bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabinoid‐1 receptor regulates mitochondrial dynamics and function in renal proximal tubular cells
Authors: Drori Adi , Permyakova Anna , Hadar Rivka , Udi Shiran , Nemirovski Alina , Tam Joseph 
Published: August 2018

AimsTo evaluate the specific role of the endocannabinoid/cannabinoid type‐1 (CB1R) system in modulating mitochondrial dynamics in the metabolically active renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs).Materials and methodsWe utilized mitochondrially‐targeted GFP in live cells (wild‐type and null for the CB1R) and electron microscopy in kidney sections of RPTC‐CB1R‐/‐ mice and their littermate controls. In both in vitro and in vivo conditions, we assessed the ability of CB1R agonism or fatty acid flux to modulate mitochondrial architecture and function.ResultsDirect stimulation of CB1R resulted in mitochondrial fragmentation in RPTCs. This process was mediated, at least in part, by modulating the phosphorylation levels of the canonical fission protein dynamin‐related protein 1 on both S637 and S616 residues. CB1R‐induced mitochondrial fission was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, as documented by reduced oxygen consumption and ATP production, increased reactive oxygen species and cellular lactate levels, as well as a decline in mitochondrial biogenesis. Likewise, we documented that exposure of RPTCs to a fatty acid flux induced CB1R‐dependent mitochondrial fission, lipotoxicity and cellular dysfunction.ConclusionsCB1R plays a key role in inducing mitochondrial fragmentation in RPTCs, leading to a decline in the organelle's function and contributing to the renal tubular injury associated with lipotoxicity and other metabolic diseases.
Pay it forward: refuse dump from leaf‐cutting ants promotes caterpillar digestive performance by increasing plant nitrogen content
Authors: Lescano Maria Natalia , Quintero Carolina , Farji‐Brener Alejandro Gustavo , Balseiro Esteban 
Published: August 2018

1. The activity of soil‐disturbing animals that increase soil nutrients can affect the carbon : nitrogen (C : N) ratio of plants, which, in turn, may determine the transfer of energy and nutrients through higher trophic levels. However, the strength and sign of this indirect effect depend on whether enhanced nutrient substrates increase plant foliar nutrients and/or plant defensive traits.2. We investigated how the nutrient‐rich refuse dumps of the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex lobicornis, as a result of their direct effects on thistles, indirectly impact the growth rate and digestive performance of a generalist chewing herbivore. We also included the application of commercial fertilisers to test whether the enhanced soil nutrients comprises the mechanism behind the impact of refuse dumps on the upward cascade effects.3. Thistles growing on nutrient‐rich substrates (i.e. ant refuse dumps and fertilised soil) had more and larger leaves, up to 80% lower C : N ratios, and higher physical defences compared to plants growing on steppe soil. Caterpillars showed an enhanced digestive performance and growth rate when feed on nutrient‐rich plants and were able to adjust the C : N ratio of their excretion to regulate the relative acquisition of nutrients.4. The positive effect of nutrient‐rich substrates on caterpillar feeding efficiency suggest that the enhanced nutritional quality of the thistles could compensate for the negative effects of the increased physical defences. The results of the present study indicate how organisms that increase soil nutrient availability may diminish the stoichiometric constraints at the base of food chains, enhancing the development and growth rate of herbivores and, thus, indirectly mediating plant–herbivore interactions.
Envy and us
Authors: Salice Alessandro , Montes Sánchez Alba 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWithin emotion theory, envy is generally portrayed as an antisocial emotion because the relation between the envier and the rival is thought to be purely antagonistic. This paper resists this view by arguing that envy presupposes a sense of us. First, we claim that hostile envy is triggered by the envier's sense of impotence combined with her perception that an equality principle has been violated. Second, we introduce the notion of “hetero‐induced self‐conscious emotions” by focusing on the paradigmatic cases of being ashamed or proud of somebody else. We describe envy as a hetero‐induced self‐conscious emotion by arguing (a) that the impotence felt by the subject grounds the emotion's self‐reflexivity and (b) that the rival impacts the subject's self‐assessment because the rival is framed by the subject as an in‐group member. Finally, we elaborate on the asset at stake in envy. We contend that this is esteem recognition: The envier covets the esteem that her reference group accords to the rival. Because, in envy, the subject conceives of herself as member of a group to which the other is also understood to belong, we conclude that envy is a social emotion insofar as it presupposes a sense of us.
Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe‐based analysis to detect filaggrin mutations in atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Hwang Joonsung , Lee Sangku , Kim Daehwan , Han Goeun , Soung Nak Kyun , Cha‐Molstad Hyunjoo , Lee Kyung Ho , Ryoo In Ja , Ahn Mi Ja , Kim Sung Tae , Lee Min Jae , Yoo Young Dong , Lee Hee Gu , Hong Jin Tae , Kim Hyunjung , Choi Eung Ho , Kim Soo‐Chan , Kwon Yong Tae , Ahn Jong Seog , Kim Bo Yeon 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. Filaggrin (FLG) is essential for the development of the skin barrier, and its genetic mutations are major predisposing factors for AD. In this study, we developed a convenient and practical method to detect FLG mutations in AD patients using peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes labelled with fluorescent markers for rapid analysis. Fluorescence melting curve analysis (FMCA) precisely identified FLG mutations based on the distinct difference in the melting temperatures of the wild‐type and mutant allele. Moreover, PNA probe‐based FMCA easily and accurately verified patient samples with both heterozygote and homozygote FLG mutations, providing a high‐throughput method to reliable screen AD patients. Our method provides a convenient, rapid and accurate diagnostic tool to identify potential AD patients allowing for early preventive treatment, leading to lower incidence rates of AD, and reducing total healthcare expenses.
Overexpression of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger influences ouabain‐mediated spontaneous Ca2+ activity but not positive inotropy
Authors: Bögeholz Nils , Pauls Paul , Bauer Bastian K. , Schulte Jan S. , Frommeyer Gerrit , Dechering Dirk G. , Boknik Peter , Kirchhefer Uwe , Müller Frank U. , Pott Christian , Eckardt Lars 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAdministration of digitalis in heart failure (HF) increases quality of life but does not carry a prognostic benefit. Digitalis is an indirect inhibitor of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), which is overexpressed in HF. We therefore used the cardiac glycoside ouabain in Ca2+ imaging experiments and patch‐clamp experiments in isolated ventricular myocytes from nonfailing transgenic NCX overexpressor mice (OE). In field‐stimulated myocytes, ouabain (1–100 μm) increased the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient in OE and wild‐type (WT) similarly. Ouabain‐mediated spontaneous Ca2+‐activity was significantly more pronounced in OE compared to WT myocytes at higher concentrations (100 μm). Also, at very high concentrations (1000 μm) of ouabain, the number of cells with hypercontraction leading to cell death was higher in OE. Ouabain (10 μm) shortened the action potential duration in both genotypes. Our findings suggest that the proarrhythmic but not the inotropic effects of cardiac glycosides are enhanced by increased NCX expression. This may offer an explanation for the observed lack of prognostic benefit but increased quality of life in HF, which is accompanied by NCX upregulation.
Effect of stress regime‐dependent creep behaviour on measurement of creep strain rate based on small specimen techniques
Authors: Tu Shan‐Tung , Zhang Kun , Bai Yu , Tan Jian‐Ping , Deng Guo‐Jian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSmall specimen creep testing technique has become a hot topic of research as bulk materials are not available in many occasions. The stress distributions in the small specimens such as small punch and 3‐point bending specimens are essentially nonuniform. As it is known, the creep deformation/damage accumulation mechanisms exhibited at a high stress regime are not the same as the ones at a lower stress regime for many engineering alloys. The potential measurement errors because of stress regime‐dependent creep behaviour, however, has not been considered in the determination of the creep parameters based on small specimen testing in the previous studies. In this paper, 2 kinds of materials that show different Norton's parameters at the corresponding stress regimes are examined. A simple case of 2‐bar structure is firstly adopted to illustrate the measurement error of creep strain rate because of stress regime‐dependent creep behaviour. Furthermore, clamped beam bending testing and small punch testing are investigated to demonstrate the significance of measurement error using the same materials. It is shown that an error of more than 8 times may occur near the transition point of creep deformation mechanism depending on specimen types and materials. Attention should thus be paid to the selection of stress level in the small specimen testing to avoid significant measurement errors.
Soil biodiversity and soil erosion: It is time to get married
Authors: Orgiazzi Alberto , Panagos Panos 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimThe relationship between erosion and biodiversity is reciprocal. Soil organisms can both reduce soil loss, by improving porosity, and increase it, by diminishing soil stability as a result of their mixing activities. Simultaneously, soil runoff has ecological impacts on belowground communities. Despite clear research into interactions, soil erosion models do not consider biodiversity in their estimates and soil ecology has poorly investigated the effects of erosion. In order to start filling in these research gaps, we present a novel biological factor and introduce it into a well‐known soil erosion model (the revised universal soil loss equation). Furthermore, we propose insights to advance soil erosion ecology.LocationPan‐European.Time periodSimulation of present‐day conditions.Major taxa studiedEarthworms.MethodsWe present three pathways to fill in current knowledge gaps in soil biodiversity and erosion studies: (a) introducing a biological factor into soil erosion models; (b) developing plot‐scale experiments to clarify and quantify the positive/negative effects of soil organisms on erosion; (c) promoting ecological studies to assess both short‐ and long‐term effects of soil erosion on soil biota.ResultsWe develop a biological factor to be included in soil erosion modelling. Thanks to available data on earthworm diversity (richness and abundance), we generate an “earthworm factor”, incorporate it into a model of soil erosion and produce the first pan‐European maps of it.Main conclusionsNew estimates of soil loss can be generated by including biological factors in soil erosion models. At the same time, the effects of soil loss on belowground diversity require further investigation. Available data and technologies make both processes possible. We think that it is time to commit to fostering the fundamental, although complex, relationship between soil biodiversity and erosion.
Opposing roles of IgM and IgD in BCR‐induced B‐cell survival
Authors: Yasuda Shoya , Sun Jiping , Zhou Yang , Wang Yanqing , Lu Qing , Yamamura Masayuki , Wang Ji‐Yang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe B‐cell receptor (BCR) transmits a tonic survival signal in the absence of antigen stimulation and an antigen‐triggered survival signal. Mature B cells express two types of BCR, IgM and IgD, but it remains unclear how B‐cell survival is differentially regulated by these two receptors. We found that, whereas cross‐linking IgM on spleen B cells greatly enhanced their survival, cross‐linking IgD did not enhance, but rather decreased, their survival. Consistently, cross‐linking both IgM and IgD only moderately enhanced B‐cell survival, suggesting that IgM and IgD play opposing roles in B‐cell survival induced by BCR stimulation. Based on these and additional experimental results, we present a mathematical model integrating IgM‐ and IgD‐mediated survival signals. Our model shows that IgD can transmit a tonic survival signal in the absence of antigen stimulation but cross‐linking IgD not only does not generate a survival signal but also disrupts its tonic signal, resulting in inhibition of B‐cell survival. These results suggest that IgD attenuates BCR‐induced survival in mature B cells, presumably to restrain B‐cell response to weak and/or self‐antigens and prevent nonspecific B‐cell activation and autoimmunity.
Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance in a pediatric population
Authors: Silva Gisela M. , Silva Helena Moreira , Nascimento Joao , Gonçalves Jean‐Pierre , Pereira Fernando , Lima Rosa 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe increasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antimicrobial resistance, primarily for clarithromycin decreases the success of treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the local pattern of first‐line antimicrobials resistance and the eradication rate.Material and MethodsProspective cohort study of H. pylori infected patients (positive histological or cultural exams) treated at Centro Materno‐Infantil do Norte from January of 2013 to October of 2017. Susceptibility to 4 antibiotics: amoxicilin, metronidazole, clarithromycin, and levofloxacin were analyzed by E‐test (phenotypic resistance). The E‐test was chosen because it is simple and cost‐effective for routine susceptibility testing. Point mutations that confer clarithromycin resistance were surveyed (genotypic resistance). Eradication of H. pylori infection was defined by a negative urea breath test or fecal antigen 6‐8 weeks after the end of treatment.ResultsOf a total of 74 H. pylori infected patients, 16 were excluded because they had previous H. pylori treatment or severe systemic disease. Median age of infection cases was 15 years (3‐17 years). Eradication regimen used in all patients combined the use of 3 antibiotics (amoxicillin and metronidazole or clarithromycin) and proton pump inibhitor for 14 days and was tailored according antimicrobial susceptibility. 79.5% of the patients completed the treatment. The resistance rate for metronidazole and clarithromycin was 3.3% and 23.3%, respectively. There was no resistance for amoxicilin and levofloxacin. The rate of genotypic resistance to clarithromycin was 37.2%. The eradication rate was 97.8%.ConclusionsThe authors found a high resistance rate of H. pylori for clarithromycin in this northern portuguese pediatric center. This factor should determine a change in local current treatment, contraindicating the use of clarithromycin as a first‐line treatment for H. pylori infection in children. The high eradication rate maybe explained for the eradication treatment tailored according antimicrobial susceptibility.
Effectiveness of Reciproc Blue in removing canal filling material and regaining apical patency
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Belladonna F. G. , Zuolo A. S. , Simões‐Carvalho M. , Santos C. B. , Oliveira D. S. , Cavalcante D. M. , Silva E. J. N. L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimTo compare the efficiency of M‐Wire Reciproc and Reciproc Blue instruments in the removal of root filling material and in their ability to regain apical patency through micro‐computed tomographic (micro‐CT) analysis.MethodologyTen anatomically matched pairs of teeth, with a single oval‐shaped straight canal, were selected and scanned in a micro‐CT device. The root canals were prepared with M‐Wire Reciproc R25 instruments and filled with gutta‐percha and AH Plus sealer. The root canals were then randomly allocated into two groups (n = 10), according to the instrument used: M‐Wire Reciproc and Reciproc Blue. The canals were retreated up to instrument sizes 25 and then 40 in both groups. The surface area and volume of residual filling material were assessed using micro‐CT imaging after the retreatment procedures. The time required to remove the root fillings was recorded. Data were analysed statistically using t‐test with a significance level of 5%.ResultsNo significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between the instruments in terms of the volume of residual root filling material. Apical enlargement from size 25 to 40 significantly improved the removal of filling materials (P < 0.05). It was possible to regain apical patency in all specimens from both M‐Wire Reciproc and Reciproc Blue groups. No difference was observed in the time required to perform the retreatment between the instruments.ConclusionsBoth M‐Wire Reciproc and Reciproc Blue instruments were effective in removing filling materials from oval‐shaped straight canals. Apical patency was reestablished in all specimens.
Developing a model of factors that influence meeting the needs of family with a relative inICU
Authors: Kynoch Kathryn , Chang Anne , Coyer Fiona , McArdle Annie 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimTo develop a model of factors influencing meeting family needs when a relative was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).BackgroundStudies identify individual factors impact on the needs of family members with a relative in ICU. No studies have reported on relationships between these factors and/or the extent of influence of multiple factors on family needs.DesignObservational, correlational, and predictive study design.MethodsData were collected from August 2013 to June 2014 using validated scales and a demographic tool. The setting was a large tertiary referral hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Structural equation modelling was undertaken.ResultsOne hundred and seventy ICU family members participated. Factors included in the developed model were consistent with the literature. Family member anxiety had direct and significant influence on ICU family needs (β = 0.21). Gender was also found to have direct influence (β = 0.19), suggesting female family members were more likely to report needs being met. Family member coping self‐efficacy (β = −0.40) and family member depression (β = −0.33) were mediating variables.DiscussionInterventions to meet family needs within the ICU should take into account family member levels of anxiety, depression, and coping self‐efficacy with consideration of gender. Further model validation is required to confirm findings.
Bioactive components in human milk are differentially associated with rates of lean and fat mass deposition in infants of mothers with normal vs. elevated BMI
Authors: Young B. E. , Levek C. , Reynolds R. M. , Rudolph M. C. , MacLean P. , Hernandez T. L. , Friedman J. E. , Krebs N. F. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryObjectiveTo model breastfed infant growth and body composition patterns over the first 4 months with multiple bioactive components of human milk (HM) and clinical factors (including maternal BMI status), which are related to growth.MethodsLongitudinal observation of infant growth and body composition from 0 to 4 months among 41 predominantly breastfed infants (25 mothers of Normal‐weight and 16 mothers with overweight/obesity). Fasted morning HM samples were collected at 5 time‐points. Macronutrients, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, insulin, cytokines and n‐6:n‐3 esterified fatty acid ratio were measured. Infant weight‐for‐length Z‐score (WLZ) trajectory, fat‐free mass (FFM) gain, fat mass gain and %fat gain were modelled controlling for clinical covariates.ResultsHM insulin negatively associated with WLZ trajectory among infants of NW mothers (P = 0.028), but not associated with WLZ trajectory among infants of OW/Ob mothers. HM glucose (P < 0.001) was associated with slower rates of infant FFM gain. Infants of mothers with OW/Ob exhibited slower rates of FFM gain. HM protein, adiponectin and insulin concentrations, and n‐6:n‐3 ratio were all significant predictors in the model of infant fat mass gain (P < 0.03). Any amount of formula supplementation was associated with faster fat gain (P = 0.002). The model of %fat gain was similar to that of fat mass gain, excepting HM adiponectin was not a significant covariate, and a trend for maternal OW/Ob to correlate with faster %fat gain (P = 0.056).ConclusionsBioactive components in HM may contribute to regulation of partitioning of body composition, and these contributions may differ between mothers of normal‐weight vs. with OW/Ob.
Infliximab and adalimumab concentrations and anti‐drug antibodies in inflammatory bowel disease control using New Zealand assays
Authors: Barclay Murray L. , Karim Shwan , Helms Esther T. Johanna , Keating Paula E. , Hock Barry , Stamp Lisa K. , Schultz Michael 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundTherapeutic drug monitoring of anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) drugs and anti‐drug antibodies (ADA) is now recommended in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. However, assay types and drug concentration thresholds are still debated.AimTo correlate inflammatory bowel disease activity in a New Zealand cohort with trough concentrations of infliximab and adalimumab, and ADA using locally developed competitive‐binding enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to establish threshold concentrations.MethodsPatients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD) from Christchurch and Dunedin on anti‐TNF drugs >12 weeks were enrolled. Trough blood samples were assayed for drug and ADA concentrations. Other data included quality of life, blood count, C‐reactive protein, albumin, renal function and disease activity indices.ResultsOf 103 patients, 53 were on infliximab (36 CD, 15 UC and 2 unclassified) and 50 adalimumab (48 CD and 2 UC). Median (range) infliximab and adalimumab concentrations were 10.5 (0–41) and 9.61 mg/L (0–30). CD remission, Crohn Disease Activity Index <150, correlated with infliximab and adalimumab concentration in CD (infliximab, P = 0.03; adalimumab, P = 0.04), with too few UC patients for analysis. Receiver operator curve analysis suggested a threshold value of 5.1 mg/L for distinguishing active disease from remission for infliximab and 7.3 mg/L for adalimumab in CD. Of 13 patients with infliximab <2 mg/L, 10 were ADA positive by homogeneous mobility shift assay (HMSA), including five with neutralising antibodies using ELISA. Of six with adalimumab <2 mg/L, three were ADA positive using HMSA, including one with neutralising antibodies.ConclusionUsing the New Zealand ELISA assay, threshold concentrations of 5 mg/L for infliximab and 7 mg/L for adalimumab are suggested to aid dosing decisions, consistent with results internationally. Both neutralising (ELISA) and non‐neutralising ADA (HMSA) are associated with low drug concentrations.