bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatic, phylogenetic and chemical analysis of the UV‐absorbing compounds scytonemin and mycosporine‐like amino acids from the microbial mat communities of Shark Bay, Australia
Authors: D'Agostino Paul M. , Woodhouse Jason N. , Liew Heng Tai , Sehnal Luděk , Pickford Russel , Wong Hon Lun , Burns Brendan P. , Neilan Brett A. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryShark Bay, Western Australia is a World Heritage area with extensive microbial mats and stromatolites. Microbial communities that comprise these mats have developed a range of mitigation strategies against changing levels of photosynthetically active and ultraviolet radiation, including the ability to biosynthesise the UV‐absorbing natural products scytonemin and mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs). To this end, the distribution of photoprotective pigments within Shark Bay microbial mats was delineated in the present study. This involved amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16S rDNA from communities at the surface and subsurface in three distinct mat types (smooth, pustular and tufted), and correlating this data with the chemical and molecular distribution of scytonemin and MAAs. Employing UV spectroscopy and MS/MS fragmentation, mycosporine‐glycine, asterina and an unknown MAA were identified based on typical fragmentation patterns. Marker genes for scytonemin and MAA production (scyC and mysC) were amplified from microbial mat DNA and placed into phylogenetic context against a broad screen throughout 363 cyanobacterial genomes. Results indicate that occurrence of UV screening compounds is associated with the upper layer of Shark Bay microbial mats, and the occurrence of scytonemin is closely dependent on the abundance of cyanobacteria.
Ten‐year observation of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: Initial presenting characteristics and the associated outcomes
Authors: Tsukamoto Masako , Suzuki Katsuya , Takeuchi Tsutomu 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAim/IntroductionPrimary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a prototypical systemic autoimmune disease that manifests with various signs and symptoms. Although some studies have examined these manifestations over the long‐term course of the disease, the association between initial clinical and immunological factors and subsequent long‐term manifestations has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to identify initial clinical and immunological factors associated with subsequent manifestations in patients with pSS.MethodA retrospective review was performed in pSS patients who were followed up over a 10‐year period in our department. Clinical and immunological data, including serum immunoglobulin (Ig) and autoantibody levels, were collected and statistically analyzed.ResultWe analyzed 91 patients who were followed up in our department. The proportion of patients with extraglandular involvement decreased from 90% to 73%, while eight patients developed extraglandular organ involvement. Extraglandular involvement at 10 years more frequently occurred in patients with hyper‐IgG than those without hyper‐IgG at initial testing (P < 0.01). Extraglandular organ involvement at 10 years more frequently occurred in rheumatoid factor (RF)‐positive patients at the time of SS diagnosis (P < 0.05). Malignancy occurred in 9% of patients. Age, lower CH50 and thrombocytopenia were significantly associated with malignancy. Extraglandular organ involvement was associated with the presence of hyper‐IgG and RF positivity (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05).ConclusionOur study identified important initial clinical and immunological factors associated with subsequent manifestations in patients with pSS over a long follow‐up period. pSS patients with RF and hyper‐IgG at diagnosis may have a higher risk of subsequent extraglandular involvement.
Fragment and life‐history correlates of extinction vulnerability of forest mammals in an urban‐forest mosaic in EThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
Authors: Zungu M. M. , Maseko M. S. T. , Kalle R. , Ramesh T. , Downs C. T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNestedness refers to a species distribution pattern whereby species found in species‐poor sites represent a subset of those in species‐rich sites. Nestedness is presumed to be primarily a result of selective extinction of species and thus is important for determining mechanisms of species impoverishment in fragmented landscapes. In this study, we investigated the effects of forest fragment attributes and species' life‐history traits on nestedness patterns of terrestrial mammals in an urban‐forest mosaic in EThekwini Municipality Area, Durban, South Africa. A presence/absence matrix of mammals (16 species) in forest fragments (28 fragments) was compiled based on the mammalian survey conducted using remote‐triggered camera traps. The mammalian assemblage in the study area displayed significant nestedness. The nested ranking of forest fragments was strongly correlated with fragment area and proximity index but not with shape index and foliage height diversity. The best model based on Akaike Information Criterion (AICc) showed that among species' life‐history traits, body mass, trophic level, niche breadth and sociality were the most suited as predictors of extinction vulnerability. In particular, niche breadth was strongly associated with extinction vulnerability. Thus, the ability to persist in forest fragments of various sizes as well as the ability to move to fragments with different degrees of isolation shape fragment dynamics in this landscape. Furthermore, species with broad resource requirements are more likely to persist with further habitat disturbance. Overall, this study showed the importance of integrating forest fragment attributes and ecological traits of species in nestedness analyses for determining species in most need of conservation action which is important for preventing further loss of species.
The effectiveness, safety and cost‐effectiveness of cytisine versus varenicline for smoking cessation in an Australian population: a study protocol for a randomized controlled non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Thomas Dennis , Farrell Michael , McRobbie Hayden , Tutka Piotr , Petrie Dennis , West Robert , Siahpush Mohammad , Gartner Coral , Walker Natalie , Mendelsohn Colin P. , Hall Wayne , Paul Christine , Zwar Nicholas , Ferguson Stuart G. , Boland Veronica C. , Richmond Robyn , Doran Christopher M. , Shakeshaft Anthony , Mattick Richard P. , Courtney Ryan J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackground and aimsSmoking cessation medications are effective, but often underutilized because of costs and side effects. Cytisine is a plant‐based smoking cessation medication with more than 50 years of use in central and eastern Europe. While cytisine has been found to be well‐tolerated and more effective than nicotine replacement therapy, direct comparisons with varenicline have not been conducted. This study evaluates the effectiveness, safety and cost‐effectiveness of cytisine compared with varenicline.DesignTwo‐arm, parallel group, randomized, non‐inferiority trial, with allocation concealment and blinded outcome assessment.SettingAustralian population‐based study.ParticipantsAdult daily smokers (n = 1266) interested in quitting will be recruited through advertisements and Quitline telephone‐based cessation support services.Intervention and comparatorEligible participants will be randomized (1 : 1 ratio) to receive either cytisine capsules (25‐day supply) or varenicline tablets (12‐week supply), prescribed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended dosing regimen. The medication will be mailed to each participant's nominated residential address. All participants will also be offered standard Quitline behavioural support (up to six 10–12‐minute sessions).MeasurementsAssessments will be undertaken by telephone at baseline, 4 and 7 months post‐randomization. Participants will also be contacted twice (2 and 4 weeks post‐randomization) to ascertain adverse events, treatment adherence and smoking status. The primary outcome will be self‐reported 6‐month continuous abstinence from smoking, verified by carbon monoxide at 7‐month follow‐up. We will also evaluate the relative safety and cost‐effectiveness of cytisine compared with varenicline. Secondary outcomes will include self‐reported continuous and 7‐day point prevalence abstinence and cigarette consumption at each follow‐up interview.CommentsIf cytisine is as effective as varenicline, its lower cost and natural plant‐based composition may make it an acceptable and affordable smoking cessation medication that could save millions of lives world‐wide.
Neurodevelopmental difficulties negatively affect health‐related quality of life in children with idiopathic clubfoot
Authors: Lööf Elin , Andriesse Hanneke , Broström Eva W. , André Marie , Böhm Stephanie , Bölte Sven 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimTo study health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with idiopathic clubfoot (IC) and the influence of sex, clubfoot laterality and neurodevelopmental difficulties (NDD) on HRQoL.MethodsA cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study in Stockholm and Skåne Counties, Sweden, of 106 children with IC born 2004–2007 (mean 9.4 ± 0.6 years) and a general population sample of 109 schoolchildren (mean 9.5 ± 0.6 years). The children and their caregivers answered the EQ‐5D‐Y (Youth) and Five to Fifteen questionnaires to operationalise HRQoL and NDD, respectively.ResultsNo reduced HRQoL on the EQ‐5D‐Y dimensions were reported by 51% of the children with IC, and 71% in the general population sample, with significant more problems in the IC sample regarding ‘mobility’, ‘doing usual activities’ and ‘having pain or discomfort’, despite similar overall health status. Neither sex nor clubfoot laterality affected HRQoL. Children with IC and NDD combined reported more problems in three out of five dimensions and lower overall health status compared with children with IC alone.ConclusionDespite similar overall health status, children with IC had more HRQoL problems compared with the general population, being associated with coexisting NDD but not sex or clubfoot laterality.
Letter: the association between chronic viral hepatitis and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zhao Jian , Fang Lingling , Song Yawen , Liang Chun 
Published: December 2018

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Kuo et al and Kuo and Lu papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14960 and https:// doi.org/10.1111/apt.15061.
Recent advances in thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Booka Eisuke , Takeuchi Hiroya , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Kamiya Kinji , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTechnical advances and developments in endoscopic equipment and thoracoscopic surgery have increased the popularity of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). However, there is currently no established scientific evidence supporting the use of MIE as an alternative to open esophagectomy (OE). To date, a number of single‐institution studies and several meta‐analyses have demonstrated acceptable short‐term outcomes of thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, and we recently reported one of the largest propensity score‐matched comparison studies between MIE and OE for esophageal cancer, based on a nationwide Japanese database. We found that, in general, MIE had a longer operative time and less blood loss than OE. Moreover, compared to OE, MIE was associated with a lower rate of pulmonary complications such as pneumonia, and both methods had similar mortality rates. Although MIE may reduce the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications, MIE and OE seem to have comparable short‐term outcomes. However, the oncological benefit to patients undergoing MIE remains to be scientifically proven, as no randomized controlled trials have been conducted to verify each method's impact on the long‐term survival of cancer patients. An ongoing randomized phase III study (JCOG1409) is expected to determine the impact of each method with regard to short‐ and long‐term outcomes.
Determinants of the interindividual variability in serum cytidine deaminase activity of patients with solid tumours
Authors: Cohen R. , Preta L. H. , Joste V. , Curis E. , Huillard O. , Jouinot A. , Narjoz C. , Thomas‐Schoemann A. , Bellesoeur A. , Tiako Meyo M. , Quilichini J. , Desaulle D. , Nicolis I. , Cessot A. , Vidal M. , Goldwasser F. , Alexandre J. , Blanchet B. 
Published: December 2018

AimsCytidine deaminase (CDA) activity in cancer patients' serum has been proposed as a predictive biomarker for efficacy and toxicity of nucleoside analogues. However, discrepant results about its predictive value have been reported due to the high interindividual variability in CDA activity. This study aimed at identifying determinants of this interindividual variability.MethodsFrom December 2014 to November 2015, 183 patients were prospectively included. Serum CDA activity, biological and clinical characteristics as well as five common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CDA gene (c.‐451C > T, c.‐92A > G, c.‐33_‐31delC, c.79A > C, c.435 T > C) were analysed. Associations between clinical characteristics, pharmacogenetic variants and CDA activity were univariately tested. P < 0.1‐candidate variables were analysed through a multivariate analysis. The association between CDA activity and toxicity was assessed for the 56 gemcitabine‐treated patients. Intraindividual variability in CDA activity was explored in six pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine.ResultsMedian CDA activity was 3.97 U mg–1 (range 1.53–15.49 U mg–1). A univariate analysis showed that CDA activity was statistically associated with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, mild or severe malnutrition, inflammatory syndrome, leucocyte count, neutrophil count, albumin, C‐reactive protein and ‐c.‐33_‐31delC single nucleotide polymorphism. A multivariate analysis identified that only neutrophil count (P < 0.0001) and severe malnutrition (P = 0.0278) were independently associated with CDA activity. Low CDA activity (<2 U mg–1) was not statistically associated with severe gemcitabine‐related toxicities (P = 0.16). A decrease in CDA activity was observed during the longitudinal follow‐up of six pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine (P = 0.03).ConclusionsThese results suggest that neutrophil count and malnutrition should be considered for the interpretation of pretherapeutic CDA activity.
Measurement invariance of the ICT engagement construct and its association with students’ performance in China and Germany: Evidence from PISA 2015 data
Authors: Meng Lingqi , Qiu Chen , Boyd‐Wilson Belinda 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe present study investigated the factor structure of and measurement invariance in the information and communication technology (ICT) engagement construct, and the relationship between ICT engagement and students’ performance on science, mathematics and reading in China and Germany. Samples were derived from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 survey. Configural, metric and scalar equivalence were found in a multigroup exploratory structural equation model. In the regression model, a significantly positive association between interest in ICT and student achievement was found in China, in contrast to a significantly negative association in Germany. All achievement scores were negatively and significantly correlated with perceived ICT competence scores in China, whereas science and mathematics achievement scores were not predicted by scores on ICT competence in Germany. Similar patterns were found in China and Germany in terms of perceived autonomy in using ICT and social relatedness in using ICT to predict students’ achievement. The implications of all the findings were discussed.
Affective variability in depression: Revisiting the inertia–instability paradox
Authors: Bos Elisabeth H. , de Jonge Peter , Cox Ralf F. A. 
Published: December 2018

How can depression be associated with both instability and inertia of affect? Koval et al. (2013, Emotion, 13, 1132) showed that this paradox can be solved by accounting for the statistical overlap between measures of affect dynamics. Nevertheless, these measures are still often studied in isolation. The present study is a replication of the Koval et al. study. We used experience sampling data (three times a day, 1 month) of 462 participants from the general population and a subsample thereof (N = 100) selected to reflect a uniform range of depressive symptoms. Dynamics measures were calculated for momentary negative affect scores. When adjusting for the overlap among affect dynamics measures, depression was associated with ‘dispersion’ (SD) but not ‘instability’ (RMSSD) or ‘inertia’ (AR) of negative affect. The association between dispersion and depression became non‐significant when mean levels of negative affect were adjusted for. These findings substantiate the evidence that the presumed association between depression and instability is largely accounted for by the SD, while the association between dispersion and depression may largely reflect mean levels of affect. Depression may thus not be related to higher instability per se, which would be in line with theories on the adaptive function of moment‐to‐moment fluctuations in affect.
Activation of RyR2 by class I kinase inhibitors
Authors: Chakraborty A D , Gonano L A , Munro M L , Smith L J , Thekkedam C , Staudacher V , Gamble A B , Macquaide N , Dulhunty A F , Jones P P 
Published: December 2018

Background and PurposeKinase inhibitors are a common treatment for cancer. Class I kinase inhibitors that target the ATP‐binding pocket are particularly prevalent. Many of these compounds are cardiotoxic and can cause arrhythmias. Spontaneous release of Ca2+ via cardiac ryanodine receptors (RyR2), through a process termed store overload‐induced Ca2+ release (SOICR), is a common mechanism underlying arrhythmia. We explored whether class I kinase inhibitors could modify the activity of RyR2 and trigger SOICR to determine if this contributes to the cardiotoxic nature of these compounds.Experimental ApproachThe impact of class I and II kinase inhibitors on SOICR was studied in HEK293 cells and ventricular myocytes using single‐cell Ca2+ imaging. A specific effect on RyR2 was confirmed using single channel recordings. Ventricular myocytes were also used to determine if drug‐induced changes in SOICR could be reversed using anti‐SOICR agents.Key ResultsClass I kinase inhibitors increased the propensity of SOICR. Single channel recording showed that this was due to a specific effect on RyR2. Class II kinase inhibitors decreased the activity of RyR2 at the single channel level but had little effect on SOICR. The promotion of SOICR mediated by class I kinase inhibitors could be reversed using the anti‐SOICR agent VK‐II‐86.Conclusions and ImplicationsPart of the cardiotoxicity of class I kinase inhibitors can be assigned to their effect on RyR2 and increase in SOICR. Compounds with anti‐SOICR activity may represent an improved treatment option for patients.
Preclinical evaluation of [18F]MA3: a CB2 receptor agonist radiotracer for PET
Authors: Attili Bala , Celen Sofie , Ahamed Muneer , Koole Michel , Haute Chris Van Den , Vanduffel Wim , Bormans Guy 
Published: December 2018

Background and PurposeNon‐invasive in vivo imaging of cannabinoid CB2 receptors using PET is pursued to study neuroinflammation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the in vivo binding specificity of [18F]MA3, a CB2 receptor agonist, in a rat model with local overexpression of human (h) CB2 receptors.Methods[18F]MA3 was produced with good radiochemical yield and radiochemical purity. The radiotracer was evaluated in rats with local overexpression of hCB2 receptors and in a healthy non‐human primate using PET.Key ResultsEx vivo autoradiography demonstrated CB2‐specific binding of [18F]MA3 in rat hCB2 receptor vector injected striatum. In a PET study, increased tracer binding in the hCB2 receptor vector‐injected striatum compared to the contralateral control vector‐injected striatum was observed. Binding in hCB2 receptor vector‐injected striatum was blocked with a structurally non‐related CB2 receptor inverse agonist, and a displacement study confirmed the reversibility of tracer binding. This study identified the utility of mutated inactive vector model for evaluation of CB2 receptor agonist PET tracers. [18F]MA3 PET scans in the non‐human primate showed good uptake and fast washout from brain, but no CB2 receptor‐specific binding was observed.Conclusion and ImplicationsEvaluation of [18F]MA3 in a rat model with local overexpression of hCB2 receptors showed CB2 receptor‐specific and reversible tracer binding. [18F]MA3 showed good brain uptake and subsequent washout in a healthy non‐human primate, but no specific binding was observed. Further clinical evaluation of [18F]MA3 in patients with neuroinflammation is warranted.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc
Cognitive costs of reproduction: life‐history trade‐offs explain cognitive decline during pregnancy in women
Authors: Ziomkiewicz Anna , Wichary Szymon , Jasienska Grazyna 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTLife‐history theory predicts that access to limited resources leads to trade‐offs between competing body functions. Women, who face higher costs of reproduction when compared to men, should be especially vulnerable to these trade‐offs. We propose the ‘cognitive costs of reproduction hypothesis’, which states that energy trade‐offs imposed by reproduction may lead to a decline in maternal cognitive function during gestation. In particular, we hypothesize that the decline in cognitive function frequently observed during pregnancy is associated with the allocation of resources between the competing energetic requirements of the mother's brain and the developing foetus. Several distinctive anatomical and physiological features including a high metabolic rate of the brain, large infant size, specific anatomical features of the placenta and trophoblast, and the lack of maternal control over glucose flow through the placenta make the occurrence of these trade‐offs likely.Herein, we review several lines of evidence for trade‐offs between gestation and cognition that are related to: (i) energy metabolism during reproduction; (ii) energy metabolism of the human brain; (iii) links between energy metabolism and cognitive function; and (iv) links between gestation and cognitive function. We also review evidence for the important roles of cortisol, corticotropin‐releasing hormone and sex hormones in mediating the effects of gestation on cognition, and we discuss possible neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the observed effects. The evidence supports the view that energy trade‐offs between foetal growth and maternal endocrine and brain function lead to changes in maternal cognition, and that this phenomenon is mediated by neuroendocrine mechanisms involving the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, brainstem nucleus locus coeruleus and hippocampus.
Dendritic cells, T cells and their interaction in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wehr P , Purvis H , Law S-C , Thomas R 
Published: December 2018

SummaryDendritic cells (DCs) are the key professional antigen-presenting cells which bridge innate and adaptive immune responses, inducing the priming and differentiation of naive to effector CD4+ T cells, the cross-priming of CD8+ T cells and the promotion of B cell antibody responses. DCs also play a critical role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and tolerance. DC–T cell interactions underpin the generation of an autoimmune response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here we describe the function of DCs and review evidence for DC and T cell involvement in RA pathogenesis, in particular through the presentation of self-peptide by DCs that triggers differentiation and activation of autoreactive T cells. Finally, we discuss the emerging field of targeting the DC–T cell interaction for antigen-specific immunotherapy of RA.