bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel peptide dermaseptin‐PS1 exhibits anticancer activity via induction of intrinsic apoptosis signalling
Authors: Long Qilin , Li Lei , Wang Hao , Li Miaoran , Wang Lei , Zhou Mei , Su Qiaozhu , Chen Tianbao , Wu Yuxin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides (AMP) secreted by the granular glands of frog skin have been widely reported to exhibit strong bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities. Many of them have been documented with potent antiproliferative effects on multiple cancer cells, many studies also suggested that AMPs exert their functions via disrupting cell membranes. However, whether and how other cell death induction mechanism is involved in mammalian cancer cells has rarely been investigated. In this study, a novel AMP named Dermaseptin‐PS1 was isolated and identified from Phyllomedusa sauvagei, it showed strong antimicrobial activities against three types of microorganisms. In vitro antiproliferative studies on human glioblastoma U‐251 MG cells indicated that Dermaseptin‐PS1 disrupted cell membranes at the concentrations of 10−5 M and above, while the cell membrane integrity was not affected when concentrations were decreased to 10−6 M or lower. Further examinations revealed that, at the relatively low concentration (10−6 M), Dermaseptin‐PS1 induced apoptosis through mitochondrial‐related signal pathway in U‐251 MG cells. Thus, for the first time, we report a novel frog skin derived AMP with anticancer property by distinct mechanisms, which largely depends on its concentration. Together, our study provides new insights into the mechanism‐illustrated drug design and the optimisation of dose control for cancer treatment in clinic.
Petrology, geochemistry and P–T–t path of lawsonite‐bearing retrograded eclogites in the Changning–Menglian orogenic belt, southeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Huining , Liu Fulai , Li Jing , Sun Zaibo , Ji Lei , Tian Zhonghua , Liu Lishuang , Santosh M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe Changning–Menglian orogenic belt (CMOB) in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, is considered as the main suture zone marking the closure of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean between the Indochina and Sibumasu blocks. Here, we investigate the recently discovered retrograded eclogites from this suture zone in terms of their petrological, geochemical and geochronological features, with the aim of constraining the metamorphic evolution and protolith signature. Two types of metabasites are identified: retrograded eclogites and mafic schists. The igneous precursors of the retrograded eclogites exhibit rare earth element distribution patterns and trace element abundance similar to those of ocean island basalts, and are inferred to have been derived from a basaltic seamount in an intra‐oceanic tectonic setting. In contrast, the mafic schists show geochemical affinity to arc‐related volcanics with the enrichment of Rb, Th and U, and depletion of Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Ti, and their protoliths possibly formed at an active continental margin tectonic setting. Retrograded eclogites are characterized by peak metamorphic mineral assemblages of garnet, omphacite, white mica, lawsonite and rutile, and underwent five‐stage metamorphic evolution, including pre‐peak prograde stage (M1) at 18–19 kbar and 400–420°C, peak lawsonite‐eclogite facies (M2) at 24–26 kbar and 520–530°C, post‐peak epidote–eclogite facies decompression stage (M3) at 13–18 kbar and 530–560°C, subsequent amphibolite facies retrogressive stage (M4) at 8–10 kbar and 530–600°C, and late greenschist facies cooling stage (M5) at 5–8 kbar and 480–490°C. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) U–Pb spot analyses of zircon show two distinct age groups. The magmatic zircon from both the retrograded eclogite and mafic schist yielded protolith ages of 451 ± 3 Ma, which is consistent with the ages of Early Palaeozoic ophiolitic complexes and ocean island sequences in the CMOB reported in previous studies. In contrast, metamorphic zircon from the retrograded eclogite samples yielded consistent Triassic metamorphic ages of 246 ± 2 and 245 ± 2 Ma, which can be interpreted as the timing of closure of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean. The compatible peak metamorphic mineral assemblages, P–T–t paths and metamorphic ages, as well as the similar protolith signatures for the eclogites in the CMOB and Longmu Co–Shuanghu suture (LCSS) suggest that the two belts formed part of a cold oceanic subduction system in the Triassic. The main suture zone of the Palaeo‐Tethyan domain extends at least 1,500 km in length from the CMOB to the LCSS in the Tibetan Plateau. The identification of lawsonite‐bearing retrograded eclogites in the CMOB provides important insights into the tectonic framework and complex geological evolution of the Palaeo‐Tethys.
Aid for Trade and Employment in Developing Countries: An Empirical Evidence
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis article examines the employment impact of Aid for Trade (AfT) flows to recipient countries. The analysis has used an unbalanced panel dataset comprising 126 countries, of which 42 Least developed countries (LDCs) over the period 2002–15. Based on the two‐step system Generalized Methods of Moments approach, the empirical analysis shows that over the full sample, AfT has exerted a positive and significant effect on total (male and female) employment share, as well as on female employment share, but no significant effect on male employment share. However, these effects are not the same in LDC economies versus non‐LDC economies.
Progressive behavioural, physiological and transcriptomic shifts over the course of prolonged starvation in ticks
Authors: Rosendale Andrew J. , Dunlevy Megan E. , McCue Marshall D. , Benoit Joshua B. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTicks are obligatorily hematophagous but spend the majority of their lives off host in an unfed state where they must resist starvation between bouts of blood feeding. Survival during these extended off‐host periods is critical to the success of these arthropods as vectors of disease; however, little is known about the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms of starvation tolerance in ticks. We examined the bioenergetic, transcriptomic and behavioural changes of female American dog ticks,Dermacentor variabilis, throughout starvation (up to nine months post‐bloodmeal). As starvation progressed, ticks utilized glycogen and lipid, and later protein as energy reserves with proteolysis and autophagy facilitating the mobilization of endogenous nutrients. The metabolic rate of the ticks was expectedly low, but showed a slight increase as starvation progressed possibly reflecting the upregulation of several energetically costly processes such as transcription/translation and/or increases in host‐seeking behaviours. Starved ticks had higher activity levels, increased questing behaviour and augmented expression of genes related to chemosensing, immunity and salivary gland proteins. The shifts in gene expression and associated behavioural and physiological processes are critical to allowing these parasites to exploit their ecological niche as extreme sit‐and‐wait parasites. The overall responses of ticks to starvation were similar to other blood‐feeding arthropods, but we identified unique responses that could have epidemiological and ecological significance for ticks as ectoparasites that must be tolerant of sporadic feeding.
A domestication‐associated reduction in K+‐preferring HKT transporter activity underlies maize shoot K+ accumulation and salt tolerance
Authors: Cao Yibo , Liang Xiaoyan , Yin Pan , Zhang Ming , Jiang Caifu 
Published: November 2018

Summary

Maize was domesticated from Balsas teosinte c. 10 000 yr ago. Previous studies have suggested that increased tolerance to environmental stress occurred during maize domestication. However, the underlying genetic basis remains largely unknown.

We used a maize (W22)–teosinte recombinant inbred line (RIL) to investigate the salt wild‐type tolerance aspects of maize domestication.

We revealed that ZmHKT2 is a major QTL that regulates K+ homeostasis in saline soils. ZmHKT2 encodes a K+‐preferring HKT family transporter and probably reduces shoot K+ content by removing K+ ions from root‐to‐shoot flowing xylem sap, ZmHKT2 deficiency increases xylem sap and shoot K+ concentrations, and increases salt tolerance. A coding sequence polymorphism in the ZmHKT2W22 allele (SNP389‐G) confers an amino acid variant ZmHKT2 that increases xylem sap K+ concentration, thereby increasing shoot K+ content and salt tolerance. Additional analyses showed that SNP389‐G first existed in teosinte (allele frequency 56% in assayed accessions), then swept through the maize population (allele frequency 98%), and that SNP389‐G probably underwent positive selection during maize domestication.

We conclude that a domestication‐associated reduction in K+ transport activity in ZmHKT2 underlies maize shoot K+ content and salt tolerance, and propose that CRISPR‐based editing of ZmHKT2 might provide a feasible strategy for improving maize salt tolerance.
High‐Frequency Supraorbital Nerve Stimulation With a Novel Wireless Minimally Invasive Device for Post‐Traumatic Neuralgia: A Case Report
Authors: Van Buyten Jean‐Pierre , Smet Iris , Devos Marieke , Vanquathem Niek E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundPost‐traumatic neuropathic pain in the head and face is a condition that is often refractory to medical management. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can be an effective treatment. Successful implantation of a novel minimally invasive wireless device is reported here.ObjectiveTo assess analgesic effects of a minimally invasive wireless PNS device in the treatment of post‐traumatic supraorbital neuralgia (SON).Case SummaryThe patient presented with SON following multiple post‐traumatic cranioplasty surgeries, which were complicated by infections. Medical and interventional management failed, and the patient reported a numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score of 8 out of 10. Two octopolar implantable neural stimulators (INSs) (StimRelieve LLC, Pompano Beach, FL, U.S.A.) were implanted with a minimally invasive, percutaneous technique to stimulate the supraorbital nerves. Stimulation parameters were set at a frequency of 10 kHz and a pulse width of 30 microseconds.ResultsAt 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up evaluations, the patient's NRS score was only 2 out of 10, and the patient occasionally required 1 g of paracetamol to control the pain. Stimulation was reported to be paresthesia free. There were no adverse events related to the procedure or the treatment until today.ConclusionsHigh‐frequency stimulation with an external pulse generator and minimally invasive, percutaneous, and bilateral placement of 2 passive INSs on the supraorbital nerves resulted in a significant pain relief in this patient with post‐traumatic SON. The device was safe and effective, and the cosmesis was satisfactory.
Using high‐throughput sequencing in support of a plant health outbreak reveals novel viruses in Ullucus tuberosus (Basellaceae)
Authors: Fox A. , Fowkes A. R. , Skelton A. , Harju V. , Buxton‐Kirk A. , Kelly M. , Forde S. M. D. , Pufal H. , Conyers C. , Ward R. , Weekes R. , Boonham N. , Adams I. P. 
Published: November 2018

Ullucus tuberosus (ulluco) is a tuber‐forming species that has become a novel crop in highland and temperate maritime climates. Eight viruses have been previously reported infecting Ullucus, including Andean potato latent virus (APLV), a quarantine virus within the European Union. No reference sequences have been published for the viruses previously described from U. tuberosus. Plants grown in the UK for the internet trade were tested for the presence of quarantine viruses using ELISA and real‐time RT‐PCR. ELISA positive results were obtained for APLV and multiple other viruses. A similar suite of viruses was detected at a second outbreak site linked to horticultural trade. Virus identification was by high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) using a ribosomal RNA (rRNA)‐depleted total RNA approach. Analysis of viral contigs indicated the presence of several novel viruses closely related to, but not consistent with, the viruses indicated by ELISA. Further confirmatory testing by real‐time RT‐PCR indicated that two tymoviruses, tentatively named Ullucus tymovirus 1 and Ullucus tymovirus 2, were more closely related to each other (85% identity), than to APLV or Andean potato mild mosaic virus (63–66% identity). APLV could not be confirmed from either site by either HTS or PCR. A novel tobamovirus (Ullucus tobamovirus 1) was only detected at the initial outbreak site. A novel polerovirus (Ullucus polerovirus 1) and a distinct genotype of Papaya mosaic virus were detected from both outbreak sites. Deploying HTS during a plant health outbreak demonstrates the potential of this approach to give rapid, accurate diagnosis.
Washing or filtering of blood products does not improve outcome in a rat model of trauma and multiple transfusion
Authors: Wirtz Mathijs R. , Jurgens Jordy , Zuurbier Coert J. , Roelofs Joris J.T.H. , Spinella Philip C. , Muszynski Jennifer A. , Carel Goslings J. , Juffermans Nicole P. 
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUNDTransfusion is associated with organ failure and nosocomial infection in trauma patients, which may be mediated by soluble bioactive substances in blood products, including extracellular vesicles (EVs). We hypothesize that removing EVs, by washing or filtering of blood products, reduces organ failure and improves host immune response.MATERIALS AND METHODSBlood products were prepared from syngeneic rat blood. EVs were removed from RBCs and platelets by washing. Plasma was filtered through a 0.22‐μm filter. Rats were traumatized by crush injury to the intestines and liver, and a femur was fractured. Rats were hemorrhaged until a mean arterial pressure of 40 mm Hg and randomized to receive resuscitation with standard or washed/filtered blood products, in a 1:1:1 ratio. Sham controls were not resuscitated. Ex vivo whole blood stimulation tests were performed and histopathology was done.RESULTSWashing of blood products improved quality metrics compared to standard products. Also, EV levels reduced by 12% to 77%. The coagulation status, as assessed by thromboelastometry, was deranged in both groups and normalized during transfusion, without significant differences. Use of washed/filtered products did not reduce organ failure, as assessed by histopathologic score and biochemical measurements. Immune response ex vivo was decreased following transfusion compared to sham but did not differ between transfusion groups.CONCLUSIONFiltering or washing of blood products improved biochemical properties and reduced EV counts, while maintaining coagulation abilities. However, in this trauma and transfusion model, the use of optimized blood components did not attenuate organ injury or immune suppression.
A smartphone‐based teleconsultation system for the management of chronic pressure injuries
Authors: Pak Changsik , In Jeon Ji , Kim Hyeonwoo , Kim Jungyoon , Park Suyeon , Ahn Ki‐hwan , Son Yeon‐joo , Yoo Sooyoung , Baek Rong‐Min , Jeong Jae Hoon , Heo Chan Yeong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe investigated the accuracy of pressure injury evaluation using tele‐devices and examined the concordance between automatically generated recommendations and primary manual recommendations. Caregivers took photos and videos of pressure injuries using smartphones with built‐in cameras and uploaded the media to the application. The wound team evaluated the wound using a specially modified version of the Pressure Sore Status Tool. This was compared with the Pressure Sore Status Tool score assessed during the actual examination of the patient. We developed an automatic algorithm for dressing based on the Pressure Sore Status Tool score, checking for consistency between this and the primary manual recommendation. A total of 60 patients diagnosed with pressure injuries were included. The κ coefficients indicated substantial agreement for wound size and total score, and excellent for all other items. We found that the overall concordance rates were statistically significant for all items (p < 0.001). For the primary dressing, the κ coefficient for the concordance rate of automatic algorithm and manual recommendation was 0.771, while that of teleconsultation system and manual recommendation was 0.971. For the secondary dressing, the figures were 0.798 and 0.989, respectively. All values were statistically significant (p < 0.001). We presented strong evidence documenting the utilization of a smartphone, patient‐driven system, and demonstrated that the measurements obtained were comparable to the ones obtained by a trained, on‐site, wound team. Furthermore, we confirmed agreement between automatically generated recommendations and primary manual recommendations.
Giardia duodenalis in small animals and their owners in Germany: A pilot study
Authors: Rehbein Sina , Klotz Christian , Ignatius Ralf , Müller Elisabeth , Aebischer Anton , Kohn Barbara 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGiardia duodenalis is a relevant gastrointestinal protozoan pathogen of humans and animals. This species complex consists of eight genetically different assemblages. Assemblages A and B are pathogenic to humans and pets, thus confer zoonotic potential. The risk of zoonotic transmission has been controversially discussed. The aim of this monocentric cross‐sectional pilot study was to investigate G. duodenalis assemblages in humans and pets living in common households in Berlin/Brandenburg (Germany). Samples from dogs, cats and humans sharing the same households were screened for Giardia infection by antigen‐detecting assays. All human samples were additionally analysed by a Giardia‐specific qPCR. Cyst quantification and sequences of different gene loci (triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), β‐giardin (bg) and for dogs SSUrDNA) were analysed. A total of 38 households (31 households with dogs and seven with cats) with 69 human individuals participated in the study. Initial antigen‐detecting assays revealed Giardia‐positive results for 13 (39%) canine, one (14%) feline and one human sample. Reanalysis of the human samples by qPCR revealed two more positive specimens (4%). Two of these three samples were identified as assemblage B at all tested loci. Success rate of assemblage typing for pet samples was generally low and comprised mainly the SSUrDNA locus only. Overall, six of 13 Giardia‐positive canine samples were typable (2× A, 1× co‐infection: A and B, 1× C; 2× D). One pair of samples (dog and human) from the same household had a similar but not identical assemblage B sequence at tpi locus. Assemblage A was also detected in the dog specimen, which hampered sequence analysis. In conclusion, although exhibiting limitations due to the sample size, our study highlights the need for better and standardized typing tools to distinguish G. duodenalis strains with higher resolution in order to perform proper case–control studies for a realistic estimation of zoonotic risk.
Evolutionary history of the scorpionfly Dicerapanorpa magna (Mecoptera, Panorpidae)
Authors: Hu Gui‐Lin , Hua Yuan , Hebert Paul D. N. , Hua Bao‐Zhen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractClimate changes can have fundamental impacts on the distributional patterns of montane species, and range shifts frequently lead to allopatric divergence followed by the establishment of secondary contact zones. Many European and North American organisms have retreated to southern refugia during glacial periods and colonized northward during postglacial periods, but little is known about the evolutionary response of cold‐adapted insects to Pleistocene climate changes in eastern Asia. The scorpionfly Dicerapanorpa magna (Chou), with cold temperate habitat preference and weak dispersal ability, provides a good model system to explore how climate changes have influenced the distribution and divergence of cold‐adapted insects in eastern Asia. This study reconstructed the demographic dynamics and evolutionary history of D. magna with phylogeographic approaches, and predicted the species’ suitable areas under the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and current scenarios with the ecological niche modelling analysis. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I resolved three phylogenetic lineages in D. magna dating back to Pleistocene, corresponding well with the geographically isolated Qinling, Bashan and Minshan Mountains. The ecological niche modelling recovered the suitable habitats for D. magna were the Qinling and Bashan Mountains under LGM and current conditions. The three lineages of D. magna might be in a process of incipient speciation, and likely derived their current distribution from separate glacial origins, followed by vicariance and divergence.
Relationship between climate and hemodynamics according to echocardiography
Authors: Rozenbaum Zach , Topilsky Yan , Khoury Shafik , Assi Milwidsky , Balchyunayte Asta , Laufer-Perl Michal , Berliner Shlomo , Pereg David , Entin-Meer Michal , Havakuk Ofer 
Published: November 2018

Studies performed in controlled laboratory conditions have shown that environmental thermal application may induce various circulatory changes. We aimed to demonstrate the effect of local climate on hemodynamics according to echocardiography. Echocardiographic studies conducted in ambulatory patients, 18 yr of age or older, between January 2012 and July 2016, at our medical center, for whom climate data on the day of the echocardiogram study were available, were retrospectively included in case climate data. Discomfort index, apparent temperature, temperature-humidity index, and thermal index were computed. Echocardiograms conducted in hotter months (June–November) were compared with those done in colder months (December–May). The cohort consisted of 11,348 individuals, 46.2% women, and mean age of 57.9 ± 18.1 yr. Climate indexes correlated directly with stroke volume ( r = 0.039) and e′ (lateral r = 0.047; septal r = 0.038), and inversely with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP; r = −0.038) (all P values < 0.05). After adjustment for age and sex, echocardiograms conducted during June–November had a lower chance to show e′ septal < 7 cm/s (odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.78–0.98, P = 0.017) and SPAP > 40 mmHg (odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.99, P = 0.04) compared with those conducted in other months. The authors concluded that climate may affect hemodynamics, according to echocardiographic assessment in ambulatory patients. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we examined 11,348 individuals who underwent ambulatory echocardiography. Analyses of the echocardiographic studies demonstrated that environmental thermal stress, i.e., climate, may affect hemodynamics. Most notably were the effects on diastolic function. Higher values of mitral e′, stroke volume, as well as ejection fraction, and lower values of systolic pulmonary artery pressure and tricuspid regurgitation were demonstrated on hotter days and seasons.
O futuro incerto das cidades: Uma reflexão niilista sobre as Atopias urbanas
Authors: Leite Rogerio Proença 
Published: November 2018

A dimensão alargada do consumo e a transformação do ser em ser-valor e de tudo o que existe em mercadoria, têm tornado a sociedade contemporânea a expressão mais cabal da sociedade de consumo, cuja principal característica é o excesso, a banalização da vida, o descarte, a expulsão humana, a obscenidade violenta das trocas. A cidade Atópica, com suas inescapáveis frustrações de metas inatingíveis de sucesso, produção e felicidade, pode nos fazer pensar que não mais seria possível alguma alternativa de emancipação, tal como fora proposto inicialmente pelo projeto moderno. Restaria o niilismo para entendermos a vida empobrecida de sentido nas megacidades contemporâneas?