bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural analysis of spores from diverse Bacillales species isolated from Brazilian soil
Authors: de Andrade Cavalcante Danilo , De‐Souza Marlene Teixeira , de Orem Juliana Capela , de Magalhães Maria Inês André , Martins Paulo Henrique , Boone Tyler J. , Castillo José A. , Driks Adam 
Published: November 2018

SummaryMany species in the order Bacillales form a specialized cell type called a spore that is resistant to a range of environmental stresses. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that the spore is comprised of a series of concentric shells, surrounding an interior compartment harbouring the spore DNA. The outermost of these shells varies considerably in morphology among species, likely reflecting adaptations to the highly diverse niches in which spores are found. To better characterize the variation in spore ultrastructure among diverse species, we used TEM to analyse spores from a collection of 23 aerobic spore‐forming bacteria from the Solo do Distrito Federal (SDF strains), spanning the genera Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, Paenibacillus and Brevibacillus, isolated from soil from central Brazil. We found that the structures of these spores varied widely, as expected. Interestingly, even though these isolates are novel strains of each species, they were structurally very similar to the known examples of each species in the literature. Because in most cases, the species we analysed are poorly characterized, our data provide important evidence regarding which structural features are likely to be constant within a taxon and which are likely to vary.
Stress responding and stress‐related changes in cue reactivity in heavy smokers, problem gamblers, and healthy controls
Authors: Wemm Stephanie E. , Cao Zhimin , Han Liqiao , Wulfert Edelgard 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAddictions, both substance and behavioral, have been conceptualized as involving similar biopsychosocial processes with different opportunistic expressions. A maladaptive stress response in combination with craving or urges to engage in the addictive behavior may be among the underlying factors common to behavioral and substance addictions. The current study compared the neuroendocrine (cortisol) and subjective responses to stress of gamblers and smokers to healthy controls. We assessed if participants responded differently to smoking or gambling cues before and after a psychosocial stressor. To this end, the subjective urges/cravings of all participants were measured in response to smoking or gambling cues versus neutral cues, once under normal conditions and again after exposure to a stressor. Salivary cortisol was measured prior to, immediately following, and 10 minutes after conclusion of the stressor. Smokers and gamblers showed a similar blunted cortisol response to the acute stressor that differed from the control group's response. Following a stressor, subjective craving in smokers increased whereas gamblers' urges decreased. In smokers, a blunted cortisol and subjective stress response were related to increased urges. In contrast, for gamblers, changes in cortisol levels were unrelated to urges, and higher subjective stress was associated with decreased urges. In conclusion, individuals with a substance and a behavioral addiction share common patterns of reactivity to stress. However, while the stressor enhanced cue‐related craving in smokers, it generally had the opposite effect on gamblers. Further research is necessary to elucidate the complicated patterns of similarities and differences that underlie substance and behavioral addictions.
The impact of childhood bullying on the daily lives of Nordic children and young adolescents
Authors: Krusell Magnus Kirketerp , Hohwü Lena , Bjereld Ylva , Madsen Kathrine Bang , Obel Carsten 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimChildhood bullying may negatively affect the mental health in children and adolescents, but few studies have explored this potential link. We aimed to investigate the association between childhood bullying and the impact of poor mental health on the daily life in a population of Nordic children and adolescents aged 5–16 years.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was based on data from the Nordic survey on Children's Health and Wellbeing (NordChild) from 2011. The study population included 4966 children from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Mental health was measured by a parent‐reported version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. We conducted multiple logistic regression analyses to estimate the odds ratios of poor mental health in bullied compared to non‐bullied children and adolescents while adjusting for sex, age, body mass index and parental socioeconomic status.ResultsBullied children and adolescents were four times more likely than their non‐bullied peers to have mental health problems with negative impact on their daily life at home, in their relations to friends, learning in school or leisure activities (adjusted odds ratio: 4.32; 95% CI: 3.54–5.26).ConclusionThis study found negative impact on the mental health in bullied children and adolescents, which affected several arenas of daily life.
Colonization of preterm gnotobiotic piglets with probioticLactobacillus rhamnosusGG and its interference withSalmonellaTyphimurium
Authors: Splichalova A , Jenistova V , Splichalova Z , Splichal I 
Published: November 2018

SummaryA balanced microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a prerequisite for a healthy host. The GIT microbiota in preterm infants is determined by the method of delivery and nutrition. Probiotics can improve the GIT microbiota balance and suitable animal models are required to verify their harmlessness. Preterm gnotobiotic piglets were colonized with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) to evaluate its safety and possible protective action against infection with an enteric pathogen, Salmonella Typhimurium (ST). Clinical signs (anorexia, somnolence, fever and diarrhea), bacterial interference and translocation, intestinal histopathology, transcriptions of claudin-1, occludin and interferon (IFN)-γ, intestinal and systemic protein levels of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-12/23 p40 and IFN-γ were compared among (i) germ-free, (ii) LGG-colonized, (iii) ST-infected and (iv) LGG-colonized and subsequently ST-infected piglets for 24 h. Both LGG and ST-colonized the GIT; LGG translocated in some cases into mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen but did not cause bacteremia and clinical changes. ST caused clinical signs of gastroenteritis, translocated into mesenteric lymph nodes, the spleen, liver and blood, increased claudin-1 and IFN-γ transcriptions, but decreased occludin transcription and increased local and systemic levels of IL-8 and IL-12/23 p40. Previous colonization with LGG reduced ST colonization in the jejunum and translocation into the liver, spleen and blood. It partially ameliorated histopathological changes in the intestine, reduced IL-8 levels in the jejunum and plasma and IL-12/23 p40 in the jejunum. The preterm gnotobiotic piglet model of the vulnerable preterm immunocompromised infant is useful to verify the safety of probiotics and evaluate their protective effect.
Abnormal immunolabelling of SMAD4 in cell block specimens to distinguish malignant and benign pancreatic cells
Authors: Matsuda Yoko , Esaka Shikine , Suzuki Akemi , Hamashima Yuri , Imaizumi Masayuki , Matsukawa Miho , Fujii Yuko , Aida Junko , Takubo Kaiyo , Ishiwata Toshiyuki , Nishimura Makoto , Arai Tomio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundAccurate diagnosis of malignant and benign pancreatic lesions can be challenging, especially with endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) samples that are small and/or degraded. In the present study, we determined how to best evaluate abnormal SMAD4 expression by immunohistochemical staining on cell block specimens from EUS‐FNA samples.ResultsIn surgically resected pancreas, when abnormal SMAD4 immunolabelling was evaluated as negative SMAD4 expression, the sensitivity was low (33%), but when it was evaluated as decreased SMAD4 expression, the sensitivity improved (53%). Specificity and positive predictive value were high for both evaluations. There were no false‐positive cases. In cell block specimens, decreased SMAD4 expression showed 47% sensitivity and 72% specificity, while negative SMAD4 expression showed lower sensitivity (20%) and higher specificity (100%). Both evaluations in cell block specimens showed lower sensitivity and specificity compared to resected specimens. False‐positive and ‐negative rates were higher for cell blocks than for resected specimens.ConclusionsDecreased SMAD4 immunolabelling provided improved sensitivity as compared to negative SMAD4 immunolabelling; therefore, it is important to compare SMAD4 expression in a sample to its expression in normal cells. Abnormal SMAD4 labelling showed low sensitivity and high specificity; therefore, SMAD4 staining using EUS‐FNA samples might be helpful to detect malignancies that possess SMAD4 gene abnormalities.
Home‐based early intervention in infants and young children with visual impairment using the Developmental Journal: longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Dale Naomi J , Sakkalou Elena , O'Reilly Michelle A , Springall Clare , Sakki Hanna , Glew Sarah , Pissaridou Eleni , De Haan Michelle , Salt Alison T 
Published: November 2018

AimTo investigate the effects of home‐based early intervention in children with severe visual impairment (SVI) using the Developmental Journal for babies and young children with visual impairment (DJVI).MethodA longitudinal observational study was undertaken with a national cohort (OPTIMUM) of infants with congenital disorders of the peripheral visual system (CDPVS) and profound‐SVI; and followed up after 12 months and 24 months. Intervention was categorized according to the practitioner diary records of their usual practice over 12 months from baseline comparing those receiving the DJVI and those receiving ‘Other Support’. Outcome measures of cognition and language, behaviour difficulties, parenting stress, and satisfaction with parent–practitioner partnership were collected.ResultsIn the 54 children (26 males, 28 females, baseline mean age 13.5mo, SD 2.3mo, range 8–17mo) with ‘total’ CDPVS (including 16 ‘complex’ and 38 ‘simple’ with or without known brain disorder respectively), linear mixed effects pointed towards acceleration in sensorimotor understanding and expressive language especially in the ‘simple’ subsample (11.72 developmental quotient, 95% confidence interval −1.17 to 24.61, p>0.05) in those receiving the DJVI. Vision level also predicted outcomes (p<0.05). The DJVI group showed improvements in behavioural withdrawal (η2=0.20, p=0.02, ‘simple’) and parenting stress (d=0.78, d=0.92, p=0.02 total and ‘simple’ respectively) and perceived practitioner–parent relationship (η2=0.16, p=0.01).InterpretationInfants and young children with visual impairment receiving home‐based early intervention using the DJVI with a structured developmental approach had better outcomes than those receiving ‘other’ home‐based early interventions. Moderate to large effect improvements were found in child cognition and language, behaviour and parenting stress and the perceived practitioner‐parent relationship, although cognition did not reach 5% significance level.What this paper adds

Early intervention using the Developmental Journal for babies and young children with visual impairment was associated with enhanced developmental outcomes compared to other approaches.

Improvements were also found in child behaviour, parenting stress, and perceived parent practitioner outcomes.

Type and complexity of visual impairment also influenced outcomes.
Sharks, rays and marine protected areas: A critical evaluation of current perspectives
Authors: MacKeracher Tracy , Diedrich Amy , Simpfendorfer Colin A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMarine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly advocated for the conservation and management of sharks and rays. However, substantial uncertainty remains regarding which species can benefit from MPAs. Meanwhile, area‐focused protection targets have spurred recent and rapid gains in the creation of large MPAs, many of which carry vague objectives set by a diverse group of stakeholders with potentially different notions of “success.” Here, we capture and critically evaluate current views on the use of MPAs for shark and ray conservation. Through interviews with scientists, MPA managers, fisheries experts, conservation practitioners, advocates and policy experts (n = 53), we demonstrate a variety of perspectives regarding: (a) the effectiveness of MPAs as a tool for shark and ray conservation; (b) which factors influence the success of MPAs for sharks and rays; and (c) the desired outcomes of these MPAs. While MPAs created specifically for sharks and rays were viewed to be slightly more effective than regular MPAs as a tool for shark and ray conservation, both were generally considered insufficient in isolation. Despite greater emphasis on social success factors (e.g., local support) over biophysical success factors (e.g., size), biological outcomes (e.g., increased abundance) were prioritized over social outcomes (e.g., livelihood benefits). We argue that a stronger focus on achieving social outcomes can enhance the potential for MPAs to benefit sharks and rays. In revealing current thinking regarding the drivers and indicators of MPA success for sharks and rays, the results of this study can inform efforts to conserve and manage these species.
Propeptide glycosylation and galectin‐3 binding decrease proteolytic activation of human proMMP‐9/progelatinase B
Authors: Boon Lise , Ugarte‐Berzal Estefania , Martens Erik , Vandooren Jennifer , Rybakin Vasily , Colau Didier , Gordon‐Alonso Monica , van der Bruggen Pierre , Stöcker Walter , Becker‐Pauly Christoph , Witters Peter , Morava Eva , Jaeken Jaak , Proost Paul , Opdenakker Ghislain 
Published: November 2018

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are secreted as proenzymes, containing propeptides that interact with the catalytic zinc, thereby controlling MMP activation. The MMP‐9 propeptide is unique in the MMP family because of its post‐translational modification with an N‐linked oligosaccharide. ProMMP‐9 activation by MMP‐3 occurs stepwise by cleavage of the propeptide in an aminoterminal (pro‐AT) and carboxyterminal (pro‐CT) peptide. We chemically synthesized aglycosyl pro‐AT and pro‐CT and purified recombinant glycosylated pro‐ATSf−9. First, we report new cleavage sites in the MMP‐9 propeptide by MMP‐3 and neutrophil elastase. Additionally, we demonstrated with the use of western blot analysis a higher resistance of glycosylated versus aglycosyl pro‐AT against proteolysis by MMP‐3, MMP‐9, meprin α, neutrophil elastase and by protease‐rich synovial fluids from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Moreover, we investigated the effect of glycosylation on proteolytic activation of human proMMP‐9 with the use of zymography and dye‐quenched gelatin cleavage analysis. Compared to recombinant Sf‐9 proMMP‐9 glycoforms, larger oligosaccharides of human neutrophil proMMP‐9 increased resistance against proteolytic activation. Additionally, proMMP‐9 from Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation patients, compared to healthy controls, showed a higher activation rate by MMP‐3. Finally, we demonstrated that glycan‐galectin‐3 interactions reduced proMMP‐9 activation. In conclusion, modification of MMP‐9 propeptide glycosylation is a fine‐tuning mechanism and co‐determines the specific activity of MMP‐9 in physiology and pathology.EnzymesMMP‐9 EC 3.4.24.35, MMP‐3 EC 3.4.24.17, meprin α EC 3.4.24.18, neutrophil elastase EC 3.4.21.37, trypsin EC 3.4.21.4 and PNGase F EC 3.5.1.52.
ce‐Subpathway: Identification of ceRNA‐mediated subpathways via joint power of ceRNAs and pathway topologies
Authors: Feng Chenchen , Song Chao , Ning Ziyu , Ai Bo , Wang Qiuyu , Xu Yong , Li Meng , Bai Xuefeng , Zhao Jianmei , Liu Yuejuan , Li Xuecang , Zhang Jian , Li Chunquan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCompeting endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) represent a novel mechanism of gene regulation that may mediate key subpathway regions and contribute to the altered activities of pathways. However, the classical methods used to identify pathways fail to specifically consider ceRNAs within the pathways and key regions impacted by them. We proposed a powerful strategy named ce‐Subpathway for the identification of ceRNA‐mediated functional subpathways. It provided an effective level of pathway analysis via integrating ceRNAs, differentially expressed (DE) genes and their key regions within the given pathways. We respectively analysed one pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and one myocardial infarction (MI) data sets and demonstrated that ce‐Subpathway could identify many subpathways whose corresponding entire pathways were ignored by those non‐ceRNA‐mediated pathway identification methods. And these pathways have been well reported to be associated with PAH/MI‐related cardiovascular diseases. Further evidence showed reliability of ceRNA interactions and robustness/reproducibility of the ce‐Subpathway strategy by several data sets of different cancers, including breast cancer, oesophageal cancer and colon cancer. Survival analysis was finally applied to illustrate the clinical application value of the ceRNA‐mediated functional subpathways using another data sets of pancreatic cancer. Comprehensive analyses have shown the power of a joint ceRNAs/DE genes and subpathway strategy based on their topologies.
MANY INSTRUMENTS AND/OR REGRESSORS: A FRIENDLY GUIDE
Authors: Anatolyev Stanislav 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper surveys the state of the art in the econometrics of regression models with many instruments or many regressors based on alternative – namely, dimension – asymptotics. We list critical results of dimension asymptotics that lead to better approximations of properties of familiar and alternative estimators and tests when the instruments and/or regressors are numerous. Then, we consider the problem of estimation and inference in the basic linear instrumental variables regression setup with many strong instruments. We describe the failures of conventional estimation and inference, as well as alternative tools that restore consistency and validity. We then add various other features to the basic model such as heteroskedasticity, instrument weakness, etc., in each case providing a review of the existing tools for proper estimation and inference. Subsequently, we consider a related but different problem of estimation and testing in a linear mean regression with many regressors. We also describe various extensions and connections to other settings, such as panel data models, spatial models, time series models, and so on. Finally, we provide practical guidance regarding which tools are most suitable to use in various situations when many instruments and/or regressors turn out to be an issue.
Introducing functional and dysfunctional self‐licensing: Associations with indices of (un)successful dietary regulation
Authors: Prinsen Sosja , Dohle Simone , Evers Catharine , de Ridder Denise T. D. , Hofmann Wilhelm 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveGiving in to food temptations is typically labeled as self‐regulation failure. However, when indulgence stems from self‐licensing processes, that is, relying on reasons to justify diet deviations, these instances might actually promote successful goal striving. This research aimed to theoretically define and test under what conditions self‐licensing would be considered functional (e.g., when it ultimately serves the long‐term goal of weight control) and dysfunctional (e.g., when it threatens successful goal striving).MethodFirst, a pool of items reflecting functional and dysfunctional ways of self‐licensing was tested and representative items were selected (Study 1; N = 194). Next, their classification was corroborated by examining the associations with indices of (un)successful dietary regulation (Study 2; N = 147). Finally, it was tested whether (dys)functional self‐licensing predicted unhealthy snack intake, by means of participants keeping an unhealthy snack diary (Study 3; N = 54).ResultsThe theorized distinction was confirmed, and the obtained correlational patterns supported the proposed (dys)functionality of the two types of self‐licensing. Importantly, results showed that dysfunctional self‐licensing predicted higher snack intake, whereas functional self‐licensing predicted lower snack intake.ConclusionThe present studies provide evidence for the existence of two types of self‐licensing, and thereby contribute to theoretical development.
Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir in patients with chronic HCV genotype 3 infection: An integrated phase 2/3 analysis
Authors: Flamm Steven , Mutimer David , Asatryan Armen , Wang Stanley , Rockstroh Jürgen , Horsmans Yves , Kwo Paul Y. , Weiland Ola , Villa Erica , Heo Jeong , Gane Edward , Ryder Stephen D. , Welzel Tania M. , Ruane Peter J. , Agarwal Kosh , Ng Teresa I. , Xue Zhenyi , Lovell Sandra S. , Krishnan Preethi , Kopecky‐Bromberg Sarah , Trinh Roger , Mensa Federico J. , Wyles David L. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryGlecaprevir coformulated with pibrentasvir (G/P) is approved to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and was highly efficacious in phase 2 and 3 studies. Treating HCV genotype (GT) 3 infection remains a priority, as these patients are harder to cure and at a greater risk for liver steatosis, fibrosis progression and hepatocellular carcinoma. Data were pooled from five phase 2 or 3 trials that evaluated 8‐, 12‐ and 16‐week G/P in patients with chronic HCV GT3 infection. Patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis were either treatment‐naïve or experienced with interferon‐ or sofosbuvir‐based regimens. Safety and sustained virologic response 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12) were assessed. The analysis included 693 patients with GT3 infection. SVR12 was achieved by 95% of treatment‐naïve patients without cirrhosis receiving 8‐week (198/208) and 12‐week (280/294) G/P. Treatment‐naïve patients with cirrhosis had a 97% (67/69) SVR12 rate with 12‐week G/P. Treatment‐experienced, noncirrhotic patients had SVR12 rates of 90% (44/49) and 95% (21/22) with 12‐ and 16‐week G/P, respectively; 94% (48/51) of treatment‐experienced patients with cirrhosis treated for 16 weeks achieved SVR12. No serious adverse events (AEs) were attributed to G/P; AEs leading to study drug discontinuation were rare (<1%). G/P was well‐tolerated and efficacious for patients with chronic HCV GT3 infection, regardless of cirrhosis status or prior treatment experience. Eight‐ and 12‐week durations were efficacious for treatment‐naïve patients without cirrhosis and with compensated cirrhosis, respectively; 16‐week G/P was efficacious in patients with prior treatment experience irrespective of cirrhosis status.