bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A spectroelectrochemical investigation of the heme‐based sensor DevS from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a redox versus oxygen sensor
Authors: Barreto Giamwemberg A. , Carepo Marta S. P. , Gondim Ana C. S. , Guimarães Wellinson G. , Lopes Luiz G. F. , Bernhardt Paul V. , Paulo Tércio F. , Sousa Eduardo H. S. , Diógenes Izaura C. N. 
Published: June 2019

Tuberculosis is one of the oldest known infectious diseases, responsible for millions of deaths annually around the world. The ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to enter into a dormant state has been considered integral to the success of this bacterium as a human pathogen. One of the key systems involved in regulating the entrance into dormancy is the differentially expressed in virulent strain sensor protein (DevS) [(dormancy survival sensor protein (DosS)]. However, the physiological signal for DevS has remained unclear since it was first shown to be a heme‐based sensor with conflicting reports on whether it is a redox or an oxygen sensor. To address this question and provide a better understanding of the electronic properties of this protein, we present here, for the first time, a series of spectroelectrochemistry measurements of the full‐length holo DevS in anaerobic conditions as well as bound to CO, NO, imidazole (Imz), cyanide, and O2. An interesting feature of this protein is its ability to bind Imz even in the ferrous state, implying small‐molecule analogues could be designed as potential regulators. Nonetheless, a midpoint potential (Em) value of +10 mV [vs normal hydrogen electrode (NHE)] for DevS as measured under anaerobic conditions is much higher than the expected cytosolic potential for Mtb or even within stimulated macrophages (~ −270 mV vs NHE), indicating this sensor works in a reduced ferrous state. These data, along with the high oxygen affinity and very slow auto‐oxidation rate of DevS, provides evidence that it is not a redox sensor. Overall, this study validates the biological function of DevS as an oxygen sensor directly involved in the dormancy/latency of Mtb.
A simultaneous effect of selfing and Epichloë endophyte on forage, seed yield and turf characteristics of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Torkian Mehran , Sabzalian Mohammad R. , Ehtemam Mohammad Hossein 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRyegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a putative turf and forage plant characterized as mainly outcrossing in which the extent of self‐fertilization and its consequences has not been investigated. In this study, selfed and half‐sib family seeds were obtained from ten clonally propagated ryegrass plants among which two were endophyte‐free (EF) and eight were endophyte‐infected (EI). Then, 20 seed populations plus two commercial varieties of Speedy and Vigor were sown and evaluated in a biennial experiment for their turf and forage characteristics. Selfing caused significant inbreeding depression for plant fresh and dry weight and leaf length and width in the first year for both EI and EF genotypes. In the second year, only leaf length remained depressed among these characters. Also, for the most growth, turf and reproductive traits, EI populations showed less depression. The presence of endophyte in self‐pollinated populations made an increasing effect for the number of seed per spike and days to heading, although seed weight was reduced. Some of the populations derived from self‐pollination and infected with fungal endophyte including S9 and S10 were even superior to the two commercial varieties in terms of both seed production and turf characteristics. However, for seed‐related characteristics including number of spikes per plant, seed weight and seed yield, EF populations including Speedy and Vigor were more reproductive than EI populations. It is concluded that selfing may increase the discrimination between EI and EF ryegrass plants because endophyte infection may mitigate the negative consequences of inbreeding depression in prone populations.
Comparison of hepatitis B virus genotypes B and C among chronically hepatitis B virus‐infected patients who received nucleos(t)ide analogs: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Inoue Jun , Akahane Takehiro , Nakayama Haruo , Kimura Osamu , Kobayashi Tomoo , Kisara Norihiro , Sato Toshihiro , Morosawa Tatsuki , Izuma Masaaki , Kakazu Eiji , Ninomiya Masashi , Iwata Tomoaki , Takai Satoshi , Nakamura Takuya , Sano Akitoshi , Niitsuma Hirofumi , Masamune Atsushi ,   THERME Study Group
Published: June 2019

AimHepatitis B virus genotype B (HBV/B) has been reported to have less risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but long‐term observation has rarely been reported. We aimed to clarify the characteristics of HBV/B in nucleos(t)ide analog‐treated patients in an area where HBV/B is more prevalent than in other areas of Japan.MethodsA total of 498 chronically HBV‐infected patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analog (lamivudine, entecavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, or tenofovir alafenamide fumarate) for >6 months (mean 70.6 months) were included from nine hospitals in northeast Japan. The frequencies of hepatitis B surface antigen loss and HCC occurrence were analyzed.ResultsAmong 427 patients whose genotype could be determined, 34.0% and 64.4% were infected with HBV/B and genotype C (HBV/C), respectively. The age of patients with HBV/B was significantly older than those with HBV/C (57.7 vs. 48.1). The cumulative rate of hepatitis B surface antigen loss was significantly higher in HBV/B than in HBV/C (3.6% vs. 0.7% at 10 years). Among 480 patients without HCC history, HCC occurrence was found in 40 patients (13.4% at 10 years). There was no cumulative rate difference of HCC occurrence among the genotypes, but after propensity score matching for age/sex, it was significantly lower in HBV/B than in HBV/C (5.3% vs. 18.5% at 10 years).ConclusionsAlthough a lower rate of HCC occurrence in HBV/B was shown by an age/sex‐matched analysis than that in HBV/C, patients with HBV/B were significantly older and had a comparative risk of HCC occurrence in nucleos(t)ide analog‐treated patients.
A functional polymorphism in the promoter of TUG1 is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke
Authors: Wei Ye‐Sheng , Yang Jun , He Yong‐Ling , Shi Xiang , Zeng Zhi‐Neng 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTaurine‐upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), a kind of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), was up‐regulated in ischaemic stroke (IS) with the function of promoting neuron apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of TUG1 polymorphisms with IS risk. The TUG1 polymorphisms were genotyped using a custom‐by‐design 48‐Plex SNPscan kit. The promoter activity was measured using the dual luciferase reporter assay. Relative expression of TUG1 in IS patients was analysed using quantitative PCR and the binding of TUG1 rs2240183 polymorphism to transcription factor was analysed using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. The rs2240183 CT/CC genotypes and C allele in the promoter of TUG1 were associated with an increased risk of IS (CT/CC vs. TT: adjusted OR = 1.70, 95% CI, 1.16‐2.49, P = 0.006; C vs. T: adjusted OR = 1.47, 95% CI, 1.12‐1.93, P = 0.005). Logistic regression analysis showed that the rs2240183 was a risk factor of IS besides TC, TG, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, VLDL‐C, Apo‐A1, Apo‐B and NEFA. Further functional analysis revealed that the TUG1 rs2240183 C allele exhibited higher transcriptional activity and TUG1 expression levels (P < 0.01). The ChIP assay showed that the rs2240183 C allele binds to transcriptional factor GATA‐1. These findings indicate that the rs2240183 C allele was associated with a higher risk of IS possibly by binding to GATA‐1 and elevating TUG1 levels.
Long non‐coding RNA SNAI3‐AS1 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the UPF1/Smad7 signalling pathway
Authors: Li Yarui , Guo Dan , Ren Mudan , Zhao Yan , Wang Xin , Chen Yifei , Liu Yaping , Lu Guifang , He Shuixiang 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEmerging evidence has indicated that deregulation of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can contribute to the progression of human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role and exact mechanism of most lncRNAs in tumours remains largely unknown. In the current study, we found a novel long non‐coding RNA termed SNAI3‐AS1 which was generally up‐regulated in HCC tissues compared with normal control. Higher expression of SNAI3‐AS1 was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival of HCC patients. Knockdown of SNAI3‐AS1 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro, whereas overexpression of SNAI3‐AS1 promoted the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. Further investigations showed that SNAI3‐AS1 could affect HCC tumorigenesis by binding up‐frameshift protein 1 (UPF1), regulating Smad7 expression and activating TGF‐β/Smad pathway. Functionally, SNAI3‐AS1 promoted HCC growth and metastasis by inducing tumour epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Taken together, these findings showed that SNAI3‐AS1 promotes the progression of HCC by regulating the UPF1 and activating TGF‐β/Smad pathway.
Rearing environment affects spatial learning in juvenile Chinook salmonOncorhynchus tshawytscha
Authors: Cogliati Karen M. , Unrein Julia R. , Schreck Carl B. , Noakes David L. G. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe tested the prediction that a complex physical rearing environment would enhance short‐term spatial memory as assessed by learning ability in a spatial navigation task in juvenile Chinook salmonOncorhynchus tshawytscha. We reared fish in two low‐density treatments, where fish were either in bare fiberglass tanks (bare) or in tanks with physical structure (complex). We also tested conventionally reared high‐density hatchery fish to compare with these other experimental treatments. Our reason for including this third hatchery treatment is that the two low‐density treatments, aside from the manipulation of structure, followed a rearing programme that is designed to produce fish with more wild‐like characteristics. We tested individually marked fish for seven consecutive days and recorded movement and time to exit a testing maze. Stimulus conspecific fish outside the exit of the maze provided positive reinforcement for test fish. Fish from the bare treatment were less likely to exit the start box compared with fish in the complex and hatchery treatments. However, fish in the hatchery treatment were significantly more likely to exit the maze on their own compared with both the bare and complex treatments. Hatchery fish effectively learned the task as shown by a decrease in the number of mistakes over time, but the number of mistakes was significantly greater on the first day of trials. Increasing habitat complexity with structure may not necessarily promote spatial learning ability, but differences between hatchery and experimental treatments in rearing density and motivation to be near conspecifics likely led to observed behavioural differences.
Effect of L‐carnitine on liver enzymes and biochemical factors in hepatic encephalopathy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abbasnezhad Amir , Choghakhori Razieh , Kashkooli Sara , Alipour Meysam , Asbaghi Omid , Mohammadi Rasool 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsWe aimed to investigate the effect of L‐carnitine on biochemical factors including ammonia, bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE).MethodsA systematic search was carried out in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to find articles related to the effect of L‐carnitine supplementation in patients with HE, up to 7 February 2019. There was no language and time limitation. Meta‐analyses were carried out using both the random and fixed effects models where appropriate, and I2 index was used to evaluate the heterogeneity.ResultsSearch yielded 3462 publications. Nine randomized clinical trials with 779 patients were eligible. L‐carnitine supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of ammonia. Furthermore, our results indicated that L‐carnitine supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of bilirubin, AST, BUN, and Cr in patients with HE. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that L‐carnitine significantly reduced ammonia in patients with all the ages, long and short duration of the supplementation, doses less or higher than 4000 mg/day, any route of treatment (intravenous or oral), and in patients with any grade of the symptoms of HE. Moreover, we found that L‐carnitine significantly increased circulating levels of albumin in HE patients.ConclusionsPresent systematic review and meta‐analysis revealed that L‐carnitine supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of ammonia, bilirubin, AST, BUN, and Cr in HE patients. Moreover, we found that L‐carnitine significantly increased circulating levels of albumin. However, further large‐scale randomized clinical trials are needed.
Preliminary results of the use of scalp microneedling in different types of alopecia
Authors: Starace Michela , Alessandrini Aurora , Brandi Nicolò , Piraccini Bianca Maria 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is the result of progressive patterned hair density reduction and sometimes can be associated with telogen effluvium (TE). The efficacy of conventional therapy is variable, and therefore, there is a need for adjuvant and newer modalities of treatment in order to give faster and better outcomes. Microneedling has been reported to be a promising, effective, and safe new technique in the treatment of AGA.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to prove that microneedling procedure should be offered to patients with AGA and TE along with the existing therapeutic modalities, in order to obtain faster hair regrowth and, therefore, a better patient compliance.Patients and methodsWe collected data of 36 females, 29 with AGA, and 7 with TE, and 14 males with AGA between January 2017 and December 2018 and then treated with 3 session of microneedling over a total period of 6 months.ResultsNo serious adverse side effects were reported. All the patients reported a partial or complete reduction in hair loss, associated to the perception of improvement of hair density and thickening of the hair shaft diameter, results confirmed by clinical iconography and trichoscopy.ConclusionsScalp areas typical affected by AGA, that is, the vertex in males and the frontal area in females, are the ones that showed the greater percentage of improvement. Moreover, microneedling can have a role also in TE, especially when cosmetic procedures do not give enough results, because it induces a rapid arresting of the hair loss.
Mobility bridges a gap in care: Findings from an early mobilisation quality improvement project in acute care
Authors: Johnson Audrey M. , Howell Dana M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo qualitatively evaluate an early mobilisation quality improvement project implemented on a general medicine unit.BackgroundEarly mobility quality improvement projects show promising quantitative results yet have failed to collect data from patient and staff experience associated with physical activity during illness and the impact of this change in clinical practice.DesignA mixed methods case study was used to evaluate a mobility quality improvement project. Quantitative results will be published separately. The qualitative evaluation used a phenomenological lens to explore the patient and staff experience.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews with twelve participants (four patients and eight staff) were performed during the project. Data were analysed using open coding, direct interpretation and then categorised into an overarching and four supporting themes. Findings are reported per the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.ResultsParticipants reported that early mobilisation bridged a gap in care. Staff understood the benefits of early mobility. Patients expressed how mobility aligned with personal preferences and their need to prepare for hospital discharge. Greater functional independence and higher mobility levels in patients on the unit reduced staff level of care. When patients were consistently presented with opportunities to be mobile and active, they expected mobility to be a part of their daily care plan.ConclusionsFindings suggest that early mobility quality improvement projects have the potential to transform clinical practice and improve the quality of care for patients in acute care.Relevance to clinical practiceAll members of the healthcare team, including the patient, recognise the importance of maintaining mobility and function during hospitalisation yet focus on these needs are often delayed or missed. Early mobility quality improvement projects help to set patient expectations and build a culture that promotes patient mobility and function during acute illness.
Women's Liberation as a Financial Innovation
Authors: HAZAN MOSHE , WEISS DAVID , ZOABI HOSNY 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTIn one of the greatest extensions of property rights in human history, common law countries began giving rights to married women in the 1850s. Before this “women's liberation,” the doctrine of coverture strongly incentivized parents of daughters to hold real estate, rather than financial assets such as money, stocks, or bonds. We exploit the staggered nature of coverture's demise across U.S. states to show that women's rights led to shifts in household portfolios, a positive shock to the supply of credit, and a reallocation of labor toward nonagriculture and capital‐intensive industries. Investor protection thus deepened financial markets, aiding industrialization.
From Participation To Repurchase: Low Income Households And Micro‐insurance
Authors: Sane Renuka , Thomas Susan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe article asks what drives the time to repurchase for life and accident insurance contracts in low income households. We use data on customers of a financial services provider from three states in India and find that the probability of repurchase is highest in the first 2 months after the contract expires, and steadily declines after. This suggests a window of opportunity for financial firms and governments to target customers to ensure continuous insurance purchase. Nonmembership of microfinance groups and poor rainfall in the month of expiry affect the time to repurchase adversely. Customers who take longer to repurchase tend to increase the amount of insurance cover.
The Impact of Local Food Expenditure on School Foodservice Revenues
Authors: Motta Victor 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDLocally grown foods, through farm‐to‐school (FTS) activities, may be a key component to balancing foodservice budgets and alleviating financial constraints in school districts. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of local food expenditures on school foodservice revenues and earnings. We anticipated a positive impact of local food expenditures on foodservice revenues and earnings.METHODSOrdinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis was conducted using data from the 2013 US Department of Agriculture Farm to School Census. The questionnaire primarily asked all US public school districts about their FTS operations during 2011‐2012 school year.RESULTSAlthough our results initially showed a negative impact of local milk and nonmilk expenditures on foodservice revenues from food sales, when combined with revenues from the federal government, the impact is positive. The positive effect seems to hold when adding foodservice revenues from both food sales and federal funds. Our study found a similar pattern for foodservice earnings.CONCLUSIONSThis may indicate that competitive foods are still widely preferred in school districts. Revenue from the federal government is critical to maintain FTS activities viable to students and community members although federal funds and food sales may not cover total foodservice expenditures.
Conservation of old individual trees and small populations is integral to maintain species' genetic diversity of a historically fragmented woody perennial
Authors: Bezemer Nicole , Krauss Siegfried L. , Roberts David G. , Hopper Stephen D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHistorically fragmented and specialized habitats such as granite outcrops are understudied globally unique hot spots of plant evolution. In contrast to predictions based on mainstream population genetic theory, some granite outcrop plants appear to have persisted as very small populations despite prolonged geographic and genetic isolation. Eucalyptus caesia Benth. is a long‐lived lignotuberous tree endemic with a naturally fragmented distribution on granite outcrops in south‐western Australia. To quantify population to landscape‐level genetic structure, we employed microsatellite genotyping at 14 loci of all plants in 18 stands of E. caesia. Sampled stands were characterized by low levels of genetic diversity, small absolute population sizes, localized clonality and strong fine‐scale genetic subdivision. There was no significant relationship between population size and levels of heterozygosity. At the landscape scale, high levels of population genetic differentiation were most pronounced among representatives of the two subspecies in E. caesia as originally circumscribed. Past genetic interconnection was evident between some geographic neighbours separated by up to 20 km. Paradoxically, other pairs of neighbouring stands as little as 7 km apart were genetically distinct. There was no consistent pattern of isolation by distance across the 280 km range of E. caesia. Low levels of gene flow, together with strong drift within stands, provide some explanation of the patterns of genetic differentiation we observed. Individual genet longevity via the ability to repeatedly resprout and expand from a lignotuber may enhance the persistence of some woody perennial endemic plants despite small population size, minimal genetic interconnection and low heterozygosity.