bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responses of sapwood ray parenchyma and non‐structural carbohydrates of Pinus sylvestris to drought and long‐term irrigation
Authors: von Arx Georg , Arzac Alberto , Fonti Patrick , Frank David , Zweifel Roman , Rigling Andreas , Galiano Lucia , Gessler Arthur , Olano José Miguel 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) play a crucial role in tree resistance and resilience to drought. Stem sapwood parenchyma is among the largest storage tissue for NSC in mature trees. However, there is a limited mechanistic understanding of how NSC reserves, stem parenchyma abundance and growth rates are interrelated, and how they respond to changing water availability.

We quantified NSC, ray parenchyma abundance and ring width along four successive 5‐year radial sapwood segments of the stem of 40 mature Pinus sylvestris trees from a 10‐year irrigation experiment conducted at a xeric site in Switzerland.

Percentage of ray volume (PERPAR) varied from 3·75 to 8·94% among trees, but showed low intra‐individual variability. PERPAR responded positively to irrigation with a lag of several years, but was unrelated to %NSC. %NSC was lower in wider rings. However, wider rings still contained a larger NSC pool that was positively related to next year's ring growth.

Our results suggest that stem ray parenchyma does not limit NSC storage capacity, but responds to long‐term environmental drivers with years of delay. The observed carbon allocation patterns indicate a prioritization of storage over growth independent of growth conditions, likely as a mechanism to ensure long‐term survival. Furthermore, NSC pool size proved to be a determinant for the inter‐annual autocorrelation in tree‐ring growth. Our study highlights the importance of long‐term multi‐parameter studies to better understand tree responses to environmental variability at different time‐scales.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Inhibition of ALDH2 protects PC12 cells against formaldehyde‐induced cytotoxicity: involving the protection of hydrogen sulphide
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhou Cheng‐Fang , Xiao Fan , Huang Hong‐Lin , Zhang Ping , Gu Hong‐Feng , Tang Xiao‐Qing 
Published: March 2017

SummaryFormaldehyde (FA), a common environmental contaminant, has toxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS). We have previously found that hydrogen sulphide (H2S), the third endogenous gaseous mediator, protects neuron against the toxicity of FA. However, the underlying mechanism is poor. Aldehyde‐dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2) plays a major role in detoxification of reactive aldehyde in a range of organs and cell types. Therefore, we speculated that H2S antagonizes FA‐induced neurotoxicity by modulating ALDH2. In the present study, we found that the exposure of PC12 cells to FA causes increase in ALDH2 expression and activity. Daidzin, an inhibitor of ALDH2, significantly antagonizes FA‐exerted cytotoxicity and oxidative stress including the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), 4‐hydroxy‐2‐trans‐nonenal (4‐HNE), and malondialdehyde (MDA), in PC12 cells. We also showed that daidzin markedly attenuated FA‐induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Furthermore, we found that H2S reverses FA‐elicited upregulation of ALDH2 in PC12 cells. Our results demonstrated the involvement of downregulation of ALDH2 in the protection of H2S against FA neurotoxicity.
Indole signalling and (micro)algal auxins decrease the virulence of Vibrio campbellii, a major pathogen of aquatic organisms
Authors: Yang Qian , Pande Gde Sasmita Julyantoro , Wang Zheng , Lin Baochuan , Rubin Robert A. , Vora Gary J. , Defoirdt Tom 
Published: March 2017

SummaryVibrios belonging to the Harveyi clade are major pathogens of marine vertebrates and invertebrates, causing major losses in wild and cultured organisms. Despite their significant impact, the pathogenicity mechanisms of these bacteria are not yet completely understood. In this study, the impact of indole signalling on the virulence of Vibrio campbellii was investigated. Elevated indole levels significantly decreased motility, biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide production and virulence to crustacean hosts. Indole furthermore inhibited the three‐channel quorum sensing system of V. campbellii, a regulatory mechanism that is required for full virulence of the pathogen. Further, indole signalling was found to interact with the stress sigma factor RpoS. Together with the observations that energy‐consuming processes (motility and bioluminescence) are downregulated, and microarray‐based transcriptomics demonstrating that indole decreases the expression of genes involved in energy and amino acid metabolism, the data suggest that indole is a starvation signal in V. campbellii. Finally, it was found that the auxins indole‐3‐acetic acid and indole‐3‐acetamide, which were produced by various (micro)algae sharing the aquatic environment with V. campbellii, have a similar effect as observed for indole. Auxins might, therefore, have a significant impact on the interactions between vibrios, (micro)algae and higher organisms, with major ecological and practical implications.
Optimisation of fermentation variables for conjugated linoleic acid bioconversion by Lactobacillus fermentum DDHI27 in modified skim milk
Authors: Dahiya Dinesh K , Puniya Anil K 
Published: March 2017

Effects of fermentation variables on conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) biosynthesis of Lactobacillus fermentum DDHI27 in modified skim milk were evaluated. A total of 0.5 mg/mL was found to be the optimum linoleic acid concentration for maximum CLA production and this level was used in utilised for all successive experiments. The highest production of CLA isomers was detected at pH 6.0 when compared to other pH levels. Maximum biosynthesis of CLA isomers occurred during stationary growth (48 h) phase at all pH values tested. Validation of CLA isomers produced in selected samples was made by GC‐MS. These results indicate that these parameters strongly influence the CLA production capabilities of the strain.
Recent aflatoxin survey data in milk and milk products: A review
Authors: Ketney Otto , Santini Antonello , Oancea Simona 
Published: March 2017

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) occurrence in human and animal milk, infant formula, powdered milk, cheese and yoghurt represents a risk for health. The last four years (2010–2014) of data, as well as the most frequently and updated analytical methods applied for AFM1 quantification, are evaluated. Aflatoxin B1, considered the most potent toxic aflatoxin, is metabolised to form the monohydroxy derivative AFM1. This metabolized, expressed in the milk, is relatively stable, and it is not eliminated by heat treatments or pasteurisation, and thus represents a serious health concern.
Protein Characteristics that Affect the Quality of Vital Wheat Gluten to be Used in Baking: A Review
Authors: Ortolan Fernanda , Steel Caroline Joy 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe use of vital wheat gluten in the baking industry and wheat flour mills aims to improve the rheological characteristics of flour considered unsuitable to obtain products such as sliced bread, French bread, high‐fiber breads, and other products that require strong flours. To improve characteristics such as flour strength, dough mixing tolerance, and bread volume, vital wheat gluten is added to flour at levels that can vary from 2% to 10% (flour basis), with 5% being a commonly used dosage. However, the vital wheat gluten commercialized in the market has few quality specifications, especially related to the characteristics of the proteins that constitute it and are responsible for the formation of the viscoelastic gluten network. Information on protein quality is important, because variations are observed in the technological quality of vital wheat gluten obtained from different sources, which could be associated to damage caused to proteins during the obtainment process. Several tests, either physical–chemical analyses, or rheological tests, are carried out to establish gluten quality; however, they are sometimes time‐consuming and costly. Although these tests give good answers to specify gluten quality, flour mills, and the baking industries require fast and simple tests to evaluate the uses and/or dosage of vital gluten addition to wheat flour. This review covers the concepts, uses, obtainment processes, and quality analysis of vital wheat gluten, as well as simple tests to help identify details about protein quality of commercial vital wheat gluten.
Risk factors and clinical outcome of Clostridium difficile infection in patients with IBD: A single‐center retrospective study of 260 cases in China
Authors: Gu Yu Bei , Zhang Mao Chen , Sun Jing , Lv Ke Zhi , Zhong Jie 
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) may lead to poor outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study we aimed to investigate the cumulative incidence, risk factors and outcome of CDI in patients with IBD in a single center in China.METHODSThe clinical features and endoscopic profiles of consecutive IBD patients admitted to Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine between January 2013 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. CDI was diagnosed based on a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) stool test.RESULTSA total of 260 patients with IBD were enrolled, including 176 with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 84 with ulcerative colitis (UC). Altogether 13 (5.0%) patients were diagnosed with CDI. The incidence of CDI was 4.0% (7/176) in CD and 7.1% (6/84) in UC, respectively. The endoscopic feature of pseudomembrane was found in four (33.3%) IBD–CDI patients, and pseudomembrane and deep ulcers were significantly correlated with CDI (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Hemoglobin (Hb) <100 g/L was found to be associated with CDI (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.04–11.61, P = 0.043). Patients in the CDI group showed a higher risk of developing abdominal abscesses than those in the non‐CDI group (OR 6.09, 95% CI 1.8–15.2, P = 0.003).CONCLUSIONS
PCR‐based fecal test for CDI should be performed in these IBD patients. Hb <100 g/L may be an important risk factor for CDI in IBD. For patients with CDI, antibiotics should be administered promptly to prevent abdominal abscess.
The water channel protein aquaporin 1 regulates cellular metabolism and competitive fitness in a global fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Meyers Gena Lee , Jung Kwang‐Woo , Bang Soohyun , Kim Jungyeon , Kim Sooah , Hong Joohyeon , Cheong Eunji , Kim Kyoung Heon , Bahn Yong‐Sun 
Published: March 2017

SummaryIn this study, an aquaporin protein, Aqp1, in Cryptococcus neoformans, which can lead either saprobic or parasitic lifestyles and causes life‐threatening fungal meningitis was identified and characterized. AQP1 expression was rapidly induced (via the HOG pathway) by osmotic or oxidative stress. In spite of such transcriptional regulation, Aqp1 was found to be largely unnecessary for adaptation to diverse environmental stressors, regardless of the presence of the polysaccharide capsule. The latter is shown here to be a key environmental‐stress protectant for C. neoformans. Furthermore, Aqp1 was not required for the development and virulence of C. neoformans. Deletion of AQP1 increased hydrophobicity of the cell surface. The comparative metabolic profiling analysis of the aqp1Δ mutant and AQP1‐overexpressing strains revealed that deletion of AQP1 significantly increased cellular accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites, whereas overexpression of AQP1 depleted such metabolites, suggesting that this water channel protein performs a critical function in metabolic homeostasis. In line with this result, it was found that the aqp1Δ mutant (which is enriched with diverse metabolites) survived better than the wild type and a complemented strain, indicating that Aqp1 is likely to be involved in competitive fitness of this fungal pathogen.
Trophoblasts regulate natural killer cells via control of interleukin‐15 receptor signaling
Authors: Park Seo Y. , Yun Sohyun , Ryu Byung J. , Han Ae R. , Lee Sung K. 
Published: March 2017

ProblemTrophoblasts are known to decrease natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. However, little is known about the interaction between trophoblasts and NK cells during pregnancy. Interleukin‐15 (IL‐15) is essential for priming NK cells and maximizing their effector functions. We investigated whether trophoblasts regulate NK cell activation via IL‐15/IL‐2 receptor and its signaling pathways.Method of studyNatural killer‐92 cells were primed with human first‐trimester trophoblast cells (Sw.71) conditioned medium (CM) and co‐cultured with K562 cells. Flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, and real‐time PCR were performed to assess NK cell cytotoxicity, IL‐15/IL‐2 receptor expression, phosphorylation of STAT5 and MAPKs, and mRNA expression of IL‐15‐related genes.ResultsNatural killer‐92 cells incubated with Sw.71 CM showed reduced cytotoxicity and IL‐15‐mediated proliferation, and expression of IL‐15/IL‐2 receptor subunits. STAT5 phosphorylation, EOMES and T‐bet mRNA expressions, and ERK/JNK pathways of NK 92 cells were suppressed by Sw.71 CM. Productions of perforin, granzyme B, and IFN‐γ were also downregulated.ConclusionTrophoblasts regulate human NK cell functions via suppression of IL‐15/IL‐2 receptor expression, transcription factors, and ERK/JNK pathways.
Placenta praevia and the risk of adverse outcomes during second trimester abortion: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Perriera Lisa K. , Arslan Alan A. , Masch Rachel 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundThere are few reports in the literature of the risks associated with second trimester abortion in women with placenta praevia (PP). We hypothesise that PP increases the risk of complications.AimsWe sought to determine if PP is associated with a higher risk of blood loss and blood transfusion at the time of dilation and evacuation (D&E).Materials and methodsThe records of 612 consecutive women undergoing abortion at 15–24 weeks of gestation were reviewed. Participant characteristics, need for blood transfusion, estimated blood loss (EBL) during the abortion and other complications were compared between women with and without ultrasound‐documented PP.ResultsEighty‐seven of 612 (14.2%, 95% CI 11.5‐17.2%) women had ultrasound‐documented PP. The rate of blood transfusion was 3.4 and 1.3% in the group with PP and without PP, respectively (adjusted relative risk (RR = 2.8, 95% CI 0.7–11.3). An estimated blood loss of 500 cc or greater during the D&E procedure was observed in 12.6% of women in the PP group compared with 4.2% of women in the group without PP (adjusted RR 3.1, 95% CI 1.4–6.8, P = 0.004).ConclusionsSecond‐trimester abortion in women with PP is associated with a higher risk of blood loss of 500 cc or greater. Our study represents a larger sample size of patients with PP undergoing second‐trimester abortion than previously reported in the literature. Women with PP may have a higher estimated blood loss and may require access to blood transfusion.
Diagnosis of deep pelvic masses on a gynaecology service: Trans‐vaginal ultrasound‐guided needle aspiration of pelvic solid and cystic lesions
Authors: Eitan Ram , Peled Yoav , Sabah Gad , Krissi Haim , Haroush Avi Ben , Meizner Israel , Danon David , Bardin Ron , Jakobson‐Setton Ariella , Salzer Liat , Mashiach Reuven 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesWomen with undiagnosed pelvic lesions are often referred for evaluation and treatment. Transvaginal ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (TVUS‐FNA) biopsy can assist in making management decisions. We describe our experience with this modality.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of all women who had a TVUS‐FNA biopsy between January 2004 and December 2014. Charts were reviewed for clinicopathologic information. The pathologic results of the TVUS‐FNA were compared with the final diagnosis.ResultsFifty‐nine women underwent TVUS‐FNA; the median age was 66 years (range 27–85). Thirty‐three lesions were evaluated by fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of the solid structure and 26 by aspiration of fluid for cytology. Pathologic feasibility rate was 88% (52/59). Of those with evaluable tissue, the sensitivity of the procedure was 100% and the specificity 92%. Considering the seven inconclusive results, the procedure had sensitivity of 88% (29/33) and specificity of 88% (23/26). Overall accuracy of TVUS‐FNA for this patient cohort was 85%. No patient characteristics were found to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate or inconclusive TVUS‐FNA result. No complications were noted.ConclusionsTVUS‐FNA offers an excellent modality for the diagnosis and management of deep pelvic lesions otherwise not amenable for histologic evaluation.
Peripapillary choroidal vascular layers: the Beijing Eye Study
Authors: Xu Jie , Wang Ya Xing , Jiang Ran , Wei Wen Bin , Xu Liang , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeTo assess thickness and associations of the peripapillary choroidal layers.MethodsThe population‐based Beijing Eye Study included 3468 participants with an age of 50+ years. Using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography, we measured the large vessel layer (LVL) and small‐to‐medium vessel layer (SMVL) of the peripapillary choroid in a circular scan with a diameter of 3.4 mm around the optic nerve head centre at eight locations equidistant (45°) to each other. The ratio of SMVL thickness to LVL thickness was calculated.ResultsMeasurements were available for 3000 (86.5%) study participants (mean age: 64.4 ± 9.6 years; range: 50–93 years). SMVL (mean thickness: 31 ± 7 μm; range: 17–70 μm) and LVL (103 ± 48 μm; range: 9–313 μm) were thickest superiorly, followed by the temporal region, nasal region, and inferior region. Thicker SMVL was associated (regression coefficient r: 0.33) with younger age (p < 0.001; standardized regression coefficient β: −0.26), higher cognitive function (p = 0.02; β: 0.05), shorter axial length (p < 0.001; β: −0.12), thicker lens (p < 0.001; β: 0.07), smaller disc area (p < 0.001; β: −0.08), smaller parapapillary β/γ zone (p < 0.001; β: −0.10) and lower prevalence of angle‐closure glaucoma (p = 0.04; β: −0.04). Thicker LVL thickness was correlated (r: 0.45) with younger age (p < 0.001; β: −0.34) and higher cognitive function (p = 0.01; β: 0.05), shorter axial length (p < 0.001; β: −0.09)), thicker lens (p = 0.009; β: 0.06), smaller disc area (p < 0.001; β: −0.09), smaller parapapillary alpha zone (p = 0.04; β: −0.04), smaller β/γ zone (p < 0.001; β: −0.14) and lower prevalence of angle‐closure glaucoma (p = 0.057; β: −0.04). A higher SMVL‐to‐LVL thickness ratio was related with older age (p < 0.001; β: 0.36), longer axial length (p < 0.001; β: 0.09), lower best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (p = 0.002; β: 0.07), larger optic disc area (p < 0.001; β: 0.10) and larger β/γ zone (p < 0.001; β: 0.19).ConclusionSmall‐to‐medium vessel layer (SMVL) and LVL, thickest superiorly and thinnest inferiorly, increased with younger age and higher cognitive function after adjusting for axial length and prevalence of angle‐closure glaucoma. With older age, longer axial length, larger optic disc area and larger β zone, LVL decreased more than SMVL in thickness. The association between thicker peripapillary choroidal thickness and better cognitive function may deserve further attention.
Plant sterol enriched functional food and atherosclerosis
Authors: Köhler Jürgen , Teupser Daniel , Elsässer Albrecht , Weingärtner Oliver 
Published: March 2017

Hypercholesterolaemia is a major cardiovascular risk factor. A healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle reduces cardiovascular risk. ‘Functional foods’ supplemented with phytosterols are recommended for the management of hypercholesterolaemia and have become a widely used non‐prescription approach to lower plasma cholesterol levels. Two billion euros are spent world‐wide each year on various functional foods, which have regulator‐approved health claims for the management of elevated cholesterol levels. While international societies, such as the European Atherosclerosis Society or the National Heart Foundation in Australia, still advise phytosterols as an additional dietary option in the management of hypercholesterolaemia, recently released guidelines such as those from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence in the United Kingdom are more critical of food supplementation with phytosterols and draw attention to significant safety issues. This review challenges whether an intervention with phytosterol supplements is beneficial. We summarize the current evidence from genetic diseases, genetic association studies, clinical trial data and data from animal studies.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc
mRNA profilin identifies low levels of phosphatases dual-specific phosphatase-7 (DUSP7) and cell division cycle-25B (CDC25B) in patients with early arthritis
Authors: Castro-Sánchez P , Ramirez-Munoz R , Lamana A , Ortiz A , González-Álvaro I , Roda-Navarro P 
Published: March 2017

Summary
Phosphotyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) control phosphorylation levels and, consequently, regulate the output of intracellular signalling networks in health and disease. Despite the high number of PTPs expressed in CD4 T cells and their involvement in autoimmunity, information about the expression profile of PTPs in these cells has not been obtained in patients diagnosed with autoimmune diseases. Here, we compare the expression profile of PTPs in CD4 T cells of healthy volunteers and patients submitted to an early arthritis clinic, due to suspicion of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease mediated by CD4 T cells. We found lower transcript levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase dual-specific phosphatase-7 (DUSP7) and the cell division cycle-25B (CDC25B) in T cells of patients. While the low expression level of DUSP7 was restricted to patients with positive rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, the altered expression of CDC25B correlated with the activity of the disease. Low levels of CDC25B might contribute to the progression of the autoimmune arthritis and/or might be consequence of the inflammatory environment in the active disease. The possible role of DUSP7 and CDC25B as biomarkers of the disease in clinical protocols is discussed.
The identification of up-regulated ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p targeting MALT1 and ebv-miR-BHRF1-3 in the circulation of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wang Y F , He D D , Liang H W , Yang D , Yue H , Zhang X M , Wang R , Li B , Yang H X , Liu Y , Chen Y , Duan Y X , Zhang C Y , Chen X , Fu J 
Published: March 2017

Summary
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a well-documented aetiological factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). EBV encodes at least 44 microRNAs (miRNAs) that are readily detectable in the circulation of human. Previous studies have demonstrated that EBV-encoded miRNAs regulate host immune response and may serve as biomarkers for EBV-associated diseases. However, the roles of EBV miRNAs in MS are still unknown. To fill the gap, we conducted a comprehensive profiling of 44 mature EBV miRNAs in 30 relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients at relapse and 30 matched healthy controls. Expression levels of ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p and ebv-miR-BHRF1-3 were elevated significantly in the circulation and correlated positively with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores of MS patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses confirmed that the expression of these two miRNAs distinguished MS patients clearly from healthy controls. Luciferase assays revealed that ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p may directly target MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma transport protein 1), a key regulator of immune homeostasis. In conclusion, we described the expression of EBV miRNAs in MS and preliminarily validated the potential target genes of significantly altered EBV miRNAs. The findings may pave the way for prospective study about the pathogenesis of MS.