bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How does polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis regulate T‐lymphocyte function?
Authors: Fielding B. A. , Calder P. C. , Irvine N. A. , Miles E. A. , Lillycrop K. A. , von Gerichten J. , Burdge G. C. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractImpaired regulation of immune function characterised by chronic inflammation together with a declining protective immune response is a major challenge to healthy ageing. It is therefore important to understand the mechanisms that regulate immune function and the impact of ageing upon such processes. Appropriate induction and resolution of the immune response require adequate availability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for incorporation into cell membranes. However, humans are unable to synthesise PUFAs de novo and are dependent upon dietary intake for pre‐formed PUFAs or synthesis by the liver from the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n‐6) and alpha‐linolenic acid (aLNA, 18:3n‐3). We have shown that activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells increases PUFA biosynthesis from essential fatty acids via a mechanism that involves altered epigenetic regulation of a key gene in the pathway. Moreover, induction of PUFA synthesis is directly involved in the regulation of lymphocyte activation and proliferation. The aim of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council responsive mode award described in this paper, ‘How does polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis regulate T‐lymphocyte function?’, is to determine how PUFA biosynthesis regulates T‐cell function and the effect of ageing on this process. The project will identify points of regulation in the biosynthetic pathway and how these might influence the capacity for up‐regulation of PUFA synthesis in older individuals. We will use stable isotope tracers of LA and aLNA to determine whether newly synthesised PUFAs are preferential substrates for synthesis of lipid mediators and whether they are involved in formation of membrane microdomains that mediate cell signalling.
Sex differences in the epigenetic regulation of chronic visceral pain following unpredictable early life stress
Authors: Louwies Tijs , Greenwood‐Van Meerveld Beverley 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe previously reported that early life stress (ELS) dysregulated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Epigenetic modifications serve as memories of adverse events that occurred during early life. Therefore, we hypothesized that epigenetic mechanisms alter GR and CRH expression in the CeA and underlie chronic visceral pain after ELS.MethodsNeonatal rats were exposed to unpredictable, predictable ELS, or odor only (no stress control) from postnatal days 8 to 12. In adulthood, visceral sensitivity was assessed or the CeA was isolated for Western blot or ChiP‐qPCR to study histone modifications at the GR and CRH promoters. Female adult rats underwent stereotaxic implantation of indwelling cannulas for microinjections of garcinol (HAT inhibitor) into the CeA. After 7 days of microinjections, visceral sensitivity was assessed or the CeA was isolated for ChIP‐qPCR assays.ResultsUnpredictable ELS increased visceral sensitivity in adult female rats, but not in male counterparts. ELS increased histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) acetylation in the CeA and H3K9 acetylation levels at the GR promoter in the CeA of adult female rats. After unpredictable ELS, H3K9 acetylation was increased and GR binding was decreased at the CRH promoter. Administration of garcinol in the CeA of adult females, that underwent unpredictable ELS, normalized H3K9 acetylation and restored GR binding at the CRH promoter.ConclusionDysregulated histone acetylation and GR binding at the CRH promoter in the CeA are an important mechanism for “memorizing” ELS events mediating visceral pain in adulthood.
Correlation between reflux burden, peristaltic function, and mucosal integrity in GERD patients
Authors: Ribolsi Mentore , Gyawali Chandra Prakash , Savarino Edoardo , Rogers Benjamin , Rengarajan Arvind , Della Coletta Marco , Ghisa Matteo , Cicala Michele 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) augments the diagnostic yield of multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH (MII‐pH) monitoring. While acid exposure time (AET) correlates with MNBI, it remains unclear whether esophageal motility affects MNBI values. The present study was aimed at evaluating the respective roles of esophageal motor function and AET on MNBI.MethodsHigh‐resolution manometry (HRM) studies and ambulatory 24‐hour MII‐pH monitoring tracings were retrospectively analyzed from consecutive endoscopy‐negative GERD patients with typical symptoms responsive to previous acid‐suppressive therapy from three tertiary care centers. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictors of pathologic MNBI values at 3 cm and 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).Key ResultsPatients with pathological AET displayed lower MNBI values at 3 cm and 5 cm (P < .01) compared to patients with non‐pathological AET. Similarly, significantly lower MNBI values were also noted at both sites with type 3 EGJ compared to type 1 EGJ (P ≤ .02 for each comparison), and with absent contractility compared to normal peristalsis (P ≤ .02 for each comparison). On multivariate analysis, the presence of type 2 or 3 EGJ and absent contractility were associated with a significantly higher probability of pathological MNBI values at 3 cm and 5 cm above the LES.Conclusions and InferencesDisruption of the EGJ and absent contractility on HRM are both associated with lower MNBI values. HRM findings complement reflux testing using MII‐pH monitoring.
Towards a plant model for enigmatic U‐to‐C RNA editing: the organelle genomes, transcriptomes, editomes and candidate RNA editing factors in the hornwort Anthoceros agrestis
Authors: Gerke Philipp , Szövényi Péter , Neubauer Anna , Lenz Henning , Gutmann Bernard , McDowell Rose , Small Ian , Schallenberg‐Rüdinger Mareike , Knoop Volker 
Published: October 2019

Summary

Hornworts are crucial to understand the phylogeny of early land plants. The emergence of ‘reverse’ U‐to‐C RNA editing accompanying the widespread C‐to‐U RNA editing in plant chloroplasts and mitochondria may be a molecular synapomorphy of a hornwort–tracheophyte clade. C‐to‐U RNA editing is well understood after identification of many editing factors in models like Arabidopsis thaliana and Physcomitrella patens, but there is no plant model yet to investigate U‐to‐C RNA editing. The hornwort Anthoceros agrestis is now emerging as such a model system.
We report on the assembly and analyses of the A. agrestis chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes, their transcriptomes and editomes, and a large nuclear gene family encoding pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins likely acting as RNA editing factors.
Both organelles in A. agrestis feature high amounts of RNA editing, with altogether > 1100 sites of C‐to‐U and 1300 sites of U‐to‐C editing. The nuclear genome reveals > 1400 genes for PPR proteins with variable carboxyterminal DYW domains.
We observe significant variants of the ‘classic’ DYW domain, in the meantime confirmed as the cytidine deaminase for C‐to‐U editing, and discuss the first attractive candidates for reverse editing factors given their excellent matches to U‐to‐C editing targets according to the PPR‐RNA binding code.
Plant‐mediated effects of elevated CO2 and rice cultivars on soil carbon dynamics in a paddy soil
Authors: Hu Zhengkun , Chen Xiaoyun , Yao Junneng , Zhu Chunwu , Zhu Jianguo , Liu Manqiang 
Published: October 2019

Summary

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration under elevated CO2 concentration (eCO2) is a function of carbon (C) input and C retention. Nitrogen (N) limitation in natural ecosystems can constrain plant responses to eCO2 and their subsequent effects on SOC, but the effect of eCO2 on SOC in N‐enriched agroecosystems with cultivars highly responsive to eCO2 is largely unknown.

We reported results of SOC dynamics from a field free‐air CO2 enrichment experiment with two rice cultivars having distinct photosynthetic capacities under eCO2. A reciprocal incubation experiment was further conducted to disentangle the effect of changes in litter quality and soil microbial community on litter‐derived C dynamics.

eCO2 significantly increased total SOC content, dissolved organic C and particulate organic C under the strongly responsive cultivar, likely due to enhanced organic C inputs originated from CO2 stimulation of shoot and root biomass. Increases in the residue C : N ratio and fungal abundance induced by eCO2 under the strongly responsive cultivar reduced C losses from decomposition, possibly through increasing microbial C use efficiency.

Our findings suggest that applications of high‐yielding cultivars may substantially enhance soil C sequestration in rice paddies under future CO2 scenarios.
Hypothermic and cryogenic preservation of tissue‐engineered human bone
Authors: Tam Edmund , McGrath Madison , Sladkova Martina , AlManaie Athbah , Alostaad Anaam , de Peppo Giuseppe Maria 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTo foster translation and commercialization of tissue‐engineered products, preservation methods that do not significantly compromise tissue properties need to be designed and tested. Robust preservation methods will enable the distribution of tissues to third parties for research or transplantation, as well as banking of off‐the‐shelf products. We recently engineered bone grafts from induced pluripotent stem cells and devised strategies to facilitate a tissue‐engineering approach to segmental bone defect therapy. In this study, we tested the effects of two potential preservation methods on the survival, quality, and function of tissue‐engineered human bone. Engineered bone grafts were cultured for 5 weeks in an osteogenic environment and then stored in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) solution at 4 °C or in Synth‐a‐Freeze™ at −80 °C. After 48 h, samples were warmed up in a water bath at 37 °C, incubated in osteogenic medium, and analyzed 1 and 24 h after revitalization. The results show that while storage in Synth‐a‐Freeze at −80 °C results in cell death and structural alteration of the extracellular matrix, hypothermic storage in PBS does not significantly affect tissue viability and integrity. This study supports the use of short‐term hypothermic storage for preservation and distribution of high‐quality tissue‐engineered bone grafts for research and future clinical applications.
The prevalence of oral high‐risk HPV infection in Indonesian oral squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Purwanto Denni J. , Soedarsono Nurtami , Reuwpassa Jauhari O. , Adisasmita Asri C. , Ramli Muchlis , Djuwita Ratna 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to report the integrated observations of high‐risk HPV‐related oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC) at our national referral center for cancer, the Dharmais National Cancer Hospital (DNCH), Jakarta, from 2003 to 2013.Materials and MethodsSeventy‐eight formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded specimens obtained from OSCC cases were collected from 2003 to 2013 DNCH archives and were included in this high‐risk HPV (HR‐HPV) study. Seventy‐nine DNA samples from the normal oral mucosa of healthy individuals were obtained from the Oral Biology Laboratory DNA archives from 2001 to 2005. Glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase was used as a control to ensure the DNA integrity for the subsequent HPV DNA PCR detection. High‐risk HPV16/18 DNA amplification was conducted by nested PCR using two pairs of primers that were designed specifically to identify the region of gene L1 HPV16 and the HPV16/18 region.Results and ConclusionsA high prevalence of HPV16/18 was detected in OSCC cases (17.9%). HPV18 occurred more often than HPV16 (86%) among OSCC patients who were HPV positive. This result supports high HPV18 prevalence among Indonesian cervical cancer patients studied in 1995 and 2006. The prevalence of high‐risk HPV remains low in the normal Indonesian population (3.8%), but HPV16 is consistently more frequently detected in non‐cancer populations.
Making connections: a fresh analysis of an early neolithic pit and its contents
Authors: Baczkowski Jon 
Published: October 2019

SummaryOutlined here is a new and detailed assessment of two Early Neolithic pits discovered in 1933 by Dr. E.C. Curwen on New Barn Down, Worthing. Newly obtained radiocarbon dates that place the pits between 4000–3800 BC make them amongst the earliest Neolithic features in Sussex and southern England.It is proposed that the pits (collectively known as Pit X) display connections not only to the nearby flint mines, but also to the immediate coastal zone and to wider England. The examination illuminates the practices of an Early Neolithic community, who were not only extracting flint from the nearby mines, but also familiar with new forms of material culture and social customs.
A POWER TO INTRIGUE? EXPLORING THE ‘TIMELESS’ QUALITIES OF THE SO‐CALLED ‘GROTESQUE’ IRON AGE TORC FROM SNETTISHAM, NORFOLK
Authors: Joy Jody 
Published: October 2019

SummarySometimes we come across objects that truly intrigue us. Not necessarily because they are great examples of art, or because they are made of precious materials, but because there is some other quality which captures our attention. One of these can be age. Just as age adds character to people’s faces, the patina of an object or visible signs of damage and use instils an object with a certain ‘charisma’ or ‘aura’. This paper examines in detail the so‐called grotesque torc, a neck‐ring dating to the Iron Age which has been extensively repaired. The repairs are crude and obvious, which gives the object its distinctive appearance. It is argued that these signs of age, inscribed onto the artefact through its life, imbued the torc with a timeless ‘anachronic’ quality: its visible age manifests a certain charisma or aura, helping facilitate a plural relationship with time.
Residents’ use and perceptions of residential care facility gardens: A behaviour mapping and conversation study
Authors: Dahlkvist Eva , Engström Maria , Nilsson Annika 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimTo describe the gardens and their use by individuals living at residential care facilities (RCFs) with high ratings on restorative values.BackgroundBeing outdoors has been described as important to older people's well‐being. Use of outdoor gardens may increase residents’ well‐being through experiences of restorative qualities such as being away and fascination. Thus far, there has been little research on restorative experiences of gardens in the care of older people.DesignA descriptive design using behaviour mapping observations integrated with qualitative field notes and recorded conversations.MethodsA criterion sampling of two gardens (out of a total of 87) was made based on residents’ ratings of restorative values; the two with the highest values were chosen. Eleven residents at the two RCFs took part. Data were collected through behaviour mapping observations, field notes and conversations on five occasions in the respective facilities during residents’ visits to the garden.ResultsThe observations revealed that the main uses of the gardens were to socialise and relax. The conversations also showed that the garden stimulated residents’ senses and evoked memories from the past. These restorative values were interpreted as a sense of being away and fascination. Not having opportunities for outdoor visits was reported to result in disappointment and reduced well‐being.ConclusionsThe findings showed that two basic gardens with different characteristics and views could stimulate residents’ senses and evoke memories from the past; this supports the call for residents to be able to spend time in gardens to promote their well‐being.Implications for practiceFirst‐line managers, nurses and healthcare staff in the care of older people should consider that regular opportunities to spend time outdoors may promote older people's well‐being through feelings of being away and fascination.
Should nitrous oxide ever be used in oncology patients receiving methotrexate therapy?
Authors: Forster Victoria J. , Bell Graham , Halsey Christina 
Published: October 2019

AbstractNitrous oxide (N2O) is frequently used for short anesthesia/analgesia in children undergoing painful or repetitive procedures. Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) require repeated lumbar punctures with direct instillation of intrathecal chemotherapy, usually the anti‐folate agent methotrexate, during their treatment. These procedures are frequently performed under anesthesia. Concerns have been intermittently raised about a drug interaction between methotrexate and N2O that may potentiate the undesirable side effects of methotrexate, including neurotoxicity. However, the clinical evidence consists mainly of isolated case reports leading to a lack of consensus among pediatric anesthetists about the relative risk benefits of using N2O in children with ALL. In this article, we review the biochemical basis and scientific observations that suggest a significant interaction between N2O and methotrexate due to their dual inhibition of the key enzyme methionine synthase. The possible role of this interaction in potentiating neurotoxicity in children with cancer is discussed, and arguments and counterarguments about the clinical significance of this largely theoretical relationship are explored. Following comprehensive review of all the available data, we make the case for the circumstantial evidence being sufficiently compelling to prompt a review of practice by pediatric anesthetists and call for a precautionary approach by avoiding the use of N2O in children receiving concurrent methotrexate.
The dual benefit of a dominant mutation in Arabidopsis IRON DEFICIENCY TOLERANT1 for iron biofortification and heavy metal phytoremediation
Authors: Sharma Reena , Yeh Kuo‐Chen 
Published: October 2019

SummaryOne of the goals of biofortification is to generate iron‐enriched crops to combat growth and developmental defects especially iron (Fe) deficiency anaemia. Fe‐fortification of food is challenging because soluble Fe is unstable and insoluble Fe is nonbioavailable. Genetic engineering is an alternative approach for Fe‐biofortification, but so far strategies to increase Fe content have only encompassed a few genes with limited success. In this study, we demonstrate that the ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutant, iron deficiency tolerant1 (idt1), can accumulate 4–7 times higher amounts of Fe than the wild type in roots, shoots and seeds, and exhibits the metal tolerance and iron accumulation (Metina) phenotype in Arabidopsis. Fe‐regulated protein stability and nuclear localisation of the upstream transcriptional regulator bHLH34 were uncovered. The C to T transition mutation resulting in substitution of alanine to valine at amino acid position 320 of bHLH34 (designated as IDT1A320V) in a conserved motif among mono‐ and dicots was found to be responsible for a dominant phenotype that possesses constitutive activation of the Fe regulatory pathway. Overexpression of IDT1A320V in Arabidopsis and tobacco led to the Metina phenotype; a phenotype that has escalated specificity towards optimising Fe homeostasis and may be useful in Fe‐biofortification. Knowledge of the high tolerance and accumulation of heavy metals of this mutant can aid the development of tools for phytoremediation of contaminants.
Pilot study of a customized nanotextile wet garment treatment on moderate and severe atopic dermatitis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: He Huiling , Koh Mark Jean‐Aan , Lee Haur Yueh , Ang Seng Bin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common dermatosis. The cornerstone of eczema management is to repair and maintain skin barrier and hydration, as well as to reduce inflammation. Wet wrap therapy (WWT) is a widely used adjunct to achieve this. The conventional material used for WWT is viscose, which presents drawbacks including discomfort, high cost, and poor durability. Here, we explore the possibility of using customized nanotextile (nanopolyester) for WWT, hoping to prove that this material is non‐inferior to viscose in clinical effectiveness and patient acceptance.MethodsPatients aged 0‐18 years with moderate to severe eczema were randomized to receive either viscose (Tubifast™) or nanotextile for WWT. Patients were instructed to apply WWT daily overnight for 2 weeks. Patients' disease severity score (IGA, SCORAD) and quality of life (QoL) score (IDQOL/CDLQI) were measured on day 0, 7, and 14 of treatment. Patient survey was conducted to collect patients' feedback about garment use.ResultsFifty‐three children aged 7 months to 17 years were recruited (27 in Tubifast™ and 26 in nanotextile group). Patients in both groups showed significant improvement in disease severity and QoL from baseline (P < .001), and such improvement was similar in both groups. However, nanotextile garment was significantly more comfortable (2.73/10 vs 5.12/10, P = .001), easier to wear (2.78/10 vs 5.24/10, P = .003), and cooler (2.43/10 vs 3.96/10, P = .033) from patients' feedback.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that nanomaterial is as effective as conventional viscose in WWT, while superior in patient acceptability. Nanotextile for WWT has good potential in eczema management, especially in patients with suboptimal response to topicals alone.
Clipping defoliation and nitrogen addition shift competition between a C3 grass (Leymus chinensis) and a C4 grass (Hemarthria altissima)
Authors: Wang K. , Zhong S. , Sun W. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Human‐induced disturbances, including grazing and clipping, that cause defoliation are common in natural grasslands. Plant functional type differences in the ability to compensate for this tissue loss may influence interspecific competition.

To explore the effects of different intensities of clipping and nitrogen (N) addition on compensatory growth and interspecific competition, we measured accumulated aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), tiller number, non‐structural carbohydrates concentrations and leaf gas exchange parameters in two locally co‐occurring species (the C3 grass Leymus chinensis and the C4 grass Hemarthria altissima) growing in monoculture and in mixture.

For both grasses, the clipping treatment had significant impacts on the accumulated AGB, and the 40% clipping treatment had the largest effect. BGB gradually decreased with increasing defoliation intensity. Severe defoliation caused a significant increase in tiller number. Stored carbohydrates in the belowground biomass were mobilised and transported aboveground for the growth of new leaves to compensate for clipping‐induced injury. The net CO2 assimilation rate (A) of the remaining leaves increased with clipping intensity and peaked under clipping intensities of 20% or 40%. Nitrogen addition, at a rate of 10 g·N·m−2·year−1, enhanced A of the remaining leaves and non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations, which benefited plant compensatory growth, especially for the C3 grass. Under the mixed planting conditions, the clipping and N addition treatments lowered the competitive advantage of the C4 grass.

The results suggest that a combination of defoliation and N deposition have the potential to benefit the coexistence of C3 and C4 grasses.