bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin and cardioprotection against ischaemia/reperfusion injury: What's new? A review
Authors: Lochner Amanda , Marais Erna , Huisamen Barbara 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMelatonin is a pleiotropic hormone with several functions. It binds to specific receptors and to a number of cytosolic proteins, activating a vast array of signalling pathways. Its potential to protect the heart against ischaemia/reperfusion damage has attracted much attention, particularly in view of its possible clinical applications. This review will focus mainly on the possible signalling pathways involved in melatonin‐induced cardioprotection. In particular, the role of the melatonin receptors and events downstream of receptor activation, for example, the reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK), survivor activating factor enhancement (SAFE) and Notch pathways, the sirtuins, nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and translocases in the outer membrane (TOM70) will be discussed. Particular attention is given to the role of the mitochondrion in melatonin‐induced cardioprotection. In addition, a brief overview will be given regarding the status quo of the clinical application of melatonin in humans.
Phylogenetics and dispersal patterns of Brassicaceae around the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Qian Chaoju , Shi Yong , Liu Yuan , Yan Xia , Ma Xiao‐Fei 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBrassicaceae, one of the most diverse and economically valuable plant families, is distributed all over the world. Previous studies have suggested that Brassicaceae originated and diversified in the Old World. In this study, the phylogenetic relationships of 17 tribes of Brassicaceae from the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) and adjacent areas were investigated using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and chloroplast DNA sequence data (rbcL and petB‐petD) with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian methods. As suggested by both the nrITS and chloroplast DNA trees, Cardaria pubescens (C.A.Mey.) Jarm. (Lepidieae) and Draba lanceolata Royle (Arabideae) should be classified in the Eutremeae and Cardamineae, respectively. Based on over 700 newly sequenced and published nrITS sequences of Brassicaceae, an up‐to‐date comprehensive phylogeny of the family was reconstructed using the maximum likelihood method. In the phylogenetic tree, 10 monophyletic tribes were detected. They were used to clarify the lineage diversification and dispersal patterns of the 10 tribes. The results showed that most of the monophyletic tribes may have originated in different regions of the world, and then dispersed into other regions surrounding the QTP. Rapid lineage diversification rate shifts were detected in several tribes, such as Anastaticeae, which experienced a rapid shift event ∼1.38 Mya, corresponding to the rapid uplift of the QTP, indicating that the recent uplift of the QTP could have promoted diversification in Brassicaceae across and adjacent to the QTP.
Patterns of Z chromosome divergence among Heliconius species highlight the importance of historical demography
Authors: Van Belleghem Steven M. , Baquero Margarita , Papa Riccardo , Salazar Camilo , McMillan W. Owen , Counterman Brian A. , Jiggins Chris D. , Martin Simon H. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSex chromosomes are disproportionately involved in reproductive isolation and adaptation. In support of such a “large‐X” effect, genome scans between recently diverged populations and species pairs often identify distinct patterns of divergence on the sex chromosome compared to autosomes. When measures of divergence between populations are higher on the sex chromosome compared to autosomes, such patterns could be interpreted as evidence for faster divergence on the sex chromosome, that is “faster‐X”, barriers to gene flow on the sex chromosome. However, demographic changes can strongly skew divergence estimates and are not always taken into consideration. We used 224 whole‐genome sequences representing 36 populations from two Heliconius butterfly clades (H. erato and H. melpomene) to explore patterns of Z chromosome divergence. We show that increased divergence compared to equilibrium expectations can in many cases be explained by demographic change. Among Heliconius erato populations, for instance, population size increase in the ancestral population can explain increased absolute divergence measures on the Z chromosome compared to the autosomes, as a result of increased ancestral Z chromosome genetic diversity. Nonetheless, we do identify increased divergence on the Z chromosome relative to the autosomes in parapatric or sympatric species comparisons that imply postzygotic reproductive barriers. Using simulations, we show that this is consistent with reduced gene flow on the Z chromosome, perhaps due to greater accumulation of incompatibilities. Our work demonstrates the importance of taking demography into account to interpret patterns of divergence on the Z chromosome, but nonetheless provides evidence to support the Z chromosome as a strong barrier to gene flow in incipient Heliconius butterfly species.
Roles of three FurA paralogs in the regulation of genes pertaining to peroxide defense in Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155
Authors: Lee Ha‐Na , Ji Chang‐Jun , Lee Hyun‐Hee , Park Jungwook , Seo Young‐Su , Lee Jin‐Won , Oh Jeong‐Il 
Published: March 2018

SummaryMycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 has three genes (MSMEG_6383, furA1; MSMEG_3460, furA2; MSMEG_6253, furA3) encoding FurA (ferric‐uptake regulator A) paralogs. Three FurA paralogs in M. smegmatis are functionally redundant and negatively regulate expression of a subset of genes involved in peroxide detoxification such as ahpC, katG1 and katG2, as well as their own genes. The FurA paralogs sense H2O2 via metal‐catalyzed His oxidation (MCHO) in the same way as PerR. The propensity of FurA2 and FurA3 for MCHO is greater than that of FurA1. The three furA genes are transcribed into leaderless mRNAs lacking the Shine‐Dalgarno (SD) sequence. FurA1 and FurA3 have the quaternary structure of homodimers like most Fur homologs, whereas FurA2 occurs as a monomer. The monomeric structure of FurA2 is determined by the C‐terminal region of its dimerization domain. FurA2 monomers appear to cooperatively bind to the FurA‐binding site with an inverted repeat configuration and have a broader binding specificity for the target DNA than dimeric FurA1 and FurA3. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that the FurA paralogs do not regulate genes related to iron homeostasis in M. smegmatis, and that expression of SigF‐regulated genes is significantly decreased in a furA triple mutant relative to the wild‐type strain of M. smegmatis.
Cultural factors influencing Japanese nurses’ assertive communication: Part 2 – hierarchy and power
Authors: Omura Mieko , Stone Teresa E. , Levett‐Jones Tracy 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHierarchy and power characterize health‐care relationships around the world, constituting a barrier to assertive communication and a risk to patient safety. This issue is more problematic and complex in countries such as Japan, where deep‐seated cultural values related to hierarchy and power persist. The current paper is the second of two that present the findings from a study exploring Japanese nurses’ views and experiences of how cultural values impact assertive communication for health‐care professionals. We conducted semistructured interviews with 23 registered nurses, following which data were analyzed using directed content analysis. Two overarching themes emerged from the analysis: hierarchy/power and collectivism. In the present study, we focus on cultural values related to hierarchy and power, including differences in professional status, gender imbalance, seniority/generation gap, bullying, and humility/modesty. The findings from our research provide meaningful insights into how Japanese cultural values influence and constrain nurses’ communication and speaking up behaviors, and can be used to inform educational programs designed to teach assertiveness skills.
Development and validation of oral health‐related quality of life measure in oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Gondivkar SM , Bhowate RR , Gadbail AR , Gaikwad RN , Gondivkar RS , Sarode SC , Sarode GS 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and assess the validity and reliability of disease‐specific oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) instrument for oral submucous fibrosis (OSF).Materials and MethodsItems for the OHRQoL‐OSF were generated from personal interviews and focus group discussions, the existing questionnaires, reviews of literature and inputs from expert's panel. Item reduction was performed by clinical impact method followed by pretesting of the developed questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the instrument were then examined.ResultsForty‐five items were generated from qualitative data and item pooling from various sources. After item reduction, 17 items were finalized with four domain‐structure having Eigenvalues greater than 1. OHRQoL‐OSF was shown to be valid in distinguishing patients with varying degrees of OSF severity. For the concurrent validity, the observed impact of OSF based on OHRQoL‐OSF significantly correlated with Oral Health Impact Profile and global self‐ratings of oral health and overall well‐being. OHRQoL‐OSF and all its domains demonstrated good internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's alpha ˃0.7 and excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.96).ConclusionThe first disease‐specific OHRQoL‐OSF instrument appeared to be highly reliable and valid measure for assessing impact of OSF on life quality.
Randomized pilot study on probiotic effects on recurrent candidiasis in oral lichen planus patients
Authors: Keller MK , Kragelund C 
Published: March 2018

Some patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) experience recurrent oral candidiasis(OC). Probiotic bacteria have shown to reduce the oral Candida count in vivo.ObjectiveTo study whether probiotic intervention reduces recurrent OC in patients with OLP.Material and MethodsTwenty‐two patients with symptomatic OLP were enrolled in the double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled intervention study. Lozenges containing Lactobacilli reuteri (DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289) or placebo were dissolved intra‐orally three times daily for 16 weeks, after which patients were followed up for 36 weeks. Mucosal symptoms, VAS pain, OLP severity score, plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI), Candida count/carriage, and OC and/or need for symptomatic treatment were registered. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.ResultsNo difference was observed between the groups during the intervention or follow‐up in terms of recurrent OC (p = .966) or need for symptomatic treatment (p = 1.000). There was no difference in terms of Candida count (p = .96) or carriage over time (p = .511). GI decreased in the probiotic group and increased in the placebo group (p = .046). OLP severity score decreased in both groups during the study period (p = .039). Across the entire study period, the placebo group had higher VAS pain score (p = .037).ConclusionsProbiotic intervention did not reduce recurrent OC or Candida count/carriage, but the study experienced recruitment problems, which may have influenced results.
An epigenetic breeding system in soybean for increased yield and stability
Authors: Raju Sunil K. Kenchanmane , Shao Mon‐Ray , Sanchez Robersy , Xu Ying‐Zhi , Sandhu Ajay , Graef George , Mackenzie Sally 
Published: March 2018

SummaryEpigenetic variation has been associated with a wide range of adaptive phenotypes in plants, but there exist few direct means for exploiting this variation. RNAi suppression of the plant‐specific gene, MutS HOMOLOG1 (MSH1), in multiple plant species produces a range of developmental changes accompanied by modulation of defence, phytohormone and abiotic stress response pathways along with methylome repatterning. This msh1‐conditioned developmental reprogramming is retained independent of transgene segregation, giving rise to transgene‐null ‘memory’ effects. An isogenic memory line crossed to wild type produces progeny families displaying increased variation in adaptive traits that respond to selection. This study investigates amenability of the MSH1 system for inducing agronomically valuable epigenetic variation in soybean. We developed MSH1 epi‐populations by crossing with msh1‐acquired soybean memory lines. Derived soybean epi‐lines showed increase in variance for multiple yield‐related traits including pods per plant, seed weight and maturity time in both glasshouse and field trials. Selected epi‐F2:4 and epi‐F2:5 lines showed an increase in seed yield over wild type. By epi‐F2:6, we observed a return of MSH1‐derived enhanced growth back to wild‐type levels. Epi‐populations also showed evidence of reduced epitype‐by‐environment (e × E) interaction, indicating higher yield stability. Transcript profiling of epi‐lines identified putative signatures of enhanced growth behaviour across generations. Genes related to cell cycle, abscisic acid biosynthesis and auxin response, particularly SMALL AUXIN UP RNAs (SAURs), were differentially expressed in epi‐F2:4 lines that showed increased yield when compared to epi‐F2:6. These data support the potential of MSH1‐derived epigenetic variation in plant breeding for enhanced yield and yield stability.
Factors affecting propofol dosage for sedation in pediatric oncology
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Park Boram , Lee Dong‐eun , Eom Woosik , Kang Sungwoo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited reference data for determining the appropriate dose of propofol for individual patients. Therefore, we investigated the factors affecting propofol dosage for pediatric patients undergoing sedation for computed tomography (CT) simulation.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the electronic medical records of pediatric patients who underwent CT simulation for proton therapy following a cancer diagnosis at the National Cancer Center (Korea) between 1 May 2012 and 30 April 2016. We evaluated the following factors, which reflect comorbidities or chronic illness in pediatric oncology patients: age, tumor lesion, preterm birth, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, pre‐sedation temperature, history of propofol use, nothing by mouth time, chemotherapy history, pre‐sedation laboratory findings, regular medication (opioids, anticonvulsants), and use of diuretics. A regression analysis was performed and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsElectronic medical records of 84 pediatric cancer patients were used in the analysis. Patients in ASA classes 1–2 required approximately 43% more propofol than patients in classes 3–4 (exp(β), 1.43; 95%CI: 1.21–1.69, P < 0.001).ConclusionAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4 is an independent indicator of decreased propofol dosage for pediatric oncology patients during sedation.
Changes in thiol/disulfide homeostasis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Altinel Acoglu Esma , Erel Ozcan , Yazilitas Fatma , Bulbul Mehmet , Oguz Melahat Melek , Yucel Husniye , Karacan Can Demir , Senel Saliha 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) remains unknown, but imbalance between the oxidant and antioxidant defense systems may play a role. Measuring thiols in plasma provides an indirect indication of antioxidative defense. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between JIA and dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostatic status.MethodsThis case–control study involved 34 JIA patients and 30 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. The patients were divided into subgroups according to Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) score: active, SDAI > 3.3; remission, SDAI ≤ 3.3.ResultsNative thiol and total thiol were significantly lower in the JIA group than in the control group (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the disulfide/native thiol, disulfide/total thiol, and native thiol/total thiol ratios between the JIA and control groups (P > 0.05). Based on SDAI score, 22 JIA patients were in the remission subgroup, and 12 JIA patients were in the active subgroup. Native thiol and total thiol were significantly lower in the active JIA subgroup than in the remission subgroup (P = 0.001), but there were no significant differences in the other parameters. There was no significant difference in thiol and disulfide levels between systemic‐onset JIA and other JIA (P > 0.05).ConclusionsPlasma thiol is lower in JIA patients, especially during periods of active disease, than in healthy controls, indicating that low thiol might be an important factor in the etiology of JIA and that antioxidant systems are negatively affected by inflammatory diseases, especially during periods of active disease.
Hyperbaric oxygen as a treatment modality in cyclophosphamide‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis
Authors: Kaur Dominder , Khan Shakila P. , Rodriguez Vilmarie , Arndt Carola , Claus Paul 
Published: March 2018

AbstractLate‐onset HC is a well‐recognized complication associated with cyclophosphamide/acrolein‐induced toxicity. It poses a management challenge when hyperhydration and bladder irrigation do not result in clinical improvement as desired. The data regarding use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) as an early treatment modality in this clinical setting are limited. We present 2 cases, that were refractory to hyperhydration and bladder irrigation but responded to HBO2. They were treated with 20‐30 daily sessions over weekdays with 100% oxygen for 90 minutes at 2 atmospheric pressure units (2 atm). Both patients reported improved symptoms within the first 15 sessions, and hematuria diminished by 20 sessions. Hyperbaric oxygen is a less invasive, outpatient therapy that is effective for treatment of HC and is tolerated well by young patients.
Isolated cutaneous mucormycosis in a pediatric renal transplant recipient
Authors: Downie Mallory L. , Alghounaim Mohammad , Davidge Kristen M. , Yau Yvonne , Walsh Thomas J. , Pope Elena , Somers Gino R. , Waters Valerie , Robinson Lisa A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMucormycosis is a rare and potentially life‐threatening infection, typically affecting immunocompromised hosts. We report a case of an adolescent boy who developed primary isolated cutaneous mucormycosis in the early period following kidney transplantation. Surgical excision was performed using intraoperative fungal staining to obtain clear margins, followed by topical and systemic antifungal therapy. A skin graft was then applied to the excised area with good healing, and the patient made a full recovery.
Ofatumumab in post‐transplantation recurrence of a pediatric steroid‐resistant idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Bernard Josselin , Bruel Alexandra , Allain‐Launay Emma , Dantal Jacques , Roussey Gwenaelle 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTreatment of SRNS is a challenge. Antiproliferative agents and depleting antibodies have been reported to be effective. However, these agents are not always successful, and use of ofatumumab could provide a different treatment option. Our patient was diagnosed with a SRNS at 5 years of age. She developed ESRD, with FSGS. This was cause for a first renal transplantation. The NS relapsed, leading to loss of the graft, and a second renal transplantation was performed. Due to the recurrence of the NS, IAds were initiated and led to a complete remission. Our patient remained dependent on IAds, however, despite treatments with calcineurin inhibitors, corticosteroids, rituximab, and abatacept. Ofatumumab was introduced and led to a remission, thus allowing cessation of the IAd treatment. Another infusion of ofatumumab was administered 8 months after the last one, due to the recurrence of the NS and a renewed increase in B cells. Although it did not result in a complete remission, the proteinuria was stabilized in the absence of IAds. Ofatumumab may be an alternative treatment for post‐transplantation rituximab‐resistant SRNS, although this needs to be confirmed by further studies.
Characterization of 3‐Acetyl Chlorophyll a and 3‐Acetyl Protochlorophyll a Accommodated in the B800 Binding Sites of Photosynthetic Light‐Harvesting Complex 2 in the Purple Photosynthetic Bacterium Rhodoblastus acidophilus
Authors: Saga Yoshitaka , Miyagi Kanji 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe present the detailed characterization on the reconstitution of two cyclic tetrapyrrole pigments that have the same substituents but differ in the degree of hydrogenation in the macrocycles from bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a (7,8,17,18‐tetrahydroporphyrin) into the binding sites of B800 BChl a in light‐harvesting complex 2 (LH2) of purple photosynthetic bacteria. Both 3‐acetyl chlorophyll (Chl) a (17,18‐dihydroporphyrin) and 3‐acetyl protochlorophyll (PChl) a (porphyrin) were inserted into the B800‐binding pockets in LH2, indicating that these pockets allow alteration of the degree of hydrogenation in the cyclic tetrapyrroles. Redshifts of the Qy peak positions of 3‐acetyl (P)Chl a by insertion into the B800‐binding sites were smaller than that of BChl a. The relative Qy absorbance of 3‐acetyl (P)Chl a to B850 BChl a in the reconstituted proteins was significantly smaller than that of B800 BChl a in native LH2 in spite of their high occupancy in the B800‐binding sites. These are ascribable to the smaller dipole strengths of 3‐acetyl (P)Chl a. We also performed the coreconstitution of both 3‐acetyl Chl a and BChl a into the nine B800‐binding sites in LH2, indicating that the affinity of 3‐acetyl Chl a to the B800‐cavity was slightly higher than that of BChl a.
Assessment of recording bias in pregnancy studies using health care databases: An application to neurologic conditions
Authors: MacDonald Sarah C. , Hernán Miguel A. , McElrath Thomas F. , Hernández‐Díaz Sonia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPre‐existing conditions are imperfectly recorded in health care databases. We assessed whether pre‐existing neurologic conditions (epilepsy, multiple sclerosis [MS]) were differentially recorded in the presence of major obstetric outcomes (Caesarean delivery, preterm delivery, preeclampsia) in delivery records. We also evaluated the impact of differential recording on measures of frequency and association between the conditions and outcomes.MethodsThe 2011‐2014 Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial Claims Dataset was used to identify pregnancies. We calculated the relative recording of epilepsy and MS at delivery hospitalization compared with a 270‐day pre‐delivery window both overall and by the presence of major obstetric outcomes. We estimated risk ratios for the association between epilepsy and MS with the outcomes for each ascertainment window.ResultsWe identified 909 065 pregnancies in women continuously enrolled from 270‐days before the delivery date. Of women with epilepsy identified in the pre‐delivery window, 73% had the condition coded at delivery. For MS, the proportion was 60%. MS recording at delivery did not vary by obstetric outcomes, however, delivery‐coded epilepsy was less likely confirmed in the pre‐delivery window in the presence of preeclampsia. Generally, the period of ascertainment did not meaningfully impact risk ratios, however, the risk ratio for preeclampsia associated with epilepsy was 1.67 (95% CI 1.47, 1.90) when epilepsy was ascertained at delivery and 1.26 (95% CI 1.07, 1.48) when epilepsy was ascertained in the pre‐delivery window (heterogeneity, P = .007).ConclusionsAscertainment of epilepsy and MS in delivery hospitalization records underestimated prevalence. However, the window of recording generally did not impact risk ratio estimates of associations with obstetric outcomes.