bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro exposure to metformin activates human spermatozoa at therapeutically relevant concentrations
Authors: Yang Yuan , Chen Houyang , Weng Shiqi , Pan Tingting , Chen Wenqiong , Wang Fang , Luo Tao , Tang Yuxin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundMetformin, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, has gained attention for its multiple therapeutic applications. However, little is known about its effects on human sperm function at therapeutically relevant concentration.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to elucidate the in vitro actions of metformin on human sperm function and explore the underlying mechanism of any effects.Materials and methodsHuman ejaculated spermatozoa were treated with therapeutically relevant concentrations (0.25, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 µM) of metformin in vitro. Fertilization‐essential functions of spermatozoa were examined, including viability, motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction, hyperactivation, and penetration ability. The signaling pathways mediated by 5′‐AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and tyrosine phosphorylation of spermatozoa were also measured.ResultsAlthough metformin did not affect sperm viability, motility, and [Ca2+]i, it significantly increased the percentages of capacitated spermatozoa, acrosomal‐reacted spermatozoa, and hyperactivated spermatozoa as well as penetration ability of human spermatozoa at the concentrations of 40 and 80 µM (P < .05). These concentrations of metformin also elevated the levels of phosphorylated AMPK and tyrosine phosphorylation in human spermatozoa. In addition, activation of AMPK by A769662 (an AMPK activator) had similar effects to metformin on human spermatozoa, while inhibition of AMPK by Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) suppressed the enhancement of metformin on human spermatozoa.ConclusionOur findings indicate that metformin activates human sperm function through an AMPK‐related mechanism which increases tyrosine phosphorylation at therapeutically relevant concentrations, thereby suggesting its improvement on human sperm function when treating subfertile males of type 2 diabetes.
Editorial: inaccuracies in attribution of symptoms due to gluten—not just in those with self‐reported noncoeliac gluten sensitivity
Authors: Gibson Peter R. 
Published: January 2020

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Daveson et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15551 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15629.
Editorial: histologic normalisation in ulcerative colitis. Authors' reply
Authors: Cushing Kelly C. , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N. 
Published: January 2020

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Cushing et al and Pai et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15568 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15617.
Editorial: interventions in infantile colic – can efficacy be attributed to treatment or to time? Authors' reply
Authors: Nocerino Rita , De Filippis Francesca , Cecere Gaetano , Marino Antonio , Micillo Maria , Di Scala Carmen , de Caro Carmen , Calignano Antonio , Bruno Cristina , Paparo Lorella , Iannicelli Anna Maria , Cosenza Linda , Maddalena Ylenia , della Gatta Giusy , Coppola Serena , Carucci Laura , Ercolini Danilo , Berni Canani Roberto 
Published: January 2020

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Nocerino et al and Iacovou papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15561 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15599.
Estimation of genetic parameters of defective appearances in Japanese Black heifer calves in Kagoshima
Authors: Oyama Hidemi , Imamura Kiyoto , Sakamoto Shinichi , Nishi Kazutaka , Kawabe Kotaro , Okamoto Shin , Honda Takeshi , Oyama Kenji , Shimogiri Takeshi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDefective appearances, including white spotting (WS), tongue defect (TD), and nipple defect (ND), in Japanese Black cattle potentially lead to economic losses to farmers in Japan. We estimated genetic parameters of defective appearances using 553,433 records of Japanese Black heifer calves housed in the Kagoshima Prefecture. Variance and covariance were estimated using the Gibbs sampling algorithm. The estimated heritability ranged from 0.29 for TD to 0.76 for WS. Percent breeding value (%BV) estimates indicated high variation in WS and ND among sires, reflecting higher heritability. Furthermore, there was a positive linear relationship between the %BV estimate of a sire and the mean incidence rate of each defect in his female offsprings. TD was positively associated with other defects. Therefore, genetic factors strongly affect the incidence of defective appearances in Japanese Black cattle.
Masticatory performance and oral health‐related quality of life in edentulous maxillectomy patients: A cross‐sectional study to compare implant‐supported obturators and conventional obturators
Authors: Buurman Doke J. M. , Speksnijder Caroline M. , Engelen Britt H. B. T. , Kessler Peter 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this cross‐sectional study was to compare the masticatory performance and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of edentulous maxillectomy patients with and without implant‐supported obturator prostheses.Material and methodsNineteen edentulous maxillectomy patients with completed prosthetic obturator treatment in the upper jaw participated in this study. In nine patients, the obturator prosthesis was supported by implants in the remaining bone of the midface and/or skull base to improve retention. Masticatory performance was measured objectively by the mixing ability test (MAT) and subjectively by three OHRQoL questionnaires: (a) the Oral Health Impact Profile for EDENTulous people (OHIP‐EDENT), (b) the Obturator Function Scale (OFS), and (c) the Dutch Liverpool Oral Rehabilitation Questionnaire version 3 (LORQv3‐NL). The independent t test and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to test for differences in outcomes of patients with and without implant‐retention of their obturator prostheses.ResultsPatients with implant‐supported obturator prostheses had significantly better masticatory and oral function, reported fewer chewing difficulties, and had less discomfort during food intake than did patients with a conventional obturator.ConclusionSupporting prosthetic obturators after maxillectomy with implants improve oral functioning, chewing, and eating comfort. This treatment modality is a viable technique to improve the functionality of prosthetic rehabilitation in patients who have undergone maxillectomy.
Divergent neuronal activity patterns in the avian hippocampus and nidopallium
Authors: van der Meij Jacqueline , Rattenborg Niels C. , Beckers Gabriël J. L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSleep‐related brain activity occurring during non‐rapid eye‐movement (NREM) sleep is proposed to play a role in processing information acquired during wakefulness. During mammalian NREM sleep, the transfer of information from the hippocampus to the neocortex is thought to be mediated by neocortical slow‐waves and their interaction with thalamocortical spindles and hippocampal sharp‐wave ripples (SWRs). In birds, brain regions composed of pallial neurons homologous to neocortical (pallial) neurons also generate slow‐waves during NREM sleep, but little is known about sleep‐related activity in the hippocampus and its possible relationship to activity in other pallial regions. We recorded local field potentials (LFP) and analogue multiunit activity (AMUA) using a 64‐channel silicon multi‐electrode probe simultaneously inserted into the hippocampus and medial part of the nidopallium (i.e., caudal medial nidopallium; NCM) or separately into the caudolateral nidopallium (NCL) of adult female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) anesthetized with isoflurane, an anesthetic known to induce NREM sleep‐like slow‐waves. We show that slow‐waves in NCM and NCL propagate as waves of neuronal activity. In contrast, the hippocampus does not show slow‐waves, nor sharp‐wave ripples, but instead displays localized gamma activity. In conclusion, neuronal activity in the avian hippocampus differs from that described in mammals during NREM sleep, suggesting that hippocampal memories are processed differently during sleep in birds and mammals.
Seizures induce obstructive apnea in DBA/2J audiogenic seizure‐prone mice: Lifesaving impact of tracheal implants
Authors: Irizarry Rachel , Sukato Daniel , Kollmar Richard , Schild Samuel , Silverman Joshua , Sundaram Krishnamurthi , Stephenson Stacy , Stewart Mark 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe mechanism(s) for sudden death in epilepsy (SUDEP) remain(s) unknown, but seizure spread to brainstem areas serving autonomic and respiratory function is critical. In a rat model, we established a mechanism for SUDEP that involves seizure‐induced laryngospasm and obstructive apnea lasting until respiratory arrest. We hypothesized that DBA/2J mice, which display lethal audiogenic seizures, would be protected from death by implanting a tracheal T‐tube as a surrogate airway. In a 2 × 2 design, mice were implanted with either open or closed tracheal T‐tubes and treated with either low‐dose ketamine/xylazine to moderate thoracic spasm during the tonic seizure phase or no drug. Animals receiving both treatments had the highest survival rate, followed by animals receiving the open tube without ketamine/xylazine. The odds ratio for survival was >20 higher with an open T‐tube (odds ratio = 24.14). The impact of open tracheal tubes indicates that the mechanism of death in DBA/2J mice involves seizure‐induced upper airway obstruction until respiratory arrest. These results, our rat work, and our demonstration of inspiratory effort‐based electromyographic signals and electrocardiographic abnormalities in rats and humans suggest that seizure‐induced laryngospasm and obstructive apnea directly link seizure activity to respiratory arrest in these sudden death examples.
Building trust in public sector networks: The role of rhetoric and persuasion
Authors: Dudau Adina Iulia , Favotto Alvise , Kominis Georgios , Sicilia Mariafrancesca 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study investigates how rhetoric is used to generate trust in public sector inter‐organisational networks. Drawing on evidence from a Local Safeguarding Children Board in England, where formal control systems were recognised to be insufficient to deal with the uncertainty inherent in the particular policy area, we explore how trustworthiness is negotiated amongst network partners through network leaders’ use of persuasive rhetoric. The main contribution that we bring to the existing literature is providing a description of the processes through which trust is generated in a public sector multi‐partner setting. Our findings suggest that these are established within a feedforward control framework within the given network setting.
Trends in severe opioid‐related poisonings and fatalities reported to the Paris poison control center – a 10‐year retrospective observational study
Authors: Caré Weniko , Langrand Jérôme , Vodovar Dominique , Deveaux Marc , Alvarez Jean‐Claude , Mégarbane Bruno , Dorandeu Frédéric 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFrance is experiencing an increase in the number of opioid prescriptions and related fatalities. We carried out a retrospective observational study using data from the Paris PCC over a 10‐year period. The main objective was to obtain an epidemiological description of the severe reported cases. The secondary objectives were to assess the evolution of the number of these cases and their severity defined by the use of fentanyl and its derivatives, the use of the opioid‐poisoning treatment naloxone, and the number of fatalities. During 2008–2017, 268 511 cases were recorded, including 1 122 cases of opioid‐related poisoning that required medical management. These poisonings involved tramadol (43%), codeine (25%), dextropropoxyphene (13%), and morphine (8%); most resulted from self‐exposure (60%). During the 10‐year study period, 130 opioid‐related fatalities were recorded in the Paris area, mainly resulting from suicides (39%) in men and were attributed to morphine (27%), tramadol (24%), and methadone (21%). We did not identify an increase in the number of severe opioid‐related poisonings or fatalities or in the use of fentanyl or its derivatives. Conversely, we observed an increase in the use of naloxone, suggesting an increase in the severity of opioid poisonings. Our findings show that, until 2017, the opioid overdose epidemiology in the Paris area is different to that in the USA. The systematic analysis of data from the PCCs could be a good tool for health monitoring. To assess trends in France, a national study over a longer period would also be useful.
Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species‐mediated cytotoxicity of intracellularly accumulated dihydrosphingosine in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Arita Nobuaki , Sakamoto Risa , Tani Motohiro 
Published: January 2020

In eukaryotic cells, the content of sphingoid long‐chain bases (LCBs) is generally much lower than that of complex sphingolipids and ceramides, and the quantitative balance of these metabolites in cells is tightly regulated. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it has been demonstrated that exogenously added phytosphingosine (PHS) causes a strong growth defect in tryptophan auxotrophic cells, due to delayed uptake of tryptophan from the culture medium; however, the growth inhibitory effect of dihydrosphingosine (DHS) is less than that of PHS in tryptophan auxotrophic cells. Here, we found that, in tryptophan‐prototrophic yeast cells, exogenously added DHS is much more toxic than PHS. Exogenously added DHS is converted to PHS, Cers, or LCB 1‐phosphates through the action of sphingolipid C4‐hydroxylase, Cer synthases, or LCB kinases, respectively; however, suppression of further metabolism of DHS in cells resulted in an increase in the growth inhibitory activity of exogenously added DHS, indicating that DHS itself is causative of the cytotoxicity. The cytotoxicity of DHS was not mediated by Pkh1/2, Sch9, and Ypk1/2 kinases, intracellular targets of LCBs. DHS treatment caused an increase in mitochondria‐derived reactive oxygen species, and the cytotoxic effect of DHS was suppressed by depletion of mitochondrial DNA or antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine, but enhanced by deletion of SOD1 and SOD2 encoding superoxide dismutases. Thus, collectively, these results indicated that intracellularly accumulated DHS has mitochondrial reactive oxygen species‐mediated cytotoxic activity, which is much more potent than that of PHS.
Caenorhabditis elegans phosphatase complexes in UniProtKB and Complex Portal
Authors: Bye‐A‐Jee Hema , Zaru Rossana , Magrane Michele , Orchard Sandra ,   the UniProt Consortium
Published: January 2020

Phosphatases play an essential role in the regulation of protein phosphorylation. Less abundant than kinases, many phosphatases are components of one or more macromolecular complexes with different substrate specificities and specific functionalities. The expert scientific curation of phosphatase complexes for the UniProt and Complex Portal databases supports the whole scientific community by collating and organising small‐ and large‐scale experimental data from the scientific literature into context‐specific central resources, where the data can be freely accessed and used to further academic and translational research. In this review, we discuss how the diverse biological functions of phosphatase complexes are presented in UniProt and the Complex Portal, and how understanding the biological significance of phosphatase complexes in Caenorhabditis elegans offers insight into the mechanisms of substrate diversity in a variety of cellular and molecular processes.
ICD implantation for secondary prevention in patients with ventricular arrhythmia in the setting of acute cardiac ischemia and a history of myocardial infarction
Authors: van Dijk Vincent F. , Quast Anne‐Floor B. E. , Schaap Jeroen , Balt Jippe C. , Kelder J. C. , Wijffels Maurits C. E. F. , de Groot Joris R. , Boersma Lucas V. A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionIn patients with a prior myocardial infarction (MI) but preserved left ventricular (LV) function, sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) may arise in the setting of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It is unknown whether an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) is mandatory in these patients as VA might be triggered by a reversible cause. The purpose of this study is to analyze the benefit of ICD therapy in this patient population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study in ICD recipients implanted from 2008 to 2011. The study group consisted of patients with sustained VA in the setting of an ACS, with a history of MI, but with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) greater than 35 (group A). The two control groups consisted of patients admitted with VA with a history of MI, but without ACS at presentation, either with LVEF greater than 35% (group B) or ≤35% (group C). The primary endpoint was the number of patients with appropriate ICD therapy (antitachycardia pacing or shock).ResultsA total of 291 patients were included with a mean follow‐up of 5.3 years. Appropriate ICD therapy occurred in 45.6% of the patients in group A vs 51.6% and 60.4% in groups B and C (P = .11). In group A, 31.1% received an appropriate ICD shock vs 34.7% and 44.3% in control groups B and C (P = .12).ConclusionOn the basis of these data, ICD implantation seems warranted in patients with history of MI presenting with VA in the setting of an ACS, despite preserved LV function and adequate revascularization. Further trials, preferably randomizes, should be performed to address these findings.
The two‐dimensional size of peri‐implant soft tissue in the anterior maxilla and some relevance: A 1‐ to 7‐year cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Dandan , Jin Jiali , Qi Wenting , Lin Guofen , Sun Ping , He Fuming 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThis study measured the two‐dimensional size of soft and hard tissues and analysed some relevance between them.Material and methodsNinety‐six maxillary anterior implants with a follow‐up time 1–7 years postoperatively were evaluated. We superimposed the CBCT data of 72 patients with the optical scan data, followed by the measurements of the thickness and the height of soft and bone tissues. The shoulder of the implant was the reference point for all vertical measurements.ResultsAt the level of implant shoulder, the mid‐buccal mean thickness of soft tissue was 1.83 ± 0.76 mm, and on the palatal side, it was 4.00 ± 1.22 mm. The mean height of mid‐buccal and mid‐palatal gingiva was 4.16 ± 1.07 mm and 4.27 ± 1.07 mm. The buccal and palatal vertical bone wall peak was 0.41 ± 0.73 mm and 0.22 ± 0.57 mm coronal to the implant shoulder, and the marginal bone loss was −0.28 ± 0.76 mm and −0.84 ± 1.41 mm. Correlation analysis showed that the soft tissue thickness was negatively correlated with the bone thickness at 0 mm on the buccal side and at 0/2/4 mm on the palatal side apical towards from implant shoulder. The gingival height was significantly positively correlated with bone peak height and marginal bone height.ConclusionSoft and hard tissues were basically negatively correlated in the horizontal direction. Sites with little marginal bone loss or high bone peak positively correlated with higher soft tissue levels.
Contribution of a parasitoid species to multiplication and transmission of a multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus in caterpillars
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jiang Jie‐Xian , Chen Yi‐Juan , Wang Jin‐Yan , Ji Xiang‐Yun , Wan Nian‐Feng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSpodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) and Microplitis pallidipes are both used as biocontrol agents of the beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua). However, it has not been determined how beet armyworms respond when these agents interact. Here, we studied the effects of M. pallidipes on virus multiplication and transmission using quantitative detection of SeMNPV. Our results indicated that parasitoids promoted virus multiplication in caterpillars (105 copies per caterpillar) and that it was more advantageous when the M. pallidipes oviposited one day prior to infection with NPV. Interestingly, SeMNPV was transmitted by M. pallidipes in four ways. Transmission efficiency was higher for parasitoids whose body surfaces were contaminated with NPV, and for parasitoids ovipositing on NPV‐infected caterpillars, than for those emerging from NPV‐infected caterpillars, or feeding on mixtures of honey, water and NPV. Our study reveals that parasitoids do affect the proliferation and transmission of NPV in caterpillars and suggests that M. pallidipes could be used to strengthen the effectiveness of SeMNPV as a biocontrol agent.
The endoplasmic reticulum acetyltransferases ATase1/NAT8B and ATase2/NAT8 are differentially regulated to adjust engagement of the secretory pathway
Authors: Rigby Michael J. , Ding Yun , Farrugia Mark A. , Feig Michael , Cortese Giuseppe P. , Mitchell Heather , Burger Corinna , Puglielli Luigi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNε‐lysine acetylation of nascent glycoproteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen regulates the efficiency of the secretory pathway. The ER acetylation machinery consists of the membrane transporter, acetyl‐CoA transporter 1 (AT‐1/SLC33A1), and two acetyltransferases, ATase1/NAT8B and ATase2/NAT8. Dysfunctional ER acetylation is associated with severe neurological diseases with duplication of AT‐1/SLC33A1 being associated with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and dysmorphism. Neuron‐specific AT‐1 over‐expression in the mouse alters neuron morphology and function, causing an autism‐like phenotype, indicating that ER acetylation plays a key role in neurophysiology. As such, characterizing the molecular mechanisms that regulate the acetylation machinery could reveal critical information about its biology. By using structure‐biochemistry approaches, we discovered that ATase1 and ATase2 share enzymatic properties but differ in that ATase1 is post‐translationally regulated via acetylation. Furthermore, gene expression studies revealed that the promoters of AT‐1, ATase1, and ATase2 contain functional binding sites for the neuron‐related transcription factors cAMP response element‐binding protein and the immediate‐early genes c‐FOS and c‐JUN, and that ATase1 and ATase2 exhibit additional modes of transcriptional regulation relevant to aging and Alzheimer's disease. In vivo rodent gene expression experiments revealed that Atase2 is specifically induced following activity‐dependent events. Finally, over‐expression of either ATase1 or ATase2 was sufficient to increase the engagement of the secretory pathway in PC12 cells. Our results indicate important regulatory roles for ATase1 and ATase2 in neuron function with induction of ATase2 expression potentially serving as a critical event that adjusts the efficiency of the secretory pathway for activity‐dependent neuronal functions.
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