bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum miRNAs are potential biomarkers for the detection of disc degeneration, among which miR‐26a‐5p suppresses Smad1 to regulate disc homeostasis
Authors: Fan Yunshan , Zhao Lan , Xie Wanqing , Yi Dan , He Shisheng , Chen Di , Huang Jian 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDisc degeneration is a common clinical condition in which damaged discs cause chronic pain; however, a laboratory diagnosis method for its detection is not available. As circulating miRNAs have potential as biomarkers, their application in disc degeneration has not been explored. Here, we prepared serum miRNAs from a mouse disc degeneration model and performed miRNA‐Seq and quantitative PCR to characterize disc degeneration–associated miRNAs. We identified three miRNAs, including miR‐26a‐5p, miR‐122‐5p and miR‐215‐5p, undergoing perturbation during the pathogenesis of disc degeneration. Specifically, the levels of miR‐26a‐5p in the serum demonstrated steady increases in the model of disc degeneration, compared with those in the pre‐injury samples of younger age or compared with normal controls of the same age but without disc degeneration, whereas the miRNAs miR‐122‐5p and miR‐215‐5p exhibited lower expression in post‐injury samples than in their counterparts without the surgery. Moreover, we found that miR‐26a‐5p targets Smad1 expression, and Smad1 negatively regulates Vegfa expression in disc cells, and thus, miR‐26a‐5p promotes disc degeneration. In summary, we established a method that consistently profiles circulating miRNAs and identified multiple miRNAs as promising biomarkers for disc degeneration, among which miR‐26a‐5p enhances VEGF expression during disc degeneration through targeting Smad1 signalling.
Identifying carrot appearance quality by transfer learning
Authors: Zhu Hongfei , Deng Limiao , Wang Dawei , Gao Jiyue , Ni Jiangong , Han Zhongzhi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIt is extremely important to correctly identify the carrot appearance quality in design and manufacturing of Carrot sorter. In this paper, we have established a carrot appearance quality control system based on deep learning framework. The information of carrot is collected using the image, and thereafter the recognition model is erect on AlexNet network, which is pre‐trained by a large‐scale computer vision database (Image‐Net). Our framework uses transfer learning, which trains neural networks with small amounts of data compared to the traditional CNN. Applying this approach to the data set of carrot images, to demonstrate the classification performance of the proposed model, we compared it with human experts. The carrots of different grades can be recognized from a large number of carrots under the different surface condition with great accuracy. For binary classification recognition, the accuracy rate was 98.70%, the sensitivity was 98.34%, and the specificity was 98.99%. At the same time, when the number of training samples is small, high recognition accuracy can still be achieved through transfer learning. The model can not only meet the requirements of classification recognitionbut also greatly reduce the cost paid in sample collection.Practical ApplicationsIt is extremely important to correctly identify the carrot appearance quality in design and manufacturing of Carrot sorter. Using transfer learning, the training model can be constructed quickly, achieving high recognition accuracy and saving a lot of costs. Because the appearance of carrot plays an important role in quality. Therefore, this work has practical application value.
Significant association between skeletal bone mineral density and moderate to severe periodontitis in fair oral hygiene individuals
Authors: Mongkornkarn Sanutm , Suthasinekul Rapatchata , Sritara Chanika , Lertpimonchai Attawood , Tamsailom Suphot , Udomsak Artit 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimThis cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate the association between skeletal bone mineral density (BMD) and periodontitis in Thai adults and elders.MethodsThis study comprised 3282 participants aged 30‐82 years. BMD was assessed at 3 skeletal sites using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Each participant's BMD status was classified as normal, osteopenia or osteoporosis. Periodontal assessments were the number of remaining teeth, plaque score, probing depth and clinical attachment level (CAL). The participants were classified into no/mild or moderate/severe periodontitis groups. The mean periodontal variables between BMD categories were compared. The association between the BMD status and moderate/severe periodontitis was analyzed using binary logistic regression.ResultsAmong the BMD categories, the greatest mean CAL and the lowest mean number of remaining teeth were found in the osteoporosis group. The mean CAL difference between the osteoporosis and normal BMD groups was 0.3 mm. In 337 participants with a plaque score of less than 40%, there was a significant association between osteoporosis and moderate/severe periodontitis.ConclusionSkeletal BMD in the osteoporosis range was associated with moderate/severe periodontitis in individuals with fair oral hygiene, suggesting the benefit of special attention to the skeletal bone health of these individuals.
Microbial translocation into amniotic fluid of vervet monkeys is common and unrelated to adverse infant outcomes
Authors: Kendziorski Jessica A. , Sherrill Chrissy , Davis Ashley T. , Kavanagh Kylie 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAmniotic fluid was collected from pregnant female African green monkeys (n = 20). Analyses indicate microbial translocation into amniotic fluid during pregnancy is typical, and microbial load reduces across gestation. Microbial translocation does not relate to infant outcome or maternal factors. Lastly, we demonstrate that sample contamination is easily introduced and detectable.
Inhibition of Notch1 signaling promotes neuronal differentiation and improves functional recovery in spinal cord injury through suppressing the activation of Ras homolog family member A
Authors: Peng Zhiming , Li Xiang , Fu Mengxia , Zhu Kai , Long Lingli , Zhao Xiaoyang , Chen Qingui , Deng David Y. B. , Wan Yong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNeural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation represents a promising strategy for the repair of injured neurons, since NSCs not only produce multiple neurotrophic growth factors but also differentiate into mature cells to replace damaged cells. Previous studies have shown that Notch signaling pathway had negative effects on neuronal differentiation; however, the precise mechanism remained inadequately understood. This research aimed to investigate whether inhibition of Notch1 signaling promotes neuronal differentiation and improves functional recovery in rat spinal cord injury through suppressing the activation of Ras homolog family member A (RhoA). QPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence experiments were used to analyze Notch1 signaling pathways, RhoA, Ras homologous ‐associated coiled‐coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), cleaved caspased‐3, and neuronal/astrocytic differentiation markers. The expression of RhoA and ROCK1 was inhibited by lentivirus or specific biochemical inhibitors. In spinal cord injury (SCI), motor function was assessed by hind limbs movements and electrophysiology. Tissue repairing was measured by immunofluorescence, Nissl staining, Fluorogold, HE staining, QPCR, western blot, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments. Our results demonstrate that inhibition of Notch1 in NSCs can promote the differentiation of NSCs to neurons. Knockdown of RhoA and inhibition of ROCK1 both can promote neuronal differentiation through inhibiting the activation of Notch1 signaling pathway in NSCs. In SCI, silencing RhoA enhanced neuronal differentiation and improved tissue repairing/functional recovery by inhibiting the activation of Notch1 signaling pathway. Since Notch1 inhibits neuronal differentiation through activating the RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway in NSCs, our data suggest that the Notch1/RhoA/ROCK1/Hes1/Hes5 signaling pathway may serve as a novel target for the treatment of SCI.
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The Reappearance of An Extremely Rare and Critically Endangered Nitella translucens (Charophyceae) in Poland
Authors: Rosińska Joanna , Piotrowicz Ryszard , Celiński Konrad , Dabert Mirosława , Rzymski Piotr , Klimaszyk Piotr 
Published: July 2019

We report the reappearance of the rare charophyte Nitella translucens in Poland. It was identified in the soft‐water lobelian Lake Jeleń (North Poland) during 2013 and 2018 phytolittoral surveys. This species is considered critically endangered in various European countries and was previously classified as extinct in Poland. Its occurrence was confirmed using morphological and molecular data (ITS1‐18S, ITS2‐28S, rDNA, and rbcL). The N. translucens occupied ~20% of the lake bottom, at depths of 1.5–6.5 m, water pH 7.5–8.6, conductivity of 59–66 μS · cm−1, and total nitrogen and phosphorus during growing season in the range of 1.1–1.4 mg · L−1 and 0.07–0.1 mg · L−1, respectively. It co‐occurred mainly with plant species typical for lobelia lakes: Isoetes lacustris, Littorella uniflora, and Myriophyllum alterniflorum, as well as Ceratophyllum demersum and Elodea canadensis, which are characteristic for eutrophicated waters. It appears that N. translucens may thrive in lobelia lakes during their transformation to more eutrophic states.
Optimal dividend policies with random profitability
Authors: Reppen A. Max , Rochet Jean‐Charles , Soner H. Mete 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe study an optimal dividend problem under a bankruptcy constraint. Firms face a trade‐off between potential bankruptcy and extraction of profits. In contrast to previous works, general cash flow drifts, including Ornstein–Uhlenbeck and CIR processes, are considered. We provide rigorous proofs of continuity of the value function, whence dynamic programming, as well as comparison between discontinuous sub‐ and supersolutions of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, and we provide an efficient and convergent numerical scheme for finding the solution. The value function is given by a nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) with a gradient constraint from below in one direction. We find that the optimal strategy is both a barrier and a band strategy and that it includes voluntary liquidation in parts of the state space. Finally, we present and numerically study extensions of the model, including equity issuance and gambling for resurrection.
Faster speciation of fig‐wasps than their host figs leads to decoupled speciation dynamics: Snapshots across the speciation continuum
Authors: Souto‐Vilarós Daniel , Machac Antonin , Michalek Jan , Darwell Clive Terence , Sisol Mentap , Kuyaiva Thomas , Isua Brus , Weiblen George D. , Novotny Vojtech , Segar Simon T. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEven though speciation involving multiple interacting partners, such as plants and their pollinators, has attracted much research, most studies focus on isolated phases of the process. This currently precludes an integrated understanding of the mechanisms leading to cospeciation. Here, we examine population genetic structure across six species‐pairs of figs and their pollinating wasps along an elevational gradient in New Guinea. Specifically, we test three hypotheses on the genetic structure within the examined species‐pairs and find that the hypothesized genetic structures represent different phases of a single continuum, from incipient cospeciation to the full formation of new species. Our results also illuminate the mechanisms governing cospeciation, namely that fig wasps tend to accumulate population genetic differences faster than their figs, which initially decouples the speciation dynamics between the two interacting partners and breaks down their one‐to‐one matching. This intermediate phase is followed by genetic divergence of both partners, which may eventually restore the one‐to‐one matching among the fully formed species. Together, these findings integrate current knowledge on the mechanisms operating during different phases of the cospeciation process. They also reveal that the increasingly reported breakdowns in one‐to‐one matching may be an inherent part of the cospeciation process. Mechanistic understanding of this process is needed to explain how the extraordinary diversity of species, especially in the tropics, has emerged. Knowing which breakdowns in species interactions are a natural phase of cospeciation and which may endanger further generation of diversity seems critical in a constantly changing world.
Patterns of population structure and complex haplotype sharing among field isolates of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Craig Rory J. , Böndel Katharina B. , Arakawa Kazuharu , Nakada Takashi , Ito Takuro , Bell Graham , Colegrave Nick , Keightley Peter D. , Ness Rob W. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe nature of population structure in microbial eukaryotes has long been debated. Competing models have argued that microbial species are either ubiquitous, with high dispersal and low rates of speciation, or that for many species gene flow between populations is limited, resulting in evolutionary histories similar to those of macroorganisms. However, population genomic approaches have seldom been applied to this question. Here, we analyse whole‐genome resequencing data for all 36 confirmed field isolates of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. At a continental scale, we report evidence for putative allopatric divergence, between both North American and Japanese isolates, and two highly differentiated lineages within N. America. Conversely, at a local scale within the most densely sampled lineage, we find little evidence for either spatial or temporal structure. Taken together with evidence for ongoing admixture between the two N. American lineages, this lack of structure supports a role for substantial dispersal in C. reinhardtii and implies that between‐lineage differentiation may be maintained by reproductive isolation and/or local adaptation. Our results therefore support a role for allopatric divergence in microbial eukaryotes, while also indicating that species may be ubiquitous at local scales. Despite the high genetic diversity observed within the most well‐sampled lineage, we find that pairs of isolates share on average ~9% of their genomes in long haplotypes, even when isolates were sampled decades apart and from different locations. This proportion is several orders of magnitude higher than the Wright–Fisher expectation, raising many further questions concerning the evolutionary genetics of C. reinhardtii and microbial eukaryotes generally.
Transcriptional initiation of a small RNA, not R‐loop stability, dictates the frequency of pilin antigenic variation in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Prister Lauren L. , Ozer Egon A. , Cahoon Laty A. , Seifert Hank S. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryNeisseria gonorrhoeae, the sole causative agent of gonorrhea, constitutively undergoes diversification of the Type IV pilus. Gene conversion occurs between one of the several donor silent copies located in distinct loci and the recipient pilE gene, encoding the major pilin subunit of the pilus. A guanine quadruplex (G4) DNA structure and a cis‐acting sRNA (G4‐sRNA) are located upstream of the pilE gene and both are required for pilin antigenic variation (Av). We show that the reduced sRNA transcription lowers pilin Av frequencies. Extended transcriptional elongation is not required for Av, since limiting the transcript to 32 nt allows for normal Av frequencies. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, we show that cellular G4s are less abundant when sRNA transcription is lower. In addition, using ChIP, we demonstrate that the G4‐sRNA forms a stable RNA:DNA hybrid (R‐loop) with its template strand. However, modulating R‐loop levels by controlling RNase HI expression does not alter G4 abundance quantified through ChIP. Since pilin Av frequencies were not altered when modulating R‐loop levels by controlling RNase HI expression, we conclude that transcription of the sRNA is necessary, but stable R‐loops are not required to promote pilin Av.
Identification of the Toxoplasma gondii mitochondrial ribosome, and characterisation of a protein essential for mitochondrial translation
Authors: Lacombe Alice , Maclean Andrew E. , Ovciarikova Jana , Tottey Julie , Mühleip Alexander , Fernandes Paula , Sheiner Lilach 
Published: July 2019

SummaryApicomplexan parasites cause diseases such as malaria and toxoplasmosis. The apicomplexan mitochondrion shows striking differences from common model organisms, including fundamental processes such as mitochondrial translation. Despite evidence that mitochondrial translation is essential for parasite survival, it is largely understudied. Progress has been restricted by the absence of functional assays to detect apicomplexan mitochondrial translation, a lack of knowledge of proteins involved in the process and the inability to identify and detect mitoribosomes. We report the localization of 12 new mitochondrial proteins, including 6 putative mitoribosomal proteins. We demonstrate the integration of three mitoribosomal proteins in macromolecular complexes, and provide evidence suggesting these are apicomplexan mitoribosomal subunits, detected here for the first time. Finally, a new analytical pipeline detected defects in mitochondrial translation upon depletion of the small subunit protein 35 (TgmS35), while other mitochondrial functions remain unaffected. Our work lays a foundation for the study of apicomplexan mitochondrial translation.
Indacaterol/glycopyrronium versus tiotropium or glycopyrronium in long‐acting bronchodilator‐naïve COPD patients: A pooled analysis
Authors: Muro Shigeo , Yoshisue Hajime , Kostikas Konstantinos , Olsson Petter , Gupta Pritam , Wedzicha Jadwiga A. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveIndacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY) 110/50 μg once daily (q.d.) has demonstrated greater improvements in lung function, patient‐reported outcomes and lower exacerbation rates versus mono long‐acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, data are limited on initial treatment with IND/GLY 110/50 μg q.d. versus mono LAMA in COPD patients, not previously on maintenance treatment with long‐acting bronchodilators (LABD).MethodsA pooled analysis of ARISE, SHINE and SPARK trials was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of IND/GLY 110/50 μg q.d. versus open‐label (OL) tiotropium (TIO) 18 μg q.d. and GLY 50 μg q.d. in COPD patients, not on maintenance treatment with LABD at study entry (LABD‐naïve). Efficacy was assessed after 24/26 weeks of treatment.ResultsIn total, 998 LABD‐naïve patients were included (IND/GLY: 353; OL TIO: 328; GLY: 317). Patients treated with IND/GLY 110/50 μg q.d. experienced greater improvements in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) versus OL TIO 18 μg q.d. (least squares mean treatment difference (Δ): 0.086 L) and GLY 50 μg q.d. (Δ: 0.080 L) after 24/26 weeks. Improvements in electronic diary (eDiary) symptom scores, transition dyspnoea index (TDI) focal score, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score and rescue medication use were also greater with IND/GLY versus OL TIO and GLY. Greater proportion of patients achieved minimal clinically important difference in trough FEV1, TDI and SGRQ with IND/GLY versus OL TIO and GLY.ConclusionLABD‐naïve patients treated with IND/GLY 110/50 μg q.d. achieved improvements in lung function, daily symptoms, dyspnoea, health‐related quality of life and rescue medication use versus those who received single LAMA.
Confidence and Intentions to Help a Person at Risk of Suicide
Authors: Nicholas Angela , Pirkis Jane , Rossetto Alyssia , Jorm Anthony , Spittal Matthew , Reavley Nicola 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveWe aimed to identify Australian adults’ current level of confidence and intentions to help a person close to them in distress or at risk of suicide to inform the content and targeting of suicide prevention messages aimed at family and friends of those at risk.MethodsWe conducted a nationally representative computer‐assisted telephone survey of confidence and intentions to help someone in distress or at risk of suicide (n = 3,002). We used logistic regression to determine whether sociodemographic and exposure variables predicted confidence and intentions to help.ResultsConfidence to help was high. About half of the respondents had intentions inconsistent with best practice. Listening and talking, and encouraging the person to seek professional help were the most common types of intended helping actions. Intentions to ask suicide risk assessment questions were least common. Men were more likely than women to have intentions to carry out nonrecommended actions, and less likely to have intentions to carry out recommended actions.ConclusionsSuicide prevention messaging aimed at family and friends could encourage them to ask direct questions about suicide risk and could include messages about “what not to do.” Suicide prevention messages aimed specifically at men are indicated.
Utilisation of medications among elderly patients in intensive care units: a cross-sectional study using a nationwide claims database
Authors: Jung Sun-Young , Lee Hyun Joo 
Published: July 2019

ObjectivesClinical practice guidelines for the management of pain and sedation in critically ill patients have been developed and applied; however, there is limited data on medication use among elderly patients. This study identifies current practice patterns for analgo-sedative use in mechanically ventilated elderly patients in Korea using a national claims database.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting and participantsVentilated elderly patients aged 65 years or older in intensive care units (ICUs) from an aged patients’ national claims database in KoreaPrimary outcome measuresUse of sedatives including benzodiazepines, opioids and non-opioid analgesics, neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and antipsychotic drugs were analysed by the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), age and time.ResultsFrom 2012 to 2016, 22 677 elderly patients underwent MV in 267 general or tertiary ICUs. Mean age was 77.2 (±6.9) years and the median duration of MV was 4.1 days; 77.2% of patients received sedatives, 65.0% analgesics, 29.1% NMBAs and 19.6% antipsychotics. Midazolam (62.0%) was the most commonly prescribed medication. The proportions of sedatives, analgesics and NMBAs increased, whereas the percentages of person-days decreased with longer MV duration (p<0.01). With advanced age, the prevalence and duration of sedative, analgesic and NMBA use decreased (adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.98 (0.97 to 0.98) in all three classes) while antipsychotic did not (adjusted OR 1.00 (1.00–1.01)). Annually, benzodiazepines showed reduced administration (76.2% in 2012 and 71.4% in 2016, p<0.01), while daily opioid dose increased (21.6 in 2012 vs 30.0 mg in 2016, p<0.01).ConclusionsThe prevalence of sedative, analgesic and NMBAs use and daily opioid doses were lower, whereas antipsychotic use was higher compared with those in previous studies in adult patients. The findings warrant further studies investigating appropriateness and safety of medication use that consider clinical severity scores with a focus on elderly patients in ICUs.