bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The induced RNA-binding protein, HuR, targets 3′-UTR region of IL-6 mRNA and enhances its stabilization in periodontitis
Authors: Ouhara K , Munenaga S , Kajiya M , Takeda K , Matsuda S , Sato Y , Hamamoto Y , Iwata T , Yamasaki S , Akutagawa K , Mizuno N , Fujita T , Sugiyama E , Kurihara H
Published: February 2018

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate mRNA stability by binding to the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) region of mRNA. Human antigen-R (HuR), one of the RBPs, is involved in the progression of diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus and some inflammatory diseases. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a major inflammatory cytokine regulated by HuR binding to mRNA. Periodontal disease (PD) is also an inflammatory disease caused by elevations in IL-6 following an infection by periodontopathogenic bacteria. The involvement of HuR in the progression of PD was assessed using in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. Immunohistochemistry of inflamed periodontal tissue showed strong staining of HuR in the epithelium and connective tissue. HuR mRNA and protein level was increased following stimulation with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), one of the periodontopathogenic bacteria, lipopolysacchride (LPS)-derived from Pg (PgLPS) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in OBA-9, an immortalized human gingival epithelial cell. The luciferase activity of 3′-UTR of IL-6 mRNA was increased by TNF-α, Pg and PgLPS in OBA-9. Luciferase activity was also increased in HuR-over-expressing OBA-9 following a bacterial stimulation. Down-regulation of HuR by siRNA resulted in a decrease in mRNA expression and production of IL-6. In contrast, the over-expression of HuR increased IL-6 mRNA expression and production in OBA-9. The HuR inhibitor, quercetin, suppressed Pg-induced HuR mRNA expression and IL-6 production in OBA-9. An oral inoculation with quercetin also inhibited bone resorption in ligature-induced periodontitis model mice as a result of down-regulation of IL-6. These results show that HuR modulates inflammatory responses by regulating IL-6.
Retinol‐binding protein 4 is positively associated with bone mineral density in patients with type 2 diabetes and osteopenia or osteoporosis
Authors: Huang Nana , Zhou Jin , Wang Wei , Wang Qiuling , Tang Yuxiao , Sun Ying , Wang Daping , Chen Shulin
Published: February 2018

Objective

This study intends to study the association between serum retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), bone mineral density (BMD) and other bone metabolic‐related parameters in type 2 diabetic patients older than 50 years, with or without osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Methods

Patients (n = 274 cases) with type 2 diabetes, hospitalized in the Endocrinology Department of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from December 2015 to March 2017, were enrolled in the study. The bone mineral density (BMD) was recorded by the dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometer, and patients were divided into normal bone mineral density (148 cases), osteopenia (93 cases) and osteoporosis (33 cases) groups. The serum adipokine RBP4 and other biomarkers were determined accordingly.

Results

Serum RBP4, body weight, calcium and body mass index (BMI) demonstrated a positive correlation with BMD at all tested body sites in osteopenia and osteoporosis groups compared with normal bone mineral density group. In contrast, age, duration of diabetes and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were inversely correlated with BMD at all tested body sites. In nonadjusted analyses, age, gender, duration of diabetes and ALP were inversely associated with BMD at the femoral neck, total hip and lumbar spine, while body weight, BMI and RBP4 were positively associated with BMD at all sites. In multiple regression analyses, adjusted for age, weight, BMI and other bone‐related factors, a graded stepwise positive association between serum RBP4 and BMD was shown, at all sites.

Conclusion

Serum RBP4 was positively associated with BMD at all sites after adjustments for other factors in osteopenia and osteoporosis groups compared with normal bone mineral density group of type 2 diabetic patients.
De novo variants in CDK13 associated with syndromic ID/DD: Molecular and clinical delineation of 15 individuals and a further review
Authors: van den Akker W.M.R. , Brummelman I. , Martis L.M. , Timmermans R.N. , Pfundt R. , Kleefstra T. , Willemsen M.H. , Gerkes E.H. , Herkert J.C. , van Essen A.J. , Rump P. , Vansenne F. , Terhal P.A. , van Haelst M.M. , Cristian I. , Turner C.E. , Cho M.T. , Begtrup A. , Willaert R. , Fassi E. , van Gassen K.L.I. , Stegmann A.P.A. , de Vries B.B.A. , Schuurs‐Hoeijmakers J.H.M.
Published: February 2018

De novo variants in the gene encoding cyclin‐dependent kinase 13 (CDK13) have been associated with congenital heart defects and intellectual disability (ID). Here, we present the clinical assessment of 15 individuals and report novel de novo missense variants within the kinase domain of CDK13. Furthermore, we describe 2 nonsense variants and a recurrent frame‐shift variant. We demonstrate the synthesis of 2 aberrant CDK13 transcripts in lymphoblastoid cells from an individual with a splice‐site variant. Clinical characteristics of the individuals include mild to severe ID, developmental delay, behavioral problems, (neonatal) hypotonia and a variety of facial dysmorphism. Congenital heart defects were present in 2 individuals of the current cohort, but in at least 42% of all known individuals. An overview of all published cases is provided and does not demonstrate an obvious genotype‐phenotype correlation, although 2 individuals harboring a stop codons at the end of the kinase domain might have a milder phenotype. Overall, there seems not to be a clinically recognizable facial appearance. The variability in the phenotypes impedes an à vue diagnosis of this syndrome and therefore genome‐wide or gene‐panel driven genetic testing is needed. Based on this overview, we provide suggestions for clinical work‐up and management of this recently described ID syndrome.
Activation of 5‐HT7 receptor by administration of its selective agonist, LP‐211, modifies explorative‐curiosity behavior in rats in two paradigms which differ in visuospatial parameters
Authors: Carbone Cristiana , Adinolfi Annalisa , Cinque Stefano , Lacivita Enza , Alleva Enrico , Leopoldo Marcello , Adriani Walter
Published: February 2018

Aims

The serotonin 7 receptor (5‐HT7R) subtype, coded by Htr7 gene, is broadly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) with clear involvement in behavioral functions such as learning/memory, regulation of mood, and circadian rhythms. In this study, we assessed effects of 5‐HT7R stimulation by administration of its selective agonist, LP‐211 (0.25 mg/kg i.p.), in adult Wistar‐Han rats.

Methods

We used two different explorative‐curiosity tests. Drug was administered either before one side‐chamber familiarization (CF/V group) or immediately after it, to act on consolidation of familiarization (V/CF group).

Results

Exp. 1 for novelty seeking in black/white boxes (BWB), with door opening after 5 minutes in the familiar chamber, showed that (i) time spent in the novel environment (significantly higher than in familiar chamber for controls) is enhanced in V/CF group (potentiated recognition for a “visual” consolidation) and not different in CF/V group; (ii) activity and chamber transitions, made by CF/V rats, are significantly higher than for other groups (interference on recognition for a “spatial” acquisition). Exp. 2 for novelty preference in D‐ vs L‐shaped chambers (D/L), with start from neutral center, gave different results: (i) time spent in the novel environment by CF/V group is significantly higher than other groups (potentiated “cognitive” acquisition); (ii) chamber transitions made by V/CF group are significantly higher than other groups (potentiated “emotional” consolidation).

Conclusion

These apparently conflicting results may reflect LP‐211 effects on visual vs spatial memory (D/L apparatus has more pronounced hippocampal components than BWB). However, further experiments are needed to analyze more in depth the mechanisms involved.
High flow nasal cannulae oxygen therapy in acute‐moderate hypercapnic respiratory failure
Authors: Lee Myoung Kyu , Choi Jaehwa , Park Bonil , Kim Bumjoon , Lee Seok Jeong , Kim Sang‐Ha , Yong Suk Joong , Choi Eun Hee , Lee Won‐Yeon
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a significant event that results in substantial mortality.

Objectives

We evaluated the effectiveness of the high flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) therapy in severe AECOPD with moderate hypercapnic acute respiratory failure (ARF) compared to non‐invasive ventilation (NIV).

Methods

The prospective observational trial was performed to compare the effectiveness between the HFNC and NIV in severe AECOPD with moderate hypercapnic ARF. The end point was the intubation rate and 30‐day mortality.

Results

Ninety‐two AECOPD patients enrolled during study periods. The median age was 73 (66.5‐79) years, and 57 patients (64.8%) were male. Forty‐four patients were assigned to HFNC, and 44 patients were assigned to NIV. The intubation rate at day 30 was 25.0% in the HFNC group and 27.3% in the NIV group (P = .857), and the 30‐day mortality was 15.9% in the HFNC group and 18.2% in the NIV group (P = .845). The pH (7.38 ± 0.59 vs 7.36 ± 0.10, P = .295), PaO2 (82.2 ± 24.9 vs 81.6 ± 21.7 mm Hg, P = .899) and PaCO2 (46.8 ± 15.2 vs 51.7 ± 17.2 mm Hg, P = .160) after 6 hours and the pH (7.39 ± 0.07 vs 7.39 ± 0.08, P = .743), PaO2 (84.3 ± 18.5 vs 84.7 ± 23.2 mm Hg, P = .934) and PaCO2 (47.0 ± 16.0 vs 49.6 ± 13.7 mm Hg, P = .422) after 24 hours were not significantly different.

Conclusion

There was no difference of the 30‐day mortality and intubation rate between HFNC and NIV groups.
Acceptability and validity of a home exercise diary used in home‐based pulmonary rehabilitation: A secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lahham Aroub , McDonald Christine F. , Mahal Ajay , Lee Annemarie L. , Hill Catherine J. , Burge Angela T. , Cox Narelle S. , Moore Rosemary , Nicolson Caroline , O'halloran Paul , Gillies Rebecca , Holland Anne E.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Evaluating adherence to home‐based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) could be challenging due to lack of direct supervision and the complex nature of the rehabilitation model. To measure adherence to home‐based PR in the HomeBase trial, participants were encouraged to work towards a goal of at least 30 min of whole‐body exercise on most days of the week and report their participation using a home exercise diary.

Objective

This project aimed to evaluate the acceptability and validity of the home exercise diary.

Methods

Diary return and completion rates assessed acceptability of the home exercise diary. Home participants underwent physical activity (PA) monitoring using the Sensewear armband during the final week of an 8‐week PR. The correlation between self‐documented and objective daily exercise minutes was calculated. Objective exercise minutes were defined as bouts of ≥10 min spent in ≥ moderate PA. Differences in self‐documented weekly exercise minutes between sufficiently active (≥7000 daily steps) and inactive participants were computed.

Results

Diaries were returned by 92% of programme completers. Of those who returned diaries, 72% have completed exercise documentation. Fifteen programme completers underwent PA monitoring [mean age 69 (9) (SD) years, FEV1 55 (19) %predicted]. A moderate correlation was observed between self‐documented and objective mean daily exercise minutes (r = .59, P = .02). Active participants [n = 6, 10 253 (1521) daily steps] documented more exercise (111 min) during week eight compared with inactive participants [n = 9, 2705 (1772) daily steps, P = .002].

Conclusion

The self‐documented home exercise diary is an acceptable and valid method to reflect exercise participation during home‐based PR.
Bosentan therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Xinwang , Zhai Zhenguo , Huang Ke , Xie Wanmu , Wan Jun , Wang Chen
Published: February 2018

Background and Objective

Bosentan therapy has been recommended for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and might be beneficial for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We aimed to evaluate the specific effects of bosentan for PAH and CTEPH.

Materials and Methods

We performed a systemic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing efficacy and safety of bosentan treatment for PAH and CTEPH through major biomedical database.

Results

A total of 10 RCTs including 1185 patients were enrolled. For PAH patients, bosentan prolonged 6‐minute walk distance with a weighted mean difference of 35.7 m, reduced mean pulmonary arterial pressure by 5.7 mm Hg, increased cardiac index by 0.4 L/min/m2, reduced pulmonary vascular resistance by 305.1 dyn·s/cm5, prevented functional class from deterioration and reduced clinical worsening as compared with placebo. For CTEPH patients, bosentan improved cardiac index by 0.3 L/min/m2 and reduced pulmonary vascular resistance by 176.0 dyn·s/cm5. Other efficacy outcomes regarding CTEPH did not attain statistical difference. For both PAH and CTEPH, there was no significant difference in mortality or adverse event between bosentan and placebo group. However, bosentan raised the risk of abnormal liver function in both PAH and CTEPH patients.

Conclusions

Bosentan is effective in treating PAH, whereas it improves only certain hemodynamic parameters of CTEPH. Incidence of liver function abnormality is higher in bosentan treatment.
Hu antigen R (HuR) heterogeneous expression quantification as a prognostic marker of melanoma
Authors: Liaudet Nicolas , Fernandez Marylise , Fontao Lionel , Kaya Gürkan , Merat Rastine
Published: February 2018

Background

Prognostic markers for melanoma, particularly for stage II disease, are needed for the risk‐benefit evaluation of future adjuvant therapies. The mainly nuclear RNA‐binding protein human antigen R (HuR) regulates the protein expression of thousands of mRNAs, its own heterogeneous expression could therefore reflect tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. Here, we evaluate its quantification in primary melanoma as a marker of metastatic outcome.

Methods

We conducted an immunohistochemistry‐based automated quantification of HuR nuclear expression heterogeneity in primary melanomas, most with Breslow thickness ≥ 1 mm and calculated the dimensionless fourth moment, that is, the kurtosis of HuR (HuR K) expression distribution. Twelve tumors from patients with no metastatic disease were compared to a similar number of tumors from patients who had metastatic disease at 2 years follow up.

Results

HuR K value appeared significantly higher in the non‐metastatic group comparatively to the metastatic group (P = 2.84 × 10−3, 1‐tailed Wilcoxon rank‐sum test). Moreover, compared to the Breslow thickness, HuR K value appeared as a more robust marker of metastatic outcome (respective areas under receiver operating characteristic curves 0.84 and 0.87).

Conclusion

Our data need confirmation on a large cohort, however strongly suggest that HuR expression heterogeneity quantification using kurtosis, could be used as a prognostic marker in melanoma.
On the Social Efficiency of Finance
Authors: Epstein Gerald
Published: February 2018

The rise in the economic and political power of finance over a number of decades is hardly in dispute these days. While there is now considerable agreement among economists that unregulated finance has the potential to contribute to financial instability and financial crises, there is much less agreement about the long‐term impacts of modern finance on capital accumulation and distribution. This contribution, focused on the USA, explores some of these relations under the heading of the ‘Social Efficiency of Finance’, a term used here to mean the impact of financial institutions and relations on income and wealth distribution and on the development of the economy. The author describes some key dimensions of the rise of ‘roaring banking’ in the USA in recent decades, outlines specific ways in which this financialized system has affected accumulation, distribution and growth, and presents some results of a simple ‘bottom‐line’ analysis of the cost of this financial system in the US, reaching the conclusion that the ‘social efficiency’ of modern finance in the US is very low.
The Hungarian twin crisis of 1931
Authors: Macher Flora
Published: February 2018

Even though Germany, Austria, and Hungary experienced a major financial crisis simultaneously in 1931, of the three, only Germany's and Austria's episodes have been investigated in depth. This article offers a thorough assessment of the missing piece. It finds that, just like Germany, Hungary also experienced a twin crisis. The primary reason for the weakness of the financial sector was banks’ excessive exposure to agricultural loans. The fragility of the currency was the result of an early balance‐of‐payments crisis in 1928/9. The vulnerability of the banking and monetary systems culminated in a twin crisis in 1931.
Cortical oscillations and entrainment in speech processing during working memory load
Authors: Hjortkjær Jens , Märcher‐Rørsted Jonatan , Fuglsang Søren A. , Dau Torsten
Published: February 2018

Neuronal oscillations are thought to play an important role in working memory (WM) and speech processing. Listening to speech in real‐life situations is often cognitively demanding but it is unknown whether WM load influences how auditory cortical activity synchronizes to speech features. Here, we developed an auditory n‐back paradigm to investigate cortical entrainment to speech envelope fluctuations under different degrees of WM load. We measured the electroencephalogram, pupil dilations and behavioural performance from 22 subjects listening to continuous speech with an embedded n‐back task. The speech stimuli consisted of long spoken number sequences created to match natural speech in terms of sentence intonation, syllabic rate and phonetic content. To burden different WM functions during speech processing, listeners performed an n‐back task on the speech sequences in different levels of background noise. Increasing WM load at higher n‐back levels was associated with a decrease in posterior alpha power as well as increased pupil dilations. Frontal theta power increased at the start of the trial and increased additionally with higher n‐back level. The observed alpha–theta power changes are consistent with visual n‐back paradigms suggesting general oscillatory correlates of WM processing load. Speech entrainment was measured as a linear mapping between the envelope of the speech signal and low‐frequency cortical activity (< 13 Hz). We found that increases in both types of WM load (background noise and n‐back level) decreased cortical speech envelope entrainment. Although entrainment persisted under high load, our results suggest a top‐down influence of WM processing on cortical speech entrainment.
A novel tubulin inhibitor STK899704 induces tumor regression in DMBA/TPA‐induced skin carcinogenesis model
Authors: Hwang Joonsung , Soung Nak Kyun , Han Ho Jin , Lee Yongjun , Choi Tae Woong , Mun Jiyun , Cha‐Molstad Hyunjoo , Lee Kyung Ho , Kim Hyo Joon , Lee Hee Gu , Hong Jin Tae , Ahn Jong Seog , Kwon Yong Tae , Kim Bo Yeon
Published: February 2018

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. The incidence rate of skin cancer has continuously increased over the past decades. In an effort to discover novel anticancer agents, we identified a novel tubulin inhibitor STK899704, which is structurally distinct from other microtubule‐binding agents such as colchicine, vinca alkaloids and taxanes. STK899704 inhibited microtubule polymerization leading to mitotic arrest and suppressed the proliferation of various cancer cell lines as well as multidrug resistance cancer cell lines. In this study, our investigation is further extended into animal model to evaluate the effect of STK899704 on skin carcinogenesis in vivo. Surprisingly, almost 80% of the tumors treated with STK899704 were regressed with a one‐fifth reduction in tumor volume. Furthermore, the efficacy of STK899704 was nearly 2 times higher than that of 5‐fluorouracil, a widely used skin cancer therapeutic. Overall, our results suggest that STK899704 is a promising anticancer chemotherapeutic that may replace existing therapies, particularly for skin cancer.
Eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester ameliorates atopic dermatitis–like symptoms in special diet–fed hairless mice, partly by restoring covalently bound ceramides in the stratum corneum
Authors: Fujii Masanori , Ohyanagi Chie , Kawaguchi Naomi , Matsuda Hiroyuki , Miyamoto Yoshitaka , Ohya Susumu , Nabe Takeshi
Published: February 2018

Skin barrier dysfunction has a key role in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). Covalently bound ceramides (Cer), which are essential lipids for permeability barrier homoeostasis, are reportedly decreased in the stratum corneum (SC) of AD patients. Hairless mice fed a special diet develop pruritic dermatitis resembling human AD. Our previous study found that oral administration of the n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid α‐linolenic acid ameliorated skin barrier dysfunction in AD mice with concomitant increase in serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In this study, we examined the effects of EPA ethyl ester (EPA‐E) on diet‐induced AD in hairless mice. Oral administration of EPA‐E ameliorated skin barrier dysfunction and pruritus in AD mice. In the SC of AD mice, covalently bound Cer were markedly diminished. EPA‐E administration restored the lack of bound Cer. Our findings imply the possible therapeutic clinical application of EPA‐E in the treatment of human AD.
A fracture mechanics model to study indentation cutting
Authors: Terzano M. , Spagnoli A. , Ståhle P.
Published: February 2018

Many cutting processes, such as chopping, slicing, and carving, consist in 2 different stages: an initial stage of indentation, in which the cutting tool is pushed into the material under the action of an external force, and a second stage, where the target material undergoes a progressive separation. This second stage is characterised by the formation of a fracture surface followed by the cut propagation due to the increasing external force, until eventually a steady state might occur. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the cutting process by means of some concepts of fracture mechanics and discuss the occurrence of the steady state. A simple model is used to obtain an analytic expression of the stress intensity factor at the tip of the cut and investigate the evolution of the fracture process. It is found that the cut propagation depends on the wedge sharpness. The analytic results are compared with finite element analyses, where the effect of tip blunting due to plasticity is taken into account. The influence of the cutting tool geometry is also discussed.
Comparison of crop yield sensitivity to ozone between open‐top chamber and free‐air experiments
Authors: Feng Zhaozhong , Uddling Johan , Tang Haoye , Zhu Jianguo , Kobayashi Kazuhiko
Published: February 2018

Assessments of the impacts of ozone (O3) on regional and global food production are currently based on results from experiments using open‐top chambers (OTCs). However, there are concerns that these impact estimates might be biased due to the environmental artifacts imposed by this enclosure system. In this study, we collated O3 exposure and yield data for three major crop species—wheat, rice, and soybean—for which O3 experiments have been conducted with OTCs as well as the ecologically more realistic free‐air O3 elevation (O3‐FACE) exposure system; both within the same cultivation region and country. For all three crops, we found that the sensitivity of crop yield to the O3 metric AOT40 (accumulated hourly O3 exposure above a cut‐off threshold concentration of 40 ppb) significantly differed between OTC and O3‐FACE experiments. In wheat and rice, O3 sensitivity was higher in O3‐FACE than OTC experiments, while the opposite was the case for soybean. In all three crops, these differences could be linked to factors influencing stomatal conductance (manipulation of water inputs, passive chamber warming, and cultivar differences in gas exchange). Our study thus highlights the importance of accounting for factors that control stomatal O3 flux when applying experimental data to assess O3 impacts on crops at large spatial scales.
Depressive symptoms and all‐cause mortality in Korean older adults: A 3‐year population‐based prospective study
Authors: Park Soo Hyun , Kim Donghyun , Cho Jinkyung , Jin Youngyun , Lee Inhwan , Lee Kangjun , Kang Hyunsik
Published: February 2018

Aim

To examine the association between depressive symptoms and all‐cause mortality in a population‐based prospective study.

Methods

Data from the 2008 baseline and 2011 follow‐up assessments of the Living Profiles of Older People Survey involving 14 976 Korean adults aged ≥60 years (59% women) were used. Depressive symptoms were defined as a score of ≥8 on the self‐administered Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results

During the 3‐year follow‐up period, 873 deaths from all causes (372 women) occurred. The Cox proportional regression analyses showed that older men (hazard ratio 2.19, 95% confidence interval 1.83–2.62, P < 0.001) and women (hazard ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.25–1.89, P < 0.001) with baseline depressive symptoms were at significantly increased risk of all‐cause mortality independent of age, as compared with older men (hazard ratio 1) and women (hazard ratio 1) without baseline depressive symptoms, respectively. When additionally controlled for body mass index, socioeconomic status, health behaviors and health conditions, however, the risk of baseline depressive symptoms for all‐cause mortality still remained significant in men only (hazard ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.80, P = 0.008), but not in women only (hazard ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 0.98–1.66, P = 0.086).

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that the prognostic importance of depressive symptoms for all‐cause mortality might be sex‐specific in Korean older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 950–956
Mucosal‐associated invariant T cell receptor recognition of small molecules presented by MR1
Authors: Awad Wael , Le Nours Jérôme , Kjer‐Nielsen Lars , McCluskey James , Rossjohn Jamie
Published: February 2018

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class‐I related molecule MR1 is a monomorphic and evolutionary conserved antigen (Ag)‐presenting molecule that shares the overall architecture of MHC‐I and CD1 proteins. However, in contrast to MHC‐I and the CD1 family that present peptides and lipids, respectively, MR1 specifically presents small organic molecules. During microbial infection of mammalian cells, MR1 captures and presents vitamin B precursors, derived from the microbial biosynthesis of riboflavin, on the surface of antigen‐presenting cells. These MR1‐Ag complexes are recognized by the mucosal‐associated invariant T cell receptor (MAIT TCR), which subsequently leads to MAIT cell activation. Recently, MR1 was shown to trap chemical scaffolds including drug and drug‐like molecules. Here, we review this metabolite Ag‐presenting molecule and further define the key molecular interactions underlying the recognition and reactivity of MAIT TCRs to MR1 in an Ag‐dependent manner.
Synthesis of molybdenum nitrides nanosheets by nitriding 2H‐MoS2 with ammonia
Authors: Sun Guo‐Dong , Zhang Guo‐Hua , Chou Kuo‐Chih
Published: February 2018

Metal nitrides nanosheets possess remarkable physical and chemical properties such as high electrical conductivities, catalytic properties, energy storage, and conversion efficiency. In this paper, molybdenum nitride (Mo5N6, MoN, and Mo2N) nanosheets were synthesized by nitriding and exfoliating the bulk 2H‐MoS2 via dropping N from ammonia at high temperature. Molybdenum nitride nanosheets with the thickness of dozens of nanometers were prepared successfully under different conditions. It was found that the reaction between MoS2 and NH3 began from about 696°C, and reduction products and reaction mechanisms were strongly dependent on the temperature. When there was MoS2, the generated Mo5N6, MoN, and Mo2N can exist stably at even 820, 1020, and 1120°C, respectively. However, they will decompose progressively after MoS2 was consumed completely: at 820°C, Mo5N6 started to decompose to δ‐MoN; at 1020°C, the phase evolution process of MoN can be described as follows: δ‐MoN→ γ‐Mo2N→ β‐Mo2N→ Mo, while at 1120°C, the β‐Mo2N will transform to Mo.
The impact of negative childbirth experience on future reproductive decisions: A quantitative systematic review
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Yang Yen Yen , Ang Emily
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to systematically retrieve, critique and synthesize available evidence regarding the association between negative childbirth experiences and future reproductive decisions.

Background

A child's birth is often a joyous event; however, there is a proportion of women who undergo negative childbirth experiences that have long‐term implications on their reproductive decisions.

Design

A systematic review of quantitative studies was undertaken using Joanna Briggs Institute's methods.

Review methods

A search was carried out in CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from January 1996 ‐ July 2016. Studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were assessed by two independent reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Tools. Data were extracted under subheadings adapted from the institute's data extraction forms.

Results

Twelve studies, which examined either one or more influences of negative childbirth experiences, were identified. The included studies were either cohort or cross‐sectional designs. Five studies observed positive associations between prior negative childbirth experiences and decisions to not have another child, three studies found positive associations between negative childbirth experiences and decisions to delay a subsequent birth and six studies concluded positive associations between negative childbirth experiences and maternal requests for caesarean section in subsequent pregnancies.

Conclusion

To receive a holistic understanding on negative childbirth experiences, a suitable definition and validated measuring tools should be used to understand this phenomenon. Future studies or reviews should include a qualitative component and/or the exploration of specific factors such as cultural and regional differences that influence childbirth experiences.
KNAT7 positively regulates xylan biosynthesis by directly activating IRX9 expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: He Jun‐Bo , Zhao Xian‐Hai , Du Ping‐Zhou , Zeng Wei , Beahan Cherie T. , Wang Yu‐Qi , Li Hui‐Ling , Bacic Antony , Wu Ai‐Min
Published: February 2018

Xylan is the major plant hemicellulosic polysaccharide in the secondary cell wall. The transcription factor KNOTTED‐LIKE HOMEOBOX OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA 7 (KNAT7) regulates secondary cell wall biosynthesis, but its exact role in regulating xylan biosynthesis remains unclear. Using transactivation analyses, we demonstrate that KNAT7 activates the promoters of the xylan biosynthetic genes, IRREGULAR XYLEM 9 (IRX9), IRX10, IRREGULAR XYLEM 14‐LIKE (IRX14L), and FRAGILE FIBER 8 (FRA8). The knat7 T‐DNA insertion mutants have thinner vessel element walls and xylary fibers, and thicker interfascicular fiber walls in inflorescence stems, relative to wild‐type (WT). KNAT7 overexpression plants exhibited opposite effects. Glycosyl linkage and sugar composition analyses revealed lower xylan levels in knat7 inflorescence stems, relative to WT; a finding supported by labeling of inflorescence walls with xylan‐specific antibodies. The knat7 loss‐of‐function mutants had lower transcript levels of the xylan biosynthetic genes IRX9, IRX10, and FRA8, whereas KNAT7 overexpression plants had higher mRNA levels for IRX9, IRX10, IRX14L, and FRA8. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that KNAT7 binds to the IRX9 promoter. These results support the hypothesis that KNAT7 positively regulates xylan biosynthesis.
Three‐dimensional mobility and muscle attachments in the pectoral limb of the Triassic cynodontMassetognathus pascuali(Romer, 1967)
Authors: Fahn‐Lai Philip , Biewener Andrew A. , Pierce Stephanie E.
Published: February 2018

The musculoskeletal configuration of the mammalian pectoral limb has been heralded as a key anatomical feature leading to the adaptive radiation of mammals, but limb function in the non‐mammaliaform cynodont outgroup remains unresolved. Conflicting reconstructions of abducted and adducted posture are based on mutually incompatible interpretations of ambiguous osteology. We reconstruct the pectoral limb of the Triassic non‐mammaliaform cynodontMassetognathus pascualiin three dimensions, by combining skeletal morphology from micro‐computed tomography with muscle anatomy from an extended extant phylogenetic bracket. Conservative tests of maximum range of motion suggest a degree of girdle mobility, as well as substantial freedom at the shoulder and the elbow joints. The glenoid fossa supports a neutral pose in which the distal end of the humerus points 45° posterolaterally from the body wall, intermediate between classically ‘sprawling’ and ‘parasagittal’ limb postures.Massetognathus pascualiis reconstructed as having a near‐mammalian complement of shoulder muscles, including an incipient rotator cuff (m. subscapularis, m. infraspinatus, m. supraspinatus, and m. teres minor). Based on close inspection of the morphology of the glenoid fossa, we hypothesize a posture‐driven scenario for the evolution of the therian ball‐and‐socket shoulder joint. The musculoskeletal reconstruction presented here provides the anatomical scaffolding for more detailed examination of locomotor evolution in the precursors to mammals.
Secondary causes of chylomicronemia: defining the underside of the iceberg
Authors: Berberich Amanda J. , Hegele Robert A.
Published: February 2018

Click here to view the Original Article by S. B. Pedersen et al.
Effects of low phosphorus supply on the availability of calcium and phosphorus, and musculoskeletal development of growing dogs of two different breeds
Authors: Kiefer‐Hecker B. , Kienzle E. , Dobenecker B.
Published: February 2018

To investigate the impact of a selective reduction in dietary phosphorus (P) supply on healthy growing dogs, a total of 23 Beagles and 30 Foxhound crossbreds (FBI) were used in a feeding trial between 6 and 24 weeks of age. Sixteen Beagles and 19 FBI were fed with selectively reduced P concentrations (low phosphorus, LP). The remaining puppies received a completely balanced control diet (CON). With these diets, the P supply in the Beagles at the age of 12 weeks added up to 2.5 ± 0.6 (LP) and 9.8 ± 1.4 g P/kg DM (CON), and in the FBI 4.3 ± 0.9 (LP) and 13.0 ± 1.6 g P/kg DM (CON). Therefore, the LP Beagles received an average of 33 ± 11% of the recommended daily allowances (RDA) of P, the LP FBI 41 ± 11%. The calcium (Ca) concentration stayed unaltered and led to a Ca/P ratio above the recommended range of 1.3/1 to 2/1. The apparent digestibility (aD) of phosphorus was reduced in the LP Beagle; otherwise, the aD of both minerals was not affected by the P concentration of the diet. The renal excretion of P was reduced to zero in both LP groups while the renal calcium excretion increased significantly. Several of the puppies from both breeds showed impaired appetite, growth, skin and fur quality, and a few also clinically showed relevant signs of a disturbed musculoskeletal system after the LP feeding. A rapid loss of muscle strength and posture within hours led to severe deviation of the limb axis with hyperflexion of the joints but no radiological aberrations or signs of pain. Immediate transition of affected puppies to a balanced diet with sufficient phosphorus resulted in a complete recovery of the puppies in less than one month. The results demonstrate the importance of an adequate P supply on the healthy development of growing dogs.
The Placing of Early Bronze Age Metalwork Deposits: New Evidence from Scotland
Authors: Bradley Richard , Green Chris , Watson Aaron
Published: February 2018

This paper considers the earliest metalwork hoards in Scotland, most of which have been found at conspicuous points in the landscape. The treatment of individual objects suggests that they had been carefully selected before they were deposited. Fieldwork, combined with computer reconstruction, shows that half the collections with adequate provenances come from places with direct views of the rising and setting sun at the solstices. The main emphasis seems to have been on midwinter.
Breeding system and bumblebee drone pollination of an explosively pollen‐releasing plant,Meliosma tenuis(Sabiaceae)
Authors: Wong Sato A. A. , Kato M.
Published: February 2018

Explosive pollen release is a mechanism used by some angiosperms that serves to attach pollen to a pollinator's body. It is usually adopted by species with zygomorphic tubular flowers and pollinated by birds and bees. The tree genusMeliosma(Sabiaceae, Proteales) has unique disc‐like flowers that are externally actinomorphic, but internally zygomorphic, and release pollen explosively.

To elucidate the adaptive significance of explosive pollen release, we observed flowering behaviour, the breeding system and pollinator visits to flowers of the Japanese speciesMeliosma tenuisin a temperate forest. Flowers bloomed in June and were nectariferous and protandrous. Explosive pollen release was triggered by slight tactile stimuli to anther filaments or staminodes in male‐stage flowers.

Because pollen cannot come into contact with the pistils enclosed by staminodes,M. tenuisis functionally protandrous. Artificial pollination treatments revealed thatM. tenuisis allogamous. The dominant flower visitors were nectar‐seeking drones of the bumblebee speciesBombus ardens(Apidae). The drones’ behaviour, pollen attachment on their bodies and fruit set of visit‐restricted flowers suggest that they are the only agent triggering the explosive pollen release mechanism, and are the main pollinator ofM. tenuis.

The finding that bumblebee workers rarely visit these flowers suggests that the explosive pollen release has another function, namely to discourage pollen‐harvesting bumblebee workers.
Impact of bacterial spot outbreaks on the phytosanitary quality of tomato and pepper seeds
Authors: Giovanardi D. , Biondi E. , Ignjatov M. , Jevtić R. , Stefani E.
Published: February 2018

The impact of disease outbreaks on the phytosanitary quality of seeds was investigated for two pathosystems: tomato–Xanthomonas vesicatoria and pepper–Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. This study, which was performed in Italy and Serbia, aimed to evaluate the season‐to‐season transmission of phytopathogenic regulated bacteria associated with phytosanitary risks posed by seeds produced in areas where bacterial infections are possible. For each pathosystem, field plots were experimentally inoculated to simulate an initial infection rate of 1%, 5% and 15%. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated for each field plot, the seeds produced were analysed to determine the contamination level and rate, and the plant‐to‐seed transmission was evaluated by a seedling grow‐out (SGO) assay. To investigate transmission under field conditions, a second‐year experiment was performed, wherein seeds collected from the first year were used to establish new field plots. During the first growing season, AUDPC values were positively correlated with the percentages of initial infection for each pathosystem. Seed contamination levels in pepper ranged from 34 to 100 CFU g−1, and the contamination rate ranged from 1.50% up to 3.17% for X. euvesicatoria, whereas processing and fresh market tomato seeds produced both in Italy and Serbia were not infected by X. vesicatoria. During SGO assays and the second cropping year, no symptoms were observed in either tomato or pepper plants. Therefore, the calculated pepper seed contamination rate for X. euvesicatoria appeared to be less than the threshold necessary to initiate a disease outbreak. Finally, all seeds obtained during the second cropping year were uninfected.
Genetic diversity of farmed and wild populations of the reef‐building coral, Acropora tenuis
Authors: Zayasu Yuna , Satoh Noriyuki , Shinzato Chuya
Published: February 2018

Transplantation of nursery‐farmed corals is a primary management tool for restoration of degraded coral reefs. However, there have been concerns about the potential loss of genetic diversity in nurseries due to asexual propagation methods used to prepare transplants. Two coral nurseries at Maeganeku and Onna, Okinawa Island, Japan, furnish source material for regional restoration activities. Using 13 microsatellite markers, this study compared the genetic diversity of 132 Acropora tenuis colonies from these nurseries with that of 298 wild colonies from 15 sites across the Nansei Islands. Even though no clonal colonies were detected at wild sites, we estimated clonal richness of farmed corals to be 0.523 (Maeganeku) and 0.579 (Onna). Genotypic diversity is high in the nursery populations, 0.894 (Maeganeku) and 0.937 (Onna), but lower than in the natural populations (1.000). However, expected heterozygosity did not differ significantly between locations, including the coral nurseries (one‐way analysis of variance, p > 0.05). Inbreeding coefficients of nursery populations (Onna, −0.019 to Maeganeku, 0.097) fell within the range of estimates from wild populations (Sesoko, −0.058 to Maeda, 0.278). Furthermore, based on Structure analysis, farmed A. tenuis comprises the same genetic population that occupies the surrounding natural area. Thus, given no additional statistically significant increase of clonal colonies within nurseries, using farmed coral assemblages for reef restoration may be preferable to transplanting and damaging wild assemblages. Coral gametes of farmed colonies may also be used to produce coral larvae for transplantation of sexually propagated corals.
Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? A systematic literature review
Authors: Akdeniz M. , Tomova‐Simitchieva T. , Dobos G. , Blume‐Peytavi U. , Kottner J.
Published: February 2018

Background

Associations between daily amounts of drinking water and skin hydration and skin physiology receive increasingly attention in the daily life and in clinical practice. However, there is a lack of evidence of dermatological benefits from drinking increased amounts of water.

Materials and methods

Pubmed and Web of Science were searched without any restrictions of publication dates. References of included papers and related reviews were checked. Eligibility criteria were primary intervention and observational studies investigating the effects of fluid intake on skin properties in English, German, Spanish or Portuguese language, including subjects being healthy and 18+ years.

Results

Searches resulted in 216 records, 23 articles were read in full text, and six were included. The mean age of the samples ranged from 24 to 56 years. Overall the evidence is weak in terms of quantity and methodological quality. Disregarding the methodological limitations a slight increase in stratum corneum and “deep” skin hydration was observed after additional water intake, particularly in individuals with lower prior water consumption. Reductions of clinical signs of dryness and roughness were observed. The extensibility and elasticity of the skin increased slightly. Unclear associations were shown between water intake and transepidermal water loss, sebum content, and skin surface pH.

Conclusions

Additional dietary water intake may increase stratum corneum hydration. The underlying biological mechanism for this possible relationship is unknown. Whether this association also exists in aged subjects is unclear. Research is needed to answer the question whether increased fluid intake decreases signs of dry skin.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*24:391 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Guidicelli G. , Elsermans V. , Top I. , Ralazamahaleo M. , Visentin J.
Published: February 2018

HLA‐A*24:391 differs from HLA‐A*24:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 33.
A transfusion prescription template and other human factor interventions to improve balanced transfusion delivery in major haemorrhage due to trauma
Authors: Swieton J. , Hawes R. , Avery S. , Watson H. , Scott Y. , Lannon M. , Wallis J. P.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study is to improve practice in the management of major haemorrhage, particularly in red cell to plasma transfusion ratios.

Background

A review of the management of major haemorrhage in trauma in Newcastle Hospitals Trust in 2012–2013 showed good mortality outcomes but found that red cell : plasma transfusion ratios could be improved. Human factors techniques transferable from industry and the military were identified, and a package of interventions was implemented, including an intensive multidisciplinary team training programme and a new major haemorrhage prescription template.

Methods/materials

We reviewed the management of all 243 adult trauma patients admitted with major haemorrhage to the Emergency Department in the Newcastle Hospitals Trust in the 4‐year period from April 2012. We analysed clinical details, blood components transfused and patient outcomes and used Trauma Audit and Research Network data to correlate with injury severity and predicted survival.

Results

Mean transfusion ratios of red cells to plasma improved from 1·5 : 1 and 1·6 : 1 in the first 2 years to 1·1 : 1 in the 2 years following implementation of the new measures. There was a statistically significant improvement in the delivery of a balanced transfusion, defined as a red cell : plasma ratio of <1·3 : 1 following the changes.

Conclusion

Simple changes to procedures, specifically implementation of a new major haemorrhage prescription template and multidisciplinary team training, have resulted in marked improvement in the ratio of red cells to plasma transfused to trauma patients with major haemorrhage or requiring emergency blood. The package of changes could be easily replicated in other health‐care settings.
Soluble antigens in plasma allow mismatched transfusion without hemolysis
Authors: Sikora James , Gregory Jason , George Alan , Clayton Simon , Zou Baiming , Robinson Matthew , Mukhtar Faisal , Pelletier Joseph P.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Universal plasma is a scarce resource when a massive transfusion protocol has been initiated. Previous studies have reported success using group A plasma in place of the universal plasma, group AB. It is unclear why there are not more reports of hemolytic reactions occurring from this practice. One possible explanation is the presence of water‐soluble antigens in the patient plasma that bind to, and neutralize, the soluble antibodies present in the transfused plasma.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Expired units of plasma were used to make dilutions that consisted of mixtures of group A and B plasma and saline. Serial dilutions of these samples were performed starting from undiluted up to 1024. The dilutions were titrated using a group B red blood cell preparation. The titrations were read after incubation.

RESULTS

The titers that resulted from the mixed plasma dilutions were significantly lower or showed no agglutination when compared to the group A–specific saline dilutions. The differences between the saline dilutions and mixed group dilutions were significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that secretor status would provide protection from isoantibodies. The dissolved B antigens in the group B plasma absorb and/or bind to the group B isoantibodies in the group A plasma. This mechanism gives a protective effect against hemolytic reactions in massive transfusion situations in the trauma setting when group A plasma is used instead of group AB plasma. This protective effect is revealed with the paucity of intravascular hemolysis observed in these out‐of‐group massive transfusions.