bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A prospective, randomized, within‐subject study of ALA‐PDT for actinic keratoses using different irradiation regimes
Authors: Zaar Oscar , Sjöholm Hylén Alexandra , Gillstedt Martin , Paoli John 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) can be used to treat large fields of actinic keratoses (AKs) with high clearance rates. A notable downside is the amount of pain that accompany the treatment. This study aimed to optimize the illumination protocol during conventional PDT in order to reduce pain without compromising treatment effectiveness.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized study with a split‐face design, patients with, symmetrically distributed AKs were included. All patients were treated using a ALA 78 mg/g gel. One side was illuminated with the Aktilite®CL‐128 lamp and the other side with the RhodoLED®lamp in which the light intensity gradually increased to a maximum of 60%. Both sides received a total light dose of 37 J/cm2. Pain during the treatment was measured using a visual analogue scale. The clinical effectiveness of the 2 treated sides was assessed after 12 weeks.ResultsTwenty‐nine patients with 399 AKs were included. Illumination with the gradually increasing light intensity resulted in a decrease in the median visual analogue scale score by 1.1 points. Clearance rates were similar between the 2 lamps.ConclusionMinimizing the light intensity during the illumination phase of PDT reduces pain, while still preserving a high clearance rate of AKs.
Comparative expression profile of microRNAs and piRNAs in three ruminant species testes using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Wang H , Zhong J , Chai Z , Zhu J , Xin J 
Published: May 2018

ContentsmicroRNA (miRNA) and piwi‐interacting RNA (piRNA) are two classes small non‐coding regulatory RNAs that play crucial roles in multiple biological processes such as spermatogenesis. However, there are no published studies on conjoint analysis of miRNA and piRNA profiles among cattle, yak and their interspecies (the dzo) using sequencing technology. Next‐generation sequencing technology was used to profile miRNAs and piRNAs among those three ruminants to elucidate their functions. A total of 119, 14 and six differentially expressed miRNAs were obtained in cattle vs. dzo, cattle vs. yak and yak vs. dzo comparison groups, while there were 873, 1,065 and 1,158 differentially expressed piRNAs in those three comparison groups. The expression of three miRNAs was validated in the three ruminants, and the results suggested that the miRNA expression profiles data could represent actual miRNA expression levels. Moreover, the putative targets of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by their own genome, it is worth to note that both the cattle and yak genome were used for dzo, then the targets were subjected to GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis, revealing the likely roles for these differentially expressed miRNAs in spermatogenesis. In conclusion, this study provided a useful resource for further elucidation of the miRNAs and piRNAs regulatory roles in spermatogenesis. It may also facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for dzo reproduction research.
The role of Th1/Th2 cytokines played in regulation of specific CD4 + Th1 cell conversion and activation during inflammatory reaction of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Sun J. , Liu T. , Yan Y. , Huo K. , Zhang W. , Liu H. , Shi Z. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCD4 + Th1‐CXCR3 signalling pathway may play a key role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to explore Th1/Th2 cytokines ratio differences in patients in different stages of COPD and to confirm the hypothesis that elastin exposure might serve as an antigen to initiate the stimulation of CD4 + Th1‐CXCR3 immune inflammation pathway. Patients of COPD in different stages and normal individuals were enrolled. Ten millilitres of peripheral blood was drawn from patients. The concentration of CXCR3, IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐4 and IL‐13 in plasma was detected by ELISA. The Naïve CD4+T cells were isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which were stimulated by elastin and collagen before determining the level of IFN‐γ secretion by ELISPOT. Compared with control group, the concentration of CXCR3 in the acute exacerbation COPD (AECOPD) group was higher (P < .05). The concentration of IFN‐γ and IL‐2 in AECOPD group was lower than that in remission (P < .05). The concentration of IFN‐γ in the AECOPD and remission was higher than that in controls (P < .05), while IL‐2 was opposite (P < .01). The concentration of IL‐4 and IL‐13 in AECOPD group was higher than that in the controls (P < .05). The CD4+Th1 cells stimulated by the elastin as antigen secreted more IFN‐γ than that by collagen (P < .01). CXCR3 was highly expressed in patients with COPD. There were different Th1/Th2 cytokines in different stages of COPD. The CD4+Th1‐specific conversion and activation may be an initiator of COPD immune inflammatory response.
3D skin surface reconstruction from a single image by merging global curvature and local texture using the guided filtering for 3D haptic palpation
Authors: Lee K. , Kim M. , Kim K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundSkin surface evaluation has been studied using various imaging techniques. However, all these studies had limited impact because they were performed using visual exam only. To improve on this scenario with haptic feedback, we propose 3D reconstruction of the skin surface using a single image. Unlike extant 3D skin surface reconstruction algorithms, we utilize the local texture and global curvature regions, combining the results for reconstruction.Materials and MethodsThe first entails the reconstruction of global curvature, achieved by bilateral filtering that removes noise on the surface while maintaining the edge (ie, furrow) to obtain the overall curvature. The second entails the reconstruction of local texture, representing the fine wrinkles of the skin, using an advanced form of bilateral filtering. The final image is then composed by merging the two reconstructed images.ResultsWe tested the curvature reconstruction part by comparing the resulting curvatures with measured values from real phantom objects while local texture reconstruction was verified by measuring skin surface roughness. Then, we showed the reconstructed result of our proposed algorithm via the reconstruction of various real skin surfaces. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach is a promising technology to reconstruct an accurate skin surface with a single skin image.ConclusionWe proposed 3D skin surface reconstruction using only a single camera. We highlighted the utility of global curvature, which has not been considered important in the past. Thus, we proposed a new method for 3D reconstruction that can be used for 3D haptic palpation, dividing the concepts of local and global regions.
Effect of a ‘diagonal’ intervention on uptake of HIV and reproductive health services by female sex workers in three sub‐Saharan African cities
Authors: Lafort Yves , Greener Letitia , Lessitala Faustino , Chabeda Sophie , Greener Ross , Beksinska Mags , Gichangi Peter , Griffin Sally , Smit Jenni A. , Chersich Matthew , Delva Wim 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo enhance uptake of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services by female sex workers (FSWs), we conducted an implementation study in which we piloted and tested context‐specific ‘diagonal’ interventions, combining vertical, targeted interventions with horizontally improved access to the general health services, in three cities in sub‐Saharan Africa.MethodsWe collected indicators of SRH service uptake through face‐to‐face interviews with approximately 400 FSWs, pre‐ and post‐intervention, in Durban, South Africa; Tete, Mozambique; and Mombasa, Kenya, recruited by respondent‐driven sampling. Changes in uptake were tested for their statistical significance using multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsIn all cities, overall uptake of services increased. Having used all services for contraception, STI care, HIV testing, HIV care, cervical cancer screening and sexual violence, if needed, increased from 12.5% to 41.5% in Durban, 25.0% to 40.1% in Tete and 44.9% to 69.1% in Mombasa. Across cities, the effect was greatest in having been tested for HIV in the past six months which increased from 40.9% to 83.2% in Durban, 56.0% to 76.6% in Tete and 70.9% to 87.6% in Mombasa. In Tete and Mombasa, rise in SRH service use was almost entirely due to a greater uptake of targeted services. Only in Durban was there additionally an increase in the utilisation of general health services.ConclusionSRH service utilisation improved in the short‐term in three different sub‐Saharan African contexts, primarily through vertical, targeted components. The long‐term effectiveness of diagonal approaches, in particular on the use of general, horizontal health services, needs further investigation.
Prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in HIV‐infected adults at three urban clinics in a post‐conflict setting, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Katoto Patrick D. M. C. , Thienemann Friedrich , Bulabula André N. H. , Esterhuizen Tonya M. , Murhula Aimé B. , Lunjwire Pierre P. M. , Bihehe Dieudonné M. , Nachega Jean B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of and risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MS) in HIV‐infected adults at three urban clinics in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsFrom July to September 2016, baseline socio‐demographics, risk factors and clinical characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire or extracted from medical records. Fasting blood sugar and lipids were measured. MS was defined per the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) was generated through multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsOf 495 participants, 356 (72%) were women and 474 (95.8%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The median age (years) [interquartile range (IQR)] was 43 [36–51]. The overall prevalence of MS per NECP/ATP III and IDF criteria was 27% [95% CI: 20–35%] or 30% [95% CI: 23–38%], respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression, low physical activity (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.40–4.36); daily exposure to biomass fuel smoke (BMF) for more than 2 h (OR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.01–4.68); protease inhibitor containing ART (OR: 2.96, 95% CI: 1.07–8.18); and stavudine‐containing ART regimen (OR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.11–5.93) were independently associated with MS.ConclusionsMS was highly prevalent in this hospital‐based study population. Beside known traditional risk factors and contribution of specific ART regimens to MS, daily exposure to BMF is new and of specific concern, necessitating targeted urgent prevention and management interventions.
Can community health workers identify omphalitis? A validation study from Southern Province, Zambia
Authors: Herlihy Julie M. , Gille Sara , Grogan Caroline , Bobay Lauren , Simpamba Kelvin , Akonkwa Bashagaluke , Chisenga Tina , Hamer Davidson H. , Semrau Katherine 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveOmphalitis, or umbilical cord infection, is an important cause of newborn morbidity and mortality in low‐resource settings. We tested an algorithm that task‐shifts omphalitis diagnosis to community‐level workers in sub‐Saharan Africa.MethodsCommunity‐based field monitors and Zambian paediatricians independently evaluated newborns presenting to health facilities in Southern Zambia using a signs and symptoms checklist. Responses were compared against the paediatrician's gold standard clinical diagnosis.ResultsOf 1009 newborns enrolled, 6.2% presented with omphalitis per the gold standard clinical diagnosis. Paediatricians' signs and symptoms with the highest sensitivity were presence of pus (79.4%), redness at the base (50.8%) and newborn flinching when cord was palpated (33.3%). The field monitor's signs and symptoms answers had low correlation with paediatrician's answers; all signs and symptoms assessed had sensitivity <16%.ConclusionDespite extensive training, field monitors could not consistently identify signs and symptoms associated with omphalitis in the sub‐Saharan African setting.
Intact Arabidopsis RPB1 functions in stem cell niches maintenance and cell cycling control
Authors: Zhang Qian‐Qian , Li Ying , Fu Zhao‐Ying , liu Xun‐Biao , Yuan Kai , Fang Ying , Liu Yan , Li Gang , Zhang Xian‐Sheng , Chong Kang , Ge Lei 
Published: May 2018

SummaryPlant meristem activity depends on accurate execution of transcriptional networks required for establishing optimum functioning of stem cell niches. An Arabidopsis mutant card1‐1 (constitutive auxin response with DR5:GFP) that encodes a truncated RPB1 (RNA Polymerase II's largest subunit) with shortened C‐terminal domain (CTD) was identified. Phosphorylation of the CTD repeats of RPB1 is coupled to transcription in eukaryotes. Here we uncover that the truncated CTD of RPB1 disturbed cell cycling and enlarged the size of shoot and root meristem. The defects in patterning of root stem cell niche in card1‐1 indicates that intact CTD of RPB1 is necessary for fine‐tuning the specific expression of genes responsible for cell‐fate determination. The gene‐edited plants with different CTD length of RPB1, created by CRISPR‐CAS9 technology, confirmed that both the full length and the DK‐rich tail of RPB1's CTD play roles in the accurate transcription of CYCB1;1 encoding a cell‐cycle marker protein in root meristem and hence participate in maintaining root meristem size. Our experiment proves that the intact RPB1 CTD is necessary for stem cell niche maintenance, which is mediated by transcriptional regulation of cell cycling genes.
Analysis of the Gli‐D2 locus identifies a genetic target for simultaneously improving the breadmaking and health‐related traits of common wheat
Authors: Li Da , Jin Huaibing , Zhang Kunpu , Wang Zhaojun , Wang Faming , Zhao Yue , Huo Naxin , Liu Xin , Gu Yong Q. , Wang Daowen , Dong Lingli 
Published: May 2018

SummaryGliadins are a major component of wheat seed proteins. However, the complex homoeologous Gli‐2 loci (Gli‐A2, ‐B2 and ‐D2) that encode the α‐gliadins in commercial wheat are still poorly understood. Here we analyzed the Gli‐D2 locus of Xiaoyan 81 (Xy81), a winter wheat cultivar. A total of 421.091 kb of the Gli‐D2 sequence was assembled from sequencing multiple bacterial artificial clones, and 10 α‐gliadin genes were annotated. Comparative genomic analysis showed that Xy81 carried only eight of the α‐gliadin genes of the D genome donor Aegilops tauschii, with two of them each experiencing a tandem duplication. A mutant line lacking Gli‐D2 (DLGliD2) consistently exhibited better breadmaking quality and dough functionalities than its progenitor Xy81, but without penalties in other agronomic traits. It also had an elevated lysine content in the grains. Transcriptome analysis verified the lack of Gli‐D2 α‐gliadin gene expression in DLGliD2. Furthermore, the transcript and protein levels of protein disulfide isomerase were both upregulated in DLGliD2 grains. Consistent with this finding, DLGliD2 had increased disulfide content in the flour. Our work sheds light on the structure and function of Gli‐D2 in commercial wheat, and suggests that the removal of Gli‐D2 and the gliadins specified by it is likely to be useful for simultaneously enhancing the end‐use and health‐related traits of common wheat. Because gliadins and homologous proteins are widely present in grass species, the strategy and information reported here may be broadly useful for improving the quality traits of diverse cereal crops.
Distinct heat shock factors and chromatin modifications mediate the organ‐autonomous transcriptional memory of heat stress
Authors: Liu Hsiang‐chin , Lämke Jörn , Lin Siou‐ying , Hung Meng‐Ju , Liu Kuan‐Ming , Charng Yee‐yung , Bäurle Isabel 
Published: May 2018

SummaryPlants can be primed by a stress cue to mount a faster or stronger activation of defense mechanisms upon subsequent stress. A crucial component of such stress priming is the modified reactivation of genes upon recurring stress; however, the underlying mechanisms of this are poorly understood. Here, we report that dozens of Arabidopsis thaliana genes display transcriptional memory, i.e. stronger upregulation after a recurring heat stress, that lasts for at least 3 days. We define a set of transcription factors involved in this memory response and show that the transcriptional memory results in enhanced transcriptional activation within minutes of the onset of a heat stress cue. Further, we show that the transcriptional memory is active in all tissues. It may last for up to a week, and is associated during this time with histone H3 lysine 4 hypermethylation. This transcriptional memory is cis‐encoded, as we identify a promoter fragment that confers memory onto a heterologous gene. In summary, heat‐induced transcriptional memory is a widespread and sustained response, and our study provides a framework for future mechanistic studies of somatic stress memory in higher plants.
Spatial analysis of lipid metabolites and expressed genes reveals tissue‐specific heterogeneity of lipid metabolism in high‐ and low‐oil Brassica napus L. seeds
Authors: Lu Shaoping , Sturtevant Drew , Aziz Mina , Jin Cheng , Li Qing , Chapman Kent D. , Guo Liang 
Published: May 2018

SummaryDespite the importance of oilseeds to worldwide human nutrition, and more recently to the production of bio‐based diesel fuels, the detailed mechanisms regulating seed oil biosynthesis remain only partly understood, especially from a tissue‐specific perspective. Here, we investigated the spatial distributions of lipid metabolites and transcripts involved in oil biosynthesis from seeds of two low‐erucic acid genotypes of Brassica napus with high and low seed‐oil content. Integrated results from matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) of lipids in situ, lipidome profiling of extracts from seed tissues, and tissue‐specific transcriptome analysis revealed complex spatial distribution patterns of lipids and transcripts. In general, it appeared that many triacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine species distributed heterogeneously throughout the embryos. Tissue‐specific transcriptome analysis identified key genes involved in de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in plastid, triacylglycerols assembly and lipid droplet packaging in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that may contribute to the high or low oil phenotype and heterogeneity of lipid distribution. Our results imply that transcriptional regulation represents an important means of impacting lipid compartmentalization in oil seeds. While much information remains to be learned about the intricacies of seed oil accumulation and distribution, these studies highlight the advances that come from evaluating lipid metabolism within a spatial context and with multiple omics level datasets.
Jasmonic acid/ethylene signaling coordinates hydroxycinnamic acid amides biosynthesis through ORA59 transcription factor
Authors: Li Jinbo , Zhang Kaixuan , Meng Yu , Hu Jianping , Ding Mengqi , Bian Jiahui , Yan Mingli , Han Jianming , Zhou Meiliang 
Published: May 2018

SummaryHydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs) are a class of antimicrobial metabolites involved in plant defense against necrotrophic pathogens, including Alternaria brassicicola and Botrytis cinerea. The agmatine coumaryl transferase (AtACT) is the key enzyme that catalyzes the last reaction in the biosynthesis of HCAAs, including p‐coumaroylagmatine (CouAgm) and feruloylagmatine in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the regulatory mechanism of AtACT gene expression is currently unknown. Yeast one‐hybrid screening using the AtACT promoter as bait isolated the key positive regulator ORA59 that is involved in jasmonic acid/ethylene (JA/ET)‐mediated plant defense responses. AtACT gene expression and HCAAs biosynthesis were synergistically induced by a combination of JA and ET. In the AtACT promoter, two GCC‐boxes function equivalently for trans‐activation by ORA59 in Arabidopsis protoplasts, and mutation of either GCC‐box abolished AtACT mRNA accumulation in transgenic plants. Site‐directed mutation analysis demonstrated that the specific Leu residue at position 228 of the ORA59 EDLL motif mainly contributed to its transcriptional activity on AtACT gene expression. Importantly, MEDIATOR25 (MED25) and ORA59 homodimer are also required for ORA59‐dependent activation of the AtACT gene. These results suggest that ORA59 and two functionally equivalent GCC‐boxes form the regulatory module together with MED25 that enables AtACT gene expression and HCAAs biosynthesis to respond to simultaneous activation of the JA/ET signaling pathways.
Projected Real‐World Effectiveness of Using Aggressive Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Targets Among Elderly Statin Users Following Acute Coronary Syndromes in Canada
Authors: Alter David A. , Tu Jack V. , Koh Maria , Jackevicius Cynthia A. , Austin Peter C. , Rezai Mohammad R. , Bhatia R. Sacha , Johnston Sharon , Udell Jacob A. , Ko Dennis T. 
Published: May 2018

Background
The extent to which outcome benefits may be achieved through the implementation of aggressive low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol targets in real world settings remains unknown, especially among elderly statin users following acute coronary syndromes.

Methods and Results

A population‐based cohort study consisting of 19 544 post‐acute coronary syndrome statin‐users aged ≥66 years between January 1, 2017 and March 31, 2014 was used to project the number of adverse outcome events (acute myocardial infarction or death from any cause) that could be prevented if all post‐acute coronary syndrome elderly statin users were treated to 1 of 2
LDL
cholesterol target levels (≤50 and ≤70 mg/dL). The number of preventable adverse outcomes was estimated by using model‐based expected event probabilities as derived from Cox Proportional hazards models. In total, 61.6% and 25.5% of the elderly patients met
LDL
cholesterol targets of ≤70 and ≤50 mg/dL, respectively, based on current management. No more than 2.3 adverse events per 1000 elderly statin users (95% confidence interval: −0.7 to 5.4,
P
=0.62) could be prevented over 8.1 years if all patients were to be treated from current
LDL
cholesterol levels to either of the 2
LDL
cholesterol targets of 70 or 50 mg/dL.

Conclusions

The number of acute myocardial infarctions or death that could be prevented through the implementation of
LDL
cholesterol targets with statins is negligible among an elderly post‐acute coronary syndrome population. Such findings may have implications for the applicability of newer agents, such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type‐9‐ inhibitors.