bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different mechanisms involved in liraglutide and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 vasodilatation in rat mesenteric small arteries
Authors: Bangshaab Maj , Gutierrez Alejandro , Huynh Khiem Dinh , Knudsen Jakob Schöllhammer , Arcanjo Daniel Dias Rufino , Petersen Asbjørn G , Rungby Jørgen , Gejl Michael , Simonsen Ulf 
Published: November 2018

Background and PurposeGlucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is an incretin hormone that regulates insulin biosynthesis and secretion in a glucose‐dependent manner and has been reported to induce vasodilatation. Here, we examined the possible vasorelaxant effect of GLP‐1 and its underlying mechanisms.Experimental ApproachRat mesenteric arteries (diameter ≈ 200–400 μm) and human s.c. arteries were mounted in microvascular myographs for isometric tension recordings. The effect of GLP‐1 on vascular responses was examined under normoglycaemic conditions and at high glucose concentrations.Key ResultsIn rat mesenteric arteries and human s.c. arteries without branches, physiological concentrations (1–100 nM) of GLP‐1(7‐36) and liraglutide failed to cause relaxation or affect contractions evoked by electrical field stimulation. In contrast to GLP‐1(7‐36), liraglutide induced relaxations antagonized by the GLP‐1 receptor antagonist, exendin‐(9‐39), in branched mesenteric arteries. In contrast to liraglutide, GLP‐1 leftward shifted the concentration relaxation curves for bradykinin in s.c. arteries from patients with peripheral arterial disease, an effect resistant to exendin‐(9‐39). Under normoglycaemic conditions, neither GLP‐1 nor liraglutide affected ACh relaxation in rat mesenteric arteries. In arteries exposed to 40 mM glucose, GLP‐1, in contrast to liraglutide, potentiated ACh‐induced relaxation by a mechanism that was not antagonized by exendin‐(9‐39). GLP‐1 decreased superoxide levels measured with dihydroethidium in rat mesenteric arteries exposed to 40 mM glucose.Conclusions and ImplicationsGLP‐1 receptors are involved in the liraglutide‐induced relaxation of branched arteries, under normoglycaemic conditions, while GLP‐1 inhibition of vascular superoxide levels contributes to GLP‐1 receptor‐independent potentiation of endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in hyperglycaemia.
Development of new 3D human ex vivo models to study sebaceous gland lipid metabolism and modulations
Authors: de Bengy Anne‐France , Forraz Nico , Danoux Louis , Berthelemy Nicolas , Cadau Sébastien , Degoul Olivier , Andre Valérie , Pain Sabine , McGuckin Colin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesSebaceous glands maintain skin homeostasis by producing sebum. Low production can induce hair loss and fragile skin. Overproduction provokes seborrhoea and may lead to acne and inflammatory events. To better study sebaceous gland maintenance, sebocyte maturation, lipid production and ageing or inflammatory processes, we developed innovative 3D ex vivo models for human sebaceous glands.Materials and MethodsCulture conditions and analytical methods optimized on sebocyte monolayers were validated on extracted sebaceous glands and allowed the development of two 3D models: (a) “air‐liquid” interface and (b) human fibronectin‐coated “sandwich” method. Lipid production was assessed with microscopy, fluorometry or flow cytometry analysis after Nile Red staining. Specific lipids (particularly squalene and peroxidized squalene) were measured by Gas or liquid Chromatography and Mass spectrometry.ResultsThis study allowed us to select appropriate conditions and design Seb4Gln culture medium inducing sebocyte proliferation and neutral lipid production. The “air‐liquid” model was appropriate to induce sebocyte isolation. The “sandwich” model enabled sebaceous gland maintenance up to 42 days. A treatment with Insulin Growth Factor‐1 allowed validation of the model as we succeeded in mimicking dynamic lipid overproduction.ConclusionFunctional sebocyte maturation and physiological maintenance were preserved up to 6 weeks in our models. Associated with functional assays, they provide a powerful platform to mimic physiological skin lipid metabolism and to screen for active ingredients modulating sebum production.
Predicting shifts in the functional composition of tropical forests under increased drought and CO2 from trade‐offs among plant hydraulic traits
Authors: Bartlett Megan K. , Detto Matteo , Pacala Stephen W. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTropical forest responses are an important feedback on global change, but changes in forest composition with projected increases in CO2 and drought are highly uncertain. Here we determine shifts in the most competitive plant hydraulic strategy (the evolutionary stable strategy or ESS) from changes in CO2 and drought frequency and intensity. Hydraulic strategies were defined along a spectrum from drought avoidance to tolerance by physiology traits. Drought impacted competition more than CO2, with elevated CO2 reducing but not reversing drought‐induced shifts in the ESS towards more tolerant strategies. Trait plasticity and/or adaptation intensified these shifts by increasing the competitive ability of the drought tolerant relative to the avoidant strategies. These findings predict losses of drought avoidant evergreens from tropical forests under global change, and point to the importance of changes in precipitation during the dry season and constraints on plasticity and adaptation in xylem traits to forest responses.
“Normal‐appearing” scalp areas are also affected in lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia: An observational histopathologic study of 40 patients
Authors: Doche Isabella , Romiti Ricardo , Hordinsky Maria K. , Valente Neusa S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are lymphocyte‐mediated scarring alopecias which clinically affect primarily the anterior and mid‐scalp. However, unaffected scalp areas have not yet been investigated in a systemic manner. In this study, we assessed histopathologic changes in affected and unaffected scalp in both diseases and healthy control subjects and compared these findings with clinical signs and scalp symptoms. We have demonstrated that “normal‐appearing” scalp that is devoid of clinical lesions of LPP and FFA showed lymphocytic perifollicular inflammation around the isthmus/infundibulum areas in 65% of biopsy specimens, perifollicular fibrosis in 15% and mucin deposits in 7.5% of the cases. None of these findings were found in control samples. No direct correlation was found between the degree of histopathological inflammation, scalp symptoms and clinical lesions in the corresponding affected scalp areas. This preliminary study suggests that both diseases may be more generalized processes which affect the scalp and therefore need systemic or total scalp therapy.
The Kellwasser events in the Upper Devonian Frasnian to Famennian transition in the Toc Tat Formation, northern Vietnam
Authors: Komatsu Toshifumi , Urakawa Ryota , Inada Toshitaka , Yamauchi Kazuki , Maekawa Takumi , Takashima Reishi , Williams Mark , Nguyen Phong D. , Doan Hung D. , Nguyen Minh T. , Niko Shuji , Tanaka Gengo , Yamaguchi Tatsuhiko 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUpper Devonian carbonates of the Toc Tat Formation in the Si Phai Pass area of Dong Van District, northern Vietnam were deposited in carbonate platform, slope, and basin environments. These carbonates yield abundant conodonts indicative of the Palmatolepis nasuta, Pa. linguiformis and Pa. triangularis zones, the Frasnian–Famennian stage boundary being identified by the first occurrence of Pa. triangularis. Two positive carbon isotope excursions are recognized, the lower excursion peaking in the interval of the lower to middle Pa. nasuta Zone, whilst the upper excursion peaks just above the local Frasnian–Famennian boundary. Based on the biostratigraphy, these excursions equate to the Lower and Upper Kellwasser events. Locally, tentaculitoid taxa (Nowakia, Styliolina, Homoctenus, and Metastyliolina?) are abundant in the interval of the Pa. nasuta Zone, but show a drastic decline in abundance before the Lower Kellwasser Event, and only two taxa survived into the Famennian.
Okuda lecture: Challenges of hepatitis B in the era of antiviral therapy
Authors: Chan Henry Lik Yuen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) are effective, safe, and convenient antiviral therapy to suppress replication of hepatitis B virus, which can be translated into improved long‐term outcome of chronic hepatitis B patients. The current recommended first‐line NAs, namely, entecavir and tenofovir, are largely free from problems of drug resistance. Nonetheless, there are still a few challenges in the era of NA. First, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma can only be reduced but not eliminated, particularly among cirrhotic patients. For cirrhotic patients who have persistent low‐level viremia on NA, that is, partial responders, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma is higher than those with complete viral suppression. The best strategy to manage partial responders to entecavir or tenofovir is uncertain. Second, immune‐tolerant patients are very difficult to treat with NA. A significant proportion of immune‐tolerant patients will have detectable viremia despite a few years of continuous NA treatment, and the rate of hepatitis B e‐antigen seroconversion is very low. Third, most patients need long‐term treatment as NA cannot eliminate covalently closed circular DNA in the hepatocytes. Some patients can consider stop NA according to treatment guidelines, but viral and clinical relapses often occur after treatment cessation. There is no concrete consensus on when one should stop NA in a hepatitis B e‐antigen‐negative patient among different treatment guidelines. New biomarkers such as hepatitis B surface antigen level can be used to select patients to stop NA, but the data are still preliminary.
A Carbon Footprint of High‐Speed Railways in China: A Case Study of the Beijing‐Shanghai Line
Authors: Lin Jianyi , Li Huimei , Huang Wei , Xu Wangtu(Ato) , Cheng Shihui 
Published: November 2018

SummaryA carbon footprint (CF) assessment of Chinese high‐speed railways (HSRs) can help guide further development of the world's longest HSR network. In this research, a hybrid economic input‐output and life cycle assessment (EIO‐LCA) method was applied to estimate the CF of the Beijing‐Shanghai HSR line. Specific CFs were analyzed of different subsystems of the line, different stages of production, and three calculation scopes. Results showed that the annual CF of the Beijing‐Shanghai HSR is increasing, whereas the per‐passenger CF constantly declined between 2011 and 2014. Scope 1 emissions account for an average of 4% of the total annual CF, Scope 2 contribute 71%, and Scope 3 comprise 25%. Among the different stages, operation contributes the largest (71%), followed by construction (20%) and maintenance (9%). In the construction stage, the bridges have the largest CF, followed by trains, and then rails. A trade‐off exists between the increase in carbon emissions due to construction of bridges and the reduction in operation emissions affected by leveling changes in terrain. The Beijing‐Shanghai HSR line has a relatively higher per‐passenger CF than eight other HSR lines, which is largely due to China's coal‐based carbon‐intensive energy mix of electricity generation, high proportion of bridges, higher operating speed, and heavier train body. In the future, cleaner electricity supply options, more efficient raw material production, and improvement of trains are keys to reducing the CF of Chinese HSRs.
The Decline of Monarchy in Nepal, the Ascendancy of the Professional Middle Class and the Event that Transformed Them
Authors: Gallagher Kathleen M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn the years leading up to the dissolution of absolute monarchy in Nepal in 1990, resistance to political authority proceeded fitfully. Opposition to the crown gained momentum after the involvement of the professional middle class. Using Max Weber's theory on legitimate power and class, this paper analyzes the erosion of the legitimacy of absolute monarchy, the ascendancy of the professional middle class, and how one event, a peaceful forum that ended in mass arrest, created momentum for the People's Movement by transforming the political subjectivity of the professional middle class, who, in turn, helped catalyze opposition to absolute rule.
Non‐random association patterns in a plant–mycorrhizal fungal network reveal host–symbiont specificity
Authors: Sepp Siim‐Kaarel , Davison John , Jairus Teele , Vasar Martti , Moora Mari , Zobel Martin , Öpik Maarja 
Published: November 2018

AbstractArbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are obligate plant symbionts that have important functions in most terrestrial ecosystems, but there remains an incomplete understanding of host–fungus specificity and the relationships between species and functional groups of plants and AM fungi. Here, we aimed to provide a comprehensive description of plant–AM fungal interactions in a biodiverse semi‐natural grassland. We sampled all plant species in a 1,000‐m2 homogeneous plot of dry calcareous grassland in two seasons (summer and autumn) and identified root‐colonizing AM fungi by SSU rDNA sequencing. In the network of 33 plant and 100 AM fungal species, we found a significant effect of both host plant species and host plant functional group on AM fungal richness and community composition. Comparison with network null models revealed a larger‐than‐random degree of partner selectivity among plants. Grasses harboured a larger number of AM fungal partners and were more generalist in partner selection, compared with forbs. More generalist partner association and lower specialization were apparent among obligately, compared with facultatively, mycorrhizal plant species and among locally more abundant plant species. This study provides the most complete data set of co‐occurring plant and AM fungal taxa to date, showing that at this particular site, the interaction network is assembled non‐randomly, with moderate selectivity in associations between plant species and functional groups and their fungal symbionts.
Genomewide SNP markers breathe new life into phylogeography and species delimitation for the problematic short‐necked turtles (Chelidae: Emydura) of eastern Australia
Authors: Georges Arthur , Gruber Bernd , Pauly Greg B. , White Duanne , Adams Mark , Young Matthew J. , Kilian Andrzej , Zhang Xiuwen , Shaffer H. Bradley , Unmack Peter J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the evolutionary history of diversifying lineages and the delineation of evolutionarily significant units and species remains major challenges for evolutionary biology. Low‐cost representational sampling of the genome for single nucleotide polymorphisms shows great potential at the temporal scales that are typically the focus of species delimitation and phylogeography. We apply these markers to a case study of a freshwater turtle, Emydura macquarii, whose systematics has so far defied resolution, to bring to light a dynamic system of substantive allopatric lineages diverging on independent evolutionary trajectories, but held back in the process of speciation by low level and episodic exchange of alleles across drainage divides on various timescales. In the context of low‐level episodic gene flow, speciation is often reticulate, rather than a bifurcating process. We argue that species delimitation needs to take into account the pattern of ancestry and descent of diverging lineages in allopatry together with the recent and contemporary processes of dispersal and gene flow that retard and obscure that divergence. Underpinned by a strong focus on lineage diagnosability, this combined approach provides a means for addressing the challenges of incompletely isolated populations with uncommon, but recurrent gene flow in studies of species delimitation, a situation likely to be frequently encountered. Taxonomic decisions in cases of allopatry often require subjective judgements. Our strategy, which adds an additional level of objectivity before that subjectivity is applied, reduces the risk of taxonomic inflation that can accompany lineage approaches to species delimitation.
Diet and trophic interactions of a circumglobally significant gelatinous marine zooplankter,Dolioletta gegenbauri(Uljanin, 1884)
Authors: Walters Tina L. , Lamboley Lauren M. , López‐Figueroa Natalia B. , Rodríguez‐Santiago Áurea E. , Gibson Deidre M. , Frischer Marc E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGelatinous zooplankton play a crucial role in marine planktonic food webs. However, primarily due to methodological challenges, the in situ diet of zooplankton remains poorly investigated and little is known about their trophic interactions including feeding behaviour, prey selection and in situ feeding rates. This is particularly true for gelatinous zooplankton including the marine pelagic tunicate,Dolioletta gegenbauri. In this study, we applied an 18S rRNA amplicon metabarcoding approach to identify the diet of captive‐fed and wild‐caughtD. gegenbaurion the midcontinental shelf of the South Atlantic Bight, USA. Sequencing‐based approaches were complimented with targeted quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. Captive‐fedD. gegenbaurigut content was dominated by pico‐, nano‐ and micro‐plankton including pico‐dinoflagellates (picozoa) and diatoms. These results suggested that diatoms were concentrated byD. gegenbaurirelative to their concentration in the water column. Analysis of wild‐caught doliolids by quantitative real‐time PCR utilizing a group‐specific diatom primer set confirmed that diatoms were concentrated byD. gegenbauri, particularly by the gonozooid life stage associated with actively developing blooms. Sequences derived from larger metazoans were frequently observed in wild‐caught animals but not in captive‐fed animals suggesting experimental bias associated with captive feeding. These studies revealed that the diet ofD. gegenbauriis considerably more diverse than previously described, that parasites are common in wild populations, and that prey quality, quantity and parasites are likely all important factors in regulating doliolid population dynamics in continental shelf environments.
Clinical Pharmacy Services in a Multidisciplinary Specialty Pain Clinic
Authors: Semerjian Maral , Durham Melissa J. , Mirzaian Edith , Lou Mimi , Richeimer Steven H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeTo describe a model of clinical pharmacy services as part of a multidisciplinary specialty pain clinic by discussing (1) the role of a clinical pharmacist in a specialty setting, including clinical interventions implemented, and (2) how integration of a clinical pharmacist may translate into an improved patient care model for the management of chronic pain.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted of pharmacist visits from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2015, in a specialty pain clinic at an academic medical center in Los Angeles, California. Data were collected regarding medication‐related problems (MRPs) identified by the pharmacist, interventions implemented to resolve the MRPs, and types of medication care coordination activities (MCCAs) performed by the pharmacist, such as responding to medication refill requests and insurance issues. Descriptive statistics were used. Institutional review board approval was obtained prior to initiating the study.ResultsAt least 1 MRP was identified in 98.7% of the 380 visits. Problems identified by the clinical pharmacist were divided into 5 categories: medication refills needed (43%), medication appropriateness/effectiveness (18%), miscellaneous (17%), safety (16%), and nonadherence/patient variables (6%). Interventions focused on referral to appropriate providers, medication counseling, medication initiation, dose adjustment, and medication discontinuation. The most common MCCA was responding to refill requests.ConclusionA clinical pharmacist can identify many MRPs and implement interventions in chronic pain management. Integration of clinical pharmacy services may improve practice management by facilitating the completion of MCCAs and increase access to patients’ needs outside the clinic.
Quenching of the Singlet and Triplet Excited States of Pterin by Amino Acids
Authors: Castaño Carolina , Serrano Mariana P. , Lorente Carolina , Borsarelli Claudio D. , Thomas Andrés H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUnconjugated oxidized pterins accumulate in the skin of patients suffering from vitiligo and, under UVA irradiation, photosensitize the oxidation of amino acids. In this work, we study the interaction of the singlet and triplet excited states of pterin (Ptr), the parent compound of oxidized pterins, with four oxidizable amino acids: tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), histidine (His) and methionine (Met). Steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence measurements and laser flash photolysis experiments were performed to investigate the quenching of the Ptr excited states by the amino acids in aqueous solution. The singlet excited states of Ptr are quenched by Met mainly via a dynamic process and by Trp via a combination of dynamic and static processes. His does not quench singlet excited states of Ptr, and quenching by Tyr could not be investigated due to the low solubility of this amino acid. The triplet excited states of Ptr are quenched by the four studied amino acids, and the corresponding bimolecular quenching rate constants are in the range of diffusion controlled limit. The assessment of the results in the context of the Ptr‐photosensitization of amino acids suggests that triplet excited state of Ptr is the species that initiates the photochemical processes.
The empire strikes back: French‐African trade after independence
Authors: Lavallée Emmanuelle , Lochard Julie 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper studies the effects of foreign influence on trade, focusing on the close relations between France and its former colonies in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). It shows that between 1960 and 1989—the golden age of French‐African relations—France exported more to its former SSA colonies than to any comparable countries, while they did not export more to France. This excess of French exports concerned a large variety of products, and particularly luxury goods and products in which France was least competitive. An investigation of the underlying mechanisms shows that migration explains most of this additional trade.
Raman characterization of human skin aging
Authors: Villaret Aurélie , Ipinazar Célia , Satar Tuvana , Gravier Eléonore , Mias Céline , Questel Emmanuel , Schmitt Anne‐Marie , Samouillan Valérie , Nadal Florence , Josse Gwendal 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundSkin aging is a complex biological process mixing intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as sun exposure. At the molecular level, skin aging affects in particular the extracellular matrix proteins.Materials and MethodsUsing Raman imaging, which is a nondestructive approach appropriate for studying biological samples, we analyzed how aging modifies the matrix proteins of the papillary and reticular dermis. Biopsies from the buttock and dorsal forearm of volunteers younger than 30 and older than 60 were analyzed in order to identify chronological and photoaging processes. Analyses were performed on skin section, and Raman spectra were acquired separately on the different dermal layers.ResultsWe observed differences in dermal matrix structure and hydration state with skin aging. Chronological aging alters in particular the collagen of the papillary dermis, while photoaging causes a decrease in collagen stability by altering proline and hydroxyproline residues in the reticular dermis. Moreover, chronological aging alters glycosaminoglycan content in both dermal compartments.ConclusionAlterations of the papillary and reticular dermal matrix structures during photo‐ and chronological aging were clearly depicted by Raman spectroscopy.