bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic stress and intestinal permeability: Lubiprostone regulates glucocorticoid receptor‐mediated changes in colon epithelial tight junction proteins, barrier function, and visceral pain in the rodent and human
Authors: Zong Ye , Zhu Shengtao , Zhang Shutian , Zheng Gen , Wiley John W , Hong Shuangsong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronic psychological stress is associated with increased intestinal epithelial permeability and visceral hyperalgesia. Lubiprostone, an agonist for chloride channel‐2, promotes secretion and accelerates restoration of injury‐induced epithelial barrier dysfunction. The mechanisms underlying how lubiprostone regulates colon epithelial barrier function and visceral hyperalgesia in chronic stress remain unknown.MethodsMale rats were subjected to water avoidance stress for 10 consecutive days. Lubiprostone was administered daily during the stress phase. Visceromotor response to colorectal distension was measured. Human colon crypts and cell lines were treated with cortisol and lubiprostone. The transepithelial electrical resistance and FITC‐dextran permeability were assayed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was conducted to assess glucocorticoid receptor binding at tight junction gene promoters.Key ResultsLubiprostone significantly decreased chronic stress‐induced visceral hyperalgesia in the rat (P < 0.05; n = 6). WA stress decreased occludin and claudin‐1 and increased claudin‐2 in rat colon crypts, which was prevented by lubiprostone. Cortisol treatment induced similar alterations of tight junction protein expression in Caco‐2/BBE cells (P < 0.05) and significantly changed paracellular permeability in monolayers (P < 0.01). These changes were blocked by lubiprostone. Glucocorticoid receptor and its binding at occludin promoter region were decreased in cortisol‐treated cells and human colon crypts, which was largely reversed by lubiprostone. In rat colonic cells, glucocorticoid receptor and its co‐chaperone proteins were down‐regulated after corticosterone treatment and lubiprostone reversed these changes.Conclusions & InferencesLubiprostone preferentially prevents chronic stress‐induced alterations of intestinal epithelial tight junctions, barrier function, and visceral hyperalgesia that was associated with modulation of glucocorticoid receptor expression and function.
Genome‐wide association study reveals new loci involved in Arabidopsis thaliana and Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) interactions in the field
Authors: Rubio Bernadette , Cosson Patrick , Caballero Mélodie , Revers Frédéric , Bergelson Joy , Roux Fabrice , Schurdi‐Levraud Valérie 
Published: October 2018

Summary

The genetic architecture of plant response to viruses has often been studied in model nonnatural pathosystems under controlled conditions. There is an urgent need to elucidate the genetic architecture of the response to viruses in a natural setting.

A field experiment was performed in each of two years. In total, 317 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions were inoculated with its natural Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV). The accessions were phenotyped for viral accumulation, frequency of infected plants, stem length and symptoms. Genome‐wide association mapping was performed.

Arabidopsis thaliana exhibits extensive natural variation in its response to TuMV in the field. The underlying genetic architecture reveals a more quantitative picture than in controlled conditions. Ten genomic regions were consistently identified across the two years. RTM3 (Restricted TEV Movement 3) is a major candidate for the response to TuMV in the field. New candidate genes include Dead box helicase 1, a Tim Barrel domain protein and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF3b.

To our knowledge, this study is the first to report the genetic architecture of quantitative response of A. thaliana to a naturally occurring virus in a field environment, thereby highlighting relevant candidate genes involved in plant virus interactions in nature.
Functional trait divergence and trait plasticity confer polyploid advantage in heterogeneous environments
Authors: Wei Na , Cronn Richard , Liston Aaron , Ashman Tia‐Lynn 
Published: October 2018

Summary

Polyploidy, or whole‐genome duplication often with hybridization, is common in eukaryotes and is thought to drive ecological and evolutionary success, especially in plants. The mechanisms of polyploid success in ecologically relevant contexts, however, remain largely unknown.

We conducted an extensive test of functional trait divergence and plasticity in conferring polyploid fitness advantage in heterogeneous environments, by growing clonal replicates of a worldwide genotype collection of six allopolyploid and five diploid wild strawberry (Fragaria) taxa in three climatically different common gardens.

Among leaf functional traits, we detected divergence in trait means but not plasticities between polyploids and diploids, suggesting that increased genomic redundancy in polyploids does not necessarily translate into greater trait plasticity in response to environmental change. Across the heterogeneous garden environments, however, polyploids exhibited fitness advantage, which was conferred by both trait means and adaptive trait plasticities, supporting a ‘jack‐and‐master’ hypothesis for polyploids.

Our findings elucidate essential ecological mechanisms underlying polyploid adaptation to heterogeneous environments, and provide an important insight into the prevalence and persistence of polyploid plants.
Cold sensitivity of mitochondrial ATP synthase restricts oxidative phosphorylation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kerbler Sandra M. , Taylor Nicolas L. , Millar A. Harvey 
Published: October 2018

Summary

The combined action of the electron transport chain (ETC) and ATP synthase is essential in determining energy efficiency in plants, and so is important for cellular biosynthesis, growth and development. Owing to the sessile nature of plants, mitochondria must operate over a wide temperature range in the environment, necessitating a broad temperature tolerance of their biochemical reactions.

We investigated the temperature response of mitochondrial respiratory processes in isolated mitochondria and intact plants of Arabidopsis thaliana and considered the effect of instantaneous responses to temperature and acclimation responses to low temperatures.

We show that at 4°C the plant mitochondrial ATP synthase is differentially inhibited compared with other elements of the respiratory pathway, leading to decreased ADP : oxygen ratios and a limitation to the rate of ATP synthesis. This effect persists in vivo and cannot be overcome by cold‐temperature acclimation of plants.

This mechanism adds a new element to the respiratory acclimation model and provides a direct means of temperature perception by plant mitochondria. This also provides an alternative explanation for non‐phosphorylating ETC bypass mechanisms, like the alternative oxidase to maintain respiratory rates, albeit at lower ATP synthesis efficiency, in response to the sensitivity of ATP synthase to the prevailing temperature.
Inhibition of isoprenylation synergizes with MAPK blockade to prevent growth in treatment‐resistant melanoma, colorectal, and lung cancer
Authors: Theodosakis Nicholas , Langdon Casey G. , Micevic Goran , Krykbaeva Irina , Means Robert E. , Stern David F. , Bosenberg Marcus W. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study evaluates the use of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins, as an adjunctive to BRAF and MEK inhibition as a treatment in melanomas and other tumors with driver mutations in the MAPK pathway. Experiments used simvastatin in conjunction with vemurafenib and selumetinib in vitro and simvastatin with vemurafenib in vivo to demonstrate additional growth abrogation beyond MAPK blockade alone. Additional studies demonstrated that statin anti‐tumor effects appeared to depend on inhibition of isoprenoid synthesis given rescue with add‐back of downstream metabolites. Ultimately, we concluded that statins represent a possible useful adjunctive therapy in MAPK‐driven tumors when given with current approved targeted therapy.
Dermatophytosis of the diaper area: Case report and literature review
Authors: Morales‐Conde Macarena , Feito‐Rodríguez Marta , de Lucas‐Laguna Raúl 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDermatophytosis in infants is rare, especially dermatophytosis of the diaper area. This case report and literature review provides keys to establishing the above diagnosis and discusses the current controversies concerning the use of antifungal drugs in this age group.
Methods of Assessment of the Corneas of the Eyes Laboratory Rabbits Exposed to Solar Ultraviolet‐B Radiation
Authors: Doughty Michael J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe goal of this review was to identify and discuss the specialized methods that have been used to assess the corneas of the eyes of living rabbits exposed to the damaging effects of ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B). From publications reviewed between 1916 and 2018, both albino and pigmented rabbits were used, usually being young adults weighing between 2 and 2.5 kg, and with many recent studies carried out under sedation. Older assessments were generally based on the use of in vivo slitlamp examinations, sometimes with the use of fluorescein or rose bengal to identify damaged cells, supported by light microscopy (histology) of excised corneas. In later years (after 1960), these structural studies have included in vivo and ex vivo specular microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as impression cytology. Early studies included measurements of the thickness of excised corneal specimens but in vivo pachymetry methods were widely used from the 1980s. Other assessments have included measurement of light transmission spectra of excised corneas, measures of metabolites in isolated corneas or staining corneal specimens for enzyme activities. While a wide range of specialized methods have been used, most of them have provided only descriptions of the effects of UV‐B.
Photobiomodulation Affects Key Cellular Pathways of all Life‐Forms: Considerations on Old and New Laser Light Targets and the Calcium Issue
Authors: Amaroli Andrea , Ferrando Sara , Benedicenti Stefano 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAfter 50 years of studies on photobiomodulation (PBM), there is still so much to investigate to understand the laser light‐nonplant cells interactions. The current scientific knowledge allows to say that the phenomena induced by PBM are based on cellular pathways that are the key points of cell life. The mitochondria chromophores, also present on the bacterial membrane, the calcium channels, ion that regulates the life‐and‐death cellular processes, as well as the TRP family, whose genes have been found in protozoa and suggest that its basic mechanism evolved long before the appearance of animals, seem to be elective targets in photobiomodulatory events by wavelengths from 600 up to 980 nm. The ambiguous resulting cellular communication way, mediated by ATP, ROS and/or calcium, leads to cell manipulation, which modifies its metabolism and whose response connects all life‐forms from bacteria to vertebrates. Because of the Giano‐Bifronte features of ROS and calcium, as well as the fine balance of energetic mitochondrial processes, whose alteration is responsible for several diseases, the PBM can show unpredictable results and it requires scrupulous approach to avoid cellular damages. However, when carefully applied, PBM is able to improve nonhealthy cell's responses and represents a reliable support in human and veterinary medicine.
An Emerging Geography of the Agrarian Question: Spatial Analysis as a Tool for Identifying the New American Agrarianism
Authors: Flachs Andrew , Abel Matthew 
Published: October 2018

AbstractKarl Kautsky’s Agrarian Question remains a useful lens for analyzing the relationship between small and large agricultural producers under the conditions of industrial capitalism. The U.S. agricultural census provides an opportunity to identify socioeconomic, demographic, and agricultural factors associated with new and alternative farming at the county level, and then analyze these for spatial patterns within a geographic information system. By associating these county‐level indicators with a crowd‐sourced USDA directory of farmers’ markets as a proxy for local demand, we identified four hot spots of new American agriculture: The West Coast, central Texas and Oklahoma, central Florida, and the Great Lakes region. Furthermore, we show that these areas have been growing since 1997. An additional farmer hot spot in central Appalachia diminished after 1997 and finally disappeared in 2012. We argue that spatial analysis is a tool for defining new agrarian landscapes, observing geographic and social shifts in small, alternative farming, and conducting more focused ethnographic research.
Effect of pedogenesis on the stable isotopic composition of calcretes and n‐alkanes: Implications for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
Authors: Sarangi Vijayananda , Kumar Anurag , Sanyal Prasanta 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn a fluvial system, depending on sub‐aerial exposure, non‐pedogenic pond calcretes can be modified into pedogenic calcretes. The present study attempts to understand the effect of sub‐aerial exposure and pedogenesis on calcretes using carbon and oxygen isotopic composition. For this purpose, two profiles (profile‐A and profile‐B) from the same stratigraphic level in Rayka from the western part of India were selected. The profiles are separated by a distance of 500 m and showed differences in calcrete characteristics. In profile‐A, the calcretes showed pedogenic features (root traces and void filling spar) whereas calcretes in profile‐B showed non‐pedogenic characteristics (fine laminations). However, some of the calcretes in profile‐A exhibited remnants of fine laminations suggesting that initially the calcretes had a non‐pedogenic origin but were modified due to pedogenesis. In profile‐A, the carbon and oxygen isotope values of pedogenic calcrete (δ13CPC and δ18OPC) showed more variation compared with non‐pedogenic pond calcretes (δ13CSPC and δ18OSPC) in profile‐B. The δ13CPC and δ13CSPC values exhibited a spread of 3·0‰ and 1·3‰, respectively, and δ18OPC and δ18OSPC values showed a spread of 2·3‰ and 1·3‰, respectively. The differences in the isotopic composition between the two profiles suggest that pedogenesis controlled the isotopic inheritance in calcretes. In addition, the carbon isotopic composition of organic matter (δ13COM) and n‐alkanes (δ13Cn‐alk) that forms the basis of palaeovegetational reconstruction have also been measured to understand the effect of pedogenesis on organic matter in both of the profiles. The average δ13COM values in profile‐A and profile‐B are −23·4‰ and −21·1‰, respectively. The disparity in δ13COM values is a result of the difference in the sources and preservation of organic matter. However, the δ13Cn‐alk values show a similar trend in profile‐A and profile‐B, indicating that sources of n‐alkanes are the same in both of the profiles and δ13Cn‐alk values are unaffected by the pedogenic modifications.
Cryopreservation of buffy coat–derived platelet concentrates photochemically treated with amotosalen and UVA light
Authors: Meinke Stephan , Wikman Agneta , Gryfelt Gunilla , Hultenby Kjell , Uhlin Michael , Höglund Petter , Sandgren Per 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDCryopreserved platelets (CPPs) are considered a promising approach for extended platelet storage, bridging inventory shortages of conventionally stored platelets. It is unknown if platelet concentrates exposed to photochemical treatment (PCT) with amotosalen and ultraviolet A (UVA) light, to inactivate pathogens, are suitable for freezing. The objective of this study was to analyze potential effects of PCT on CPPs as compared with untreated CPPs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA total of 12 PCT‐treated and 12 untreated platelet units from buffy coats were cryopreserved at −80°C in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide. CPPs of both types were rapidly thawed at 37°C and resuspended in 200 mL fresh plasma. In vitro properties were analyzed prefreezing, postfreezing and thawing, and on Day 1 after thawing.RESULTSDirectly after thawing, no major differences in platelet content, lactase hydrogenase, adenosine triphosphate, mitochondrial membrane potential, CD62P, CD42b, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule were seen between PCT‐CPPs and conventional CPPs. Agonist‐induced PAC‐1 expression and contribution of CPPs to blood coagulation in an experimental rotational thromboelastometry setup were also similar between the groups. On Day 1 after thawing, the CPPs of both types performed less well. The PCT‐CPPs tended to be more affected by the freezing process than the conventional CPPs.CONCLUSIONSPCT‐CPPs appeared slightly more susceptible to lesion effects by freezing than conventional CPPs, in particular in assays on Day 1 after thawing, but these differences were small relative to the dramatic effects of the freezing process itself.
Distribution of hepatitis A antibodies in US blood donors
Authors: Tejada‐Strop Alexandra , Zafrullah Mohammad , Kamili Saleem , Stramer Susan L. , Purdy Michael A. 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDRecently, there has been an increase in the number of hepatitis A outbreaks in the United States. Although the presence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) RNA in blood donors is known to be low, HAV antibody prevalence in this population is unknown.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSSamples from 5001 US blood donors collected primarily in the midwestern United States in 2015 were tested for the presence of HAV IgG antibodies using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays on the ARCHITECT platform (Abbott Laboratories).RESULTSThe overall prevalence of IgG anti‐HAV was 60%. Only one specimen was IgM anti‐HAV positive, for an incidence of 0.02%. IgG anti‐HAV prevalence among donors aged 16 to 19 years was 67%, decreased to 54% among donors aged 40 to 49 years and increased to 70% among donors aged 80 to 93 years. No differences were seen by sex with overall IgG anti‐HAV prevalence of 61% and 60% for males and females, respectively. Among the five states (Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri) with the highest number of donors tested, IgG anti‐HAV prevalence in Missouri (65%) was significantly higher (p <0.01) than that in Illinois (52%) or Kentucky (59%). No other significant differences between states were noted.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrates the overall high rates of IgG anti‐HAV in US blood donors, with the low associated risk of HAV transfusion transmission likely the result of low incidence and effective vaccination.
Fear of Childbirth, Postpartum Depression, and Birth‐Related Variables as Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Childbirth
Authors: Çapik Ayla , Durmaz Hatice 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundChildbirth may be a significant cause of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women.AimsThe objective of this study is to examine the effect of fear of childbirth, postpartum depression, and certain birth‐related variables on postpartum PTSD.MethodsThis study is a cross‐sectional study. The study was carried out in a maternity hospital nonstress unit between December 1, 2015, and February 29, 2016. Three hundred and one pregnant women who met the criteria for inclusion in the study made up the research sample.ResultsFear of childbirth and postpartum depression significantly and positively predicted the level of posttraumatic stress after childbirth (β = 0.17, p < .01; β = 0.68, p < .001). Fear of childbirth explains 3% of the total variance in posttraumatic stress (R2 = .03, adjusted R2 = .02, F = 7.141, p < .01), while postpartum depression explains 47% of it (R2 = .47, adjusted R2 = .46, F = 196.35, p < .001). Satisfaction with the attitudes of the medical staff during childbirth, defining the childbirth experience, and the state of experiencing postpartum problems by the mother are significant predictors of postpartum posttraumatic stress (β = −0.21, p < .01; β = −0.14, p < .05; β = 0.17, p < .01). When these three variables are addressed together, they explain 14% of the total variance (R2 = .14, adjusted R2 = .13, F = 9.33, p < .001).Linking Evidence to ActionPostpartum PTSD is a situation that must be carefully emphasized in terms of maternal, baby, and family health. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate postpartum PTSD more quickly and objectively, and healthcare providers have major duties in this respect.
Outcomes of cataract surgery performed by non-physician cataract surgeons in remote North Cameroon
Authors: Fortané Magali , Bensaid Philippe , Resnikoff Serge , Seini Kali , Landreau Nathalie , Paugam Jean-Michel , Nagot Nicolas , Mura Thibault , Serrand Chris , Villain Max , Daien Vincent 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo report the outcomes of cataract surgery performed by non-physician cataract surgeons due to lack of ophthalmologists in remote areas of North Cameroon.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThe main centre of the non-governmental organisation Ophtalmo Sans Frontières in Lagdo.Participants and interventionsAge-related cataract surgery performed between 28 November 2016 and 17 May 2017.Main outcomes measuresThe main outcome measure was presenting visual acuity (PVA) 1–4 weeks after surgery, classified according to the WHO as good (PVA ≥6/18), borderline (PVA 6/60–6/18) and poor (PVA <6/60). The WHO definition of blindness (visual acuity <3/60) and severe visual acuity (visual acuity 3/60–6/60) was used to assess the proportion of patients with a change in WHO category.ResultsWe included 474 eyes of 474 patients; the mean (SD) age was 63.9 (15) years (42.2% female). At 1–4 weeks after surgery, the surgical outcome was good for 170 patients (41.1%), borderline for 213 (51.5%) and poor for 31 (7.5%). In all, 224 patients (47.2%) had blindness or severe visual impairment before cataract surgery and 22 (5.3%) at 1–4 weeks after surgery. Poor visual outcome was associated with older age (p=0.018), preoperative blindness or severe impairment (p=0.012) and surgical complications (p=0.019).ConclusionBlindness and severe visual impairment were significantly decreased in the early postoperative period. Poor outcomes were associated with older age, low preoperative binocular visual acuity and intraoperative complications. Non-physician cataract surgeons may compensate for the lack of ophthalmologists in remote areas of low-income and middle-income countries.