bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from Trametes versicolor polysaccharopeptides protect human skin keratinocyte against AAPH‑induced oxidative stress and inflammatory
Authors: Chou Chun‐Hsu , Tsai Ming‐Shiun , Lu Hsin‐Yu , Chang Chao‐Kai , Cheng Kuan‐Chen , Jhan Mei‐Hsin , Hsieh Chang‐Wei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundPolysaccharopeptides (PSPs) extracted from Trametes versicolor show antitumor, anti‐inflammatory, and immunomodulation effects. According to our previous report, the enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from T versicolor PSPs by 80 U/mL β‐1,3‐D‐glucanase (PSPs‐EH80) did not change the functional groups of PSPs but enhanced their antioxidative activities. However, the mechanism elevating the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effect of PSPs‐EH80 is not clear.AimsThis research focused on the protective mechanism(s) of PSPs‐EH80 against free radical and 2,2'‐azobis (2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)‐induced oxidative damage in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells.MethodsWe evaluated the anti‐inflammatory potential of PSPs‐EH80 by assessing its free radical‐induced oxidative damage. Using the HaCaT cell as the experimental system, we tested the protective effects of PSPs‐EH80 on a model of AAPH‐induced cellular oxidative damage through the assessment of cell survival rate. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase were determined using MTT assays and Western blotting.ResultsWe demonstrated that PSPs‐EH80 significantly enhanced keratinocyte viability, and augmented the antioxidant HO‐1 expressions through upregulation of the Nrf2, compared with PSPs. Furthermore, PSPs‐EH80 significantly reduced AAPH‐induced COX‐2 expressions through downregulation of the ERK, p38, and NF‐κB signaling pathways.ConclusionThe PSPs‐EH80 exhibits a stronger antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory capacity than PSPs. Therefore, PSPs‐EH80 could be effective for attenuating free radical‐induced oxidative damage in human skin and can be applied widely in the fields of cosmetics and medicine.
Maintenance of genetic and morphological identity in two siblingSyrrhopodonspecies (Calymperaceae, Bryopsida) despite extensive introgression
Authors: Pereira Marta R. , Ledent Alice , Mardulyn Patrick , Zartman Charles E. , Vanderpoorten Alain 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBryophytes are a group of land plants in which the role of hybridization has long been challenged. Using genotyping by sequencing to circumvent the lack of molecular variation at selected loci previously used for phylogeny and morphology, we determine the level of genetic and morphological divergence and reproductive isolation between the siblingSyrrhopodon annotinusandS. simmondsii(Calymperaceae, Bryopsida) that occur in sympatry but in different habitats in lowland Amazonian rainforests. A clear morphological differentiation and a low (0.06), but significantFst derived from the analysis of 183 single nucleotide polymorphisms were observed between the two species. Conspecific pairs of individuals consistently exhibited higher average kinship coefficients along a gradient of geographic isolation than interspecific pairs. The weak, but significant genetic divergence observed is consistent with growing evidence that ecological specialization can lead to genetic differentiation among bryophyte species. Nevertheless, the spatial genetic structures of the two species were significantly correlated, as evidenced by the significant slope of the Mantel test based on kinship coefficients between pairs of interspecific individuals and the geographic distance separating them. Interspecific pairs of individuals are thus more closely related when they are geographically closer, suggesting that isolation‐by‐distance is stronger than the interspecific reproductive barrier and pointing to interspecific gene flow. We conclude that interspecific introgression, whose role has long been questioned in bryophytes, may take place even in species wherein sporophyte production is scarce due to dioicy, raising the question as to what mechanisms maintain differentiation despite weak reproductive isolation.
Validation of an abbreviated instrument to assess veterinary client caregiver burden
Authors: Spitznagel Mary Beth , Mueller Megan K. , Fraychak Taylor , Hoffman Andrew M. , Carlson Mark D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundCaregiver burden is present in many clients managing illness in a companion animal, but current assessment tools are time‐consuming and lack normative reference values.ObjectivesStatistical reduction of items in a measure of caregiver burden to create an abbreviated version, validation of the abbreviated version, and calculation of reference values.AnimalsNone.MethodsThis study was conducted using observational methods. Owners of an ill cat or dog were recruited through social media (n = 429). Veterinary clients with an ill (n = 459) or healthy (n = 961) cat or dog were recruited through a general veterinary and an academic hospital with multiple specialties. The study was conducted in 3 stages: (a) reduction of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) adapted for use in pets via factor and item analyses, (b) psychometric validation of the abbreviated instrument, and (c) standardization of the abbreviated (7 items) and full (18 items) measures.ResultsA 7‐item measure showed high correlations with the full measure (r = 0.88‐0.93) and good internal consistency (α = .71‐.75) across samples of veterinary clients with an ill cat or dog. This abbreviated measure correlated significantly (P < .001) and positively with stress (r = 0.40‐0.75) and negatively with quality of life (r = −0.32 to −0.56). Reference values derived from clients with a healthy companion animal suggest “normal” burden ranges of 0 to 17 on the full measure and 0 to 8 on the abbreviated version.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFor situations precluding full assessment of client caregiver burden, this brief 7‐item version can be used with good internal consistency and validity. Reference values can help determine if a client's caregiver burden is increased.
Water mediates fertilization in a terrestrial flowering plant
Authors: Fan Yong‐Li , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Yang Ji‐Qin , Zhao Jian‐Li , Xia Yong‐Mei , Li Qing‐Jun 
Published: April 2019

SummaryWater‐mediated fertilization is ubiquitous in early land plants. This ancestral mode of fertilization has, however, generally been considered to have been lost during the evolutionary history of terrestrial flowering plants.We investigated reproductive mechanisms in the subtropical gingerCautleya gracilis(Zingiberaceae), which has two pollen conditions – granular and filiform masses – depending on external conditions. We tested whether rain transformed granular pollen into filiform masses and whether this then promoted pollen‐tube growth and fertilization of ovules. Using experimental manipulations in the field we investigated the contribution of water‐mediated fertilization to seed production.Rain caused granular pollen to form filiform masses of germinating pollen tubes, which transported sperm to ovules, resulting in fertilization and seed set. Flowers exposed to rain produced significantly more seeds than those protected from the rain, which retained granular pollen. Insect pollination made only a limited contribution to seed set because rainy conditions limited pollinator service.Our results reveal a previously undescribed fertilization mechanism in flowering plants involving water‐mediated fertilization stimulated by rain. Water‐mediated fertilization is likely to be adaptive in the subtropical monsoon environments in whichC. gracilisoccurs by ensuring reproductive assurance when persistent rain prevents insect‐mediated pollination.
The online attention to oral cancer research: An Altmetric analysis
Authors: Hassona Yazan , Qutachi Tala , Dardas Latefa , Alrashdan Mohammad S. , Sawair Faleh 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesAltmetrics, or alternative metrics, have recently emerged as a web‐based metrics measuring the impact of research with an emphasis on the public engagement with the research output. In this study, we aimed to identify and analyze research articles about oral cancer that provoked the most online attention.MethodsAltmetric Explorer was used to identify articles about oral cancer that generated the highest online attention. Descriptive and correlational statistics were performed, and the top 100 articles were identified and analyzed.ResultsA total of 7,940 articles were identified. Topics were mostly discussed on Facebook, Twitter, Mendeley, and news outlets. The top 100 articles that generated the highest online attention discussed mainly topics related to treatment outcomes and quality of life. Human papilloma virus (HPV) was the most commonly discussed individual topic in the list of top 100 outputs (n = 20). Most articles originated from the USA (n = 46) and Europe (n = 33; mainly from UK [24 articles]). Articles were published in 47 journals that belong to different specialities; journals with a social media account had significantly higher Altmetric scores for their articles compared to those without an account.ConclusionTopics of general interest to the public such as HPV transmission and vaccination, risk factors, and treatment generated the highest online attention.
Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis of potato starch‐branching enzymes generates a range of tuber starch phenotypes
Authors: Tuncel Aytug , Corbin Kendall R. , Ahn‐Jarvis Jennifer , Harris Suzanne , Hawkins Erica , Smedley Mark A. , Harwood Wendy , Warren Frederick J. , Patron Nicola J. , Smith Alison M. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryWe investigated whether Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis of starch‐branching enzymes (SBEs) in tetraploid potatoes could generate tuber starches with a range of distinct properties. Constructs containing the Cas9 gene and sgRNAs targeting SBE1, SBE2 or both genes were introduced by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation or by PEG‐mediated delivery into protoplasts. Outcomes included lines with mutations in all or only some of the homoeoalleles of SBE genes and lines in which homoeoalleles carried several different mutations. DNA delivery into protoplasts resulted in mutants with no detectable Cas9 gene, suggesting the absence of foreign DNA. Selected mutants with starch granule abnormalities had reductions in tuber SBE1 and/or SBE2 protein that were broadly in line with expectations from genotype analysis. Strong reduction in both SBE isoforms created an extreme starch phenotype, as reported previously for low‐SBE potato tubers. HPLC‐SEC and 1H NMR revealed a decrease in short amylopectin chains, an increase in long chains and a large reduction in branching frequency relative to wild‐type starch. Mutants with strong reductions in SBE2 protein alone had near‐normal amylopectin chain‐length distributions and only small reductions in branching frequency. However, starch granule initiation was enormously increased: cells contained many granules of <4 μm and granules with multiple hila. Thus, large reductions in both SBEs reduce amylopectin branching during granule growth, whereas reduction in SBE2 alone primarily affects numbers of starch granule initiations. Our results demonstrate that Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis of SBE genes has the potential to generate new, potentially valuable starch properties without integration of foreign DNA into the genome.
A constraint–relaxation–recovery mechanism for stomatal dynamics
Authors: Jezek Mareike , Hills Adrian , Blatt Michael R. , Lew Virgilio L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractModels of guard cell dynamics, built on the OnGuard platform, have provided quantitative insights into stomatal function, demonstrating substantial predictive power. However, the kinetics of stomatal opening predicted by OnGuard models were threefold to fivefold slower than observed in vivo. No manipulations of parameters within physiological ranges yielded model kinetics substantially closer to these data, thus highlighting a missing component in model construction. One well‐documented process influencing stomata is the constraining effect of the surrounding epidermal cells on guard cell volume and stomatal aperture. Here, we introduce a mechanism to describe this effect in OnGuard2 constructed around solute release and a decline in turgor of the surrounding cells and its subsequent recovery during stomatal opening. The results show that this constraint–relaxation–recovery mechanism in OnGuard2 yields dynamics that are consistent with experimental observations in wild‐type Arabidopsis, and it predicts the altered opening kinetics of ost2 H+‐ATPase and slac1 Cl− channel mutants. Thus, incorporating solute flux of the surrounding cells implicitly through their constraint on guard cell expansion provides a satisfactory representation of stomatal kinetics, and it predicts a substantial and dynamic role for solute flux across the apoplastic space between the guard cells and surrounding cells in accelerating stomatal kinetics.
Modelling the Loss Given Default Distribution via a Family of Zero-and-one Inflated Mixture Models
Authors: Tomarchio Salvatore D. , Punzo Antonio 
Published: April 2019

SummaryThe empirical distribution of the loss given default (LGD) has support [0, 1], contains an excess of 0s and 1s, and is often multimodal on (0, 1). Though some parametric models have been used in the credit risk literature to model the LGD distribution, these peculiarities call for more flexible approaches. Thus, we introduce a zero-and-one inflated mixture where a three-level multinomial model is considered for the membership of the LGD values to the sets {0}, (0, 1) and {1}, whereas a finite mixture of distributions is used on (0, 1). To allow for more flexible shapes on (0, 1), we consider component distributions already defined on (0, 1) and distributions on (−∞, ∞) mapped on (0, 1) via the inverse logit transformation. This yields a family of 13 zero-and-one inflated mixture models. They are applied to two data sets of LGDs on loans: one from a European Bank and the other from the Bank of Italy. The best performers in our family, selected via classical information criteria, are then compared with several well-established semiparameteric or non-parametric approaches via a convenient simulation-based procedure.
Gender Inequality in Employment in Mozambique
Authors: Gradín Carlos , Tarp Finn 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe investigate the gender employment gap in the expanding non‐subsistence sector of the economy in Mozambique, a country still characterized by a large subsistence agricultural sector. We show evidence that the gender gap has widened over time and we identify two structural factors strongly associated with it. One factor is the still relatively lower level of female human capital, with less attained education, as well as literacy and Portuguese proficiency rates. The lower conditional employment probabilities of married women, as compared with men, is the other factor. These findings point at expanding women´s education and facilitating the access of married women to the emerging labour market as the most effective ways of achieving a more inclusive growth path that does not leave women behind.
Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) in patellar tendons
Authors: van Ark Mathijs , Rabello Lucas Maciel , Hoevenaars Dirk , Meijerink Joost , van Gelderen Niels , Zwerver Johannes , van den Akker‐Scheek Inge 
Published: April 2019

PurposeUltrasound tissue characterization (UTC) is used in research and clinical practice to quantify tendon structure of the patellar tendon. This is the first study to investigate the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability for UTC of the patellar tendon on a large scale.MethodFifty participants (25 patellar tendinopathy, 25 asymptomatic) were recruited. The affected patellar tendons in symptomatic and right tendons in asymptomatic participants were scanned with UTC twice by one researcher and once by another. The same was done for contour marking (needed to analyze a UTC scan) of the tendon. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (2,1)) for echo‐types I, II, III, IV, aligned fibrillar structure (echo‐types I + II), and disorganized structure (echo‐types III + IV) were calculated. This was done for UTC scans as well as solely marking contours.ResultsInter‐rater reliability showed fair to good ICC values for echo‐types I (0.65) and II (0.46) and excellent ICC values for echo‐type III (0.81), echo‐type IV (0.83), aligned fibrillar structure (0.82), and disorganized structure (0.82). Intra‐rater reliability showed excellent ICC values for echo‐types I (0.76), III (0.88), IV (0.85), aligned fibrillar structure (0.88), and disorganized fibrillar structure (0.88) and a fair to good value for echo‐type II (0.61). Contour marking showed excellent ICC values for all echo‐types.ConclusionThis study showed that UTC scans for patellar tendons have overall good intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability. To optimize reliability of UTC scans of the patellar tendon, using the same rater and using aligned fibrillar structure (echo‐types I + II combined) and disorganized structure (echo‐types III + IV combined) as outcome measures can be considered.
A lymphoma patient with Cytomegalovirus retinitis and post‐autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation immune reconstitution uveitis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Fuller Risa , Strauss Danielle , Steinberg Amir , Rana Meenakshi , Keyzner Alla , Dunn Dallas , Jacobs Samantha E. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in hematologic malignancies in the absence of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is uncommon. We report a case of a 54‐year‐old woman with peripheral T‐cell lymphoma who develops CMV retinitis and subsequently undergoes an autologous HCT, with eventual development of immune reconstitution uveitis. We further reviewed the PubMed literature on CMV retinitis in patients with lymphoma. We describe that CMV retinitis in patients with lymphoma has variable clinical presentations, may occur at any time during the course of the disease and chemotherapy, and is associated with significant morbidity.
A novel double‐variant RHAG allele leads to Rhmod phenotype
Authors: Xia R. W. , Xun C. Z. , Xiang D. , Zhang J. M. , Yang Q. X. , Zhao F. Y. , Wang C. , Zhu Z. Y. , Li Q. , Ye L. Y. 
Published: April 2019

SUMMARYAims/ObjectivesWe aimed to analyse the molecular backgrounds and red blood cell (RBC) antigen expression of a male blood donor with Rhmod phenotype and his family members.BackgroundRh deficiency phenotypes are rarely found worldwide and are characterised by the lack of Rh antigen expression on RBCs. During routine screening, we found a blood donor who seemingly lacked Rh antigens. Therefore, we recruited the donor and his family for further investigation.MethodsRBC serotyping and antibody screening/identification were performed for each sample. A routine blood examination was also conducted. RHD, RHCE and RHAG were sequenced at the genomic DNA or RNA level. Eleven antigens or proteins associated with Rh complex were tested using flow cytometry analysis.ResultsThe proband and one of his brothers showed extremely weak D antigen and Rh expression levels but did not manifest anaemia. Most of the expressed RBC antigens of the two Rh‐deficient individuals were similar to the previously reported cases but with some exceptions. Molecular analyses demonstrated homozygous expression of a novel RHAG allele, namely, c.[572G>A;707A>C], both in the proband and one of his brothers.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, we identified the second double‐variant RHAG allele and the first one related to Rhmod phenotype. The novel allele was also confirmed to be heritable by family analyses.
Light‐dependent N‐terminal phosphorylation of LHCSR3 and LHCB4 are interlinked in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Scholz Martin , Gäbelein Philipp , Xue Huidan , Mosebach Laura , Bergner Sonja Verena , Hippler Michael 
Published: April 2019

SummaryPhosphorylation dynamics of LHCSR3 were investigated in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by quantitative proteomics and genetic engineering. LHCSR3 protein expression and phosphorylation were induced in high light. Our data revealed synergistic and dynamic N‐terminal LHCSR3 phosphorylation. Phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated LHCSR3 associated with PSII‐LHCII supercomplexes. The phosphorylation status of LHCB4 was closely linked to the phosphorylation of multiple sites at the N‐terminus of LHCSR3, indicating that LHCSR3 phosphorylation may operate as a molecular switch modulating LHCB4 phosphorylation, which in turn is important for PSII‐LHCII disassembly. Notably, LHCSR3 phosphorylation diminished under prolonged high light, which coincided with onset of CEF. Hierarchical clustering of significantly altered proteins revealed similar expression profiles of LHCSR3, CRX, and FNR. This finding indicated the existence of a functional link between LHCSR3 protein abundance and phosphorylation, photosynthetic electron flow, and the oxidative stress response.
An assessment of the risk, cost‐effectiveness, and perceived benefits of anti‐parvovirus B19 tested blood products
Authors: van Hoeven Loan R. , Janssen Mart P. , Lieshout‐Krikke Ryanne W. , Molenaar‐de Backer Marijke W. 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUNDParvovirus B19 (B19V) can cause severe anemia, hydrops foetalis, and even death in vulnerable patients. To prevent transfusion‐transmitted B19V infection of at‐risk patients, B19V antibody screening of blood donors was implemented. The cost‐effectiveness of this intervention is unclear, as the likelihood of transmission through blood and subsequent complications for recipients are unknown. This study estimates the cost‐effectiveness of anti‐B19V donor screening in the Netherlands.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe estimates needed for the cost‐effectiveness model were: the occurrence of B19V in Dutch blood donors, the number of anti‐B19V tested products required by hospitals, the likelihood of morbidity and mortality given B19V infection, treatment costs, and screening costs. These estimates were obtained from literature and observational data. When data were unavailable, structured expert judgment elicitation and statistical modeling were applied.RESULTSThe costs of preventing one transfusion transmitted B19V infection are estimated at €68,942 (€42,045 – €102,080). On average, 1.25 cases of morbidity and 0.12 cases of mortality are prevented annually. Although the perceived risk of transfusion transmitted B19V infection was low, half of the treating physicians favored anti‐B19V screening.CONCLUSIONThe estimated mortality and morbidity caused by B19V infection was low in the risk groups. The cost‐effectiveness ratio is similar to other blood safety screening measures. No guidance exists to evaluate the acceptability of this ratio. The explicit overview of costs and effects may further guide the discussion of the desirability of B19V safe blood products.