bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 restores epithelial permeability alterations induced by irritable bowel syndrome mediators
Authors: Barbaro M. R. , Fuschi D. , Cremon C. , Carapelle M. , Dino P. , Marcellini M. M. , Dothel G. , De Ponti F. , Stanghellini V. , Barbara G. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal permeability is altered in a subgroup of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and may contribute to symptom development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) on Caco‐2 permeability alterations induced by mediators released by IBS mucosal biopsies compared to asymptomatic controls (AC).MethodsCaco‐2 cells were used as an in vitro model of intestinal permeability. Seven AC and 28 well‐phenotyped IBS (9 IBS‐D, 8 IBS‐C, and 11 IBS‐M) patients were enrolled. Mucosal mediators spontaneously released (SUP) by IBS and AC biopsies were collected. Two concentrations of EcN (108 and 106) were applied to Caco‐2 with or without SUP or SLIGRL (a protease‐activated receptor‐2 activating peptide), tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interferon‐γ. Paracellular permeability was assessed by evaluating the flow of sulfonic‐acid conjugated to fluorescein through Caco‐2 monolayer.Key ResultsEcN 108 significantly reinforced Caco‐2 monolayer compared to cells incubated with medium alone. IBS SUP induced a significant increase in paracellular permeability compared to AC SUP, independently of IBS bowel habit. EcN 108 induced a significant recovery of permeability rate compared to IBS SUP. Permeability increase induced by IBS SUP significantly correlated with severity and frequency of abdominal pain and abdominal distension. The co‐incubation of EcN and IBS SUP abolished the above significant correlations.Conclusions and InferencesEcN reinforces the integrity of Caco‐2 monolayer and reverts the increase of permeability induced by mediators released by IBS biopsies. Future studies should investigate EcN therapeutic potentials in IBS.
ABRE‐BINDING FACTORS play a role in the feedback regulation of ABA signaling by mediating rapid ABA induction of ABA co‐receptor genes
Authors: Wang Xiaoji , Guo Can , Peng Jing , Li Cong , Wan Fangfang , Zhang Shaoman , Zhou Yangyang , Yan Yan , Qi Lijuan , Sun Kaiwen , Yang Shuhua , Gong Zhizhong , Li Jigang 
Published: July 2018

Summary

Group A protein phosphatase 2Cs (PP2Cs) are abscisic acid (ABA) co‐receptors that negatively regulate the ABA signaling pathway by inhibiting the downstream SnRK2 protein kinases. It has long been observed that exogenous ABA treatments dramatically induce the expression of group A PP2C genes, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and the biological significance remain largely unknown.

Here, by using GUS reporter transgenic lines in which various lengths of ABI1 and ABI2 promoters were used to drive GUS gene expression, we defined the promoter fragments that confer ABA inducibility to ABI1 and ABI2. We further showed that ABRE‐binding factors (ABFs), the bZIP family transcription factors, directly bind to the promoters of group A PP2C genes, and mediate rapid induction of their expression on exogenous ABA treatments.

Moreover, our data indicated that ABA dramatically induces the expression of ABF genes and the accumulation of endogenous ABF proteins, and that ABFs themselves are involved in this induction, thus providing another layer of ABA regulation towards ABF proteins in addition to the well‐characterized ABA‐induced phosphorylation by SnRK2 protein kinases.

Together, our data demonstrate that ABFs mediate rapid ABA induction of group A PP2C genes, thus playing a role in the negative feedback regulation of ABA signaling.
The Roman Amphorae Average Capacity (AC)
Authors: Molina Vidal Jaime , Mateo Corredor Daniel 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a methodological tool of statistical correction to assess the capacities of different Roman amphorae, whereby ceramic values are transformed into amounts of transported product. Based on scaled drawings of 1281 Roman amphorae, individual vessels’ capacities have been calculated by applying a CAD software to the inner profiles. Each vessel has been classified according to amphora types and the mean for each type has been calculated to produce a coefficient called Average Capacity (AC). The estimated capacities are highly reliable and show narrow confidence intervals. Therefore, they can be applied immediately as a correction factor in studies of quantification of amphorae aimed at characterizing trading dynamics. As such, we expect that future statistical studies of amphorae will include this statistical coefficient to produce more precise and reliable analysis of assemblages and, consequently, more accurate research on the Roman economy.
MITF and UV responses in skin: From pigmentation to addiction
Authors: Nguyen Nhu T. , Fisher David E. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractUltraviolet radiation (UVR) has numerous effects on skin, including DNA damage, tanning, vitamin D synthesis, carcinogenesis, and immunomodulation. Keratinocytes containing damaged DNA secrete both α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), which stimulates pigment production by melanocytes, and the opioid β‐endorphin, which can trigger addiction‐like responses to UVR. The pigmentation (tanning) response is an adaptation that provides some delayed protection against further DNA damage and carcinogenesis, while the opioid response may be an evolutionary adaptation for promoting sun‐seeking behavior to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Here, we review the pigmentation response to UVR, driven by melanocytic microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), and evidence for UVR‐induced melanomagenesis and addiction. We also discuss potential applications of a novel approach to generate protective pigmentation in the absence of UVR (sunless tanning) using a topical small‐molecule inhibitor of the salt‐inducible kinase (SIK) family.
Orofacial granulomatosis and erythema multiforme in an adolescent with Crohn's disease
Authors: Georgesen Corey , Huang Jing , Avarbock Andrew , Harp Joanna , Magro Cynthia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe cutaneous manifestations of Crohn's disease are myriad. A 15‐year‐old girl presented with recurrent lip swelling and eventual development of diarrhea and targetoid macules on the palms, feet, and back. She was finally diagnosed with Crohn's disease in the setting of a clinical presentation and histopathology consistent with orofacial granulomatosis and erythema multiforme. We review the literature and summarize reported occurrences of these cutaneous diseases in children with Crohn's disease.
Congenital fibroblastic connective tissue nevi: Unusual and misleading presentations in three infantile cases
Authors: Bouaoud Jebrane , Fraitag Sylvie , Soupre Veronique , Mitrofanoff Marc , Boccara Olivia , Galliot Christelle , Bodemer Christine , Picard Arnaud , Khonsari Roman H. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundFibroblastic connective tissue nevi (FCTN) are benign skin conditions characterized by bland spindle cells infiltrating the reticular dermis and the upper subcutis with preservation of adnexal structures. A subset of FCTN expresses CD34, which may cause difficulties in the differential diagnosis, in particular with dermatofibrosarcoma (DFSP). We aim to study clinical and histological main features of congenital FCTN to better understand their heterogeneity.MethodsWe present 3 cases of congenital FCTN with misleading pseudo‐tumoral presentations and compare them with published cases in literature. We provide a diagnostic algorithm for congenital neonatal connective tissue tumors.ResultsClinically, FCTN mostly present as well‐limited and nontender plaques or nodules mainly located in the neck and face areas or in the trunk. Histologically, FCTN are composed of irregularly distributed fascicles of bland spindled cells and are defined by a list of fundamental features: (i) no atypia, pleomorphism, or mitotic activity; (ii) skin appendages entrapped but unaffected; (iii) no evidence for malignancy. In most cases CD34 is positive, but in some cases, cells can express SMA or are even CD34− and SMA−.ConclusionThe initial presentation and natural history of FCTN fit better with a neoplasm than with a hamartoma. Thus, we suggest replacing the term “nevus” with tumor and considering fibroblastic connective tissue tumor (FCTT) as the right denomination of this clinico‐pathological entity. FCTTs are difficult to diagnose due to their clinical heterogeneity. Clinical and histological malignant and benign differential diagnoses are discussed.
Framing Effects under Different Uses of Performance Information: An Experimental Study on Public Managers
Authors: Belardinelli Paolo , Bellé Nicola , Sicilia Mariafrancesca , Steccolini Ileana 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCombining insights from public administration, accounting, and psychology, this article explores the microprocesses by which public managers use performance information, investigating whether the type of performance information use and the request to justify decisions affect the way in which information is processed. The study draws on data from a series of artifactual survey experiments with Italian municipal executives. Findings show that managers process information differently under ex post rather than ex ante performance information uses. More specifically, managers are more likely to be subject to framing bias under ex post than under ex ante uses of performance information. This interaction seems to be robust when subjects are asked to provide justification for their decisions.
Optimal Treatment Allocations in Space and Time for On-Line Control of an Emerging Infectious Disease
Authors: Laber Eric B. , Meyer Nick J. , Reich Brian J. , Pacifici Krishna , Collazo Jaime A. , Drake John M. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryA key component in controlling the spread of an epidemic is deciding where, when and to whom to apply an intervention. We develop a framework for using data to inform these decisions in realtime. We formalize a treatment allocation strategy as a sequence of functions, one per treatment period, that map up-to-date information on the spread of an infectious disease to a subset of locations where treatment should be allocated. An optimal allocation strategy optimizes some cumulative outcome, e.g. the number of uninfected locations, the geographic footprint of the disease or the cost of the epidemic. Estimation of an optimal allocation strategy for an emerging infectious disease is challenging because spatial proximity induces interference between locations, the number of possible allocations is exponential in the number of locations, and because disease dynamics and intervention effectiveness are unknown at outbreak. We derive a Bayesian on-line estimator of the optimal allocation strategy that combines simulation–optimization with Thompson sampling. The estimator proposed performs favourably in simulation experiments. This work is motivated by and illustrated using data on the spread of white nose syndrome, which is a highly fatal infectious disease devastating bat populations in North America.
Longitudinal associations between weather, season, and mode of commuting to school among Spanish youths
Authors: Herrador‐Colmenero Manuel , Harrison Flo , Villa‐González Emilio , Rodríguez‐López Carlos , Ortega Francisco B. , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Jones Andy P. , Chillón Palma 
Published: July 2018

AimTo study the associations of weather conditions with the travel mode choice for commuting to and from school.MethodsA total of 6979 Spanish youths aged 7 to 18 years old (80% adolescents aged 12‐18 years old, 51% male) completed a 5‐day survey of mode of commuting to school in autumn, winter, and spring. Weather data from the nearest weather station to each school were registered. We used Google Maps™ to calculate the distance from home to school. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to estimate odds of active travel based on weather and season.ResultsWe analyzed a total of 163 846 discrete journeys. In winter, children (aged 7 to 11 years old) were less likely to choose an active mode of commuting to school (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59‐0.89, P = 0.003). In spring, adolescents were more likely to choose an active mode of commuting to school (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.19‐1.73, P < 0.001). With higher mean temperatures, adolescents were more likely to choose an active mode of commuting from school (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00‐1.04, P = 0.029).ConclusionCertain weather conditions seem to influence the travel mode choice for commuting to and from school in youth, including season and temperature.
States, elites, and inequality in Latin America
Authors: López Matias 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn this article, I review the literature on elites and inequality in Latin America with a focus on the emergence of uneven state structures and how they came to foster the needs of elites for protection. States in Latin America are traditionally thought of as facilitating processes of top‐down modernization that transformed traditional agrarian economies into complex urban polities, while maintaining extreme inequality. The state is thus central in the genealogy of inequality and elite privilege in Latin America. The synergy between states and elites continues to mark Latin American societies, and it helps us to understand how major economic and political changes occur without significant changes in inequality. For the most part, Latin America's current uneven states emerged as the result of exclusionary projects of citizenship during the first half of the 20th century and were advanced by the advent of repressive regimes during the 1960s and 1970s. After democratic transitions during the 1980s and 1990s, Latin American states came to be characterized, on the one hand, by procedural democratic institutions and on the other, by high levels of state violence, exclusion, and segmented citizenship. The present situation is one of a problematic equilibrium between states, elites, and inequality.
Producing the natural: Mobilities and the managed aesthetics of nature
Authors: McCumber Andrew 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNature can be a nebulous, often contradictory concept that holds immense cultural and emotional weight for many. Philosophers and social scientists have frequently dissected its meaning and shared significance, especially with respect to environmental issues. This paper analyzes nature as experienced and understood in everyday life in Western society, arguing that the most salient, intuitive mode of understanding the concept is a visual–pictorial one. It further argues that nature is expressed through emplaced aesthetics managed and produced through various forms of “mobility,” or socially produced movement, as theorized by the writers of the “new mobilities paradigm.” The paper considers two general contexts for this process: the production of aesthetic nature in urban settings and in extra‐urban landscapes. Furthermore, it argues that these aesthetic expressions have a great influence on the epistemology guiding popular sensibilities around our broader relationships to the nonhuman world and on the moral logic of much Western environmentalism.
Metagenomics analysis of the virome of 300 concentrates from a Swiss platelet bank
Authors: Brito Francisco , Cordey Samuel , Delwart Eric , Deng Xutao , Tirefort Diderik , Lemoine‐Chaduc Coralie , Zdobnov Evgeny , Lecompte Thomas , Kaiser Laurent , Waldvogel‐Abramowski Sophie , Preynat‐Seauve Olivier 
Published: July 2018

Background and objectivesPlatelet concentrates are frequently transfused to patients with reduced immunity. An exhaustive description of their viral content is needed to prevent unwanted infection.Material and methodsTo track viral sequences, a shotgun metagenomics approach was used on a bank of 300 platelets concentrates. Sequences were analysed through the diagnostics‐oriented pipeline ezVIR.ResultsWe only observed viruses commonly described in healthy individuals.ConclusionHerein is reported the first viral landscape of a platelet concentrates bank.
Experience of patients following lower limb joint replacement: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Makimoto Kiyoko , Fujita Kimie , Konno Rie 
Published: July 2018

Review question:
The objective of this proposed review is to explore the postoperative experiences of adult patients who have undergone lower limb joint replacement. Specifically, the review question is: What are the postoperative experiences during the six-week post-discharge period of adult patients who have undergone lower limb joint replacement?
GABA beyond the synapse: defining the subtype‐specific pharmacodynamics of non‐synaptic GABAA receptors
Authors: Lagrange Andre H. , Hu NingNing , Macdonald Robert L. 
Published: July 2018

Key points
Physiologically relevant combinations of recombinant GABAA receptor (GABAR) subunits were expressed in HEK293 cells. Using whole‐cell voltage clamp and rapid drug application, we measured the GABAR‐subtype‐specific properties to convey either synaptic or extrasynaptic signalling in a range of physiological contexts.
α4βδ GABARs are optimally tuned to submicromolar tonic GABA and transient surges of micromolar GABA concentrations.
α5β2γ2l GABARs are better suited to higher tonic GABA levels, but also convey robust responses to brief synaptic and perisynaptic GABA fluctuations.
α1β2/3δ GABARs function well at prolonged, micromolar (>2 μm) GABA levels, but not to low tonic (<1 μm GABA) or synaptic/transient GABAergic signalling.
These results help illuminate the context‐ and isoform‐specific modes of GABAergic signalling in the brain.
AbstractGABAA receptors (GABARs) mediate a remarkable diversity of signalling modalities in vivo. Yet most published work characterizing responses to GABA has focused on the properties needed to convey fast, phasic synaptic inhibition. We therefore aimed to characterize the most prevalent (α4βδ, α5β3γ2L) and least prevalent (α1β2δ) non‐synaptic GABAR currents, using whole‐cell voltage clamp recordings of recombinant GABAR expressed in HEK293 cells and drug application protocols to recapitulate the GABA concentration profiles occurring during both fast synaptic and slow extrasynaptic signalling. We found that α4βδ GABARs were very sensitive to submicromolar GABA, with a rank order potency of α4β2δ ≥ α4β1δ ≈ α4β3δ GABARs. In comparison, the GABA EC50 was up to 20 times higher for α1β2γ2L GABARs, with α1β2δ and α5β3γ2L GABARs having intermediate GABA potency. Both α4βδ and α5β3γ2L GABAR currents exhibited slow, but substantial, desensitization as well as prolonged rates of deactivation. These GABAR current properties defined distinct ‘dynamic ranges’ of responsiveness to changing GABA for α4β2δ (0.1–1 μm), α5β3γ2L (0.5–7 μm) and α1β2γ2L (0.6–9 μm) GABARs. Finally, α1β2δ GABARs were notable for their relative lack of desensitization and extremely quick deactivation. In summary, our results help delineate the roles that specific GABARs may play in mediating non‐synaptic GABA signals. Since ambient GABA levels may be altered during development as well as by drugs and disease states, these findings may help future efforts to understand disrupted inhibition underlying a variety of neurological illnesses, such as epilepsy.
Abnormal folate metabolism causes age‐, sex‐ and parent‐of‐origin‐specific haematological defects in mice
Authors: Padmanabhan Nisha , Menelaou Katerina , Gao Jiali , Anderson Alexander , Blake Georgina E. T. , Li Tanya , Daw B. Nuala , Watson Erica D. 
Published: July 2018

Key points
Folate (folic acid) deficiency and mutations in folate‐related genes in humans result in megaloblastic anaemia.
Folate metabolism, which requires the enzyme methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), is necessary for DNA synthesis and the transmission of one‐carbon methyl groups for cellular methylation.
In this study, we show that the hypomorphic Mtrrgt/gt mutation in mice results in late‐onset and sex‐specific blood defects, including macrocytic anaemia, extramedullary haematopoiesis and lymphopenia.
Notably, when either parent carries an Mtrrgt allele, blood phenotypes result in their genetically wildtype adult daughters, the effects of which are parent specific.
Our data establish a new model for studying the mechanism of folate metabolism in macrocytic anaemia aetiology and suggest that assessing parental folate status might be important when diagnosing adult patients with unexplained anaemia.
AbstractThe importance of the vitamin folate (also known as folic acid) in erythrocyte formation, maturation and/or longevity is apparent since folate deficiency in humans causes megaloblastic anaemia. Megaloblastic anaemia is a type of macrocytic anaemia whereby erythrocytes are enlarged and fewer in number. Folate metabolism is required for thymidine synthesis and one‐carbon metabolism, though its specific role in erythropoiesis is not well understood. Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) is a key enzyme necessary for the progression of folate metabolism since knocking down the Mtrr gene in mice results in hyperhomocysteinaemia and global DNA hypomethylation. We demonstrate here that abnormal folate metabolism in mice caused by Mtrrgt/gt homozygosity leads to haematopoietic phenotypes that are sex and age dependent. Specifically, Mtrrgt/gt female mice displayed macrocytic anaemia, which might be due to defective erythroid differentiation at the exclusion of haemolysis. This was associated with increased renal Epo mRNA expression, hypercellular bone marrow, and splenic extramedullary haematopoiesis. In contrast, the male response differed since Mtrrgt/gt male mice were not anaemic but did display erythrocytic macrocytosis and lymphopenia. Regardless of sex, these phenotypes were late onset. Remarkably, we also show that when either parent carries an Mtrrgt allele, a haematological defect results in their adult wildtype daughters. However, the specific phenotype was dependent upon the sex of the parent. For instance, wildtype daughters of Mtrr+/gt females displayed normocytic anaemia. In contrast, wildtype daughters of Mtrr+/gt males exhibited erythrocytic microcytosis not associated with anaemia. Therefore, abnormal folate metabolism affects adult haematopoiesis in an age‐, sex‐ and parent‐specific manner.