bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Streptococcal superantigen-induced expansion of human tonsil T cells leads to altered T follicular helper cell phenotype, B cell death and reduced immunoglobulin release
Authors: Davies F J , Olme C , Lynskey N N , Turner C E , Sriskandan S 
Published: February 2019

Summary
Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (Spe) A expression is epidemiologically linked to streptococcal tonsillo-pharyngitis and outbreaks of scarlet fever, although the mechanisms by which superantigens confer advantage to Streptococcus pyogenes are unclear. S. pyogenes is an exclusively human pathogen. As the leucocyte profile of tonsil is unique, the impact of SpeA production on human tonsil cell function was investigated. Human tonsil cells from routine tonsillectomy were co-incubated with purified streptococcal superantigens or culture supernatants from isogenic streptococcal isolates, differing only in superantigen production. Tonsil cell proliferation was quantified by tritiated thymidine incorporation, and cell surface characteristics assessed by flow cytometry. Soluble mediators including immunoglobulin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tonsil T cells proliferated in response to SpeA and demonstrated typical release of proinflammatory cytokines. When cultured in the absence of superantigen, tonsil preparations released large quantities of immunoglobulin over 7 days. In contrast, marked B cell apoptosis and abrogation of total immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM, and IgG production occurred in the presence of SpeA and other superantigens. In SpeA-stimulated cultures, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells showed a reduction in C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR)5 (CD185) expression, but up-regulation of OX40 (CD134) and inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) (CD278) expression. The phenotypical change in the Tfh population was associated with impaired chemotactic response to CXCL13. SpeA and other superantigens cause dysregulated tonsil immune function, driving T cells from Tfh to a proliferating phenotype, with resultant loss of B cells and immunoglobulin production, providing superantigen-producing bacteria with a probable survival advantage.
On osseointegration in relation to implant surfaces
Authors: Albrektsson Tomas , Wennerberg Ann 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe understanding of mechanisms of osseointegration as well as applied knowledge about oral implant surfaces are of paramount importance for successful clinical results.PurposeThe aim of the present article is to present an overview of osseointegration mechanisms and an introduction to surface innovations with relevance for osseointegration that will be published in the same supplement of Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research.Materials and MethodsThe present article is a narrative review of some osseointegration and implant surface‐related details.Results and ConclusionsOsseointegration has a changed definition since it is realized today that oral implants are but foreign bodies and that this fact explains osseointegration as a protection mechanism of the tissues. Given adequate stability, bone tissue is formed around titanium implants to shield them from the tissues. Oral implant surfaces may be characterized by microroughness and nanoroughness, by surface chemical composition and by physical and mechanical parameters. An isotropic, moderately rough implant surface such as seen on the TiUnite device has displayed improved clinical results compared to previously used minimally rough or rough surfaces. However, there is a lack of clinical evidence supporting any particular type of nanoroughness pattern that, at best, is documented with results from animal studies. It is possible, but as yet unproven, that clinical results may be supported by a certain chemical composition of the implant surface. The same can be said with respect to hydrophilicity of implant surfaces; positive animal data may suggest some promise, but there is a lack of clinical evidence that hydrophilic implants result in improved clinical outcome of more hydrophobic surfaces. With respect to mechanical properties, it seems obvious that those must be encompassing the loading of oral implants, but we need more research on the mechanically ideal implant surface from a clinical aspect.
The Arts of Gentrification: Creativity, Cultural Policy, and Public Space in Kamagasaki
Authors: Novak David 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn contemporary Japanese cities, nonprofit and grassroots arts organizations are mobilized in threatened urban neighborhoods, where neoliberal forms of creativity are invoked to mitigate social and economic displacement. Gentrification is recognizable across contemporary urban societies, but its practices are contingent on representations of local cultural expression, which have particular ramifications in postindustrial centers of urban Japan. In this paper, I focus on a working‐class district of South Osaka known as Kamagasaki, infamous for its longstanding population of day laborers and homeless, in which gentrification has taken a complex route through various projects of cultural representation. Through an ethnographic history of the nonprofit arts space Cocoroom, I contribute to the anthropology of gentrification by focusing on entrepreneurial forms of creativity in local arts organizations, which reveal historical transformations of public space in Japanese urban policy, and highlight the symbolic performances of marginal communities. [Gentrification; Japan; Labor; Cultural Policy; Nonprofit Arts Organizations]
Bringing Buddha to the City: Metropolitan New Orleans and Vietnamese Buddhist Communities
Authors: Truitt Allison 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn contrast to claims of the secular city, the cityscape of New Orleans has long been shaped by the power and visibility of its Catholic institutions. These institutions played an early role in resettling Vietnamese refugees after 1975, and even today, the most prominent Vietnamese institutions are Catholic churches. Not all Vietnamese in the metropolitan area, however, identify as Catholic. I focus on the efforts of one Buddhist association to build a worship hall in greater metropolitan New Orleans in order to understand how a minority group inscribes its place within the cityscape. Because the construction project requires more financial support than the congregants alone can provide, fundraising efforts must appeal to larger audiences. Through these appeals, I show how the construction of the worship hall involves not just Buddhist placemaking practices but Vietnamese diasporic ones, underscoring the transnational dynamics of religion in the global city. [Diaspora; Buddhism; Placemaking]
Using the past to contextualize anthropogenic impacts on the present and future distribution of an endemic Caribbean mammal
Authors: Gibson L.M. , Mychajliw A.M. , Leon Y. , Rupp E. , Hadly E.A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIsland species are difficult to conserve because they face the synergy of climate change, invasive species, deforestation, and increasing human population densities in areas where land mass is shrinking. The Caribbean island of Hispaniola presents particular challenges because of geopolitical complexities that span 2 countries and hinder coordinated management of species across the island. We employed species distribution modeling to evaluate the impacts of climatic change and anthropogenic activities on the distribution of an endemic mammal of conservation concern, the Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus). We aggregated occurrence points for this poorly known species for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the present (1975–2016) based on museum collections, online biodiversity databases, and new field surveys. We quantified degree of overlap between periods and scenarios with Schoener's D. Through a conservation paleobiology lens, we found that over time humans played an increasing role in shaping the distribution of S. paradoxus, thus, providing a foundation for developing conservation strategies on appropriate spatiotemporal scales. Human population density was the single most important predictor of S. paradoxus occurrence. Densities >166 people/km2 corresponded to a near‐zero probability of occurrence. Models that accounted for climate but not anthropogenic variables falsely identified suitable habitat in Haiti, where on‐the‐ground surveys confirm habitat is unavailable. Climate‐only models also significantly overestimated the potential for habitat connectivity between isolated populations. Our work highlights that alternative fates for S. paradoxus in the Anthropocene exist across the political border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti due to the fundamentally different economic and political realities of each country. Relationships in the fossil record confirm that Hispaniola's sociopolitical boundary is not biologically significant but instead represents one imposed on the island's fauna in the past 500 years by colonial activity. Our approach reveals how a paleontological perspective can contribute to concrete management insights.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections in solid organ transplantation: Guidelines from the infectious diseases community of practice of the American Society of Transplantation
Authors: Subramanian Aruna K. , Theodoropoulos Nicole M. ,   the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation
Published: February 2019

AbstractThese updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the diagnosis, prevention, and management of tuberculosis in the pre‐ and post‐transplant period. The challenges of screening for both latent and active TB in the setting of transplantation are reviewed. The use of interferon gamma release assays for detection of latent tuberculosis is discussed and compared to tuberculin skin testing. Given the limitations of both testing modality, it is important to consider exposure history and chest imaging. The clinical manifestations of active tuberculosis in transplantation are covered. New recommendations for treatment of latent tuberculosis and active tuberculosis are included.
Size‐based ecological interactions drive food web responses to climate warming
Authors: Lindmark Max , Ohlberger Jan , Huss Magnus , Gårdmark Anna 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPredicting climate change impacts on animal communities requires knowledge of how physiological effects are mediated by ecological interactions. Food‐dependent growth and within‐species size variation depend on temperature and affect community dynamics through feedbacks between individual performance and population size structure. Still, we know little about how warming affects these feedbacks. Using a dynamic stage‐structured biomass model with food‐, size‐ and temperature‐dependent life history processes, we analyse how temperature affects coexistence, stability and size structure in a tri‐trophic food chain, and find that warming effects on community stability depend on ecological interactions. Predator biomass densities generally decline with warming – gradually or through collapses – depending on which consumer life stage predators feed on. Collapses occur when warming induces alternative stable states via Allee effects. This suggests that predator persistence in warmer climates may be lower than previously acknowledged and that effects of warming on food web stability largely depend on species interactions.
Accounting for interspecific competition and age structure in demographic analyses of density dependence improves predictions of fluctuations in population size
Authors: Gamelon Marlène , Vriend Stefan J. G. , Engen Steinar , Adriaensen Frank , Dhondt André A. , Evans Simon R. , Matthysen Erik , Sheldon Ben C. , Sæther Bernt‐Erik 
Published: February 2019

AbstractUnderstanding species coexistence has long been a major goal of ecology. Coexistence theory for two competing species posits that intraspecific density dependence should be stronger than interspecific density dependence. Great tits and blue tits are two bird species that compete for food resources and nesting cavities. On the basis of long‐term monitoring of these two competing species at sites across Europe, combining observational and manipulative approaches, we show that the strength of density regulation is similar for both species, and that individuals have contrasting abilities to compete depending on their age. For great tits, density regulation is driven mainly by intraspecific competition. In contrast, for blue tits, interspecific competition contributes as much as intraspecific competition, consistent with asymmetric competition between the two species. In addition, including age‐specific effects of intra‐ and interspecific competition in density‐dependence models improves predictions of fluctuations in population size by up to three times.
Transient use of a systemic adenosine kinase inhibitor attenuates epilepsy development in mice
Authors: Sandau Ursula S. , Yahya Mayadah , Bigej Ryan , Friedman Joseph L. , Saleumvong Bounmy , Boison Detlev 
Published: February 2019

SummaryObjectiveOver one‐third of all patients with epilepsy are refractory to treatment and there is an urgent need to develop new drugs that can prevent the development and progression of epilepsy. Epileptogenesis is characterized by distinct histopathologic and biochemical changes, which include astrogliosis and increased expression of the adenosine‐metabolizing enzyme adenosine kinase (ADK; EC 2.7.1.20). Increased expression of ADK contributes to epileptogenesis and is therefore a target for therapeutic intervention. We tested the prediction that the transient use of an ADK inhibitor administered during the latent phase of epileptogenesis can mitigate the development of epilepsy.MethodsWe used the intrahippocampal kainic acid (KA) mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, which is characterized by ipsilateral hippocampal sclerosis with granule cell dispersion and the development of recurrent hippocampal paroxysmal discharges (HPDs). KA‐injected mice were treated with the ADK inhibitor 5‐iodotubercidin (5‐ITU, 1.6 mg/kg, b.i.d., i.p.) during the latent phase of epileptogenesis from day 3‐8 after injury; the period when gradual increases in hippocampal ADK expression begin to manifest. HPDs were assessed at 6 and 9 weeks after KA administration followed by epilepsy histopathology including assessment of granule cell dispersion, astrogliosis, and ADK expression.Results5‐ITU significantly reduced the percent time in seizures by at least 80% in 56% of mice at 6 weeks post‐KA. This reduction in seizure activity was maintained in 40% of 5‐ITU–treated mice at 9 weeks. 5‐ITU also suppressed granule cell dispersion and prevented maladaptive ADK increases in these protected mice.SignificanceOur results show that the transient use of a small‐molecule ADK inhibitor, given during the early stages of epileptogenesis, has antiepileptogenic disease‐modifying properties, which provides the rationale for further investigation into the development of a novel class of antiepileptogenic ADK inhibitors with increased efficacy for epilepsy prevention.
Crystal structure of a domain‐swapped photoactivatable sfGFP variant provides evidence for GFP folding pathway
Authors: Kesgin‐Schaefer Stephanie , Heidemann Johannes , Puchert Anke , Koelbel Knut , Yorke Briony A. , Huse Nils , Pearson Arwen R. , Uetrecht Charlotte , Tidow Henning 
Published: February 2019

Photoactivatable fluorescent proteins (PA‐FPs) are a powerful non‐invasive tool in high‐resolution live‐cell imaging. They can be converted from an inactive to an active form by light, enabling the spatial and temporal trafficking of proteins and cell dynamics. PA‐FPs have been previously generated by mutating selected residues in the chromophore or in its close proximity. A new strategy to generate PA‐FPs is the genetic incorporation of unnatural amino acids (UAAs) containing photocaged groups using unique suppressor tRNA/aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase pairs. We set out to develop a photoactivatable GFP variant suitable for time‐resolved structural studies. Here, we report the crystal structure of superfolder GFP (sfGFP) containing the UAA ortho‐nitrobenzyl‐tyrosine (ONBY) at position 66 and its spectroscopic characterization. Surprisingly, the crystal structure (to 2.7 Å resolution) reveals a dimeric domain‐swapped arrangement of sfGFP66ONBY with residues 1–142 of one molecule associating with residues 148–234 from another molecule. This unusual domain‐swapped structure supports a previously postulated GFP folding pathway that proceeds via an equilibrium intermediate.
Three‐dimensional architecture of common benign and precancerous prostate epithelial lesions
Authors: Verhoef Esther I , van Cappellen Wiggert A , Slotman Johan A , Kremers Gert‐Jan , Ewing‐Graham Patricia C , Houtsmuller Adriaan B , van Royen Martin E , van Leenders Geert J L H 
Published: February 2019

AimsMany glandular lesions can mimic prostate cancer microscopically, including atrophic glands, adenosis and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. While the characteristic histopathological and immunohistochemical features of these lesions have been well established, little is known about their three‐dimensional architecture. Our objective was to evaluate the three‐dimensional organisation of common prostate epithelial lesions.Methods and results500 μm‐thick punches (n = 42) were taken from radical prostatectomy specimens, and stained with antibodies targeting keratin 8–18 and keratin 5 for identification of luminal and basal cells, respectively. Tissue samples were optically cleared in benzyl alcohol:benzyl benzoate and imaged using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The three‐dimensional architecture of peripheral and transition zone glands was acinar, composed of interconnecting and blind‐ending saccular tubules. In simple atrophy, partial atrophy and post‐atrophic hyperplasia, the acinar structure was attenuated with branching blind‐ending tubules from parental tubular structures. Three‐dimensional imaging revealed a novel variant of prostate atrophy characterised by large Golgi‐like atrophic spaces parallel to the prostate surface, which were represented by thin, elongated tubular structures on haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides. Conversely, adenosis lacked acinar organisation, so that it closely mimicked low‐grade prostate cancer. High‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia displayed prominent papillary intraluminal protrusions but retained an acinar organisation, whereas intraductal carcinoma predominantly consisted of cribriform proliferations with either spheroid, ellipsoid or complex interconnecting lumens.ConclusionsWhile various prostate epithelial lesions might mimic malignancy on H&E slides, their three‐dimensional architecture is acinar and clearly different from the tubular structure of prostate cancer, with adenosis as an exception.
Fiberglass dermatitis: clinical presentations, prevention, and treatment – a review of literatures
Authors: Camacho Isabella , Rajabi‐Estarabadi Ali , Eber Ariel E. , Griggs Jacob W. , Margaret Sanchez I. , Nouri Keyvan , Tosti Antonella 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFiberglass dermatitis is a common form of occupational irritant contact dermatitis. Individuals experience a negative reaction to fiberglass fragments because of mechanical irritation. This review comprehensively analyzes the information in the existing literature on fiberglass dermatitis. Recognizing the different environmental risks factors for acquiring fiberglass dermatitis is necessary for better diagnosis and prevention. In addition to the identification of high‐risk populations exposed to fiberglass particles, the common clinical presentation and preventive measures that can reduce the risk of acquiring fiberglass dermatitis are thoroughly discussed.
Characteristic of polysaccharides from Flammulina velutipes in vitro digestion under salivary, simulated gastric and small intestinal conditions and fermentation by human gut microbiota
Authors: Su Anxiang , Ma Gaoxing , Xie Minhao , Ji Yang , Li Xiangfei , Zhao Liyan , Hu Qiuhui 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIn this study, in vitro digestion and fermentation of Flammulina velutipes ‐derived polysaccharides (FVP) were investigated. It was found that FVP mainly consisted of 48.45% glucose, 15.40% mannose, 14.60% xylose, 11.80% fucose and 9.90% galactose. The ‐human saliva, simulated gastric and small intestinal juices conditions did not break down the FVP. Based on in vitro fermentation tests, FVP modulated the composition of gut microbiota by elevating the amounts of Bifidobacteriaceae and Bacteroidaceae and reducing the numbers of genera Lachnospiraceae and Enterococcaceae. Meanwhile, FVP affected the synthesis of short‐chain fatty acids derived from gut microbiota.
Extended dual antiplatelet therapy for Asian patients with acute coronary syndrome: expert recommendations
Authors: Chen Walter W.C. , Law Kwan‐Kin , Li Shu‐Kin , Chan William C.K. , Cheong Adrian , Fong Ping‐Ching , Hung Yu‐Tak , Lai Steve W.K. , Leung Godwin T.C. , Wong Edmond M.L. , Wong Raymond W.K. , Yan Chun‐Ting , Yan Victor W.T. , Au Yeong Tony C.K. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundRecently, new evidence from large scale trials and updated guidelines have emerged on the risks and benefits of extended dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).AimsTo discuss, clarify and advise on the application of the evidences and guidelines on individual patient selection for extended DAPT, with regard to balancing risk factors, particularly in Asian populations.MethodsA total of 14 local cardiologists from Hong Kong with extensive experience in cardiology and cardiac interventions convened in a series of 3 advisory board meetings from October 2016 to September 2017, which included reviews of new evidence in the literature and discussions of the latest clinical trends, using an anonymous, electronic voting system for arriving at consensuses.ResultsRecommendations were produced for the following nine risk factors: old age (>65), chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus (DM), recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), multi‐vessel disease (MVD), multiple stents, bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) stent, left main stenting and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Strong ischaemic risk factors include DM, recurrent MI, MVD and/or >3 stents; less‐strong ischaemic factors include CKD, left main stenting, BVS stent and PAD. Old age can be an unclear risk factor due to variations in physical fitness even among patients of identical age.DiscussionThe strengths and limitations of the results were acknowledged.ConclusionACS patients with ischaemic risk factors could be considered for extended DAPT beyond 12 months, while balancing the risk of bleeding.
Business Strategy and Labor Investment Efficiency*
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Hasan Mostafa M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper examines the relation between business strategy and labor investment efficiency. Since business strategy affects both the agency problem and firm‐level uncertainty, as well as the overall shape of corporate behavior, we would expect the efficiency of labor investment to vary with the particular business strategy a firm pursues. Using a large sample of US data, we find that firms having a prospector‐type business strategy are associated with inefficient labor investment, while those having a defender‐type business strategy are associated with efficient labor investment. We provide evidence that uncertainty, rather than the agency problem, causes prospector‐type firms to exhibit inefficient labor investment. Finally, we document that inefficient labor investment by prospectors leads to relatively low profitability in subsequent periods. These findings are robust when subjected to a series of sensitivity tests.