bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UVB‐ andNGF‐induced cutaneous sensitization in humans selectively augments cowhage‐ and histamine‐induced pain and evokes mechanical hyperknesis
Authors: Andersen Hjalte H. , Lo Vecchio Silvia , Elberling Jesper , Yosipovitch Gil , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars 
Published: February 2018

AbstractExaggerated itch responses to pruritic chemical provocations and mechanical stimuli are evident in patients with chronic itch, for example, in atopic dermatitis. Currently used human models of itch do not account for such itch sensitization features, and the mechanisms underlying clinical itch sensitization are unknown. This study utilized two established human models of cutaneous nociceptive sensitization to explore how pre‐established inflammatory hyperalgesia (ultraviolet‐B‐irradiation; “UVB”) and non‐inflammatory neurotrophic pain sensitization (nerve growth factor; “NGF”) alter sensitivity to chemical and mechanically evoked itch. Twenty healthy volunteers participated in theUVBexperiment. Six volar forearm areas (2 cm diameter) wereUVBirradiated with ≤2 × minimal erythemal dose, and two non‐irradiated areas were used as controls. Sixteen healthy volunteers participated in theNGFexperiment and had 2 μg intradermally injected (4 × 50 μL in 2 cm diameter areas) into both volar forearms. Isotonic saline was applied as control. Pain sensitivity measurements (mechanical and heat pain thresholds) were conducted to validate the models. Subsequently, itch was evoked using histamine and cowhage spicules in the sensitized skin areas, and itch/pain was rated using visual analogue scales. Mechanical hyperknesis (increased itch to punctuate stimuli) was probed with von Frey filaments before/after each itch provocation. BothUVB‐ andNGFmodels induced robust primary mechanical hyperalgesia (P < .01) and hyperknesis (P < .05). Neither of the models augmented itch in response to chemical itch provocations but significant increases specifically for pain ratings were observed for both histamine and cowhage (P < .05). This suggests that these models are of limited value as proxies for itch sensitization to pruritogens observed, e.g., in inflammatory dermatoses.
The keratin 16 null phenotype is modestly impacted by genetic strain background in mice
Authors: Zieman Abigail , Coulombe Pierre A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe type I intermediate filament keratin 16 (K16) is constitutively expressed in ectoderm‐derived appendages and is inducibly expressed in the epidermis upon barrier‐compromising challenges. Dominantly acting missense alleles in KRT16 are causative for pachyonychia congenita (PC), a genodermatosis involving debilitating palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK), nail dystrophy, oral lesions and, frequently, alterations in glands and hair. C57Bl/6;Krt16‐/‐ mice develop oral lesions early after birth and PC‐like PPK lesions as young adults. These PPK lesions have a marked dysregulation of skin barrier‐related genes and innate immunity effectors (eg danger‐associated molecular patterns) and are preceded by oxidative stress secondary to hypoactive Nrf2 signalling. These molecular features are present in PPK lesions of PC patients. Here, we report that all components of the C57Bl/6;Krt16‐/‐ mouse phenotype occur as well in the FVB strain background, albeit less severely so, a significant observation in the light of variations in the clinical presentation of individuals harbouring disease‐causing mutations in the KRT16 gene.
Effect of a clockwise‐locked deletion in FliG on the FliG ring structure of the bacterial flagellar motor
Authors: Kinoshita Miki , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru 
Published: February 2018

FliG is a rotor protein of the bacterial flagellar motor. FliG consists of FliGN, FliGM and FliGC domains. Intermolecular FliGM–FliGC interactions promote FliG ring formation on the cytoplasmic face of the MS ring. A conformational change in HelixMC connecting FliGM and FliGC is responsible for the switching between the counterclockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) rotational states of the FliG ring. However, it remains unknown how it occurs. Here, we carried out in vivo disulfide cross‐linking experiments to see the effect of a CW‐locked deletion (∆PAA) in FliG on the FliG ring structure in Salmonella enterica. Higher‐order oligomers were observed in the membrane fraction of the fliG(∆PAA + G166C/G194C) strain upon oxidation with iodine in a way similar to FliG(G166C/G194C), indicating that the PAA deletion does not inhibit domain‐swap polymerization of FliG. FliG(∆PAA + E174C) formed a cross‐linked homodimer whereas FliG(E174C) did not, indicating that Glu174 in HelixMC of one FliG protomer is located much closer to that of its neighboring subunit in the CW motor than in the CCW motor. We will discuss possible helical rearrangements of HelixMC that induce a structural remodeling of the FliG ring upon flagellar motor switching.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of genotypic methods for detecting antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Wang You‐hua , Li Zhen , Wang Le , Zhu‐ge Li‐ya , Zhao Ru‐lin , Wu Shuang , Wang Ya , An Ying , Xie Yong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundAntibiotic susceptibility testing is essential for tailored treatments to cure Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, phenotypic methods have some limitations.ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of genotypic detection methods compared with phenotypic detection methods using samples taken from H. pylori‐infected patients.MethodsLiterature searches were conducted in the following databases (from January 2000 to November 2016): PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. A meta‐analysis and systematic review was performed for studies that compared genotypic methods with phenotypic methods for the detection of H. pylori antibiotic susceptibility.ResultsThis meta‐analysis showed that the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for the A2142G/C and/or A2143G combination for the detection of clarithromycin resistance in the strain samples were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94‐0.99), 1.00 (95% CI: 0.99‐1.00), and 13 742 (95% CI: 1708‐110 554), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR for the A2142G/C and/or A2143G combination for the detection of clarithromycin resistance in biopsy samples were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.90‐0.99), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.91‐0.99), and 722 (95% CI: 117‐4443), respectively. The summarized sensitivity, specificity, and DOR value for the ability of the genotypic methods to detect quinolone resistance in biopsy specimens were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.87‐0.99), 0.99 (95% CI: 0.92‐1.00), and 6042 (95% CI: 486‐75 143), respectively.ConclusionThe genotypic detection methods were reliable for the diagnosis of clarithromycin and quinolone resistance in the strain and biopsy specimens. The A2142G/C and/or A2143G combination had the best sensitivity and specificity for the detection of clarithromycin resistance.
TESTING THE THEORY OF MULTITASKING: EVIDENCE FROM A NATURAL FIELD EXPERIMENT IN CHINESE FACTORIES
Authors: Hong Fuhai , Hossain Tanjim , List John A. , Tanaka Migiwa 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUsing a natural field experiment, we quantify the impact of one‐dimensional performance‐based incentives on incentivized (quantity) and nonincentivized (quality) dimensions of output for factory workers with a flat‐rate or a piece‐rate base salary. In particular, we observe output quality by hiring quality inspectors unbeknownst to the workers. We find that workers trade off quality for quantity, but the effect is statistically significant only for workers under a flat‐rate base salary. This variation in treatment effects is consistent with a simple theoretical model that predicts that when agents are already incented at the margin, the quantity–quality trade‐off resulting from performance pay is less prominent.
Comparison of fungal fluorescent staining and ITS rDNA PCR‐based sequencing with conventional methods for the diagnosis of onychomycosis
Authors: Bao F. , Fan Y. , Sun L. , Yu Y. , Wang Z. , Pan Q. , Yu C. , Liu H. , Zhang F. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe current gold standard for diagnosing onychomycosis is direct microscopic examination and culturing. Fungal culture is a time‐consuming procedure, while direct microscopy of potassium hydroxide (KOH) mounts suffers from low sensitivity. More rapid and sensitive methods for the diagnosis of onychomycosis are in high demand.ObjectiveTo establish an effective method for the diagnosis of onychomycosis by assessing the efficacies of fungal fluorescent staining and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based sequencing.MethodsA total of 204 clinical specimens from patients with suspected onychomycosis were analysed. The gold standard for a true positive sample was positive by KOH, culturing or both methods. All specimens were also tested by fungal fluorescent staining and ITS rDNA PCR‐based sequencing. We compared the detection, sensitivity and specificity for these two methods with conventional methods.ResultsIn total, 126 (62%) and 102 (50%) were detected by fluorescent staining and PCR‐based sequencing, respectively. According to the conventional diagnostic standard, the sensitivity of fluorescent staining and PCR‐based sequencing was 97% and 78%, respectively, and specificities of 89% and 90%, respectively. Use of fluorescence enhanced the sensitivity of direct examination by 12% compared with KOH. PCR‐based sequencing increased the sensitivity by 6% compared with culturing.ConclusionsFluorescence microscopy has a higher sensitivity for the detection of fungi in nail specimens compared with KOH and can be used as a rapid screening tool. PCR‐based sequencing was faster and more sensitive compared with culture and when used in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy resulted in higher efficiency.
Role of hemostatic powders in the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding: A review
Authors: Mourad Fadi H , Leong Rupert W 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDespite the recent advances in endoscopic hemostatic techniques, the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding could be sometimes challenging. Hemostatic powders such as Hemospray, EndoClot, and Ankaferd Blood Stopper have found their way into digestive endoscopy and are licenced in many countries especially for use in upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We reviewed the literature on the use of these hemostatic powders in different situations in lower gastrointestinal bleeding and looked at the success rate and rebleeding rate. Most of the data are derived from case reports, retrospective and prospective case series with absence of any randomized controlled trials. Hemostatic powders were used as primary or salvage therapy to control bleeding from polypectomy site, colonic tumors, diverticula, arteriovenous malformations, radiation proctitis, ischemic colitis, and surgical intestinal anastomosis. The rate of immediate control of bleeding is in the range of 88–100% with a recurrence rate of 3–13% except for radiation proctitis bleeding where rebleeding rate can be as high as 77%. Although there are many advantages for the use of local hemostatic agents in lower gastrointestinal bleeding, future randomized controlled trials comparing them with conventional methods are needed.
Women and kidney disease: Reflections on world kidney day 2018
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina B. , Alrukhaimi Mona , Liu Zhi‐Hong , Zakharova Elena , Levin Adeera ,   On behalf of the World Kidney Day Steering Committee
Published: February 2018

SUMMARYBackgroundChronic Kidney Disease affects approximately 10% of the world's adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically their kidney health, on the community, and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care and participation in clinical studies.The issuesPregnancy is a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to impact women with profound consequences for child bearing, and on the foetus. Low birth weight children have increased risk of metabolic diseases, CVD and CKD. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. There is little data to guide best practice and limited research in the area.ConclusionsIn this editorial, we focus on what we do and do not know about women, kidney health and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.
Hypothesizing the origin, migration routes, and distribution patterns of Ophiopogon (Asparagaceae) in East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Wang Guang‐Yan , Yang Yong‐Ping 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOphiopogon Ker‐Gawl. (Ophiopogoneae, Asparagaceae) is a genus containing approximately 65 species distributed in East and Southeast Asia. The biogeographical history within the area is still poorly known. Divergence time estimation was used to infer the biogeographic history of Ophiopogon based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer data from 33 Ophiopogon species, three Liriope Lour. species, and six Peliosanthes Andrews species. The ancestral area and dispersal routes of Ophiopogon were inferred using the Bayesian binary method. Ophiopogon motouensis S. C. Chen was a transitional taxon. Ophiopogon was estimated to have originated in Southwest China during the middle Miocene (11.74 Ma). Five migrations were hypothesized to explain the expansion of Ophiopogon from Southwest China to East China, South Central China, South China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. The separation of Ophiopogon into East China and South Central China may be consistent with a broad east–west arid zone in continental Asia during the Paleogene. A migration from Southwest China to Taiwan was inferred in the Pliocene, when the ancestor of O. intermedius D. Don may have moved from Southwest China through the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau by the Nanling Corridor and Fujian–Taiwan Bridge into Taiwan. There was a dispersal route in the Pliocene (at 3.79 Ma) from Southwest China to South China, either along the Taiwan route (from Southwest China through the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau along the Nanling Corridor to Guangxi), or related to the E'mei Mountain orogeny. There was another dispersal event in the early Pleistocene at 2.00 Ma from Southwest China to Southeast Asia, possibly associated with the last uplift of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.
Altered expression of glutamate transporter‐1 and water channel protein aquaporin‐4 in human temporal cortex with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hoshi A. , Tsunoda A. , Yamamoto T. , Tada M. , Kakita A. , Ugawa Y. 
Published: February 2018

AimsGlutamate neurotoxicity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. Many studies have demonstrated that glutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1), the dominant astrocytic glutamate transporter, is significantly reduced in the cerebral cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), suggesting that glutamate‐mediated excitotoxicity might contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. In a previous study, we have demonstrated marked alterations in the expression of the astrocytic water channel protein aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) in relation to amyloid β deposition in human AD brains. As a functional complex, GLT‐1 and AQP4 in astrocytes may play a neuroprotective role in the progression of AD pathology. However, few studies have examined the correlation between the expression of GLT‐1 and that of AQP4 in human AD brain.MethodsHere, using immunohistochemistry with antibodies against GLT‐1 and AQP4, we studied the expression levels and distribution patterns of GLT‐1 in areas showing various patterns of AQP4 expression in autopsied temporal lobes from eight patients with AD and five controls without neurological disorders.ResultsGLT‐1 staining in the control group was present throughout the neocortex as uniform neuropil staining with co‐localized AQP4. The AD group showed a significant reduction in GLT‐1 expression, whereas cortical AQP4 immunoreactivity was more intense in the AD group than in the control group. There were two different patterns of GLT‐1 and AQP4 expression in the AD group: (i) uneven GLT‐1 expression in the neuropil where diffuse but intense AQP4 expression was evident, and (ii) senile plaque‐like co‐expression of GLT‐1 and AQP4.ConclusionsThese findings suggest disruption of glutamate/water homoeostasis in the AD brain.
Thermal generalist behaviour of invasive Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici strains under current and future climate conditions
Authors: de Vallavieille‐Pope C. , Bahri B. , Leconte M. , Zurfluh O. , Belaid Y. , Maghrebi E. , Huard F. , Huber L. , Launay M. , Bancal M. O. 
Published: February 2018

Yellow rust is a devastating wheat disease. Since 2000, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici strains PstS1 and PstS2 have become adapted to high temperatures and have spread worldwide. By 2011, Warrior strains had invaded both warm and cold areas of Europe. This study questioned whether thermal aptitude promoted the spread of Warrior strains, similar to PstS1/PstS2, by comparing infection efficiency (IE) at five temperatures and latent period (LP) under warm and cold regimes for Warrior isolates and pre‐2011 reference strains on two susceptible wheat varieties. The Warrior isolates showed a range of IE and LP responses to temperature that was intermediate between the northern reference isolates adapted to cold conditions and both the southern and invasive PstS2 isolates adapted to warm conditions. Warrior isolates had the highest IE under optimal temperatures of 10 and 15 °C, and displayed reduced infectivity under the warmest (20 °C) and coldest (5 °C) temperatures. Warrior strains acted as thermal generalists and the reference isolates acted as specialists. An IE thermal response was used to simulate the development of each isolate under future climate scenarios in a temperate and Mediterranean region. Isolates had the same ranking for yearly IE over the three 30‐year periods (1971–2000, 2021–2050, 2071–2100) and both locations, with a slight infection increase in the future. However, in the future IEs increased in earlier months. The thermal generalist profile of Warrior isolates for IE was confirmed, with an intermediate capacity to tolerate warming climate, whereas the southern isolates are better adapted to warm conditions, but do not have the virulences necessary to develop on current varieties.
Supplemented stallion seminal plasma can improve impaired motility due to the dilution effect in chilled Asian elephant sperm
Authors: Pinyopummin A , Mahasawangkul S , Nunklang G , Kornkaewrat K , Laopiem S , Koonjaenak S , Wattananit P 
Published: February 2018

ContentsThe dilution effect and effect of restoring seminal plasma (SP) proportion in diluted semen were determined in chilled Asian elephant sperm. Semen was collected from eight males, and samples with ≥30% motile sperm were used in the study. Tris‐glucose‐egg yolk extender (TE) was used for cooled storage at 4°C for 48 hr. In experiment 1 (n = 18), semen was diluted to 1:1, 1:3, 1:7 and 1:15 with TE (volume per volume). There were no significant changes in sperm viability and sperm with normal acrosome integrity among dilutions, but sperm motility and motility velocities were greater (p < .05) in the 1:1 dilution than those of the 1:7 and 1:15 dilutions at 48 hr of storage. In experiment 2, supplemented SP was derived from elephants and stallions. In experiment 2.1, diluted semen (1:7 dilution) was restored with SP to obtain a 1:2 proportion (n = 8). Sperm motility, viability and sperm with normal acrosome integrity were similar among treatments, but motility velocities were greater (p < .05) with stallion SP at 48 hr of storage. In experiment 2.2, diluted semen (1:15 dilution) was restored with SP to obtain a 1:3 proportion (n = 10). Sperm viability and sperm with normal acrosome integrity were similar among treatments at 48 hr of storage. However, sperm motility and motility velocities were greater (p < .05) with stallion SP than those of others. In conclusion, elephant sperm motility was affected by a dilution effect and restoration of SP proportion with stallion SP, but not with elephant SP, could improve motility in chilled highly diluted sperm.
Comparing occupational welfare in Europe: The case of occupational pensions
Authors: Pavolini Emmanuele , Seeleib‐Kaiser Martin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe article provides an assessment to what extent reforms of occupational pensions (OP) have fostered a “risk shift” or increased social protection dualism across countries. The essay focuses on workers, whilst previous research primarily analyzed provision for current pensioners. The empirical analysis confirms that in countries such as the Netherlands and Sweden, increased private pension or (OP) provision does not necessarily lead towards social protection dualism and comprehensive risk shifts. Britain continues to be characterized by strong social protection dualism and entrenched social divides, creating “social policy enclaves”. Divisions of welfare are also very likely to be a feature of the German pension system in the future. The latter two countries have witnessed clear risk shifts and processes of dualization. The pension systems in Austria, Italy, and Spain have not witnessed paradigmatic changes, and continue to be primarily based on public/statutory pension schemes. The idea that multi‐pillarization in itself fosters major risk shifts and dualization has to be reconsidered. Under specific conditions, encompassing OPs can be functionally equivalent to public pension schemes. However, countries relying on voluntarism with regard to OPs coverage tend to witness processes of dualization.
Age‐related differences in the functional properties of lips compared with skin
Authors: Tamura E. , Ishikawa J. , Sugata K. , Tsukahara K. , Yasumori H. , Yamamoto T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground/aimsLips can easily become dry and rough and their biggest problems are drying and chapping. The cause of those problems is considered to be that the stratum corneum (SC) moisture is small and its barrier function is low. However, those problems decrease in subjects as they approach 40 years of age, after which problems due to their shape and color increase. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between SC properties of the lips during aging and to clarify the cause(s) of lip problems.MethodsOne hundred and 38 Japanese female subjects with normal skin ranging in age from 16 to 78 years were enrolled in the study. The capacitance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values, viscoelasticity, and color of their lips were measured and compared with their cheeks.ResultsThe capacitance values for the lip and the cheek increased and TEWL values for both areas decreased with age. TEWL values for the lip decreased until ~30 years of age and this is considered to be related to the problem of drying. Although the maximum amplitude Uf of the lip increased with age, the Ur/Uf had no correlation with age. As for color, the L* and a* values decreased with age.ConclusionAge‐related changes with regard to SC functions, viscoelasticity and color of the lips have been clarified for the first time, and it is clear that these changes are related to problems of the lips. Compared with the cheeks, differences with the lips are more apparent.