bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus aureus‐derived extracellular vesicles induce monocyte recruitment by activating human dermal microvascular endothelial cells in vitro
Authors: Kim Jihye , Bin Bum‐Ho , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Lee Hyun Gee , Lee Tae Ryong , Cho Eun‐Gyung 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) represents the most common inflammatory skin disorder in children showing massive infiltration of immune cells. The colonization of AD‐afflicted skin by Staphylococcus aureus and S. aureus‐derived extracellular vesicles (SEVs) has been associated with AD pathogenesis; however, the molecular mechanism underlying SEV‐mediated inflammatory responses remains unclear.ObjectiveWe investigated how SEVs can mediate inflammatory responses in AD pathogenesis by examining the effect of SEVs on human dermal microvascular endothelia cells (HDMECs).MethodsHDMECs were treated with SEVs, and the expression of cell adhesion molecules or cytokines was assessed using RT‐qPCR, Western blot or cytokine array analyses. The receptor for SEVs and related signalling molecules in HDMECs were addressed and verified via gene knockdown or inhibitor experiments. The recruitment assay of human THP‐1 monocytic cells on HDMECs was performed after SEV treatment in the presence or absence of the verified receptor or signalling molecule.ResultsSEVs, but not other gram‐positive bacteria‐derived extracellular vesicles, directly activated HDMECs by increasing the expression of cell adhesion molecules (E‐selectin, VCAM1 and ICAM1) and that of IL‐6, the inflammatory cytokine; consequently, they enhanced the recruitment of THP‐1 monocytic cells to HDMECs. The SEV‐induced HDMEC activation was dependent on Toll‐like receptor 4 and the NF‐κB signalling pathway, which was rapidly activated within 1 hour post‐treatment and followed by an upregulation of cell adhesion molecules and IL‐6 at later time‐points. Moreover, SEV‐mediated HDMEC responses were more rapid and intense than those induced by the same protein concentrations of S. aureus extracts.Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceSEVs as proinflammatory factors could mediate immune cell infiltration in AD by efficiently inducing endothelial cell activation and monocyte recruitment, which may provide insights into alleviating the S. aureus‐mediated onset or progression of AD and its phenotypes.
ZFAS1: A novel vital oncogenic lncRNA in multiple human cancers
Authors: He Anbang , He Shiming , Li Xuesong , Zhou Liqun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of noncoding, endogenous, single‐stranded RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides in length that are transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Mounting evidence has indicated that lncRNAs play key roles in several physiological and pathological processes by modifying gene expression at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, epigenetic, and translation levels. Many reports have demonstrated that lncRNAs function as potential oncogene or tumour suppressors and thus play vital regulatory roles in tumourigenesis and tumour progression. ZNFX1 antisense RNA 1 (ZFAS1), a novel lncRNA transcribed in the antisense orientation of zinc finger NFX1‐type containing 1(ZNFX1), was found to be increased in multiple cancers, such as gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, contributing to cancer development and progression. In the present review, we summarized recent progression on study of the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of ZFAS1 related to occurrence and development of multiple cancers.
Incidence of cytomegalovirus in cardiac transplant recipients receiving induction immunosuppression with antithymocyte globulin
Authors: Jewani Poonam K. , Pouch Stephanie M. , Kissling Kevin T. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cardiac transplant recipients. Use of induction immunosuppression in cardiac transplantation may have an impact on the incidence of CMV, but literature is limited.MethodsSingle‐center, retrospective cohort study comparing the risk of CMV infection and disease in cardiac transplant patients receiving antithymocyte globulin (ATG) induction therapy to those receiving no antibody induction.ResultsA total of 75 patients were included in our analysis, 50 who received ATG induction and 25 who did not. CMV infection occurred in 10 (20%) and 5 (20%) patients in the ATG and No ATG groups, respectively (P > 0.99). CMV disease occurred in 10 (20%) and 4 (16%) patients in the ATG and No ATG groups, respectively (P = 0.763). The median time from transplant to CMV infection was 200.0 [142.5, 364.5] days in the ATG group vs 221.0 [192.0, 299.0] days in the No ATG group (P = 0.723). The median time from end of CMV prophylaxis to CMV infection was 94.5 [66.5, 151.0] days in the ATG group vs 53.0 [41.0,149.5] days in the No ATG group (P = 0.202). Freedom from CMV infection was highest in the D+/R+ group and lowest in the D+/R− group.ConclusionIn cardiac transplant recipients, ATG induction was not associated with an increased incidence of CMV infection or disease in the setting of valganciclovir prophylaxis and an initial maintenance immunosuppression regimen of primarily steroids, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus.
Relationships between landscape constraints and a crayfish assemblage with consideration of competitor presence
Authors: Mouser Joshua B. , Mollenhauer Robert , Brewer Shannon K. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimCrayfish are globally diverse and one of the most important taxa in North American streams. Despite their importance, many species are of conservation concern and efforts to improve conditions are limited. Here, we address two major impediments to improving conditions: (a) our lack of knowledge of the interplay among natural landscape and human‐induced changes; and (b) a very limited understanding of how species interactions affect overall crayfish distributions.LocationOzark Highlands ecoregion, USA.MethodsWe used both existing data and field‐collected data to examine the relationships between 12 Faxonius species and physicochemical variables at multiple spatial scales. Data were analysed using a generalized linear mixed model. After fitting our environmental variables, we also considered possible relationships between species considered strong competitors and species occurrence.ResultsOur results indicated that elevation, lithology, an interaction between drainage area and anthropogenic disturbance, and the presence of strong competitors were associated with Faxonius occurrences. Faxonius occurrences were associated with assemblage‐structuring variables: lithology and elevation. More interestingly, we found several patterns of interactions between drainage area and disturbance. The most common pattern among several species was a decline in occurrence in larger drainages when disturbance was high; however, longpincered crayfish (Faxonius longidigitus) was more likely to occupy large drainages as disturbance increased. Additionally, the presence of species considered strong competitors resulted in lower occurrence probability for many species, including two of the species classified as competitors.Main conclusionsIn addition to identifying the relationships between native species and assemblage‐structuring variables, we show how the probability of species occurrences relate to interactions between disturbance and natural landscape features. Further, our results suggest competitor presence also plays a role in structuring distributions at the stream segment scale. Our findings emphasize the value of considering both competitor presence and interactions among landscape variables and disturbances in structuring crayfish assemblages.
Nutrient declines in overwintering Halyomorpha halys populations
Authors: Skillman Victoria P. , Wiman Nik G. , Lee Jana C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBrown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), has become a major pest for agricultural growers since it arrived in the USA and Europe. To better understand the energetic requirements of overwintering, dispersal, and reproduction of this invasive pest, we monitored the weight, egg load, lipid, glycogen, and sugar levels of adult H. halys populations in western Oregon, USA, over 2 years. In the first study, overwintering H. halys collected monthly from inside shelters exhibited a consistent decline in weight, glycogen, and sugar levels from October to June. In the second study, post‐overwintering adults that exited shelters in late spring had lower lipid, glycogen, and sugar levels than those that exited in early spring. Also, adults that just exited shelters had lower weight, glycogen, sugar, and sometimes lipids than adults that remained in diapause. Sugar levels declined the most during winter, followed by lipid and glycogen. These findings suggest that nutritional depletion may cause H. halys to emerge from diapause. In the third study, overwintered and first‐generation adults (G1) were simultaneously collected from holly in July and August. Overwintered adults often had lower nutrient levels than G1 adults, which may reflect overwintered adults having expended energy for dispersal and reproduction. In the fourth study, we evaluated whether the Nutrient Index [weight (mg)/prothorax width (mm)3], a convenient index of physiological status, correlated with nutrient reserves. The Nutrient Index correlated with the adults’ lipid, glycogen, or sugar levels in 57% of cases, ranging from weakly negative to moderately positive correlations.
Postural instability during attacks of migraine without aura
Authors: Anagnostou E. , Gerakoulis S. , Voskou P. , Kararizou E. 
Published: October 2018

Background and purposeMigraine has long been associated with unsteadiness and dizziness but postural control has not been studied in the ictal state. Here, the stability of upright stance during migraine attacks was measured.MethodsStatic balance was assessed prospectively in migraine patients (n = 30) during quiet stance for 40 s on a posturographic force platform. Recordings were performed both ictally and in the pain‐free interval. Subjects were assessed under four different conditions yielding different visual and proprioceptive feedback environments. Both ictal and interictal data were compared with age‐matched healthy controls (n = 30).ResultsPostural instability increased significantly under all experimental conditions during migraine attacks. Whilst standing on a foam pad with eyes closed, median sway area was 353 mm2 in control subjects, 318 mm2 in migraineurs in the pain‐free period and 618 mm2 in the ictal state. However, Romberg and vestibular Romberg quotients were not altered during migraine attacks. Spectral analyses of postural sway also showed similar profiles in migraineurs and controls. The severity of headache was inversely correlated to Romberg quotients.ConclusionsThe demonstrated pattern of balance disorder during migraine attacks suggests a transient cerebellar dysfunction. Our findings also indicate that intense headache induces a re‐weighting of sensory processing toward less dependence on visual and proprioceptive information.
Natural history of a cohort of ABCD1 variant female carriers
Authors: Schirinzi T. , Vasco G. , Aiello C. , Rizzo C. , Sancesario A. , Romano A. , Favetta M. , Petrarca M. , Paone L. , Castelli E. , Bertini E. S. , Cappa M. 
Published: October 2018

Background and purposeThe therapeutic scenario of X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is rapidly changing. Whereas the disease is well characterized in men, the condition remains to be fully clarified in women carrying ATP binding cassette subfamily D member 1 (ABCD1) variants. Specifically, data on clinical progression are needed, in order to recommend any appropriate management. The objective of this study was to outline the natural history of a cohort of untreated ABCD1 heterozygous female carriers.MethodsLongitudinal data from a single‐center population of 60 carriers were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, anthropometrics, serum very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels, clinical parameters and the Adult ALD Clinical Score (AACS) were collected from every recorded visit in a 7‐year period and analyzed to define the phenotype modifications, to determine factors associated with clinical features, and to estimate the annual progression rate and the subsequent sample size for interventional trials.ResultsThirty‐two patients were eligible for the study, and 59.4% were symptomatic at baseline. Clinical severity worsens with age which increases risk of symptom onset, the cut‐off of 41 years being crucial for phenoconversion. VLCFA levels were not predictive and did not change over time. Symptomatic carriers were followed up for 3.45 ± 2.1 years. The AACS increased at an annual rate of 0.24 points. The estimated sample size for 30% reduction in annual progression at 80% power was 272.ConclusionsThis study provides data on the natural disease progression of untreated ABCD1 heterozygous female carriers, demonstrating the relevance of aging. The estimated annual increase of the AACS will be useful for future interventional studies.
Nilotinib induction of melanogenesis via reactive oxygen species‐dependent JNK activation in B16F0 mouse melanoma cells
Authors: Chang Shao‐Ping , Huang Huei‐Mei , Shen Shing‐Chuan , Lee Woan‐Ruoh , Chen Yen‐Chou 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNilotinib (AMN), a second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, induces apoptosis in various cancer cells, and our recent study showed that AMN effectively reduced the viability of human ovarian cancer cells via mitochondrion‐dependent apoptosis. The effect of AMN in the melanogenesis of melanoma cells is still unclear. In the present study, we found that the addition of AMN but not imatinib (STI) significantly increased the darkness of B16F0 melanoma cells, and the absorptive value increased with the concentration of AMN. A decrease in the viability of B16F0 cells by AMN was detected in a concentration‐dependent manner, accompanied by increased DNA ladders, hypodiploid cells and cleavage of the caspase‐3 protein. An in vitro tyrosinase (TYR) activity assay showed that increased TYR activity by AMN was detected in a concentration‐dependent manner; however, induction of TYR activity by STI at a concentration of 40 μmol/L was observed. Increased intracellular peroxide by AMN was detected in B16F0 cells, and application of the antioxidant, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), significantly reduced AMN‐induced peroxide production which also reduced the darkness of B16F0 cells. Additionally, AMN induced c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) protein phosphorylation in B16F0 cells, which was inhibited by the addition of NAC. AMN‐induced melanogenesis of B16F0 cells was significantly inhibited by the addition of NAC and the JNK inhibitor, SP600125 (SP). Data of Western blotting showed that increased protein levels of melanogenesis‐related enzymes of tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TRP1), TRP2 and TYR were observed in AMN‐treated B16F0 cells which were inhibited by the addition of NAC and SP. Evidence is provided supporting AMN effectively inducing the melanogenesis of B16F0 melanoma cells via reactive oxygen species‐dependent JNK activation.
Index‐based analysis of climate change impact on streamflow conditions important for Northern Pike, Chub and Atlantic salmon
Authors: O'Keeffe Joanna , Piniewski Mikołaj , Szcześniak Mateusz , Oglęcki Paweł , Parasiewicz Piotr , Okruszko Tomasz 
Published: October 2018

AbstractClimate change is expected to affect the flow regime, cause loss of habitat, change community composition and behavioural habits of fish. This study assessed the impact of climate change on ecologically relevant streamflow conditions for fish migration and spawning in the Vistula and the Odra river basins. Streamflow simulations obtained with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for the historical period and two future horizons were driven by nine bias‐corrected EURO‐CORDEX Regional Climate Models under two greenhouse gas concentration trajectories. This study identified a subset of Indicators of Hydrological Alteration (IHA) that are relevant for pike, Esox lucius L., chub, Squalius cephalus (L.), and Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. IHA indicators were calculated and compared for different scenarios. An index‐based framework identified that all considered species will be impacted by climate change, with Atlantic salmon facing the largest impact. The model's uncertainty was addressed through an aggregation method that assessed inconsistencies in the model's response.
Experimentally manipulating light spectra reveals the importance of dark corridors for commuting bats
Authors: Zeale Matt R. K. , Stone Emma L. , Zeale Emma , Browne William J. , Harris Stephen , Jones Gareth 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe rapid global spread of artificial light at night is causing unprecedented disruption to ecosystems. In otherwise dark environments, street lights restrict the use of major flight routes by some bats, including the threatened lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros, and may disrupt foraging. Using radio tracking, we examined the response of individual female R. hipposideros to experimental street lights placed on hedgerows used as major flight routes. Hedgerows were illuminated on one side over four nights using lights with different emission spectra, while the opposite side of the hedge was not illuminated. Automated bat detectors were used to examine changes in overall bat activity by R. hipposideros and other bat species present. R. hipposideros activity reduced significantly under all light types, including red light, challenging a previously held assumption that red light is safe for bats. Despite this, R. hipposideros rapidly adapted to the presence of lights by switching their flight paths to the dark side of the hedgerow, enabling them to reach foraging sites without restriction. Red light had no effect on the activity of the other species present. Slow‐flying Myotis spp. avoided orange, white and green light, while more agile Pipistrellus spp. were significantly more active at these light types compared to dark controls, most probably in response to accumulations of insect prey. No effect of any light type was found for Nyctalus or Eptesicus spp. Our findings demonstrate that caution must be used when promoting forms of lighting that are thought to be safe for wildlife before they are tested more widely. We argue that it is essential to preserve dark corridors to mitigate the impacts of artificial light at night on bat activity and movements.
Winter temperature structures mangrove species distributions and assemblage composition in China
Authors: Wu Yingtong , Ricklefs Robert E. , Huang Zijian , Zan Qijie , Yu Shixiao 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimThe identification of environmental variables associated with geographical range limits can shed light on the ecological and physiological constraints imposed by abiotic stresses. Mangrove forest is a coastal ecosystem restricted to the tropics and subtropics. However, the factors that influence fine‐scale assemblage composition of mangroves remain an open question. This study aimed to identify range‐limiting climate factor(s) associated with species composition that are likely to have influenced the evolution of mangroves.LocationChina.Time period1950s–2013.Major taxa studiedTrue mangrove species.MethodsWe collected species presence–absence data across 70 sites spread between 18 and 27°N in China to analyse the latitudinal diversity gradient in relationship to 25 climate variables. To examine the change in community composition along the diversity gradient, we analysed two components of beta diversity: turnover‐resultant dissimilarity and nestedness‐resultant dissimilarity. We used non‐metric multidimensional scaling to identify crucial climate factors associated with variation in mangrove assemblage composition. We also applied variance partitioning among taxonomic ranks to detect taxonomic signal in climatic tolerance of mangroves.ResultsFirst, total species richness decreases with increasing latitude. Second, variation in mangrove assemblage composition is significantly correlated with winter temperature, exhibiting a nested subset structure in species composition and a gradual decrease in the number of thermophilic species with increasing latitude. Finally, mangrove species show a genus‐level signal in tolerance of winter temperature, whereas most other climate factors vary primarily among species within genera.Main conclusionsWinter temperature appears to constrain the current distributions of mangrove species, and tolerance of low air temperature is evolutionarily conservative at the genus level. These ecological and phylogenetic patterns collectively suggest that physiological constraints related to cold tolerance structure the nested pattern with respect to the latitude of mangrove assemblages at a regional scale.
A Synthetic Control Assessment of the Green Paradox: The Role of Climate Action Plans
Authors: Steinkraus Arne 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This paper extends the green paradox literature by providing empirical insights into its existence. To check the green paradox theory, I analyse the production of coal in four major coal-producing US states that announced a greenhouse gas action plan. To form a statement on whether there is a treatment effect caused by the green policy, I employ Synthetic Control Methods to calculate counterfactual coal production trajectories. I find that Montana experienced a high and statistically significant increase in coal production that is supported by a set of validity indicators. However, there is no evidence for a paradox in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Relationship between the Functional Independence Measure and Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability in hospitalized patients with pneumonia
Authors: Mitani Yuji , Oki Yutaro , Fujimoto Yukari , Yamaguchi Takumi , Yamada Yoji , Yamada Kanji , Ito Takashi , Shiotani Hideyuki , Ishikawa Akira 
Published: October 2018

AimPneumonia ranks high among the causes of death worldwide. However, the predictive values of activities of daily living, the nutrition index and the aspiration index measured objectively remain unclear. The present study aimed to examine the associations of activity, nutrition and dysphagia with pneumonia.MethodsWe assessed 992 hospitalized patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the predictors of pneumonia. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the cut‐off values of variables. Kaplan–Meier and Cox hazards regression analyses were used to examine the incidence of pneumonia and the factors associated with pneumonia.ResultsWe finally enrolled 393 inpatients. Of the 393 patients, 102 (26.0%) had pneumonia. On logistic regression analysis, age, Functional Independence Measure (FIM)‐motor score and Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) score were independent predictors of pneumonia. The FIM‐motor and MASA cut‐off values were 19.5 (area under the curve 0.83,P < 0.01) and 170.5 (area under the curve 0.82,P < 0.01), respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the no pneumonia rate was significantly lower among patients with FIM‐motor scores <20 than among those with FIM‐motor scores ≥20 (log–rank test,P < 0.01), and was significantly lower among patients with MASA scores <171 than among those with MASA scores ≥171 (log–rank test,P < 0.01). Cox regression analysis showed that FIM‐motor (hazard ratio 0.97,P = 0.009) and MASA scores (hazard ratio 0.99,P < 0.01) were significantly associated with pneumonia.ConclusionsIn addition to the infectious risk, the FIM‐motor and MASA scales are useful tools to predict the development of pneumonia in older adults.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1620–1624.