bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A partner‐switching system controls activation of mixed‐linkage β‐glucan synthesis by c‐di‐GMP in Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Baena Irene , Pérez‐Mendoza Daniel , Sauviac Laurent , Francesch Kevin , Martín Marta , Rivilla Rafael , Bonilla Ildefonso , Bruand Claude , Sanjuán Juan , Lloret Javier 
Published: April 2019

SummarySinorhizobium meliloti synthesizes a linear mixed‐linkage (1 → 3)(1 → 4)‐β‐d‐glucan (ML β‐glucan, MLG) in response to high levels of cyclic diguanylate (c‐di‐GMP). Two proteins BgsA and BgsB are required for MLG synthesis, BgsA being the glucan synthase which is activated upon c‐di‐GMP binding to its C‐terminal domain. Here we report that the product of bgrR (SMb20447) is a diguanylate cyclase (DGC) that provides c‐di‐GMP for the synthesis of MLG by BgsA. bgrR is the first gene of a hexacistronic bgrRSTUWV operon, likely encoding a partner‐switching regulatory network where BgrR is the final target. Using different approaches, we have determined that the products of genes bgrU (containing a putative PP2C serine phosphatase domain) and bgrW (with predicted kinase effector domain), modulate the phosphorylation status and the activity of the STAS domain protein BgrV. We propose that unphosphorylated BgrV inhibits BgrR DGC activity, perhaps through direct protein–protein interactions as established for other partner switchers. A bgrRSTUWV operon coexists with MLG structural bgsBA genes in many rhizobial genomes but is also present in some MLG non‐producers, suggesting a role of this partner‐switching system in other processes besides MLG biosynthesis.
Impact of Urban Growth and High Residential Irrigation on Streamflow and Groundwater Levels in a Peri‐Urban Semiarid Catchment
Authors: Sanzana Pedro , Gironás Jorge , Braud Isabelle , Muñoz José‐Francisco , Vicuña Sebastián , Reyes‐Paecke Sonia , de la Barrera Francisco , Branger Flora , Rodríguez Fabrice , Vargas Ximena , Hitschfeld Nancy , Hormazábal Santiago 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe impact of urbanization on groundwater is not simple to understand, as it depends on a variety of factors such as climate, hydrogeology, water management practices, and infrastructure. In semiarid landscapes, the urbanization processes can involve high water consumptions and irrigation increases, which in turn may contribute to groundwater recharge. We assessed the hydrological impacts of urbanization and irrigation rates in an Andean peri‐urban catchment located in Chile, in a semiarid climate. For this purpose, we built and validated a coupled surface–groundwater model that allows the verification of a strong stream–aquifer interaction in areas with shallow groundwater, higher than some sewers and portions of the stream. Moreover, we also identified a significant local recharge associated with pipe leaks and inefficient urban irrigation. From the evaluation of different future scenarios, we found a sustainable water conservation scenario will decrease the current groundwater levels, while the median flow reduces from 408 to 389 L/s, and the low flow (Q95%) from 43 to 22L/s. Overall, our results show the relevance of integrating the modeling of surface and subsurface water resources at different spatial and temporal scales, when assessing the effect of urban development and the suitability of urban water practices.
Past managerial guidance and returns to variance trading around earnings announcements
Authors: Neururer Thaddeus 
Published: April 2019

AbstractI investigate the relationship between past managerial guidance and realized variance risk premiums (VRPs) – i.e., the difference between implied and realized variance – in equity options around earnings announcements. I find that implied variances are lower before earnings announcements but VRPs are higher when firms provide guidance. I also find higher option‐implied jump risk when firms issue surprising guidance. Further tests suggest a portion of the higher VRPs are due to changes in perceived higher‐order risks, but traders also underreact to the precision of information in short‐term guidance. These results are attenuated for firms with a better information environment.
Severity of Candida‐associated denture stomatitis is improved in institutionalized elders who consume Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1
Authors: Lee X , Vergara C , Lozano CP 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to determine the effect of the consumption of a probiotic on the clinical characteristics of Candida‐associated denture stomatitis (DS) and to determine the impact of a protocol of self‐care measures in oral/prosthetic hygiene in institutionalized elders that wear removable prostheses (RP). The current treatment for DS is the systemic use of antifungals, as well as the replacement of these devices together with oral/prosthetic hygiene instructions.MethodsThis study was a randomized, controlled and triple‐blind trial. Thirty‐six elders presenting DS of different severity and who carried RP consumed milk with/without the probiotic L. rhamnosus SP1. The prevalence and severity of DS and prevalence of Candida were determined and all participants/caregivers were trained in oral/prosthetic hygiene.ResultsIn both groups a decrease in the prevalence of DS was observed (P < 0.05) but only the group that consumed probiotic throughout the trial had a significant reduction in the severity of DS and reduced Candida counts (P < 0.05). Educational instruction in oral/prosthetic hygiene was relevant for the participants, regarding the prevalence of this lesion.ConclusionsThe frequent consumption of Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 and the establishment of a protocol of oral/prosthetic hygiene drastically reduced the severity of DS in institutionalized elders who wore RP.
Langerhans cells mediate the skin‐induced tolerance to ovalbumin via Langerin in a murine model
Authors: Luo Yang , Wang Su , Liu Xiaochun , Wen He , Li Wei , Yao Xu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundEpicutaneous sensitization is an important route of immunization for allergens in atopic diseases; however, studies have also shown that application with protein on the intact skin induces antigen‐specific tolerance. Langerhans cells (LCs) play an immunosuppressive role in several inflammatory skin diseases and mouse models, and the role of LCs in the skin‐induced tolerance is not fully understood.MethodsLangerin‐DTA mice that were deficient in LCs were utilized to produce the model of skin‐induced tolerance to ovalbumin (OVA). Binding of Langerin to OVA was analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. Homozygous Langerin‐DTR mice that were deficient in Langerin were introduced to assess the role of Langerin in the skin‐induced tolerance.ResultsApplication with OVA onto the intact, but not tape‐stripped, skin attenuated the production of OVA‐specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a induced by subsequent subcutaneous immunization with OVA, and the inhibitory effects were abolished in Langerin‐DTA mice. In contrast to the tape‐stripped skin, the intact skin induced the production of IL‐10 by LCs in draining lymph node after application with OVA. Langerin could bind OVA, and homozygous Langerin‐DTR mice demonstrated similar humoral and cellular immune responses in the model of skin‐induced tolerance compared to wide‐type mice.ConclusionOur data suggested that LCs were critical in the intact skin‐induced tolerance to protein antigen via Langerin, and LCs might be targeted via Langerin to regulate the immune responses in systemic and (or) skin inflammatory diseases.
Fluorometholone modulates gene expression of ocular surface mucins
Authors: Taniguchi Jonathan , Sharma Ajay 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposeMucins are vital to keep the ocular surface hydrated. Genes encoding for mucins contain a glucocorticoid response element. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fluorometholone, a glucocorticoid receptor agonist used in the management of dry eye, on the gene expression of conjunctival and corneal epithelial cell mucins.MethodsStratified cultures of human conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells were exposed to 25, 50 and 100 nM of fluorometholone alone or in presence of mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. The mRNA was isolated from the cells and reverse transcribed to cDNA. The cDNA was used for quantification of gene expression of mucin (MUC) 1, 4, 16 and 19 using real‐time PCR.ResultsFluorometholone caused a dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in the gene expression of MUC1, MUC4, MUC16 and MUC19 in the conjunctival as well as corneal epithelial cells. Mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, inhibited fluorometholone‐mediated increase in the gene expression of conjunctival and corneal mucins. At the tested concentration, neither fluorometholone nor mifepristone caused any notable changes in the cellular phenotype or viability of conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells.ConclusionFluorometholone increases the gene expression of MUC1, MUC4, MUC16 and MUC19 in the conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells through activation of glucocorticoid receptors. The increased expression of mucins can be an additional possible mechanism contributing to the beneficial effects of fluorometholone in dry eye in addition to its well‐known anti‐inflammatory effects.
The inheritance of cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Hanson Mark 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) is foremost among the non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) which account for 71% of deaths globally each year. CVD is also prominent among the pre‐existing conditions still accounting for nearly 25% of maternal deaths and is linked to gestational diabetes and pre‐eclampsia. Markers of CVD risk have been reported even in young children, related to prenatal factors such as mother's diet or body composition. The underlying mechanisms include epigenetic changes which can alter the trajectory of risk across the life course. Preventive interventions need to commence before conception, to reduce transmission of CVD risk by promoting healthy behaviours in prospective parents, as well as in pregnancy, and postpartum through breastfeeding and healthy complementary feeding. Surprisingly, these opportunities are not emphasised in the 2018 United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs. NCDs such as CVD have communicable risk components transmitted across generations by socio‐economic as well as biological factors, although the former can also become embodied in the offspring by epigenetic mechanisms. The inheritance of CVD risk, and social inequalities in such risk, thus raises wider questions about responsibility for the health of future generations at societal as well as individual levels.
The use of medical identification jewellery in adults with adrenal insufficiency in Australia
Authors: Rushworth Rosemary Louise , Chrisp Georgina L. , Torpy David J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveHydrocortisone stress dosing during illness can prevent adrenal crises (AC) in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). When patients cannot communicate, medical identification jewellery may facilitate parenteral hydrocortisone provision but patient adoption rates are not known.DesignA cross‐sectional analysis of Australian medical identification jewellery subscription data.PatientsPatients with AI aged 20 years and over with an active subscription to a large medical jewellery provider.MeasurementsSubscription rates by AI subtype, geographic area, age and gender.ResultsThere were 1955 patients with AI and an active subscription in the database, corresponding to a subscription rate of 105.79/million or approximately one‐third of the AI population. The subscription rate was substantially higher in primary AI (60.72/million) than secondary AI (23.16/million), corresponding to approximately 60.7% and 11.6% of the estimated population prevalence of each disorder, respectively. There was substantial variation in use by state/territory, with the highest subscribing state having a rate of over four times that of the lowest (P < 0.001). Women comprised 64.8% (n = 1266) of the group. Subscription also varied by age, being highest in the 60‐69 year age group (165.15/million) and lowest in those aged 30‐39 years (47.23/million) (P < 0.001). Few patients (4.8%, n = 94) mentioned, either in their record or on their jewellery, the need for urgent parenteral hydrocortisone in the event of severe illness.ConclusionsMedical jewellery is a component of AC risk reduction. However, subscription appears to be underutilised in the Australian AI population, especially among patients with secondary AI. Urgent treatment recommendations should be inscribed on the jewellery.
Brugada syndrome with SCN5A mutations exhibits more pronounced electrophysiological defects and more severe prognosis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Chen , Tan Zhaochong , Zhu Wengen , Fu Linghua , Kong Qiling , Xiong Qinmei , Yu Jianhua , Hong Kui 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWhether the presence of SCN5A mutation is a predictor of BrS risk remains controversial, and patient selection bias may have weakened previous findings. Therefore, we performed this study to clarify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of BrS probands with SCN5A mutations. We systematically retrieved eligible studies published through October 2018. A total of 17 studies enrolling 1780 BrS patients were included. Overall, our results found that compared with BrS patients without SCN5A mutations, patients with SCN5A mutations exhibited a younger age at the onset of symptoms and higher rate of the spontaneous type‐1 electrocardiogram pattern, more pronounced conduction or repolarization abnormalities, and increased atrial vulnerability. In addition, the presence of SCN5A mutations was associated with an elevated risk of major arrhythmic events in both Asian (odds ratio [OR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07‐3.11; P = .03) and Caucasian (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.02‐4.90; P = .04) populations. In conclusions, patients with SCN5A mutations exhibit more pronounced electrophysiological defects and more severe prognosis. Clinicians should be cautious when utilizing genetic testing for risk stratification or treatment guidance before determining whether the causal relationship regarding SCN5A mutation status is an independent predictor of risk.
HONZO ZUFU, AND HOW A COPY CAME TO BE IN THE KEW LIBRARY
Authors: Tanaka Junko , Iwatsu Tokio , Murata Hiroko , Murata Jin , Yamanaka Masumi 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIn the Library of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, there are some books and manuscripts which were made in Japan and whose background is uncertain. One of these is (Honzo Zufu) which consists of illustrations and descriptions of plants compiled in the first half of 19th century. Kew's Honzo Zufu was exhibited in the ‘Flora Japonica’ show at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery on 17th September 2016 to 5th March 2017. ‘Flora Japonica’ showed works of contemporary Japanese botanical artists and important illustrated books of Japanese plants made between the 17th and 20th centuries. The illustrations of Honzo Zufu are also used for the Kew's Floral Illustrated Calendar 2019. In this article, we describe Kew's copy of Honzo Zufu and tell the story about how it came to be in the possession of the Library.
Transnational social capital: the socio‐spatialities of civil society
Authors: PECK SARAH 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCivil society remains a contested concept, but one that is widely embedded in global development processes. Transnationalism within civil society scholarship is often described dichotomously, either through hierarchical dependency relations or as a more amorphous networked global civil society. These two contrasting spatial imaginaries produce very particular ideas about how transnational relations contribute to civil society. Drawing on empirical material from research with civil society organizations in Barbados and Grenada, in this article I contend that civil society groups use forms of transnational social capital in their work. This does not, however, resonate with the horizontal relations associated with grassroots globalization or vertical chains of dependence. These social relations are imbued with power and agency and are entangled in situated historical, geographical and personal contexts. I conclude that the diverse transnational social relations that are part of civil society activity offer hope and possibilities for continued civil society action in these unexpected spatial arrangements.
Renal dysfunction by baseline CD4 cell count in a cohort of adults starting antiretroviral treatment regardless of CD4 count in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 071 [HPTN 071; Population Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy to Reduce HIV Transmission (PopART)] study in South Africa
Authors: Bock P , Nel K , Fatti G , Sloot R , Ford N , Voget J , Gunst C , Grobbelaar N , Louis F , Floyd S , Hayes R , Ayles H , Beyers N , Fidler S ,   the HPTN 071 (PopART) Team
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesRenal dysfunction is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV‐positive individuals. This study evaluated renal dysfunction in a cohort of adults who started antiretroviral treatment (ART) regardless of CD4 count at three Department of Health (DOH) clinics included in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 071 (HPTN 071) Population Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy to Reduce HIV Transmission (PopART) trial.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of routine data for HIV‐positive individuals starting ART between January 2014 and November 2015 was completed. Incident renal dysfunction was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eEGFR) < 60 mL/min after ART initiation among individuals with a baseline (pre‐ART) eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min.ResultsOverall, 2423 individuals, with a median baseline CD4 count of 328 cells/μL [interquartile range (IQR) 195–468 cells/μL], were included in the analysis. Forty‐seven individuals had a baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min. Among 1634 nonpregnant individuals started on a tenofovir‐containing ART regimen and with a baseline eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min, 27 developed an eGFR < 60 mL/min on ART. Regression analysis showed lower odds of baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min at baseline CD4 counts of > 500 cells/μL [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11–0.80], 351–500 cells/μL (aOR 0.22; 95% CI 0.08–0.59) and 201–350 (aOR 0.48; 95% CI: 0.24–0.97) compared with baseline CD4 counts < 200 cells/μL.ConclusionsThis study showed low rates of renal dysfunction at baseline and on ART, with lower rates of baseline renal dysfunction among individuals with baseline CD4 counts > 200 cells/μL. Strategies that use baseline characteristics, such as age, to identify individuals at high risk of renal dysfunction on ART for enhanced eGFR monitoring may be effective and should be the subject of future research.
Fabrication of α‐Si3N4‐nanowire/γ‐Y2Si2O7 composite superhydrophobic membrane for membrane distillation
Authors: Yang Ming‐Ye , Dong Bin‐Bin , Wang Fei‐Hong , Xu Xin , Agathopoulos Simeon 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper reports on the successful fabrication of α‐Si3N4‐nanowire/Y2Si2O7 composite membranes with superhydrophobic properties, aiming to achieve a high performance in membrane distillation. The starting powder mixture of 87 wt% γ‐Y2Si2O7, 5 wt% Si, 3 wt% LiYO2, and 5 wt% ferrocene catalyst was dispersed in a stable suspension, and after being tape‐casted, it was sintered at 1300°C for 4 hours in order to obtain the composite membrane. α‐Si3N4 nanowires with a diameter of about 50 nm were formed, distributed uniformly on the surface and in the pores of the membrane and their presence greatly favored superhydrophobicity. After surface modification with a robust hydrophobic layer of SiNCO nanoparticles, strongly adhered to the surface of the produced membrane, a water contact angle of 153o, was measured. Water desalination experiments, using a sweeping gas membrane distillation (SGMD) device, were conducted. High water flux of 11.91 L/m2/h was achieved for a 4 wt% NaCl feeding solution at 90°C. Stable water flux and rejection rates were recorded in long‐term experiments (>500 hours) using the produced superhydrophobic composite membrane.
Effect of repeated freezing‐thawing on structural, physicochemical and digestible properties of normal and waxy starch gels
Authors: Jing Luzhen , Liu Yu , Gao Jinmei , Xu Meijuan , Gou Min , Jiang Hao , Zhang Guoquan , Li Wenhao 
Published: April 2019

SummaryThe normal and waxy corn starch gels were subjected to repeated freeze–thaw treatment at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,5 and 6 cycles with an interval of 24 h, and the effects on structural, physicochemical and digestible properties were investigated. The normal starch gels formed a honeycomb structure while waxy starch gels exhibited a lamellar structure, and the number of holes and lamellas increased with increasing cycles. The X‐ray analysis showed that the A‐type pattern of starches was converted into the B‐type after treatment, and their relative crystallinity increased with the number of increased freeze–thaw cycles. The hardness increased in both normal and waxy starch. The solubility and pasting breakdown viscosity decreased in normal starch while they increased in waxy starch. The pasting peak time, peak viscosity, and setback viscosity increased in normal starch but decreased in waxy starch. The rapidly digested starch (RDS) and slowly digested starch (SDS) content in normal starch increased and non‐digestible starch (RS) content decreased whereas the RDS, SDS and RS content in waxy starch was almost unchanged as the freeze–thaw cycles increased. In the meantime, the molecular weight of both normal and waxy starch decreased with freeze–thaw treatment. Therefore, the repeated freeze–thaw treatment can change the physicochemical and digestible properties which could be a basis for starch‐based food processing.
Dysregulation of calcium metabolism in type 1 myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Hlaing Phyu M. , Scott Ian A. , Jackson Richard V. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatients with type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1) have a higher incidence of hypercalcaemia compared with the general population. The nature and effects of dysregulated calcium metabolism underpinning this phenomenon have not been fully characterised.AimsTo determine the characteristics of dysregulated calcium metabolism in patients with DM1 and its association with bone mineral density.MethodsA retrospective review of medical records of patients with DM1 attending a DM clinic at Logan Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, between 2005 and 2018 and who had concurrent serum assays performed of corrected serum calcium, 25 hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and phosphate and for whom results were available for estimated glomerular filtration rate, bone mineral densitometry tests and urinary calcium clearance to creatinine clearance ratio (UCCR).ResultsForty‐four patients with DM1 (22 females, 22 males) were reviewed of whom 14 (32%) had elevated corrected serum calcium and inappropriate PTH. Another 10 patients (23%) had raised PTH with normocalcaemia. Eighteen of 19 (94.7%) patients with hypercalcaemia or high PTH level completed 24‐h urinary calcium. All had UCCR ≤0.02. Twelve patients had UCCR <0.01. Seven of 44 (16%) had low 25 hydroxy vitamin D. All patients had normal estimated glomerular filtration rate. None was osteoporotic.ConclusionsOne in three patients with DM1 was hypercalcaemic with unsuppressed PTH. Their clinical features and biochemical pictures resemble those of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH) and raises the possibility that impaired activity of calcium‐sensing receptors, due to abnormal splicing of the calcium‐sensing receptor messenger RNA in DM1, causes a FHH‐like syndrome (‘pseudo‐FHH of DM1’).