bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decidualization modulates a signal transduction system via protease‐activated receptor‐1 in endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Goto Kaori , Kawano Yasushi , Utsunomiya Takafumi , Narahara Hisashi 
Published: September 2018

ProblemDecidual cells are thought to be involved in the maintenance of pregnancy. We conducted this study to evaluate the cellular function of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) transitioning to decidualization.Methods of studyNormal endometrial specimens were obtained from premenopausal patients who had undergone hysterectomies for subserosal leiomyomas. Decidualization of the ESCs (DSCs) was induced by incubating subconfluent cells in media containing medroxyprogesterone acetate and dibutyryl‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate. We first analyzed the expression profile of protease‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR‐1) between ESCs and DSCs. To investigate the intracellular signal transduction system in the DSCs, we incubated cells with thrombin receptor activator peptide 6 (TRAP‐6). The levels of IL‐8, monocyte chemo‐attractant protein‐1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the culture medium were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The activation of the MAP kinase signaling pathway was detected by a Western blot analysis. The activation was evaluated for the expression of p21.ResultsPAR‐1 receptor expression is upregulated in DSCs. The productions of chemokine and MMP‐1 increased in the DSCs with the addition of TRAP‐6. The activity of both the ERK‐1 and ERK‐2 isoforms was increased by 5‐15 minute after TRAP‐6 treatment. p70 S6 kinase showed the strongest expression after 1 hour. p21 was strongly observed in ESCs compared to the DSCs.ConclusionOur results suggest that cell function is changed by decidualization in association with increasing PAR‐1 expression. The upregulation of PAR‐1 may have some influence on pregnancy in the decidua.
Estradiol‐regulated innate antiviral responses of human endometrial stromal fibroblasts
Authors: Patel Mickey V. , Shen Zheng , Rossoll Richard M. , Wira Charles R. 
Published: September 2018

ProblemThe contribution of fibroblasts to innate immune protection of the human female reproductive tract (FRT) against viral pathogens is relatively unknown.Method of StudyEndometrial (EM), endocervical (Cx) and ectocervical (ECx) fibroblasts were isolated from hysterectomy patients and grown in vitro. Fibroblasts were treated with the viral mimic poly (I:C) in the presence or absence of the sex hormone estradiol (E2), with gene expression measured by real‐time RT‐PCR and protein secretion by ELISA.ResultsPoly (I:C) induced the expression of the interferon‐stimulated genes (ISG) MxA, OAS2 and APOBEC3G, and the cytokines MCP‐1, IL‐8, IL‐6, CCL20, IFNβ and RANTES by fibroblasts from all three sites. ISG upregulation was dependent upon Type I IFN signaling. E2 inhibited the poly (I:C)‐induced upregulation of MxA and OAS2 in EM fibroblasts, but not Cx or ECx fibroblasts. E2 upregulated SDF‐1α by EM fibroblasts but had no effect on secretion of other cytokines either alone or in the presence of poly (I:C). Conditioned media (CM) from poly (I:C)‐treated or E2‐treated fibroblasts significantly reduced HIV infection of CD4+ T cells.ConclusionStromal fibroblasts represent a level of innate immune protection against viral pathogens in the FRT beyond that seen with epithelial cells and immune cells. Our findings indicate that fibroblasts FRT are selectively responsive to E2, capable of initiating an antiviral response against viral pathogens and may play a role in preventing HIV infection of CD4+ T cells.
Associations of maternal immune response with MeHg exposure at 28 weeks’ gestation in the Seychelles Child Development Study
Authors: McSorley Emeir M. , Yeates Alison J. , Mulhern Maria S. , van Wijngaarden Edwin , Grzesik Katherine , Thurston Sally W. , Spence Toni , Crowe William , Davidson Philip W. , Zareba Grazyna , Myers Gary J. , Watson Gene E. , Shamlaye Conrad F. , Strain J. J. 
Published: September 2018

ProblemMaternal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure may be associated with immune response during pregnancy.Method of studyIn the high fish‐eating Seychelles Child Development Study Nutrition Cohort 2, we examined the association between maternal MeHg, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and immune markers (Th1:Th2; TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, MCP‐1, TARC, sFlt‐1, VEGF‐D, CRP and IL‐6) at 28 weeks’ gestation. Linear regression examined associations between MeHg exposure and immune markers with and without adjustment for PUFA.ResultsIn all models, as MeHg concentrations increased, the Th1:Th2 ratio, total Th1 and individual Th1 (IL‐1β, IL‐2, TNF‐α) concentrations decreased. MeHg was not associated with total Th2 cytokines but was associated with a decrease in IL‐4 and IL‐10. MeHg was positively associated with TARC and VEGF‐D and negatively associated with CRP. There was a significant interaction between MeHg and the n‐6:n‐3 ratio, with MeHg associated with a larger decrease in Th1:Th2 at higher n‐6:n‐3 PUFA ratios. The n‐3 PUFA were associated with lower CRP, IL‐4 and higher IFN‐γ. The n‐6 PUFA were associated with higher IL‐1β, IL‐2, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐10, CRP and IL‐6.ConclusionMaternal MeHg was associated with markers of immune function at 28 weeks’ gestation. A significant interaction between MeHg and the n‐6:n‐3 ratio on the Th1:Th2 ratio suggests that the n‐3 PUFA may mitigate any immunosuppressive associations of MeHg. The n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA were associated with suppressive and stimulatory immune responses, respectively. Overall, the associations were of small magnitude, and further research is required to determine the clinical significance.
Exploring a Personal Social Knowledge Network (PSKN) to aid the observation of connectivist interaction for high‐ and low‐performing learners in connectivist massive open online courses
Authors: Duan Jinju , Xie Kui , Hawk Nathan A. , Yu Shengquan , Wang Minjuan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study adds a new perspective to the observations about connectivist interaction behavior in cMOOCs by extending the notion of network building from the perspective of individuals. We explore the possibility of building a learning network named Personal Social Knowledge Network (PSKN) to support in the monitoring of learning performance and interaction in cMOOCs. The sample in this study included 284 preservice teachers and their learning lasted approximately 12 weeks. Data were primarily gathered by PSKN graphs. The results revealed a correlation between connectivist interaction measured by the PSKN (including density structure) and learning performance. The results also revealed differences in connectivist interaction behavior and patterns, indicated by PSKN (densities and structures), for high‐ and low‐performing learners in cMOOCs. The high‐performing learners show deeper knowledge interaction and social communication in addition to simple knowledge sharing and social communication. Additionally, as time passed and the PSKN of high‐performing learners extended further, their interaction behavior became more complex and their role had gradually changed from “learning” to “teaching” as well as from knowledge acceptance to knowledge creation in cMOOCs.
Group tagging: Using video tagging to facilitate reflection on small group activities
Authors: Qarabash Haneen , Heslop Philip , Kharrufa Ahmed , Balaam Madeline , Devlin Marie 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCollaborative learning in class‐based teaching presents a challenge for a tutor to ensure every group and individual student has the best learning experience. We present Group Tagging, a web application that supports reflection on collaborative, group‐based classroom activities. Group Tagging provides students with an opportunity to record important moments within the class‐based group work and enables reflection on and promotion of professional skills such as communication, collaboration and critical thinking. After class, students use the tagged clips to create short videos showcasing their group work activities, which can later be reviewed by the teacher. We report on a deployment of Group Tagging in an undergraduate Computing Science class with 48 students over a semester. Through our analysis of interviews and log data, we show that Group Tagging helped the students remain attentive and on‐task during group work, and encouraged them to participate more during group activities.
Inglorious glorification and attachment: National and European identities as predictors of anti‐ and pro‐immigrant attitudes
Authors: Kende Anna , Hadarics Márton , Szabó Zsolt Péter 
Published: September 2018

Anti‐immigrant attitudes are not only widespread among Eurosceptic nationalists, but also among people who feel that immigration threatens European values and identity. We therefore assumed that the connection between nationalism and xenophobia can only partially explain the rise of hostile attitudes in the post‐2015 period. In two online surveys (N = 1,160), we compared how (a) glorification versus attachment and (b) national versus European identity can predict anti‐immigrant and anti‐Muslim attitudes in Hungary. In the first study, national and European glorification predicted higher anti‐immigrant and anti‐Muslim prejudice. However, attachment with Europe predicted positive, while attachment with Hungary predicted negative attitudes towards immigrants. We replicated this pattern in a second study and found that the different predictions of national versus European identities were mediated by attitudes towards the EU. Eurosceptic attitudes were associated with increased hostility towards both immigrants and Muslim people and reflected a perceived contradiction between the interest of the nation and that of the EU. We conclude that for a better understanding of intergroup hostility towards Muslim immigrants in Europe, we need to simultaneously consider the psychological phenomenon of ingroup glorification and the values and norms of the social categories with which people identify.
Disulfide reductase systems in liver
Authors: Miller Colin G , Schmidt Edward E 
Published: September 2018

Intermediary metabolism and detoxification place high demands on the disulfide reductase systems in most hepatocyte subcellular compartments. Biosynthetic, metabolic, cytoprotective and signalling activities in the cytosol; regulation of transcription in nuclei; respiration in mitochondria; and protein folding in endoplasmic reticulum all require resident disulfide reductase activities. In the cytosol, two NADPH‐dependent enzymes, glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase, as well as a recently identified NADPH‐independent system that uses catabolism of methionine to maintain pools of reduced glutathione, supply disulfide reducing power. However the necessary discontinuity between the cytosol and the interior of organelles restricts the ability of the cytosolic systems to support needs in other compartments. Maintenance of molecular‐ and charge‐gradients across the inner‐mitochondrial membrane, which is needed for oxidative phosphorylation, mandates that the matrix maintain an autonomous set of NADPH‐dependent disulfide reductase systems. Elsewhere, complex mechanisms mediate the transfer of cytosolic reducing power into specific compartments. The redox needs in each compartment also differ, with the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondrial inter‐membrane space and some signalling proteins in the cytosol each requiring different levels of protein oxidation. Here, we present an overview of the current understanding of the disulfide reductase systems in major subcellular compartments of hepatocytes, integrating knowledge obtained from direct analyses on liver with inferences from other model systems. Additionally, we discuss relevant advances in the expanding field of redox signalling.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Chemical Biology of Reactive Sulfur Species. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.4/issuetoc
Seed traits, not density or distance from parent, determine seed predation and establishment in an Afrotropical forest
Authors: Rosin Cooper , Poulsen John R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSeed predators drive patterns in seed mortality and seedling establishment and are posited to contribute to the maintenance of plant species diversity through several mechanisms. Negative density dependence and spatially restricted recruitment are apparently widespread in Neotropical forests, but are little studied in Afrotropical forests, where generalist vertebrates may contribute more to seed mortality than do specialized invertebrates and fungi. We experimentally assessed the roles of seed density and distance from the parent tree for ten tree species in a forest in northeastern Gabon, using exclosures to isolate the effects of different seed predator types. Vertebrates caused greater seed losses than all other mortality agents combined. Unexpectedly, seeds under fruiting conspecific trees had significantly lower removal and higher seedling establishment than those under heterospecific trees or in neutral non‐fruiting locations. Seed density did not significantly affect seedling establishment. Vertebrate seed removal ranged from 0 percent to 100 percent among focal species and was positively correlated with seed mass but had no relationship with species commonness (adult tree density). Seed traits strongly affected patterns of seed removal and seedling establishment and may contribute more to the likelihood of success for an individual seed than do its density or distance from parent. Our results highlight an apparent divergence in patterns of seed mortality and seedling establishment between tropical forest regions and emphasize the need for further comparative study.
SIRT3 activator honokiol ameliorates surgery/anesthesia‐induced cognitive decline in mice through anti‐oxidative stress and anti‐inflammatory in hippocampus
Authors: Ye Ji‐Shi , Chen Lei , Lu Ya‐Yuan , Lei Shao‐Qing , Peng Mian , Xia Zhong‐Yuan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimsIncreasing evidence indicates that neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress play two pivotal roles in cognitive impairment after surgery. Honokiol (HNK), as an activator of Sirtuin3 (SIRT3), has potential multiple biological functions. The aim of these experiments is to evaluate the effects of HNK on surgery/anesthesia‐induced cognitive decline in mice.MethodsAdult C57BL/6 mice received a laparotomy under sevoflurane anesthesia and HNK or SIRT3 inhibitor (3‐TYP) treatment. Cognitive function and locomotor activity of mice were evaluated using fear conditioning test and open field test on postoperative 1 and 3 days. Neuronal apoptosis in CA1 and CA3 area of hippocampus was examined using TUNEL assay. And Western blot was applied to measure the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and SIRT3/SOD2 signaling‐associated proteins in hippocampus. Meanwhile, SIRT3 positive cells were calculated by immunohistochemistry. The mitochondrial membrane potential, malondialdehyde (MDA), and mitochondrial radical oxygen species (mtROS) were detected using standard methods.ResultsHonokiol attenuated surgery‐induced memory loss and neuronal apoptosis, decreased neuroinflammatory response, and ameliorated oxidative damage in hippocampus. Notably, surgery/anesthesia induced an obviously decrease in hippocampal SIRT3 expression, whereas the HNK increased SIRT3 expression and thus decreased the acetylation of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). However, 3‐TYP treatment inhibited the HNK's rescuing effects.ConclusionsThese results suggested that activation of SIRT3 by honokiol may attenuate surgery/anesthesia‐induced cognitive impairment in mice through regulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory in hippocampus.
Brain‐selective mild hypothermia promotes long‐term white matter integrity after ischemic stroke in mice
Authors: Liu Li‐Qiang , Liu Xiang‐Rong , Zhao Jing‐Yan , Yan Feng , Wang Rong‐Liang , Wen Shao‐Hong , Wang Lei , Luo Yu‐Min , Ji Xun‐Ming 
Published: September 2018

SummaryIntroductionThe neuroprotective effects of hypothermia in acute ischemic stroke are well documented. However, the mechanisms involved in the effects remain to be clearly elucidated and the role of hypothermia on long‐term white matter integrity after acute ischemic stroke has yet to be investigated.AimsTo investigate the role of mild focal hypothermia on long‐term white matter (WM) integrity after transient cerebral ischemia.ResultsMild focal hypothermia treatment immediately after ischemic stroke significantly promotes WM integrity 28 days after the occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) in mice. Higher integrity of white matter, lower activation of total microglia, less infarct volume, and better neurobehavioral function were detected in hypothermia‐treated mice compared to normothermia‐treated mice. Furthermore, we found that hypothermia could decrease detrimental M1 phenotype microglia and promote healthy M2 phenotype microglia. In vitro, results also indicated that hypothermia promoted oligodendrocytes differentiation and maturation after oxygen glucose deprivation.ConclusionHypothermia promotes long‐term WM integrity and inhibits neuroinflammation in a mouse model of ischemic brain injury.
European photopatch test baseline series: A 3‐year experience
Authors: Subiabre‐Ferrer Daniela , Esteve‐Martínez Altea , Blasco‐Encinas Rubén , Sierra‐Talamantes Concepción , Pérez‐Ferriols Amparo , Zaragoza‐Ninet Violeta 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundIn 2012, a consensus was reached regarding a baseline photopatch test series on the basis of the results of a European multicentre study.ObjectivesTo describe experience with the European photopatch test series.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 116 patients tested with the European photopatch test series between 2014 and 2016 was performed.ResultsFifty‐five positive photopatch test reactions in 25 subjects were recorded, most commonly caused by the topical non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs ketoprofen, dexketoprofen, and etofenomate. Organic ultraviolet (UV) absorbers constituted the second main category of agents eliciting positive photopatch test reactions. Among UV absorbers, benozophenone‐3 and octocrylene were the most frequent photoallergens. UV absorbers that have been introduced more recently rarely elicited positive photopatch test reactions. Positive patch test reactions were less commonly observed than positive photopatch test reactions, namely, 21 reactions in 14 patients.ConclusionsWe present the largest clinical experience with the European photopatch test baseline series hitherto reported. The results are similar to those underlying the above consensus process, reaffirming the usefulness of this series.
Evaluation of multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation education delivered by either DVD or spoken talk
Authors: Ward Sarah , Sewell Louise , Singh Sally 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionPulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a multidisciplinary program of care for patients with chronic respiratory disease. The educational component is an integral component and represents a large proportion of a program. However, it can be difficult to secure regular multidisciplinary input to PR programs.ObjectivesThis service evaluation assessed whether DVD presentations are acceptable to patients and effective as an education medium.MethodTwo PR groups were compared; one group received education by DVD and the other by spoken talk. Both groups evaluated the content and delivery of each session and their knowledge was measured using the Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire (BCKQ).ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐three patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) took part; 58 evaluated the DVD, 75 the talk sessions. There were no differences between the two groups at baseline with respect to age, gender distribution, or FEV1. Both groups were satisfied with the content (99.46% DVD, 100% talk group) and delivery (100% both DVD and talk groups) of their education sessions. At baseline, there were no between group differences in the mean BCKQ. After PR, significant changes in BCKQ scores were seen within the groups (6.52 points (1.48‐11.37) DVD group and 8.96 points (6.50‐11.19) talk group), again with no differences between the groups.ConclusionA DVD‐based education package is both acceptable to PR patients and effective at improving patients’ knowledge of COPD. Using filmed educational talks with PR would have a number of benefits to both the patients and the service and may be a way of increasing the capacity of PR services.
Post‐intestine transplant graft‐vs‐host disease associated with inclusion of a liver graft and with a high mortality risk
Authors: Clouse Jared W. , Kubal Chandrashekhar A. , Fridell Jonathan A. , Pearsall E. Jordan , Mangus Richard S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionThis study reports the incidence, anatomic location, and outcomes of graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) at a single active intestine transplant center.MethodsRecords were reviewed for all patients receiving an intestine transplant from 2003 to 2015. Pathology reports and pharmacy records were reviewed to establish the diagnosis, location, and therapeutic interventions for GVHD.ResultsA total of 236 intestine transplants were performed during the study period, with 37 patients (16%) developing GVHD. The median time to onset of disease was 83 days, with 89% of affected patients diagnosed in the first year post‐transplant. Mortality for affected patients was 54% in the 1 year after GVHD diagnosis. Skin lesions were the most common manifestation of GVHD. Other sites of disease included lungs, bone marrow, oral mucosa, large intestine, and brain. The incidence of GVHD was 16% in adult patients, and slightly lower in pediatric recipients (13%). In adults, increasing graft volume (isolated vs multi‐organ) and liver inclusion were associated with increasing risk of GVHD, though this was not seen in pediatric patients.ConclusionOverall, 16% of intestine transplant recipients developed GVHD. GVHD is associated with high mortality, and disease in the lungs, brain, and bone marrow was universally fatal.
Cardiovascular disease and related risk factors in adults with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Mcphee Patrick G , Claridge Everett A , Noorduyn Stephen G , Gorter Jan Willem 
Published: September 2018

AimTo summarize the literature on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), risk factors of CVD, and CVD‐related mortality in adults with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodA systematic review was conducted by searching the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), Cochrane, and CINAHL databases. Selection criteria included adults with CP aged 18 years or over. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for observational studies. Data were reported descriptively.ResultsNineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Only one study reported directly on the presence of CVD in adults with CP, which found adults with CP reported greater CVD conditions than adults without CP (15.1 vs 9.1%, p<0.001). The most commonly reported risk factor of CVD in adults with CP was overweight/obesity. Five studies included data on CVD‐related mortality in persons with CP, where CVD‐related and circulatory system‐related deaths were elevated and more common at a younger age in adults with CP than in the general population.InterpretationThe prevalence of CVD and the risk of death because of CVD in this population seems increased, though the knowledge base is fragmented by studies that are small in size and geographically isolated. Further research is required to understand prevalence of risk factors among adults with CP, in particular overweight/obesity.What this paper adds

Overweight and obesity are risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that are commonly reported in adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

CVD‐related and circulatory system‐related deaths are elevated in individuals with CP compared to the general population.