bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of fatty acid synthesis in immune cells
Authors: Qian Xuchen , Yang Zhitao , Mao Enqiang , Chen Erzhen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMetabolic reprogramming plays a critical role in the important cellular metabolic alterations that occur during the activation of immune cells to enable them to adapt to the extracellular environment. Here, we review recent studies on how substrate availability and metabolites mediate the signalling pathways that regulate fatty acid synthesis (FAS) in different immune cells and how FAS determines cellular fate and function. The major regulators sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins and liver X receptors, the key enzyme ATP citrate lyase and the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signalling axis play important roles in de novo FAS during a variety of biological events, including cellular proliferation and differentiation and the development of organelles and intracellular membrane components in immune cells. In addition, the regulation of FAS substantially contributes to the inflammatory response of immune cells. Post‐transcriptional modifications in FAS are also closely associated with the functional processes of immune cells. Understanding and investigating the intrinsic regulatory mechanism of FAS is of great significance for developing novel therapies for inflammation‐induced diseases.
Determinants of transmission hotspots and filarial infection in households after eight rounds of mass drug administration in India
Authors: Srividya A. , Subramanian S. , Sadanandane C. , Vasuki V. , Jambulingam P. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesLymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination through mass drug administration (MDA) ofDECand albendazole have resulted in very low levels of infection in most endemic districts in India. But small pockets with residual microfilaraemia in the community and antigeneamia in children (‘hotspots’) are a cause of concern. We aimed to identify the determinants of such transmission hotspots and filarial infection in households using data from 33 communities.MethodsThe filariasis vectorCulex quinquefasciatuswas collected from 627 randomly selected households using gravid traps. Parallel data on environmental, entomological, demographical, socio‐economical and behavioural factors were analysed to identify the determinants of hotspots and household‐level infection.ResultsHotspots and non‐hotspots did not differ significantly in terms of socio‐economical and behavioural aspects, but did differ in terms of demographical and environmental factors. Logistic regression revealed that tiled and concrete houses increased the risk of an area being a hotspot by 2.0 and 2.9 times respectively. Presence ofCulexbreeding habitats was significantly associated with elevated risk of being a hotspot. Proximity of U‐drains to a house increased the risk of filarial infection 5.8 times.ConclusionsAn environment suitable toCulexbreeding influences continued transmission despite eight rounds ofMDA, particularly in hotspots. Proximity to U‐drains increases the risk of infection in households. Implementing localised vector control measures may help interrupt low‐level transmission, thereby reducing the risk of resurgence in the absence ofMDA.
Trade liberalisation and cross‐firm wage heterogeneity: Theory and evidence from China
Authors: Chen Bo , Hou Jinbo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we first build a simple model with firm heterogeneity that features input and output tariffs in firms’ production decisions. We show that tariff reduction, due to trade liberalisation, has different effects on firms’ profit. Input tariff reduction generates a cost‐saving effect which benefits firms whilst output tariff reduction results in a competition effect which may hurt domestic firms. Given the fair wage argument, trade liberalisation may affect wages across firms due to the joint effects on firm profit. Using detailed Chinese manufacturing firm data from 1998 to 2007, we conduct empirical tests to investigate how trade liberalisation affects Chinese firm wages. In particular, we measure the joint effects of input and output tariff reduction by the applying the new measurement on the effective rate of protection. Furthermore, we also control for the effect of the iterated use of inputs with an index of a firm’s position on value chain. We found that from 1998 to 2007, Chinese manufacturing firms paid higher wages due to higher tariff protection when firms’ status on value chain was controlled. The result remains robust when more control variables are included and the endogeneity problem is considered.
Nitric oxide‐dependent attenuation of noradrenaline‐induced vasoconstriction is impaired in the canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Kodippili Kasun , Hakim Chady H. , Yang Hsiao T. , Pan Xiufang , Yang N. Nora , Laughlin Maurice H. , Terjung Ronald L. , Duan Dongsheng 
Published: August 2018

Key points
We developed a novel method to study sympatholysis in dogs.
We showed abolishment of sarcolemmal nNOS, and reduction of total nNOS and total eNOS in the canine Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) model.
We showed sympatholysis in dogs involving both nNOS‐derived NO‐dependent and NO‐independent mechanisms.
We showed that the loss of sarcolemmal nNOS compromised sympatholysis in the canine DMD model.
We showed that NO‐independent sympatholysis was not affected in the canine DMD model.
AbstractThe absence of dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) leads to the delocalization of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) from the sarcolemma. Sarcolemmal nNOS plays an important role in sympatholysis, a process of attenuating reflex sympathetic vasoconstriction during exercise to ensure blood perfusion in working muscle. Delocalization of nNOS compromises sympatholysis resulting in functional ischaemia and muscle damage in DMD patients and mouse models. Little is known about the contribution of membrane‐associated nNOS to blood flow regulation in dystrophin‐deficient DMD dogs. We tested the hypothesis that the loss of sarcolemmal nNOS abolishes protective sympatholysis in contracting muscle of affected dogs. Haemodynamic responses to noradrenaline in the brachial artery were evaluated at rest and during contraction in the absence and presence of NOS inhibitors. We found sympatholysis was significantly compromised in DMD dogs, as well as in normal dogs treated with a selective nNOS inhibitor, suggesting that the absence of sarcolemmal nNOS underlies defective sympatholysis in the canine DMD model. Surprisingly, inhibition of all NOS isoforms did not completely abolish sympatholysis in normal dogs, suggesting sympatholysis in canine muscle also involves NO‐independent mechanism(s). Our study established a foundation for using the dog model to test therapies aimed at restoring nNOS homeostasis in DMD.
Differential targeting and signalling of voltage‐gated T‐type Cav3.2 and L‐type Cav1.2 channels to ryanodine receptors in mesenteric arteries
Authors: Fan Gang , Kaßmann Mario , Hashad Ahmed M. , Welsh Donald G. , Gollasch Maik 
Published: August 2018

Key points
In arterial smooth muscle, Ca2+ sparks are elementary Ca2+‐release events generated by ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to cause vasodilatation by opening maxi Ca2+‐sensitive K+ (BKCa) channels.
This study elucidated the contribution of T‐type Cav3.2 channels in caveolae and their functional interaction with L‐type Cav1.2 channels to trigger Ca2+ sparks in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
Our data demonstrate that L‐type Cav1.2 channels provide the predominant Ca2+ pathway for the generation of Ca2+ sparks in murine arterial VSMCs.
T‐type Cav3.2 channels represent an additional source for generation of VSMC Ca2+ sparks. They are located in pit structures of caveolae to provide locally restricted, tight coupling between T‐type Cav3.2 channels and RyRs to ignite Ca2+ sparks.
AbstractRecent data suggest that T‐type Cav3.2 channels in arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and pits structure of caveolae could contribute to elementary Ca2+ signalling (Ca2+ sparks) via ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to cause vasodilatation. While plausible, their precise involvement in igniting Ca2+ sparks remains largely unexplored. The goal of this study was to elucidate the contribution of caveolar Cav3.2 channels and their functional interaction with Cav1.2 channels to trigger Ca2+ sparks in VSMCs from mesenteric, tibial and cerebral arteries. We used tamoxifen‐inducible smooth muscle‐specific Cav1.2−/− (SMAKO) mice and laser scanning confocal microscopy to assess Ca2+ spark generation in VSMCs. Ni2+, Cd2+ and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin were used to inhibit Cav3.2 channels, Cav1.2 channels and caveolae, respectively. Ni2+ (50 μmol L−1) and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (10 mmol L−1) decreased Ca2+ spark frequency by ∼20–30% in mesenteric VSMCs in a non‐additive manner, but failed to inhibit Ca2+ sparks in tibial and cerebral artery VSMCs. Cd2+ (200 μmol L−1) suppressed Ca2+ sparks in mesenteric arteries by ∼70–80%. A similar suppression of Ca2+ sparks was seen in mesenteric artery VSMCs of SMAKO mice. The remaining Ca2+ sparks were fully abolished by Ni2+ or methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. Our data demonstrate that Ca2+ influx through CaV1.2 channels is the primary means of triggering Ca2+ sparks in murine arterial VSMCs. CaV3.2 channels, localized to caveolae and tightly coupled to RyR, provide an additional Ca2+ source for Ca2+ spark generation in mesenteric, but not tibial and cerebral, arteries.
Child health technology: shaping the future of paediatrics and child health and improving NHS productivity
Authors: Dimitri Paul 
Published: August 2018

In the last decade, technology has revolutionised the way we deliver healthcare. Smartphones, tablets, personal computers and bespoke devices have provided patients with the means to access health information, manage their healthcare and communicate with health professionals remotely. Advances in technology have the potential to change how acute and long-term conditions are diagnosed and managed and how illness is prevented using technological advances in artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, 3D printing, new materials, biosensor technologies and data analytics. In the future, predictive analytics will help with earlier disease diagnosis in at-risk populations.Historically, development of child health innovation and technology has taken place in a relatively emergent manner with little formal coordination. The aim is to move away from the traditional approach of repurposing adult technologies to provide a large-scale and coordinated approach for the development of bespoke health technology for children that is anatomically, physiologically and developmentally appropriate, versatile and that has been designed with children and young people. The challenge for the National Health Service alongside healthcare systems across the world is to deliver increasingly complex healthcare at lower cost and with better quality of life and greater efficiency.
Heading in soccer increases serum neurofilament light protein and SCAT3 symptom metrics
Authors: Wallace Colin , Smirl Jonathan D , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Bryk Kelsey , Burma Joel , Dierijck Jill , Wright Alexander David , van Donkelaar Paul 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of heading a soccer ball on serum neurofilament light (NF-L) protein, plasma tau protein and symptom metrics including total number of symptoms reported and symptom severity scores on the Standardized Concussion Assessment Tool— 3rd edition (SCAT3).MethodsEleven male collegiate soccer players were recruited to take part in three experimental conditions including heading, sham and control conditions. Participants were required to perform 40 headers in 20 min in the heading condition, and control 40 soccer balls directed at them with their hands, chest or thigh in the sham condition. No ball contact was made during the control condition. Blood sampling and SCAT3 symptom assessments were completed prior to and 1 hour following conditions. A subset of participants returned 3 weeks following the heading condition for blood sampling.ResultsNF-L was elevated at 1 hour (p=0.004) and 1 month (p=0.04) following the heading condition, and at 1 hour (p=0.02) following the control condition. Tau levels remained unchanged following all conditions. The total number of symptoms (TS) and symptom severity (SS) scores from the SCAT3 were both elevated following the heading condition (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). Both TS and SS decreased following sham (p=0.04 and p=0.04) and control conditions (p=0.04 and p=0.04).ConclusionAn acute bout of soccer heading is associated with increased NF-L concentrations at 1 hour and 1 month following the session and can lead to symptoms commonly reported following sport-related concussion.
Skill and knowledge retention after training in cardiopulmonary ultrasound in Ghana: an impact assessment of bedside ultrasound training in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Osei-Ampofo Maxwell , Tafoya Matthew J , Tafoya Chelsea A , Oteng Rockefeller A , Ali Hassan , Becker Torben K 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveBrief training courses in bedside ultrasound are commonly done by visiting faculty in low-income and middle-income countries, and positive short-term effects have been reported. Long-term outcomes are poorly understood. We held a training course on a cardiopulmonary ultrasound (CPUS) protocol over two separate 10-day periods in 2016. In 2017, 9–11 months after the initial training, we assessed skill and knowledge retention as well as perceived impact on local practice.MethodsA written test using six clinical vignettes and an observed structured clinical examination were used to assess theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Additionally, in-person interviews and a written survey were completed with the physicians who had participated in the initial training.ResultsAll 20 participants passed the written and clinical examination. The median follow-up test score was 10 out of 12, compared with a median score of 12 on a test completed immediately after the initial training. Physicians identified the ability to narrow their differential diagnosis and to initiate critical interventions earlier than without ultrasound as a key benefit of the CPUS training. They rated the cardiac, abdominal and inferior vena cava components of the CPUS protocol as most relevant to their everyday practice.ConclusionLong-term ultrasound knowledge and skill retention was high after a brief and intensive training intervention at an academic tertiary hospital in Ghana. Clinicians reported improvements in patient care and local practice patterns.
Susceptibility vessel sign on MRI predicts better clinical outcome in patients with anterior circulation acute stroke treated with stent retriever as first-line strategy
Authors: Bourcier Romain , Hassen Wagih Ben , Soize Sébastien , Roux Pascal , Labreuche Julien , Kyheng Maeva , Tisserand Marie , Rosso Charlotte , Blanc Raphael , Piotin Michel , Derraz Imad , Boulouis Gregoire , Oppenheim Catherine , Desal Hubert , Bracard Serge , Lapergue Bertrand , Naggara Olivier 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundSusceptibility vessel sign (SVS) can be a useful MRI biomarker of an occlusion but its relationship with clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is yet to be fully elucidated.ObjectiveTo investigate SVS in relation to the clinical outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy using a stent retriever (SR) as first-line approach in patients with AIS.Material and methodsWe included patients with a first-line SR approach for anterior AIS from the theContact Aspiration vs Stent Retriever for Successful Revascularization (ASTER) and THRombectomie des Artères CErebrales (THRACE)trials when both baseline imaging of SVS and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were available. Patients were assigned to two groups based on the presence of an SVS (independent core laboratory), and the overall distributions of the mRS score at 90 days (shift analysis) and clinical independence (mRS score ≤2) were compared.Results217 patients were included and SVS was diagnosed in 76.0% of cases (n=165, 95% CI 70.4% to 81.7%). After adjustment for potential confounders, SVS+ was significantly associated with 90-day mRS improvement (adjusted common OR=2.75; 95% CI 1.44 to 5.26) and favorable outcome (adjusted common OR=2.76; 95% CI 1.18 to 6.45).ConclusionBased on results for patients of the ASTER and THRACE trials receiving first-line SR treatment, SVS was associated with lower disability at 3 months. Large prospective studies using MRI-based thrombus evaluation are warranted.
Secular trends in work disability and its relationship to musculoskeletal pain and mental health: a time-trend analysis using five cross-sectional surveys (2002–2010) in the general population
Authors: Wynne-Jones Gwenllian , Chen Ying , Croft Peter , Peat George , Wilkie Ross , Jordan Kelvin , Petersson Ingemar F 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesInternational evidence suggests that rates of inability to work because of illness can change over time. We hypothesised that one reason for this is that the link between inability to work and common illnesses, such as musculoskeletal pain and mental illness, may also change over time. We have investigated this in a study based in one UK district.MethodsFive population surveys (spanning 2002–2010) of working-age people aged >50 years and ≤65 years were used. Work disability was defined as a single self-reported item ‘not working due to ill-health’. Presence of moderate–severe depressive symptoms was identified from the Mental Component Score of the Short Form-12, and pain from a full-body manikin. Data were analysed with multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe proportion of people reporting work disability across the surveys declined, from 17.0% in 2002 to 12.1% in 2010. Those reporting work disability, one-third reported regional pain, one-half widespread pain (53%) and two-thirds moderate–severe depressive symptoms (68%). Both factors were independently associated with work disability; their co-occurrence was associated with an almost 20-fold increase in the odds of reporting work disability compared with those with neither condition.ConclusionsThe association of work disability with musculoskeletal pain was stable over time; depressive symptoms became more prominent in persons reporting work disability, but overall prevalence of work disability declined. The frequency and impact of both musculoskeletal pain and depression highlight the need to move beyond symptom-directed approaches towards a more comprehensive model of health and vocational advice for people unable to work because of illness.
Single production of the excited electrons in the future FCC-based lepton–hadron colliders
Authors: Caliskan A. , Kara S. O. 
Published: August 2018

We study the composite electron production at the FCC-based three electron–proton colliders with the center-of-mass energies of 3.46, 10 and 31.6 TeV. For the signal process of [Formula: see text], the production cross-sections and decay widths of the excited electrons have been calculated. The differences of some kinematical quantities of the final state particles between the signal and background have been analyzed. For this purpose, transverse momentum and pseudorapidity distributions of electron and photon have been obtained and the kinematical cuts for discovery of the excited electrons have been assigned. We have finally determined the mass limits of excited electrons for observation and discovery by applying these cuts. It is shown that the mass limit for discovery obtained from the collider with [Formula: see text] TeV (called PWFA-LC[Formula: see text]⊗[Formula: see text]FCC) is 22.3 TeV for the integrated luminosity [Formula: see text].
Structure optimization of the AC-SDBD plasma actuator under duty-cycle mode
Authors: Long Yuexiao , Li Huaxing , Meng Xuanshi , Li Jia , Xiang Zhengchao 
Published: August 2018

Alternating current dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators driven by steady and unsteady mode were experimentally optimized in a static atmosphere. The purpose of this optimization is to enhance the effective controllability of flow control. Electrical properties were evaluated using the measured voltage, current and power consumption data. The dielectric barrier with different materials was tested and the aerodynamic characteristics were identified by particle image velocimetry and electronic force balance. Meanwhile, the duty-cycle technique was applied to operate the actuator in unsteady mode. The dynamic characteristics of induced flow were analyzed by processing the results with the phase-locked method. The development of induced flow structure at different frequencies was compared. Results showed that the plasma actuator with 4 mm-thick Teflon dielectric barrier induced the maximum force and velocity of 75 mN/m and 5.6 m/s, respectively. The discharge frequency has little effect on the control authority at the kilohertz level. The dimensionless area of the induced flow is about [Formula: see text] under steady actuation. The phase-locked results confirm that the scale and strength of the induced vortex vary with the duty-cycle frequencies. The effectiveness of unsteady flow control can be explained as the promotion of the boundary layer and the mainstream.
TIP: A Web Server for Resolving Tumor Immunophenotype Profiling
Authors: Xu Liwen , Deng Chunyu , Pang Bo , Zhang Xinxin , Liu Wei , Liao Gaoming , Yuan Huating , Cheng Peng , Li Feng , Long Zhilin , Yan Min , Zhao Tingting , Xiao Yun , Li Xia 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Systematically tracking the tumor immunophenotype is required to understand the mechanisms of cancer immunity and improve clinical benefit of cancer immunotherapy. However, progress in current research is hindered by the lack of comprehensive immune activity resources and easy-to-use tools for biologists, clinicians, and researchers to conveniently evaluate immune activity during the “cancer-immunity cycle.” We developed a user-friendly one-stop shop web tool called TIP to comprehensively resolve tumor immunophenotype. TIP has the capability to rapidly analyze and intuitively visualize the activity of anticancer immunity and the extent of tumor-infiltrating immune cells across the seven-step cancer-immunity cycle. Also, we precalculated the pan-cancer immunophenotype for 11,373 samples from 33 The Cancer Genome Atlas human cancers that allow users to obtain and compare immunophenotype of pan-cancer samples. We expect TIP to be useful in a large number of emerging cancer immunity studies and development of effective immunotherapy biomarkers. TIP is freely available for use at http://biocc.hrbmu.edu.cn/TIP/.

Significance:
TIP is a one-stop shop platform that can help biologists, clinicians, and researchers conveniently evaluate anticancer immune activity with their own gene expression data.
See related commentary by Hirano, p. 6536