bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of expressions of PDK1, PLK1 and c‐Myc in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Feng Yuhua , Lin Jinguan , Liu Yiping , Tang Youhong , Zhou Yangying , Zhong Meizuo 
Published: March 2019

SummaryDiffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Because the prognosis of DLBCL patients varies considerably, there is an urgent need to identify novel prognostic factors. In this study, we investigated the expression levels of the signalling enzyme 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase‐1 (PDK1), the cell cycle regulatory enzyme Polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1) and the transcription factor (c‐Myc) in DLBCL tissues and evaluated their clinical and prognostic significance. PDK1, PLK1 and c‐Myc were detected by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin‐embedded specimens from 152 DLBCL and 48 lymphadenitis patients. Expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological factors. PDK1, PLK1 and c‐Myc were more commonly expressed in DLBCL specimens than in lymphadenitis specimens, and the expression of each protein correlated positively with that of the other two molecules. High PDK1, PLK1 and c‐Myc expression, high international prognostic index score, high lactate dehydrogenase levels and late Ann Arbor stage were shown to correlate with shorter overall survival time. A multivariate Cox regression model showed that high expression levels of PLK1 and c‐Myc were independent prognostic factors for DLBCL. Our findings indicate that PLK1 and c‐Myc expression might be promising predictive biomarkers for DLBCL patients.
The long‐term effectiveness and failure mechanism of the chemically bonded phosphate ceramic coatings with different thickness
Authors: Liu Yaxuan , Bian Da , Zhao Yongwu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this study, the chemically bonded phosphate ceramic coatings (CBPCs) with different thickness (100 µm, 200 µm, and 300 µm) are prepared on the mild steel (Q235). Potentiodynamic polarization testing and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were carried out to study the synthetic effect of coating thickness and etching time (12, 24, 36, and 48 hours) on the corrosion behavior of CBPCs. The surface and cross section microstructure of CBPCs before and after different immersion time in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution is investigated to better understand the corrosion behavior. Results revealed that the enhanced coating thickness can effectively postpone the corrosive factors infiltration into the substrate and prohibit the corrosion of the mild steel. From the potentiodynamic polarization testing results, the protection efficiency of the coating greatly increases with the increase in etching time. In addition, an increase in 10 000 and 1000 orders of magnitude of impedance value for the CBPCs with 12 hours and 48 hours etching time has been observed, respectively, indicating the CBPCs can effectively protect the mild steel from corrosion damage even with long‐term service.
The Political Influence of Return: From Diaspora to Libyan Transit Returnees
Authors: Zanker Franzisca , Altrogge Judith 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn December 2016, Gambian dictator Jammeh was surprisingly ousted through the ballot box by a democratically motivated opposition. With this remarkable change, tables also turned for Gambian migrants. Gambians abroad were called upon to return and help rebuild the nation, while political interests in host states increased to return “irregular” migrants. In what ways can migrant return be politically influential, especially after a critical juncture as in the Gambia? Current studies fail to consider different types of returnees, including those perceived as highly skilled compared to those seen as low‐skilled. We found that in post‐dictatorial Gambia, both types of returnees have political influence on the new regime. Highly skilled diaspora returnees were explicitly invited as contributors to political developments in the country and thus have a direct political influence. In contrast, low‐skilled returned migrants from Libya are considered as receivers of public goods; yet through claims to political representation they managed to carve out political influence, albeit indirectly.
The Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adolescents (Adolescent STRAIN): associations with mental and physical health, risky behaviors, and psychiatric diagnoses in youth seeking treatment
Authors: Slavich George M. , Stewart Jeremy G. , Esposito Erika C. , Shields Grant S. , Auerbach Randy P. 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundNumerous theories have posited that stressors occurring over the lifespan may exert a cumulative effect on psychological and biological processes that increase individuals’ risk for a variety of mental and physical health problems. Given the difficulty associated with assessing lifetime stress exposure, however, few empirical studies have directly tested these cumulative risk models of psychopathology and human health.MethodTo address this issue, we examined the usability, acceptability, concurrent validity, and predictive validity of the recently developed Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adolescents (Adolescent STRAIN) in 338 youth (Mage = 15.64; 229 females) seeking mental health treatment.ResultsThe Adolescent STRAIN achieved high acceptability and was completed in approximately 25 min (interquartile range: 20–32 min). Concurrent associations with other measures of early adversity (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire‐Short Form) and interpersonal stress (Revised Peer Experiences Questionnaire) were very good (rs = .50–.59). In analyses that adjusted for participants’ age, sex, and race, the STRAIN was significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and anhedonia severity; general mental and physical health complaints; risky behavior engagement; and number of interviewer‐based psychiatric diagnoses (βs = .16–.52; risk ratios = 1.006–1.014). Contrary to classic theories of stress which assume that different stressors exert similar effects on health, substantial differences were observed across the two stressor types, twelve life domains, and five core social‐psychological characteristics assessed by the Adolescent STRAIN.ConclusionsThese data confirm the relevance of lifetime stress exposure for multiple health outcomes in adolescence, which can in turn inform existing theories of lifespan health. Because stress is a common presenting problem in hospitals and clinics, these data also suggest the possibility of using the Adolescent STRAIN to generate stress exposure profiles for case conceptualization and treatment planning purposes.
OsCIPK7 point‐mutation leads to conformation and kinase‐activity change for sensing cold response
Authors: Zhang Dajian , Guo Xiaoyu , Xu Yunyuan , Li Hao , Ma Liang , Yao Xuefeng , Weng Yuxiang , Guo Yan , Liu Chun‐Ming , Chong Kang 
Published: March 2019

SummaryCalcineurin B‐like interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) play important roles via environmental stress. However, less is known how to sense the stress in molecular structure conformation level. Here, an OsCIPK7 mutant via TILLING procedure with a point mutation in the kinase domain showed increased chilling tolerance, which could be potentially used in the molecular breeding. We found that this point mutation of OsCIPK7 led to a conformational change in the activation loop of the kinase domain, subsequently with an increase of protein kinase activity, thus conferred an increased tolerance to chilling stress.
Jasmonic acid alleviates cadmium toxicity in Arabidopsis via suppression of cadmium uptake and translocation
Authors: Lei Gui Jie , Sun Li , Sun Ying , Zhu Xiao Fang , Li Gui Xin , Zheng Shao Jian 
Published: March 2019

AbstractJasmonic acid (JA) is thought to be involved in plant responses to cadmium (Cd) stress, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that Cd treatment rapidly induces the expression of genes promoting endogenous JA synthesis, and subsequently increases the JA concentration in Arabidopsis roots. Furthermore, exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) alleviates Cd‐generated chlorosis of new leaves by decreasing the Cd concentration in root cell sap and shoot, and decreasing the expression of the AtIRT1, AtHMA2 and AtHMA4 genes promoting Cd uptake and long‐distance translocation, respectively. In contrast, mutation of a key JA synthesis gene, AtAOS, greatly enhances the expression of AtIRT1, AtHMA2 and AtHMA4, increases Cd concentration in both roots and shoots, and confers increased sensitivity to Cd. Exogenous MeJA recovers the enhanced Cd‐sensitivity of the ataos mutant, but not of atcoi1, a JA receptor mutant. In addition, exogenous MeJA reduces NO levels in Cd‐stressed Arabidopsis root tips. Taken together, our results suggest that Cd‐induced JA acts via the JA signaling pathway and its effects on NO levels to positively restrict Cd accumulation and alleviates Cd toxicity in Arabidopsis via suppression of the expression of genes promoting Cd uptake and long‐distance translocation.
Specifying the role of BAK1‐interacting receptor‐like kinase 3 in brassinosteroid signaling
Authors: Großeholz Ruth , Feldman‐Salit Anna , Wanke Friederike , Schulze Sarina , Glöckner Nina , Kemmerling Birgit , Harter Klaus , Kummer Ursula 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBrassinosteroids (BR) are involved in the control of several developmental processes ranging from root elongation to senescence and adaptation to environmental cues. Thus, BR perception and signaling have to be precisely regulated. One regulator is BRI1‐associated kinase 1 (BAK1)‐interacting receptor‐like kinase 3 (BIR3). In the absence of BR, BIR3 forms complexes with BR insensitive 1 (BRI1) and BAK1. However, the biophysical and energetic requirements for complex formation in the absence of the ligand have yet to be determined. Using computational modeling, we simulated the potential complexes between the cytoplasmic domains of BAK1, BRI1 and BIR3. Our calculations and experimental data confirm the interaction of BIR3 with BAK1 and BRI1, with the BAK1 BIR3 interaction clearly favored. Furthermore, we demonstrate that BIR3 and BRI1 share the same interaction site with BAK1. This suggests a competition between BIR3 and BRI1 for binding to BAK1, which results in preferential binding of BIR3 to BAK1 in the absence of the ligand thereby preventing the active participation of BAK1 in BR signaling. Our model also suggests that BAK1 and BRI1 can interact even while BAK1 is in complex with BIR3 at an additional binding site of BAK1 that does not allow active BR signaling.
Association of sustained supraphysiologic hyperinsulinemia and inflammatory signaling within the digital lamellae in light‐breed horses
Authors: Watts Mauria R. , Hegedus Olivia C. , Eades Susan C. , Belknap James K. , Burns Teresa A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundHyperinsulinemia is associated with equine laminitis, and digital lamellar inflammation in equine metabolic syndrome‐associated laminitis (EMSAL) is modest when compared with sepsis‐associated laminitis.ObjectivesTo characterize digital lamellar inflammation in horses in a euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) model of laminitis.AnimalsSixteen healthy adult Standardbred horses.MethodsProspective experimental study. Horses underwent EHC or saline infusion (CON) for 48 hours or until the onset of Obel grade 1 laminitis. Horses were euthanized, and digital lamellar tissue was collected and analyzed via polymerase chain reaction (pro‐inflammatory cytokine and chemokine genes—CXCL1, CXCL6, CXCL8, IL‐6, MCP‐1, MCP‐2, IL‐1β, IL11, cyclooxygenases 1 and 2, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF‐α], E‐selectin, and ICAM‐1), immunoblotting (phosphorylated and total signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 [STAT1], STAT3, and p38MAPK), and immunohistochemistry (markers of leukocyte infiltration: CD163, MAC387).ResultsLamellar mRNA concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐11, COX‐2, and E‐selectin were increased; the concentration of COX‐1 was decreased; and concentrations of CXCL1, CXCL6, MCP‐1, MCP‐2, IL‐8, TNF‐α and ICAM‐1 were not significantly different in the EHC group compared to the CON group (P ≤ .003). Lamellar concentrations of phosphorylated STAT proteins (P‐STAT1 [S727], P‐STAT1 [Y701], P‐STAT3 [S727], and P‐STAT3 [Y705]) were increased in the EHC group compared to the CON group, with phosphorylated STAT3 localizing to nuclei of lamellar basal epithelial cells. There was no change in the lamellar concentration of P‐p38 MAPK (T180/Y182), but the concentration of total p38 MAPK was decreased in the EHC samples. There was no evidence of notable lamellar leukocyte emigration.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese results establish a role for lamellar inflammatory signaling under conditions associated with EMSAL.
Association of adipokines with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients on long‐term nucleoside analogue
Authors: Mak Lung‐Yi , Lee Chi‐Ho , Cheung Ka‐Shing , Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Liu Fen , Hui Rex Wan‐Hin , Fung James , Xu Aimin , Lam Karen Siu‐Ling , Yuen Man‐Fung , Seto Wai‐Kay 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsIt is unknown how concomitant hepatic steatosis affects disease progression in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Adipokines such as fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein (AFABP) have been associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. We determined the significance of these metabolic markers in CHB‐related liver injury.MethodsWe recruited CHB patients on antiviral treatment for transient elastography assessment to determine liver stiffness (advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, F3/F4, defined by EASL‐ALEH criteria) and controlled attenuation parameter (hepatic steatosis, defined as ≥ 248 dB/m). Plasma FGF‐21, AFABP and adiponectin levels were measured.ResultsA total of 415 patients [mean age 59.6 years, 71.6% male, median treatment duration 6.2 years] were recruited. Patients with F3/F4 (N = 151) had lower FGF‐21 (11.7 vs 13.6 pg/mL, P = 0.055), higher AFABP (126.8 vs 84.1 pg/mL, P < 0.001) and HOMA‐IR (7.1 vs 5.1, P = 0.004) levels compared to those without F3/F4 (N = 264). Multivariate analysis showed that FGF‐21 level was associated with hepatic steatosis (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001‐1.009) and F3/F4 (OR 0.993, 95% CI 0.989‐0.998), while AFABP level (OR 1.001, 95% CI 1‐1.002), body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.107, 95% CI 1.037‐1.182) and presence of diabetes mellitus (OR 2.059, 95% CI 1.206‐3.516) were associated with F3/F4. With the combined presence of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, diabetes and AFABP > 105.9 pg/mL, the odds ratio for F3/F4 was 3.712 (95% CI 1.364‐10.105, P = 0.010).ConclusionsLow FGF‐21 and high AFABP levels were associated with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis in CHB patients on antiviral treatment. Plasma AFABP, together with other metabolic risk factors, may aid identification of patients lacking fibrosis improvement during antiviral treatment.
Shock‐induced microtextures in lunar apatite and merrillite
Authors: Černok Ana , White Lee Francis , Darling James , Dunlop Joseph , Anand Mahesh 
Published: March 2019

AbstractApatite and merrillite are the most common phosphate minerals in a wide range of planetary materials and are key accessory phases for in situ age dating, as well as for determination of the volatile abundances and their isotopic composition. Although most lunar and meteoritic samples show at least some evidence of impact metamorphism, relatively little is known about how these two phosphates respond to shock‐loading. In this work, we analyzed a set of well‐studied lunar highlands samples (Apollo 17 Mg‐suite rocks 76535, 76335, 72255, 78235, and 78236), in order of displaying increasing shock deformation stages from S1 to S6. We determined the stage of shock deformation of the rock based on existing plagioclase shock‐pressure barometry using optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM‐based panchromatic cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging of plagioclase. We then inspected the microtexture of apatite and merrillite through an integrated study of Raman spectroscopy, SEM‐CL imaging, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). EBSD analyses revealed that microtextures in apatite and merrillite become progressively more complex and deformed with increasing levels of shock‐loading. An early shock‐stage fragmentation at S1 and S2 is followed by subgrain formation from S2 onward, showing consistent decrease in subgrain size with increasing level of deformation (up to S5) and finally granularization of grains caused by recrystallization (S6). Starting with 2°–3° of intragrain crystal‐plastic deformation in both phosphates at the lowest shock stage, apatite undergoes up to 25° and merrillite up to 30° of crystal‐plastic deformation at the highest stage of shock deformation (S5). Merrillite displays lower shock impedance than apatite; hence, it is more deformed at the same level of shock‐loading. We suggest that the microtexture of apatite and merrillite visualized by EBSD can be used to evaluate stages of shock deformation and should be taken into account when interpreting in situ geochemically relevant analyses of the phosphates, e.g., age or volatile content, as it has been shown in other accessory minerals that differently shocked domains can yield significantly different ages.
Poultry husbandry, water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, and child anthropometry in rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Gelli Aulo , Headey Derek , Becquey Elodie , Ganaba Rasmane , Huybregts Lieven , Pedehombga Abdoulaye , Santacroce Marco , Verhoef Hans 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPoultry production in low income countries provides households with nutrient‐rich meat and egg products, as well as cash income. However, traditional production systems present potential health and nutrition risks because poultry scavenging around household compounds may increase children's exposure to livestock‐related pathogens. Data from a cross‐sectional survey were analysed to examine associations between poultry, water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, and anthropometric indicators in children (6–59 months; n = 3,230) in Burkina Faso. Multilevel regression was used to account for the hierarchical nature of the data. The prevalence of stunting and wasting in children 6–24 months was 19% and 17%, respectively, compared with a prevalence of 26% and 6%, respectively, in children 25–60 months. Over 90% of households owned poultry, and chicken faeces were visible in 70% of compounds. Caregivers reported that 3% of children consumed eggs during a 24‐hr recall. The presence of poultry faeces was associated with poultry flock size, poultry‐husbandry and household hygiene practices. Having an improved water source and a child visibly clean was associated with higher height‐for‐age z scores (HAZ). The presence of chicken faeces was associated with lower weight‐for‐height z scores, and no associations were found with HAZ. Low levels of poultry flock size and poultry consumption in Burkina Faso suggest there is scope to expand production and improve diets in children, including increasing chicken and egg consumption. However, to minimize potential child health risks associated with expanding informal poultry production, research is required to understand the mechanisms through which cohabitation with poultry adversely affects child health and design interventions to minimize these risks.
A process of convergent amplification and tissue‐specific expression dominates the evolution of toxin and toxin‐like genes in sea anemones
Authors: Surm Joachim M. , Smith Hayden L. , Madio Bruno , Undheim Eivind A.B. , King Glenn F. , Hamilton Brett R. , van der Burg Chloé A. , Pavasovic Ana , Prentis Peter J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMembers of phylum Cnidaria are an ancient group of venomous animals and rely on a number of specialized tissues to produce toxins in order to fulfil a range of ecological roles including prey capture, defence against predators, digestion and aggressive encounters. However, limited comprehensive analyses of the evolution and expression of toxin genes currently exist for cnidarian species. In this study, we use genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data to examine gene copy number variation and selective pressure on toxin gene families in phylum Cnidaria. Additionally, we use quantitative RNA‐seq and mass spectrometry imaging to understand expression patterns and tissue localization of toxin production in sea anemones. Using genomic data, we demonstrate that the first large‐scale expansion and diversification of known toxin genes occurs in phylum Cnidaria, a process we also observe in other venomous lineages, which we refer to as convergent amplification. Our analyses of selective pressure on sea anemone toxin gene families reveal that purifying selection is the dominant mode of evolution for these genes and that phylogenetic inertia is an important determinant of toxin gene complement in this group. The gene expression and tissue localization data revealed that specific genes and proteins from toxin gene families show strong patterns of tissue and developmental‐phase specificity in sea anemones. Overall, convergent amplification and phylogenetic inertia have strongly influenced the distribution and evolution of the toxin complement observed in sea anemones, while the production of venoms with different compositions across tissues is related to the functional and ecological roles undertaken by each tissue type.
Understanding the mechanism of Chikungunya virus vector competence in three species of mosquitoes
Authors: Ghosh A. , Mullapudi T. , Bomanna S. , Tyagi B. K. , Ravi V. , Desai A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is primarily transmitted byAedesspp. mosquitoes. The present study investigated vector competence for CHIKV inAedes aegyptiandAedesalbopictusmosquitoes found in Madurai, South India. The role of receptor proteins on midguts contributing to permissiveness of CHIKV toAedesspp. mosquitoes was also undertaken. Mosquitoes were orally infected with CHIKV DRDE‐06. Infection of midguts and dissemination to heads was confirmed by immunofluorescence assay at different time points. A plaque assay was performed from mosquito homogenates at different time points to study CHIKV replication. Presence of putative CHIKV receptor proteins on mosquito midgut epithelial cells was detected by virus overlay protein binding assay (VOPBA). The identity of these proteins was established using mass spectrometry. CHIKV infection ofAe. aegyptiandAe. albopictusmidguts and dissemination to heads was observed to be similar. A plaque assay performed with infected mosquito homogenates revealed that CHIKV replication dynamics was similar inAedessp. mosquitoes until 28 days post infection. VOPBA performed with mosquito midgut membrane proteins revealed that prohibitin could serve as a putative CHIKV receptor onAedesmosquito midguts, whereas an absence of CHIKV binding protein/s onCulex quinquefasciatusmidguts can partially explain the non‐permissiveness of these mosquitoes to infection.
A Matter of Experience? Understanding the Decline in Group Lending
Authors: Ahlin Christian , Suandi Matthew 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGroup lending, often considered a key innovation driving the successful expansion of microcredit across the world, appears to be on the decline. Using MIX data on microfinance institutions (MFIs), we study this time trend, focusing on macroeconomic predictors of group lending and MFI experience. Results suggest that any movement away from group lending is better explained via MFIs gaining experience rather than a secular time trend. We also find that group lending is used more extensively in poorer and low‐growth economies. We argue that these findings can be understood within established views of group lending, and carry important implications for the historical and continuing importance of group lending.