bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C2‐lacking isoform of Nedd4‐2 regulates excitatory synaptic strength through GluA1 ubiquitination‐independent mechanisms
Authors: Zhu Jiuhe , Lee Kwan Young , Jong Tiffany T. , Tsai Nien‐Pei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNeural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated gene 4‐like (Nedd4‐2) is an epilepsy‐associated gene, which encodes a ubiquitin E3 ligase that is highly expressed in the brain. Nedd4‐2’s substrates include many ion channels and receptors because its N‐terminal C2 domain guides Nedd4‐2 to the cell membrane. We previously found that Nedd4‐2 ubiquitinates the glutamate receptor subunit 1 (GluA1) subunit of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor, which leads to reduction of neuronal excitability and seizures in mice. However, despite awareness of a Nedd4‐2 isoform with no C2 domain, the functions of this isoform remain elusive. In this study, we showed that the C2‐lacking Nedd4‐2 has reduced membrane distribution and exhibits reduced affinity toward ubiquitinating GluA1. However, when expressed in primary cortical neurons, we found that the C2‐lacking Nedd4‐2 exhibits a similar activity toward reducing excitatory synaptic strength as does the C2‐containing Nedd4‐2. In an attempt to identify novel Nedd4‐2 substrates that could mediate excitatory synaptic strength, we used unbiased proteomic screening and found multiple synaptic regulators that were up‐regulated in the brain of conditional Nedd4‐2 knockout mice, including protein phosphatase 3 catalytic subunit‐α (PPP3CA; alternately called calcineurin A‐α). We confirmed PPP3CA as a substrate of the C2‐lacking Nedd4‐2 and showed that all three epilepsy‐associated missense mutations of Nedd4‐2 disrupted PPP3CA ubiquitination. Altogether, our results revealed novel potential Nedd4‐2 substrates and suggest that the C2‐lacking Nedd4‐2 represses excitatory synaptic strength most likely through GluA1 ubiquitination‐independent mechanisms. These findings provide novel information to further our knowledge about Nedd4‐2‐dependent neuronal excitability homeostasis and pathological hyperexcitability when Nedd4‐2 is compromised.
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Comparison of topical antiaging creams in the management of lateral canthal lines
Authors: Carroll Julia M. , Hanna Sam , Guenther Lyn C. , Boucher Nathalie 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study compared an antiaging treatment with two currently marketed cosmetic antiaging products for the treatment of lateral canthal lines ("crow's feet").MethodsHealthy female volunteers (72) aged of 54.6 years (mean) having fine‐to‐moderate wrinkles in the lateral canthal areas were randomized to one of three treatments applied daily over 28 days: Group A (Purgenesis™ Day Cream, Purgenesis™ Eye Cream, and Purgenesis™ Night Cream); Group B (Prevage® Eye Lotion, Prevage® Day Cream, and Prevage® Night Cream); or Group C (La Mer® Eye Balm, Crème de La Mer®, and La Mer® Night Cream). The effects on anti‐wrinkle properties and for sensory attributes and general performance were evaluated on Days 1, 7, and 28.ResultsSkin hydration improved significantly at all time points in Groups A and B, and at Day 28 in Group C. Group A patients experienced significant improvements in measured skin elasticity parameters at Day 28; extensibility and maximum amplitude were significantly better at Day 28 in Groups B and C. Benefits were also seen in profilometric parameters with statistical significance only in Group A Volunteer tolerance was good with all three treatments, although moderate and high levels of adverse events were numerically higher in Group B than in Groups A or C, and levels of slight discomfort were significantly more prevalent in Group B.ConclusionThe Purgenesis™ antiaging treatment significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, and profilometry parameters during a 28‐day study. This therapy was found to be well tolerated and effective in countering the cutaneous signs of aging.
Advances in dermatology using DNA aptamer “Aptamin C” innovation: Oxidative stress prevention and effect maximization of vitamin C through antioxidation
Authors: Choi Sooho , Han Jeongmin , Kim Ji Hyun , Kim A‐Ru , Kim Sang‐Heon , Lee Weontae , Yoon Moon‐Young , Kim Gyuyoup , Kim Yoon‐Seong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundVitamin C (also known as L‐ascorbic acid) plays a critical role in reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction and cell regeneration by protecting cell from oxidative stress. Although vitamin C is widely used in cosmetic and therapeutic markets, there is considerable evidence that vitamin C easily undergoes oxidation by air, pH, temperature, and UV light upon storage. This deficiency of vitamin C decreases its potency as an antioxidant and reduces the shelf‐life of products containing vitamin C as its ingredient. To overcome the deficiency of vitamin C, we have developed Aptamin C, an innovative DNA aptamer maximizing the antioxidant efficacy of vitamin C by binding to the reduced form of vitamin C and delaying its oxidation.MethodsBinding of Aptamin C with vitamin C was determined using ITC analysis. ITC experiment was performed 0.2 mmol/L vitamin C that was injected 25 times in 2 µL aliquots into the 1.8 mL sample cell containing the Aptamin C at a concentration of 0.02 mmol/L. The data were fitted to a one‐site binding isotherm using with origin program for ITC v.5.0.ResultsTo investigate the effect of Aptamin C and vitamin C complex in human skins, both in vitro and clinical tests were performed. We observed that the complex of Aptamin C and vitamin C was significantly effective in wrinkle improvement, whitening effect, and hydration increase. In the clinical test, subjects treated with the complex showed dramatic improvement in skin irritation and itching. No adverse reaction was presented by Aptamin C complex in the test.ConclusionTaken together, these results showed that Aptamin C, an innovative novel compound, should potentially be served as a key cosmeceutical ingredient for a range of skin conditions.
Pilot study: Autologous platelet‐rich plasma used in a topical cream for facial rejuvenation
Authors: Draelos Zoe Diana , Rheins Lawrence A. , Wootten Shaun , Kellar Robert S. , Diller Robert B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundPlatelet rich plasma (PRP) is traditionally used as an injectable material for enhanced healing, hair growth, and facial rejuvenation.AimsThis research examined the novel use of topical autologously sourced PRP added to a preservative cosmetic base and applied twice daily to the face following electroporation for 8 weeks.Methods20 healthy female and male subjects 30‐60 years of age were enrolled in this single‐site, investigator blinded, vehicle controlled split‐face study to evaluate the effect of a PRP‐containing serum versus the serum alone on facial photoaging.Results90 day stability for the PRP in a preservative serum was achieved with refrigeration at 4 degrees Celsius. Facial skin biopsy histologic findings included improved rete peg architecture. Immunohistochemical analysis showed upregulation for collagen type I with qPCR data demonstrating concomitant upregulation of mRNA for collagen after 8 weeks of topical PRP use.ConclusionThese pilot study findings may indicate value for topical PRP in facial rejuvenation.
ECONOMIC EXPERIMENTS, HYPOTHETICAL SURVEYS AND MARKET DATA STUDIES OF INSURANCE DEMAND AGAINST LOW‐PROBABILITY/HIGH‐IMPACT RISKS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DESIGNS, THEORETICAL INSIGHTS AND DETERMINANTS OF DEMAND
Authors: Robinson Peter John , Botzen Willem Jan Wouter 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper provides a systematic review of the literature on 80 experimental, hypothetical survey and market data studies of insurance demand against low‐probability/high‐impact risks. The objective of the review is to extract lessons from these studies and to outline an agenda for future research. We contrast the results of experimental and survey studies to findings from market data. We focus on experimental design methods, insurance characteristics, as well as results about theories, heuristics, behavioural biases and explanatory variables. Lessons for policymakers are drawn which can facilitate disaster preparedness.
Understanding children's acceptability after repeated exposure and household‐level behaviors for novel extruded fortified blended foods
Authors: Chanadang Sirichat , Chambers Edgar 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFortified blended foods (FBFs) were developed to deliver sufficient nutrients for children's development. These products must be acceptable to target populations: children who eat the food and caregivers who prepare it. Five extruded FBFs and one current FBF (corn‐soy blend plus [CSB+]) were made. Acceptability tests of porridges made from each FBF were conducted with children in Tanzania over a 20‐week period. An interview and household visit were conducted to collect information on household behaviors including preparation, consumption, and storage practices. Acceptance testing showed that children's acceptability of porridges of all FBFs increased over time perhaps due to the repeated exposure to the products. However, CSB+ porridge had lower acceptability from children at the end of the study, probably because of the lack of sweetness. Moreover, porridges made from novel FBFs required less cooking time than CSB+ and no ingredients needed to be added compared to CSB+ where sugar and milk were common additions. Novel FBFs have potential as alternative supplementary foods with higher acceptability. The simple cooking for novel FBFs make them valuable to caregivers with limited time and access to energy sources and nutrient‐rich ingredients.Practical ApplicationsThis study suggests that children may increase liking of some food products after repeated exposure and may increase liking more for some food products than for others over an extended time period. That is true even when those products were equally liked in an initial taste test. In addition, for caregivers, some food products clearly are easier to use and may save on other scarce resources, which may make them more likely to be provided to young children, especially in food aid situations where nutrition is key.
Organic trace minerals on productive performance, egg quality and immune response in Bovans White laying hens
Authors: Ramos‐Vidales David , Gómez‐Verduzco Gabriela , Cortes‐Cuevas Arturo , del Río‐García Juan Carlos , Fernández‐Tinoco Sergio , Chárraga‐Aguilar Silvestre , Ávila‐González Ernesto 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study was performed in 360 laying Bovans White hens and aimed to evaluate the effect of Carbo‐Amino‐Phosphate‐Chelates (CAFQ) as a mineral premix and its 30% reduction by compared to inorganic trace minerals (ITM) concerning its performance, egg quality, tibia breaking strength and immunity. Sixty‐week‐old hens were assigned into three treatments with 10 replicates of 12 birds each. Treatments were as follows: (a) (100% ITM), (b) (100% CAFQ) and (c) (70% CAFQ). Based on the results obtained during 12 weeks, under the current test conditions, improved yolk colour (p < 0.05); shell breaking strength (p < 0.05); and storage time (p < 0.05) were observed in hens fed with a diet reduced by 70% in CAFQ inclusion showed similar performance behaviour and better egg breaking strength regarding with ITM, suggesting the possibility of minimizing the inclusion of trace minerals in laying hen diets improving environmental impact, in contrast to the use of inorganic sources of minerals.
Retreatment with elbasvir, grazoprevir, sofosbuvir ± ribavirin is effective for GT3 and GT1/4/6 HCV infection after relapse
Authors: Papaluca Timothy , Sinclair Marie , Gow Paul , Pianko Stephen , Sievert William , Arachchi Niranjan , Cameron Karla , Bowden Scott , O’Keefe Jacinta , Doyle Joseph , Stoove Mark , Hellard Margaret , Iser David , Thompson Alexander 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionDespite highly effective direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapies for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, some patients experience virological relapse. Salvage regimens should include multiple agents to suppress emergence of resistance‐associated substitutions (RAS) and minimise treatment failure. The combination of sofosbuvir (SOF) and elbasvir/grazoprevir (ELB/GZR) ±ribavirin (RBV) is an effective retreatment strategy for HCV genotype (GT)1 and 4 infection. We hypothesised that SOF and ELB/GZR (±RBV) would also be an effective salvage regimen for DAA‐experienced GT3 patients.MethodsWe evaluated the efficacy and safety of SOF/ELB/GZR ± RBV in DAA‐experienced participants with chronic HCV infection who had prior relapse. Participants were treated at four hospitals between December 2016 and March 2018 for either 12‐ or 16‐weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at week 12 post‐treatment (SVR12) using intention‐to‐treat analysis.ResultsThere were 40 participants included in the analysis. The mean age was 53 years, 53% had GT3, 33% had GT1 infection and 63% had cirrhosis. Fifty‐eight percent were treated for 12 weeks, 42% were treated for 16 weeks and 90% received RBV. The SVR12 rate was 98% overall, 100% in non‐GT3 participants and 95% in GT3 participants. One GT3 cirrhotic participant relapsed. ELB/GZR was stopped at week 6 in one GT3 cirrhotic participant who switched to SOF/velpatasvir/RBV for a further 12 weeks and achieved SVR12. RBV dose reduction was required in two participants. Treatment was otherwise well tolerated.DiscussionThe combination of SOF/ELB/GZR ± RBV is effective and safe for difficult‐to‐cure patients who relapse after first‐line DAA, including those with cirrhosis and GT3 infection.
Did social cognition evolve by cultural group selection?
Authors: Morin Olivier 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCognitive gadgets puts forward an ambitious claim: language, mindreading, and imitation evolved by cultural group selection. Defending this claim requires more than Heyes' spirited and effective critique of nativist claims. The latest human “cognitive gadgets,” such as literacy, did not spread through cultural group selection. Why should social cognition be different? The book leaves this question pending. It also makes strong assumptions regarding cultural evolution: it is moved by selection rather than transformation; it relies on high‐fidelity imitation; it requires specific cognitive adaptations to cultural learning. Each of these assumptions raises crucial yet unaddressed difficulties.
Mixing Grammar Exercises Facilitates Long‐Term Retention: Effects of Blocking, Interleaving, and Increasing Practice
Authors: NAKATA TATSUYA , SUZUKI YUICHI 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCognitive psychology research has shown that interleaving, wherein learners practice multiple skills or concepts at once, facilitates learning more than does blocking, wherein learners practice only one skill or concept at a time. Despite the advantage of interleaving over blocking observed across a number of domains, limited attention has been devoted to the effects of interleaving on second language (L2) learning. This study examined the effects of blocking and interleaving on L2 grammar learning. In this study, 115 Japanese learners studied 5 English grammatical structures under 1 of 3 conditions: blocking, interleaving, and increasing (i.e., blocking followed by interleaving). Learning was measured using a grammaticality judgment test administered immediately and 1 week after the treatment. Although interleaving led to the highest number of incorrect responses during training, it was more effective than blocking in the 1‐week delayed posttest. These results indicate that the advantage of interleaving extends to L2 grammar learning. Furthermore, learners’ levels of prior knowledge were found to moderate the effects of interleaving. Specifically, participants with lower pretest scores benefited more from interleaving compared to those with higher pretest scores. Pedagogically, the findings suggest that grammar learning may be enhanced by incorporating interleaved practice.
Cognitive Individual Differences as Predictors of Improvement and Awareness Under Implicit and Explicit Feedback Conditions
Authors: YILMAZ YUCEL , GRANENA GISELA 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe present study investigated a group of cognitive individual differences considered advantageous in second language learning and their role in language learning under implicit and explicit feedback conditions using both language awareness and language development measures. The study further investigated whether different types of awareness are related to language development. One hundred and twelve intermediate English learners of Spanish at a U.S. university were administered tests from 2 language aptitude test batteries (Hi‐LAB and LLAMA) and were randomly assigned to an implicit feedback (recast), explicit feedback (explicit correction), or control group. The 2 feedback groups received feedback on the target linguistic form (i.e., Spanish noun–adjective gender agreement) according to their group assignment in 2 treatment sessions. Learners’ knowledge of the linguistic target was measured using a grammaticality judgment test and an oral production task immediately before and after the treatment. Learners’ ability to notice the corrective function and linguistic target of the feedback was measured by means of a posttask debriefing questionnaire. Implicit sequence learning ability and error awareness predicted the implicit group's pretest–posttest improvement, whereas phonological short‐term memory predicted the explicit group's pretest–posttest improvement. Phonemic coding ability, attention control, and processing speed further predicted learners’ awareness in the implicit feedback group.
Transient thyrotoxicosis‐aggravated attacks of paralysis in a patient with hereditary hypokalemic periodic paralysis type 2
Authors: Nagamatsu Shu‐ichi , Osaki Yasushi , Morita Yukari , Miyamoto Yuka , Mori Itsuki , Kubota Tomoya , Takahashi Masanori P. , Furushima Tomomi , Furuya Hirokazu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe report a case with hereditary hypokalemic paralysis type 2 in whom thyrotoxicosis aggravated his attacks of paralysis. He experienced paralytic attacks several times a year from 24 years of age and was clinically diagnosed with hypokalemic periodic paralysis. At 49 years of age, a laboratory examination showed normal thyroid function. At 57 years of age, transient thyrotoxicosis was accompanied with an increase of the frequency and severity of attacks. Gene analysis revealed a missense mutation (c.2015G>A, p.R672H) in SCN4A, a known pathogenic mutation for hypokalemic paralysis type 2. This case highlights the importance of checking thyroid function when the frequency and severity of attacks are increased in patients with periodic paralysis.
Efficacy of a plant‐produced virus‐like particle vaccine in chickens challenged with Influenza A H6N2 virus
Authors: Smith Tanja , O'Kennedy Martha M. , Wandrag Daniel B.R. , Adeyemi Modupeore , Abolnik Celia 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe efficacy, safety, speed, scalability and cost‐effectiveness of producing hemagglutinin‐based virus‐like particle (VLP) vaccines in plants are well‐established for human influenza, but untested for the massive poultry influenza vaccine market that remains dominated by traditional egg‐grown oil‐emulsion whole inactivated virus vaccines. For optimal efficacy, a vaccine should be closely antigenically matched to the field strain, requiring that influenza A vaccines be updated regularly. In this study, an H6 subtype VLP transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana was formulated into a vaccine and evaluated for efficacy in chickens against challenge with a heterologous H6N2 virus. A single dose of the plant‐produced H6 VLP vaccine elicited an immune response comparable to two doses of a commercial inactivated H6N2 vaccine, with mean hemagglutination inhibition titres of 9.3 log2 and 8.8 log2, respectively. Compared to the non‐vaccinated control, the H6 VLP vaccine significantly reduced the proportion of shedders and the magnitude of viral shedding by >100‐fold in the oropharynx and >6‐fold in the cloaca, and shortened oropharyngeal viral shedding by at least a week. Despite its potency, the cost of the antigenic mismatch between the inactivated H6N2 vaccine and challenge strain was evident not only in this vaccine's failure to reduce viral shedding compared to the non‐vaccinated group, but its apparent exacerbation of oropharyngeal viral shedding until 21 days post‐challenge. We estimate that a kilogram of plant leaf material can produce H6 VLP vaccines sufficient for between 5000 and 30 000 chickens, depending on the effective dose and whether one or two immunizations are administered.
AKR2A participates in the regulation of cotton fibre development by modulating biosynthesis of very‐long‐chain fatty acids
Authors: Hu Wenjun , Chen Lin , Qiu Xiaoyun , Wei Jia , Lu Hongling , Sun Guochang , Ma Xiongfeng , Yang Zuoren , Zhu Chunquan , Hou Yuqi , Han Xiao , Sun Chunyan , Hu Rongbin , Cai Yifan , Zhang Hong , Li Fuguang , Shen Guoxin 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe biosynthesis of very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and their transport are required for fibre development. However, whether other regulatory factors are involved in this process is unknown. We report here that overexpression of an Arabidopsis gene ankyrin repeat‐containing protein 2A (AKR2A) in cotton promotes fibre elongation. RNA‐Seq analysis was employed to elucidate the mechanisms of AKR2A in regulating cotton fibre development. The VLCFA content and the ratio of VLCFAs to short‐chain fatty acids increased in AKR2A transgenic lines. In addition, AKR2A promotes fibre elongation by regulating ethylene and synergizing with the accumulation of auxin and hydrogen peroxide. Analysis of RNA‐Seq data indicates that AKR2A up‐regulates transcript levels of genes involved in VLCFAs’ biosynthesis, ethylene biosynthesis, auxin and hydrogen peroxide signalling, cell wall and cytoskeletal organization. Furthermore, AKR2A interacted with KCS1 in Arabidopsis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the VLCFA content and the ratio of VLCFAs to short‐chain fatty acids increased significantly in seeds of AKR2A‐overexpressing lines and AKR2A/KCS1 co‐overexpressing lines, while AKR2A mutants are the opposite trend. Our results uncover a novel cotton fibre growth mechanism by which the critical regulator AKR2A promotes fibre development via activating hormone signalling cascade by mediating VLCFA biosynthesis. This study provides a potential candidate gene for improving fibre yield and quality through genetic engineering.