , Qin Lin , An Diaoguo , Li Tian , Zhang Xueyong
Published: November 2019

Kernel size is an important trait determining cereal yields. In this study, we cloned and characterized TaDA1, a conserved negative regulator of kernel size in wheat (Triticum aestivum). The overexpression of TaDA1 decreased the size and weight of wheat kernels, while its down‐regulation using RNA interference (RNAi) had the opposite effect. Three TaDA1‐A haplotypes were identified in Chinese wheat core collections, and a haplotype association analysis showed that TaDA1‐A‐HapI was significantly correlated with the production of larger kernels and higher kernel weights in modern Chinese cultivars. The haplotype effect resulted from a difference in TaDA1‐A expression levels between genotypes, with TaDA1‐A‐HapI resulting in lower TaDA1‐A expression levels. This favourable haplotype was found having been positively selected during wheat breeding over the last century. Furthermore, we demonstrated that TaDA1‐A physically interacts with TaGW2‐B. The additive effects of TaDA1‐A and TaGW2‐B on kernel weight were confirmed not only by the phenotypic enhancement arising from the simultaneous down‐regulation of TaDA1 and TaGW2 expression, but also by the combinational haplotype effects estimated from multi‐environment field data from 348 wheat cultivars. A comparative proteome analysis of developing transgenic and wild‐type grains indicated that TaDA1 and TaGW2 are involved in partially overlapping but relatively independent protein regulatory networks. Thus, we have identified an important gene controlling kernel size in wheat and determined its interaction with other genes regulating kernel weight, which could have beneficial applications in wheat breeding.
Photobiomodulation Therapy for Attenuating the Dystrophic Phenotype of Mdx Mice
Authors: Macedo Aline Barbosa , Mizobuti Daniela Sayuri , Hermes Tulio de Almeida , Mâncio Rafael Dias , Pertille Adriana , Kido Larissa Akemi , Cagnon Valéria Helena Alves , Minatel Elaine
Published: November 2019

This study analyzed photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) effects on regenerative, antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory and angiogenic markers in the dystrophic skeletal muscle of mdx mice, the experimental model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), during the acute phase of dystrophy disease. The following groups were set up: Ctrl (control group of normal wild‐type mice; C57BL/10); mdx (untreated mdx mice); mdxPred (mdx mice treated with prednisolone) and mdxLA (mdx mice treated with PBMT). The PBMT was carried out using an Aluminum Gallium Arsenide (AIGaAs; IBRAMED® laserpulse) diode, 830 nm wavelength, applied on the dystrophic quadriceps muscle. The mdxLA group showed a degenerative and regenerative area reduction simultaneously with a MyoD level increase, ROS production and inflammatory marker reduction and up‐regulation in the VEGF factor. In addition, PBMT presented similar effects to prednisolone treatment in most of the parameters analyzed. In conclusion, our results indicate that PBMT in the parameters selected attenuated the dystrophic phenotype of mdx mice, improving skeletal muscle regeneration; reducing the oxidative stress and inflammatory process; and up‐regulating the angiogenic marker.
Mechanistic Studies on the Salicylate‐Catalyzed Peroxyoxalate Chemiluminescence in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Cabello Maidileyvis C. , Souza Glalci A. , Bello Liena V. , Baader Wilhelm J.
Published: November 2019

The peroxyoxalate reaction is one of the most efficient chemiluminescence transformations known and the only system occurring by an intermolecular chemically initiated electron exchange luminescence (CIEEL) mechanism with confirmed high quantum yields. The peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence (PO‐CL) is mainly studied in anhydrous organic medium; however, for bioanalytical application, it should be performed in aqueous media. In the present work, we study the peroxyoxalate system in a binary 1,2‐dimethoxyethane/water mixture with bis(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl) oxalate (TCPO), bis(4‐methylphenyl) oxalate (BMePO) and bis[2‐(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl] oxalate (DMO), catalyzed by sodium salicylate, in the presence of rhodamine 6G as activator. Reproducible kinetic results are obtained for all systems; emission decay rate constants depend on the salicylate as well as hydrogen peroxide concentration, and the occurrence of a specific base catalysis is verified. Although singlet quantum yields determined are lower than in anhydrous media in comparable conditions, they are still considerably high and adequate for analytical applications. The highest singlet quantum yields are obtained for the “ecologically friendly” derivative DMO indicating that this derivative might be the most adequate substrate for the use of the peroxyoxalate system in bioanalytical applications.
Emplacement of massive deposits by sheet flow
Authors: Hernandez‐Moreira Ricardo , Jafarinik Sadegh , Sanders Sydney , Kendall Christopher G. St. C. , Parker Gary , Viparelli Enrica
Published: November 2019

Turbidity current and coastal storm deposits are commonly characterized by a basal sandy massive (structureless) unit overlying an erosional surface and underlying a parallel or cross‐laminated unit. Similar sequences have been recently identified in fluvial settings as well. Notwithstanding field, laboratory and numerical studies, the mechanisms for emplacement of these massive basal units are still under debate. It is well accepted that the sequence considered here can be deposited by waning‐energy flows, and that the parallel‐laminated units are deposited under transport conditions corresponding to upper plane bed at the dune–antidune transition. Thus, transport conditions that are more intense than those at the dune–antidune transition should deposit massive units. This study presents experimental, open‐channel flow results showing that sandy massive units can be the result of gradual deposition from a thick bedload layer of colliding grains called sheet flow layer. When this layer forms with relatively coarse sand, the non‐dimensional bed shear stress associated with skin friction, the Shields number, is larger than a threshold value approximately equal to 0·4. For values of the Shields number smaller than 0·4 the sheet flow layer disappeared, sediment was transported by a standard bedload layer one or two grain diameters thick, and the bed configuration was characterized by downstream migrating antidunes and washed out dunes. Parallel laminae were found in deposits emplaced with standard bedload transport demonstrating that the same dilute flow can gradually deposit the basal and the parallel‐laminated unit in presence of traction at the depositional boundary. Further, the experiments suggested that two different types of upper plane bed conditions can be defined, one associated with standard bedload transport at the dune–antidune transition, and the other associated with bedload transport in sheet flow mode at the transition between upstream and downstream migrating antidunes.
Is there a role played by HLA‐E, if any, in HPV immune evasion?
Authors: Franciosi Jackline Rachel , Gelmini Georgia Fernanda , Roxo Valeria Sperandio , de Carvalho Newton Sergio , Bicalho Maria da Graça
Published: November 2019

Cervical cancer incidence worldwide exceeds half a million new cases per year. The human papillomavirus (HPV) being the major causative agent of CC uses a variety of strategies to evade immune surveillance, where the immune status varies amongst individuals. This immune evasion altered by HPV is reflected in persistent infections, causing the evolution of cervical neoplasia. The role of the immune system in viral recognition and elimination is of extreme relevance in the development of CC. The interactions of the HLA‐E ligand in the target cell along with CD94/NKG2 receptors, which are expressed predominantly, but not exclusively, on NK cells’ surface, are responsible for activating or inhibiting cytotoxic activity according to their function. The engagement between HLA‐E and CD94/NKG2 molecules is one of the fundamental surveillance mechanisms in patients with CIN I, II and III, where HLA‐E expression increases significantly, especially in HPV 16 and 18 infections. Higher HLA‐E expression was observed in most histopathological types of CC, and at the same time was correlated to best survival of the patient. This review aims to summarize and discuss the immunological role of HLA‐E in the context of HPV infection and immune system evasion, and the oncogenic process of cervical cancer.
Cross‐regulation by TLR4 and T cell Ig mucin‐3 determines severity of liver injury in a CCl4‐induced mouse model
Authors: Zhao Lizhen , Liang Jie , Rao Wei , Cui Mengli , Ren Shurong , Zhang Li , Xu Dan , Han Qi , Zang Yun‐jin , Zhang Bei
Published: November 2019

Acute liver injury is a common pathological basis for a variety of acute liver diseases in the clinic, which can eventually lead to liver fibrosis and even liver failure. In this study, we found that T cell Ig and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim‐3) and TLR4 receptors play important roles in CCl4‐induced acute liver injury. Tim‐3 is a negative regulator that is expressed by T cells and macrophages. Using antibodies against Tim‐3 (anti‐Tim‐3 Ab), we studied the Tim‐3 signal in an animal model of acute liver injury and found that a large number of inflammatory factors were upregulated. In vitro experimental data shown that anti‐Tim‐3 Ab treatment increased interferon‐ɣ production by concanavalin A (ConA)‐stimulated spleen T cells, and we found that the expression level of interleukin (IL)‐6 was increased in a macrophage/spleen T cell coculture system, while administration of galectin‐9 (Gal‐9, a Tim‐3 ligand) reduced the IL‐6 production. This indicates the importance of the Tim‐3/Gal‐9 signalling pathway in maintaining hepatic homeostasis. The Tim‐3 signalling pathway inhibits TLR4‐mediated NF‐κB activity, and an anti‐Tim‐3 Ab does not affect the liver injury in TLR4‐deficient mice. Regulation between Tim‐3 and TLR4 determines the severity of liver damage. The negative regulation of Tim‐3 reflects the protective mechanisms of patients with impaired liver function, and these results provide important information about innate and adaptive responses in the regulation of liver damage. This finding is potentially important for the study of early liver injury.
Decreased circulating CXCR3 + CCR9+T helper cells are associated with elevated levels of their ligands CXCL10 and CCL25 in the salivary gland of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome to facilitate their concerted migration
Authors: Blokland Sofie L. M. , Kislat Andreas , Homey Bernhard , Smithson Glennda M. , Kruize Aike A. , Radstake Timothy R. D. J. , van Roon Joel A. G.
Published: November 2019

CCR9 + T helper (Th) cells can induce Sjögren‐like symptoms in mice and both CCR9 + Th cells and their ligand CCL25 are increased in the salivary glands of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients. Increased circulating CCR9 + Th cells are present in pSS patients. CCR9 + Th cells are hyperresponsive to IL‐7, secrete high levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐21, IL‐17 and IL‐4 and potently stimulate B cells in both patients and healthy individuals. Our aim was to study co‐expression of chemokine receptors on CCR9 + Th cells and whether in pSS this might differentially affect CCR9 + Th cell frequencies. Frequencies of circulating CCR9 + and CCR9‐ Th cells co‐expressing CXCR3, CCR4, CCR6 and CCR10 were studied in pSS patients and healthy controls. CCL25, CXCL10, CCL17, CCL20 and CCL27 mRNA and protein expression of salivary gland tissue of pSS and non‐Sjögren's sicca (non‐SS) patients was assessed. Chemotaxis assays were performed to study migration induced by CXCL10 and CCL25. Higher expression of CXCR3, CCR4 and CCR6 but not CCR10 was observed on CCR9 + Th cells as compared to cells lacking CCR9. Decreased frequencies of circulating memory CCR9 + CXCR3+ Th cells were found in pSS patients, which was most pronounced in the effector memory subset. Increased salivary gland CCL25 and CXCL10 expression significantly correlated and both ligands functioned synergistically based on in vitro induced chemotaxis. Decreased memory CXCR3 + CCR9+ Th cells in blood of pSS patients may be due to a concerted action of overexpressed ligands at the site of inflammation in the salivary glands facilitating their preferential migration and positioning in the lymphocytic infiltrates.
Toward an organic policy sociology
Authors: Graizbord Diana
Published: November 2019

According to many, sociology is facing a crisis of relevance. Of particular concern is sociology's inability to impact policy. Sociologists, who should be the go‐to on major policy issues have been sidelined as other social scientists take up roles as policy advisors. Recent efforts aimed at encouraging public engagement have focused on disseminating research and producing more policy‐relevant knowledge. These are welcome resources, but they reflect a deep ambivalence toward policy sociology and a tendency to conflate participation in public discussions with policy impact. In contrast, this essay draws on recent findings about the power of policy experts to develop an organic policy sociology. Organic policy sociology depends on co‐designing and carrying out research with policymakers with whom we share critical and professional commitments. By working collaboratively with policymakers, sociologists can foster equity‐promoting policy, change how policymakers understand social problems, and improve how citizens experience policy on the ground. To that end, I offer six orienting strategies for developing and maintaining organic policy sociology projects, from finding the right partner to assessing the impact of our work.
Antenatal care and skilled delivery service utilisation in Somali pastoral communities of Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Umer A. , Zinsstag J. , Schelling E. , Tschopp R. , Hattendof J. , Osman K. , Yuya M. , Ame A. , Zemp E.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess maternal health care service utilisation and associated factors in Somali pastoral communities of eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

Community‐based cross‐sectional study complemented by qualitative assessments in Adadle district, Somali region, eastern Ethiopia, among 450 women in six kebeles from August to September 2016. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with antenatal care use and skilled delivery care use, controlling for confounders.

Results

About 27% [95%CI 22.8–31.2%] of women used antenatal care, and 22.6% [95%CI 18.7–26.5%] received skilled delivery service. None of the respondents reported post‐natal care. About 43% reported that they had no knowledge of antenatal care, and 46% did not perceive delivery at a health facility as important. Pastoral lifestyle, husband’s educational status, women’s attitude towards health care service and financial support from the husband were significantly associated with antenatal care utilisation. Health professionals’ attitudes, perceptions of institutional delivery, antenatal care utilisation and information about exemptions from maternal health care fees were associated with skilled delivery service utilisation.

Conclusion

Improving community awareness of antenatal care, employing female health professionals and culturally adapted guidelines could improve skilled delivery utilisation. In a patriarchal society, involving male partners in all maternal health issues is essential to increase use of maternal health services and to decrease maternal mortality.
The cloning and characterization of hypersensitive to salt stress mutant, affected in quinolinate synthase, highlights the involvement of NAD in stress‐induced accumulation of ABA and proline
Authors: Wei Ming , Zhuang Yong , Li Hui , Li Penghui , Huo Heqiang , Shu Dan , Huang Weizao , Wang Songhu
Published: November 2019

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a ubiquitous coenzyme, is required for many physiological reactions and processes. However, it remains largely unknown how NAD affects plant response to salt stress. We isolated a salt‐sensitive mutant named hypersensitive to salt stress (hss) from an ethyl methanesulfonate‐induced mutation population. A point mutation was identified by MutMap in the encoding region of Quinolinate Synthase (QS) gene required for the de novo synthesis of NAD. This point mutation caused a substitution of amino acid in the highly‐conserved NadA domain of QS, resulting in an impairment of NAD biosynthesis in the mutant. Molecular and chemical complementation have restored the response of the hss mutant to salt stress, indicating that the decreased NAD contents in the mutant were responsible for its hypersensitivity to salt stress. Furthermore, the endogenous levels of abscisic acid (ABA) and proline were also reduced in stress‐treated hss mutant. The application of ABA or proline could alleviate stress‐induced oxidative damage of the mutant and partially rescue its hypersensitivity to salt stress, but not affect NAD concentration. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the NadA domain of QS is important for NAD biosynthesis, and NAD participates in plant response to salt stress by affecting stress‐induced accumulation of ABA and proline.
Iris biopsy to investigate feline iris hyperpigmentation
Authors: Featherstone Heidi J. , Scurrell Emma J. , Rhodes Mike , Pinheiro de Lacerda Rodrigo
Published: November 2019

Objective

To evaluate the benefit of iris biopsy in cats with iris hyperpigmentation to differentiate melanosis from early feline diffuse iris melanoma (FDIM).

Methods

The medical records of cats with unilateral iris hyperpigmentation that had undergone iris biopsy between February 2013 and September 2016 at Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service were reviewed.

Results

Seven cats with unilateral iris hyperpigmentation were included in this retrospective study. The biopsy procedure was performed under general anesthesia (n = 7) with neuromuscular blockade (n = 6) following pre‐operative topical miotic therapy (n = 5). One to six biopsy samples per eye were harvested from areas of hyperpigmentation. The samples were partial thickness (n = 4 eyes) and full thickness (n = 3 eyes). Complications were minor: mild intra‐operative hemorrhage (n = 4), fibrin clot (n = 2), corneal ulcer (n = 1), post‐operative ocular hypertension (n = 1), dyscoria (n = 1), and pseudopolycoria (n = 2). The first biopsy was diagnostic in six cats; a repeat biopsy was necessary in one cat. Histopathology was consistent with melanosis in five cats and with early FDIM in two cats. Screening for signs of metastatic disease (thoracic computed tomography and abdominal ultrasonography) was negative in the two cats with a preliminary diagnosis of early FDIM. Subsequent enucleation and histopathology confirmed the initial diagnosis in both cases.

Conclusions

Iris biopsy in cats with iris hyperpigmentation can be beneficial to differentiate melanosis from early FDIM and thereby help to justify the decision for early enucleation.
A retrospective analysis of lipid‐laden aqueous humor in dogs: Thirty cases
Authors: Schechtmann Simone A. , Stine Jessica M. , Miller Thomas R. , Welihozkiy Anja , Michau Tammy M.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation and outcome of canine patients that present with lipid‐laden aqueous humor (LLA) and to evaluate its association with other ocular and systemic disorders.

Methods

Medical records were identified and reviewed of 30 dogs presenting with clinical signs of LLA between 2013 and 2017 and compared to the canine referral population during the same time period. The percentage of dogs affected by LLA and potential risk factors were compared between groups.

Results

There were 40 eyes in 30 dogs with LLA out of 8011 (0.4%) referrals. The mean age of dogs with LLA was significantly younger than dogs without LLA (P = .0334). Sex was not associated with LLA. Miniature Schnauzers were more likely to have LLA than mixed breeds (P < .0001). Incidence of LLA was significantly higher in eyes also affected by corneal ulceration (P = .0018) or phacoemulsification (P = .0001). Sixty‐two percent and 51% of dogs with LLA had concurrent diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia, respectively. Average triglyceride level of dogs with LLA was 1087 mg/dL (±544) (reference 50‐150 mg/dL) and average cholesterol level was 575 mg/dL (±232) (reference 125‐300 mg/dL). Complete resolution of LLA was achieved in all dogs re‐examined with an average of 20.2 days (range 4‐175 days) after diagnosis. There were 6/30 dogs lost to follow‐up. Recurrence of LLA occurred at least once in 4/24 dogs (16.7%) after resolution.

Conclusions

Lipid‐laden aqueous humor occurs more frequently in Miniature Schnauzers. Corneal ulceration and phacoemulsification are risk factors. Complete resolution was seen in all cases with a low incidence of recurrence.
Comfortable environment for blood donation lowers the rate of vasovagal reactions
Authors: Hashizume Tatsuma , Ishimaru Fumihiko , Kondo Gaku , Namba Noriko , Miura Yoshiko , Aota Seiko , Nishitani Yumiko , Kunii Noriko , Misawa Hiromi , Shibata Reiko , Sawamura Yoshihiro , Matsuzaki Koji , Nakajima Kazunori , Kato Tsuneo
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives

To evaluate the possible effects of environmental surroundings on blood donor reactions, we analysed vasovagal reaction rates before and after renovation of the Yurakucho Blood Donation Center in Tokyo.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on data stored in a computerized database. The vasovagal reaction rates associated with blood donation during two separate 3‐year periods were compared, that is prior to (October 2007 to September 2010) and after (October 2010 to September 2013) the renovation of the Yurakucho Blood Donation Center. The renovation included the following interventions: (1) expansion of the phlebotomy area from 188·0 to 322·4 m2 to accommodate 22 beds; (2) expansion of the reception/lounge area from 155·2 to 267·1 m2 with modification for a more relaxed atmosphere; and 3) addition of well‐controlled air conditioning.

Results

The total reaction rate decreased from 0·65% (1302 reactions/200 181 donations) to 0·32% (606 reactions/191 966 donations) before and after the renovation, respectively, representing a 51% reduction (P < 0·001). During the pre‐intervention period, reaction rates in winter were higher than those in other seasons, and the reaction rate was correlated with room temperature. It was also suggested that environmental factors other than room temperature might play an important role. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of risk factors demonstrated that the male gender was the strongest favourable factor and young age was the next to strongest favourable factor.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that providing a comfortable environment for blood donation may lead to fewer vasovagal reactions.
The updated list of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae & Argasidae) occurring in Iran with a key to the identification of species

Authors: Hosseini-chegeni Asadollah , Tavakoli Majid , Telmadarraiy Zakkyeh
Published: November 2019

This study encompasses an updated species list of ticks (Ixodoidea superfam.) in Iran and knowledge on their distribution and host animals are provided. The present list is based on previous literatures as well as observations by the authors on the ticks of Iran. In total, 46 species of ticks occur in Iran (10 Argasidae and 36 Ixodidae) from 10 genera.
General and selective deoxygenation by hydrogen using a reusable earth-abundant metal catalyst
Authors: Schwob T. , Kunnas P. , de Jonge N. , Papp C. , Steinrück H.-P. , Kempe R.
Published: November 2019

A Co-Ce catalyst permits the hydrodeoxygenation of alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones, tolerating numerous functional groups.
Determination of topographical radiation dose profiles using gel nanosensors
Authors: Pushpavanam Karthik , Inamdar Sahil , Dutta Subhadeep , Bista Tomasz , Sokolowski Thaddeus , Boshoven Eric , Sapareto Stephen , Rege Kaushal
Published: November 2019

We report the development of colorimetric gel nanosensors for topographical dose mapping in clinical radiotherapy.
Hot carrier extraction in CH
3
NH
3
PbI
3
unveiled by pump-push-probe spectroscopy
Authors: Lim Swee Sien , Giovanni David , Zhang Qiannan , Solanki Ankur , Jamaludin Nur Fadilah , Lim Jia Wei Melvin , Mathews Nripan , Mhaisalkar Subodh , Pshenichnikov Maxim S. , Sum Tze Chien
Published: November 2019

Three-pulse ultrafast spectroscopy reveals interfacial obstacles in methylammonium lead iodide during hot carrier transfer.
Natural van der Waals heterostructural single crystals with both magnetic and topological properties
Authors: Wu Jiazhen , Liu Fucai , Sasase Masato , Ienaga Koichiro , Obata Yukiko , Yukawa Ryu , Horiba Koji , Kumigashira Hiroshi , Okuma Satoshi , Inoshita Takeshi , Hosono Hideo
Published: November 2019

We report naturally occurring van der Waals heterostructural single crystals with intrinsic magnetic topological properties.
Ketogenic diet activates protective γδ T cell responses against influenza virus infection
Authors: Goldberg Emily L. , Molony Ryan D. , Kudo Eriko , Sidorov Sviatoslav , Kong Yong , Dixit Vishwa Deep , Iwasaki Akiko
Published: November 2019

Ketogenic diet protects mice against influenza virus infection through γδ T cell expansion and metabolic adaptation.
IL-23 costimulates antigen-specific MAIT cell activation and enables vaccination against bacterial infection
Authors: Wang Huimeng , Kjer-Nielsen Lars , Shi Mai , D’Souza Criselle , Pediongco Troi J. , Cao Hanwei , Kostenko Lyudmila , Lim Xin Yi , Eckle Sidonia B. G. , Meehan Bronwyn S. , Zhu Tianyuan , Wang Bingjie , Zhao Zhe , Mak Jeffrey Y. W. , Fairlie David P. , Teng Michele W. L. , Rossjohn Jamie , Yu Di , de St Groth Barbara Fazekas , Lovrecz George , Lu Louis , McCluskey James , Strugnell Richard A. , Corbett Alexandra J. , Chen Zhenjun
Published: November 2019

ICOS- and IL-23–mediated costimulation are important for driving in vivo activation of antigen-specific MAIT cells.