bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aurora A promotes chromosome congression by activating the condensin-dependent pool of KIF4A
Authors: Poser Elena , Caous Renaud , Gruneberg Ulrike , Barr Francis A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAurora kinases create phosphorylation gradients within the spindle during prometaphase and anaphase. These locally regulate factors that promote spindle organisation, chromosome condensation and movement, and cytokinesis. We show that one such factor is the kinesin KIF4A, which is present along the chromosome axes throughout mitosis and the central spindle in anaphase. These two pools of KIF4A depend on condensin I and PRC1, respectively. Previous work has shown KIF4A is activated by Aurora B at the anaphase central spindle. However, whether or not chromosome-associated KIF4A bound to condensin I is regulated by Aurora kinases remain unclear. To determine the roles of the two different pools of KIF4A, we generated specific point mutants that are unable to interact with either condensin I or PRC1, or are deficient for Aurora kinase regulation. By analysing these mutants, we show that Aurora kinases phosphorylate the condensin I dependent pool of KIF4A and thus actively promote chromosome congression from the spindle poles to the metaphase plate.
Exploring multiple sensory systems in ovipositors ofDrosophila suzukiiand related species with different egg-laying behaviour
Authors: Crava Cristina Maria , Romani Roberto , Zanini Damiano , Amati Simone , Sollai Giorgia , Crnjar Roberto , Haase Albrecht , Paoli Marco , Rossi-Stacconi Marco Valerio , Rota-Stabelli Omar , Tait Gabriella , Anfora Gianfranco 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTDrosophila suzukiiis an invasive agricultural pest species that lays eggs in fruit during ripening, while most closely relatedDrosophilaspecies use rotten matter as oviposition substrates. This behaviour is allowed by an enlarged and serrated ovipositor that can pierce intact fruit skin.D. suzukiicombines multiple sensory systems (mechanosensation, olfaction, and taste) to select oviposition sites. Here, we test the hypothesis that theD. suzukiiovipositor is involved in these sensory modalities. We first investigate the ovipositor gene expression using a comparative framework of fourDrosophilaspecies with gradual changes in ovipositor morphology to identify evolutionary adaptations specific toD. suzukii. Results show transcription of chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors in the four species, with a common core of sensory receptors expressed in all of them. Then, we demonstrate that sensory structures present in the distal tip of theD. suzukiiovipositor are mechanosensory-like sensilla, and that the degenerin/epithelial sodium channelppkis expressed in homologous structures inDrosophila melanogaster. Our results suggest theD. suzukiiovipositor playing a role in mechanosensation, which might be shared with otherDrosophilaspecies.
Clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis patients with systemic sclerosis‐specific autoantibody: Possible involvement of thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine and a review of the published works
Authors: Ueda‐Hayakawa Ikuko , Nguyen Chuyen Thi Hong , Kishimoto Izumi , Ly Nhung Thi My , Okamoto Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSarcoidosis and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are both multisystem disorders of unknown etiology. Some cases having both sarcoidosis and SSc have been reported previously. The present study was to investigate clinical features in sarcoidosis patients who possessed SSc‐specific autoantibody. The pathophysiology of each disease, including shared pathways leading to the development of both conditions, is reviewed in addition to previous reports of patients with concomitant SSc and sarcoidosis. SSc‐specific autoantibodies including anticentromere antibody (ACA), anti‐topoisomerase I antibody, anti‐RNA polymerase III antibody and anti‐U1RNP antibody were examined in sarcoidosis patients. Complete medical histories, clinical examinations and laboratory tests were conducted for all patients. For reviewing previously published reports, all cases were retrieved through a PubMed search. ACA was most frequently observed in sarcoidosis patients. Plaques and papules were the most frequent as the cutaneous sarcoidosis lesions. Soluble interleukin‐2 receptor was elevated in most of the cases (6/8, 75%), and thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) was elevated in all cases (6/6, 100%). Together with our two cases (cases 1 and 3), a review of previously reported cases of sarcoidosis patients concomitant with SSc showed high frequency of ACA and plaques as cutaneous lesions. We suppose that TARC may play some roles in the production of SSc‐specific autoantibodies and development of concomitance with SSc in sarcoidosis, although the mechanisms remain unknown.
Size‐selective harvesting fosters adaptations in mating behaviour and reproductive allocation, affecting sexual selection in fish
Authors: Sbragaglia Valerio , Gliese Catalina , Bierbach David , Honsey Andrew E. , Uusi‐Heikkilä Silva , Arlinghaus Robert 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

The role of sexual selection in the context of harvest‐induced evolution is poorly understood. However, elevated and trait‐selective harvesting of wild populations may change sexually selected traits, which in turn can affect mate choice and reproduction.

We experimentally evaluated the potential for fisheries‐induced evolution of mating behaviour and reproductive allocation in fish.

We used an experimental system of zebrafish (Danio rerio) lines exposed to large, small or random (i.e. control) size‐selective mortality. The large‐harvested line represented a treatment simulating the typical case in fisheries where the largest individuals are preferentially harvested. We used a full factorial design of spawning trials with size‐matched individuals to control for the systematic impact of body size during reproduction, thereby singling out possible changes in mating behaviour and reproductive allocation.

Both small size‐selective mortality and large size‐selective mortality left a legacy on male mating behaviour by elevating intersexual aggression. However, there was no evidence for line‐assortative reproductive allocation. Females of all lines preferentially allocated eggs to the generally less aggressive males of the random‐harvested control line. Females of the large‐harvested line showed enhanced reproductive performance, and males of the large‐harvested line had the highest egg fertilization rate among all males. These findings can be explained as an evolutionary adaptation by which individuals of the large‐harvested line display an enhanced reproductive performance early in life to offset the increased probability of adult mortality due to harvest.

Our results suggest that the large‐harvested line evolved behaviourally mediated reproductive adaptations that could increase the rate of recovery when populations adapted to high fishing pressure come into secondary contact with other populations.
Effect of Capsicum Frutescens Extract, Capsaicin, and Luteolin on Quorum Sensing Regulated Phenotypes
Authors: Rivera Milagros Liseth Castillo , Hassimotto Neuza Mariko Aymoto , Bueris Vanessa , Sircili Marcelo Palma , de Almeida Felipe Alves , Pinto Uelinton Manoel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCapsicum peppers have not been investigated as sources of quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors. This study aimed to identify compounds in pimenta‐malagueta (Capsicum frutescens) and red pepper (Capsicum annuum) extracts and to evaluate their effect on violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 and C. violaceum CV026, as well as biofilm formation (BF) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Serratia marcescens MG1. Among the extracts, pimenta‐malagueta methanolic extract (PMME) was chosen because it contained capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and luteolin in greater amount than the other extracts. In general, PMME partially inhibited bacterial growth at 2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL, as well as capsaicin at 100 µg/mL and luteolin at 62.5, 125, and 250 µg/mL. At lower concentrations, PMME and luteolin reduced violacein production in C. violaceum ATCC 12472 without affecting growth, a result that was not observed with capsaicin. We show that violacein inhibition by PMME is likely due to luteolin. In silico docking evaluation showed that luteolin binds to the CviR QS regulator. Crystal violet staining and confocal microscopy revealed that BF was increased by PMME and capsaicin, being remarkably superior for P. aeruginosa PAO1 at 30 °C. Capsaicin is not an effective QS inhibitor, while luteolin should be further investigated for its potential effects in QS regulated phenotypes.Practical ApplicationQuorum sensing (QS) is a form of bacterial communication targeted for studies aiming to inhibit bacterial virulence. QS regulates phenotypes that influence microbial activities across many areas, including Food Science. Capsicum frutescens is a type of chili pepper consumed in Brazil, rich in bioactive compounds such as capsaicin (which gives its pungency) and luteolin (a phenolic compound). We show that C. frutescens extract and luteolin inhibit QS in a model bacterium, along with the possible molecular mechanism of inhibition. Capsaicin did not inhibit QS neither biofilm formation. Luteolin should be further investigated for its QS inhibition properties and biotechnological applications.
Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan‐Based Ternary Blend Edible Films with Efficient Antimicrobial Activities for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Guo Yajing , Chen Xinghang , Yang Fujia , Wang Teng , Ni Minglong , Chen Yuansheng , Yang Fei , Huang Da , Fu Caili , Wang Shaoyun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTo improve the mechanical and antibacterial properties of chitosan (CS) films, a ternary blend edible film was prepared by incorporating CS, gelatin (GE), and natural cinnamon essential oil (CEo). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction were performed to evaluate the films. The mechanical properties, light transmission, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, and antibacterial activity of the films were also determined. The results confirmed all of the films exhibited excellent UV protection with low transparency at 600 nm. Compared with the CS films, the ternary composite film (CSGEo film, containing CS, GE, and CEo) had a higher elongation at break but a lower tensile strength. SEM images revealed that all films had smooth surfaces, although some obvious differences between CS and CSGEo films were observed by AFM. Additionally, the incorporation of GE and CEo to the films enhanced their thermal stability and contact angle, but decreased their crystallinity and wettability. The antimicrobial activity results showed that CSGEo films had excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, for which the antibacterial rate exceeded 98%. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the CSGEo solution against E. coli and S. aureus were both 52.06 µg/mL, and the minimal bactericidal concentrations were 104.12 and 52.06 µg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that CSGEo films possess good mechanical and antibacterial properties, and therefore, their application in the food packaging industry is promising.Practical ApplicationThe main raw materials of the edible films developed in this study are aquatic by‐products, so the films are edible and biodegradable. The addition of gelatin and CEo improved the UV barrier and thermal properties but decreased the crystallinity and hydrophilicity of the films, making them suitable for use as packaging materials. CEo‐incorporated films exhibited excellent mechanical properties and antibacterial activity and can, therefore, be used in the food packaging industry.
Assessing the construct validity of clinical tests to identify sacroiliac joint inflammation in patients with non‐radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Castro Marcelo P. , Stebbings Simon M. , Milosavljevic Stephan , Pedersen Susanne J. , Bussey Melanie D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to identify sacroiliac joint (SIJ) inflammation and provide an earlier diagnosis of nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nrAxSpA). However, MRI is frequently a resource‐limited examination. Our aim was to assess if a set of physical clinical tests can identify SIJ inflammation in patients with nrAxSpA.MethodsTwenty participants with nrAxSpA underwent two functional tests (active straight leg raise, and stork test on the support side) and four pain provocation tests (Gaenslen's, posterior pelvic pain provocation, Patrick's Faber and palpation of the long dorsal SIJ ligament) for the SIJ, and then proceeded to a contemporaneous reference standard MRI. The Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada scoring system (SPARCC) was used to score MRI. Specificity, sensitivity, and likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated for individual clinical tests, and for the composite of tests.ResultsPain provocation tests were superior to functional tests, which showed poor accuracy. The Patrick's Faber test was the best performing procedure (sensitivity 71%, specificity 75%, positive LR 2.9, negative LR 0.4). When combining the provocation tests, a positive test in one out of two tests demonstrated the strongest predictive value (sensitivity 86%, specificity 62%, positive LR 2.2, negative LR 0.2).ConclusionsSacroiliac joint pain provocation tests correlate modestly with inflammation. The Patrick's Faber test showed the greater LR to identify SIJ inflammation in patients with nrAxSpA. SIJ pain provocation tests may offer a simple and cost‐effective way of identifying patients with nrAxSpA who are most likely to have MRI evidence of inflammation.
Clinical features and new diagnostic criteria for the syndrome of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis
Authors: Takeuchi Yusuke , Shigemura Tomonari , Kobayashi Norimoto , Nagumo Haruo , Furumoto Masahiro , Ogasawara Kyo , Fujii Hitomi , Takizawa Masahiro , Soga Takashi , Matoba Hisanori , Masumoto Junya , Fukushima Keitaro , Migita Kiyoshi , Ojima Toshiyuki , Umeda Yoh , Agematsu Kazunaga 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimThe syndrome of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) is a common inflammatory disease that presents with periodic fever. We aimed to establish more specific diagnostic criteria for PFAPA based on the clinical characteristics of PFAPA patients in our directory.MethodThe clinical, laboratory, genetic, and family history details of 257 Japanese PFAPA patients treated at our and other affiliated hospitals between April 2000 and April 2018 were analyzed along with quantitative measurements of the number of CD64 molecules on neutrophils, and the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines. The sensitivity and specificity of the criteria were calculated for several diseases.ResultsBecause recurrent fevers were crucial findings, they were defined as the required criterion. Tonsillitis/pharyngitis with white moss were important accompanying signs. Other symptoms associated with febrile episodes were cervical lymphadenitis with tenderness, aphthous stomatitis, sore throat, vomiting, and headache but not cough. A total of 159 (62%) patients had a family history of recurrent fevers, indicating autosomal dominant inheritance. C‐reactive protein levels were extremely elevated during febrile attacks but normal in attack‐free periods. Serum immunoglobulin D levels were high in 72 of the 199 tested patients. Oral glucocorticoid and cimetidine were extremely effective in all and 51.6% of the patients, respectively. We defined the above as supportive criteria. These criteria were sensitive and specific enough to distinguish PFAPA from other recurrent fever diseases. Raised serum interferon‐γ levels and remarkable CD64 expression on neutrophils during flare‐ups were recognized, indicating they contributed to diagnosis.ConclusionOur new criteria are useful for diagnosing PFAPA.
Lasting reduction of nicotine‐seeking behavior by chronic N‐acetylcysteine during experimental cue‐exposure therapy
Authors: Moro Federico , Giannotti Giuseppe , Caffino Lucia , Marzo Claudio Marcello , Di Clemente Angelo , Fumagalli Fabio , Cervo Luigi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNicotine‐associated cues can trigger reinstatement in humans as well as in animal models of drug addiction. To date, no behavioral intervention or pharmacological treatment has been effective in preventing relapse in the long term. A large body of evidence indicates that N‐acetylcysteine (N‐AC) blunts the activation of glutamatergic (GLUergic) neurons in the nucleus accumbens (Nacc) associated with reinstatement. We evaluated the effect of an experimental cue exposure therapy (eCET) alone or in combination with N‐AC to verify whether restoring GLU homeostasis enhances extinction of nicotine‐associated cues. Rats were trained to associate discriminative stimuli with intravenous nicotine or saline self‐administration. Reinforced response was followed by cue signals. After rats met the self‐administration criteria, the lasting anti‐relapse activity of i.p. N‐AC or vehicle was assessed in three different experimental conditions after 14 days of treatment: treatment + eCET; treatment + lever‐presses extinction (LP‐EXT); and treatment + abstinence. N‐AC 100 mg/kg, but not 60 mg/kg, induced anti‐relapse activity that persisted 50 days after treatment only when paired with either LP‐EXT or eCET with the greater activity found in the latter condition. To identify potential mechanisms for behavioral results, separate groups of rats that received either N‐AC or vehicle + eCET were killed at different time points for Nacc Western‐blot analysis. Seven days after treatment, chronic N‐AC restored the expression of proteins crucial for GLU homeostasis, while at 50 days, it increased the expression of type II metabotropic GLU receptors. These results suggest that N‐AC treatment in combination with eCET may offer a novel strategy to prevent relapse in nicotine addiction.
MMP‐9‐positive neutrophils are essential for establishing profibrotic microenvironment in the obstructed kidney of UUO mice
Authors: Wang Haidong , Gao Min , Li Jiangbo , Sun Jian , Wu Ran , Han Deping , Tan Jianmei , Wang Juan , Wang Bin , Zhang Liping , Dong Yanjun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimMatrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9) plays a profibrotic role in renal fibrosis. Neutrophils produce MMP9 in many pathologic models. However, the effect of neutrophil on the progression of renal fibrosis and the relationship of MMP9 to the infiltration of neutrophils into the kidney remain unknown.MethodsThe surgery of unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) was performed in male C57BL/6 mice. Kidneys were collected for analyses on days 0, 1, 3, 5 or 7 following surgery. The inflammatory cells were analysed by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein levels of renal fibrosis factor and inflammatory factor were measured by qRT‐PCR, immumofluorescence and western blot analysis.ResultsIn a mouse kidney model of UUO, neutrophil infiltration significantly increased and neutrophil accumulation reached the highest level at 5 days after the injury. In the obstructed kidney, depleting neutrophils decreased the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibited the accumulation of macrophages including type 2 macrophages and suppressed renal fibrosis. Almost all neutrophils produced MMP9 at the early stage of kidney obstruction. MMP9 attracted neutrophils and inflammatory cells because inhibiting MMP9 suppressed the infiltration of neutrophils and other inflammatory cells and reduced renal fibrosis, regardless of using MMP9 neutralizing antibody or MMP9 inhibitor or different intervening periods of days (0‐6, 0‐3 or 3‐6 were applied after kidney obstruction).ConclusionMMP9 promotes neutrophil infiltration by increasing the inflammatory level, macrophage accumulation and renal fibrosis in the obstructed kidney. Inhibiting MMP9 or depleting neutrophils in the early stage of acute kidney injury can relieve the progression of kidney fibrosis.
Employment in family managed firms: Less but safe? Analysing labour demand of German family managed firms with a treatment model for panel data
Authors: Kölling Arnd 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper analyses the differences in labour demand between family and non‐family managed firms. These firms seem to have better employment performance than non‐family controlled companies. Therefore, this study applies a treatment model for panel data controlling for endogeneities of being a family managed firm or not. The results of the estimations indicate that labour demand is possibly larger because of family members joining the firms as extra employees. Moreover, labour turnover is lower, supporting the assumption that family firms offer some kind of implicit labour contracts. However, in opposite to previous results, it seems that only small family managed firms show different employment behaviour.
N10‐carbonyl‐substituted phenothiazines inhibiting lipid peroxidation and associated nitric oxide consumption powerfully protect brain tissue against oxidative stress
Authors: Keynes Robert G. , Karchevskaya Anastasia , Riddall Dieter , Griffiths Charmaine H. , Bellamy Tomas C. , Chan A. W. Edith , Selwood David L. , Garthwaite John 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDuring some investigations into the mechanism of nitric oxide consumption by brain preparations, several potent inhibitors of this process were identified. Subsequent tests revealed the compounds act by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, a trigger for a form of regulated cell death known as ferroptosis. A quantitative structure–activity study together with XED (eXtended Electron Distributions) field analysis allowed a qualitative understanding of the structure–activity relationships. A representative compound N‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐10H‐phenothiazine‐10‐carboxamide (DT‐PTZ‐C) was able to inhibit completely oxidative damage brought about by two different procedures in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, displaying a 30‐ to 100‐fold higher potency than the standard vitamin E analogue, Trolox or edaravone. The compounds are novel, small, drug‐like molecules of potential therapeutic use in neurodegenerative disorders and other conditions associated with oxidative stress.