bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flg22‐triggered oxylipin production in Pyropia haitanensis
Authors: Tu Shisheng , Yang Rui , Xu Xia , Chen Juanjuan , Luo Qijun , Zhu Zhujun , Chen Haimin , Yan Xiaojun 
Published: January 2017

SUMMARYThis study provides evidence that flg22, the most conserved 22‐amino acid peptide in the N‐terminal part of bacterial flagellin can trigger the defense responses of Pyropia haitanensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta). The defense responses are a chain of events including release of H2O2 and free unsaturated fatty acids C20:4, consumption of C18:3, and the chemical or enzymatic oxidation of both C20 and C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oxidized C20 and C18 fatty acids lead to the production of corresponding hydroperoxy and hydroxylated derivatives, such as 9‐hydroperoxy octadecadienoic acid, 8‐hydroperoxy eicosapentaenoic acid, and 8‐hydroxyl eicosapentaenoic acid, which could be further oxidatively metabolized to yield saturated aldehydes and ketone. Changes of three typical hormones jasmonate, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid were observed. Contrary to the increase of jasmonate and methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid was decreased. The expression of key enzymes of oxylipin pathway PhLOX and PhLOX2 were upregulated. However, some defense and antioxidant related genes including PhHsp 70, Phsod , and PhRboh were downregulated markedly at the early stage of flg22 challenge. Overall, our results imply that red algae have evolved a similar defense response and may share the conservative‐recognizing receptor for flg22 as in higher plants.
Efficacy of topical insulin in wound healing: A preliminary systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sridharan Kannan , Sivaramakrishnan Gowri 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTopical insulin has been shown to promote wound healing in various studies. Considering the absence of a systematic review and quantitative synthesis on the same, the present study was carried out. Using an appropriate search strategy, electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that have compared topical application of insulin in wounds with normal saline. Standardize mean differences were calculated for the following outcome measures: healing rate of ulcers/wound, percent granulation tissue growth, microvessel density, time to heal, wound area and ulcer severity score. Cochrane's risk of bias tool was used for each of the studies and RevMan 5.3 software was used to generate the pooled estimates and Forest plots. The quality of evidence was assessed by the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group approach. A total of 8 studies were found eligible to be included in this review and 7 for the meta‐analysis. The pooled estimates were as follows: healing rate—0.04 [−1.38, 1.46]; percent granulation tissue—10.99 [−10.07, 32.06], microvessel density—3.01 [−1.67, 7.69] and wound area—−6.59 [−9.7, −3.48]. There was only one study for each of the following outcome measures: time to heal and ulcer severity score. Hence, pooling of the results was not attempted for these outcome measures. The studies conducted in this field were preliminary and it was difficult to draw any conclusion regarding the use of insulin topically for wound healing.
Floc Formation Reduces the pH Stress Experienced by Microorganisms Living in Alkaline Environments
Authors: Charles C. J. , Rout S. P. , Patel K. A. , Akbar S. , Laws A. P. , Jackson B. R. , Boxall S. A. , Humphreys P. N. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

The survival of microorganisms within a cementitious geological disposal facility for radioactive wastes heavily depends on their ability to survive the calcium-dominated, hyperalkaline conditions resulting from the dissolution of the cementitious materials. The results from this study show that the formation of flocs, composed of a complex mixture of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), provides protection against alkaline pH values up to 13.0. The flocs were dominated by
Alishewanella
and
Dietzia
spp., producing a mannose-rich carbohydrate fraction incorporating extracellular DNA, resulting in Ca
2+
sequestration. EPS provided a ∼10-μm thick layer around the cells within the center of the flocs, which were capable of growth at pH values of 11.0 and 11.5, maintaining internal pH values of 10.4 and 10.7, respectively. Microorganisms survived at a pH of 12.0, where an internal floc pH of 11.6 was observed, as was a reduced associated biomass. We observed limited floc survival (<2 weeks) at a pH of 13.0. This study demonstrates that flocs maintain lower internal pHs in response to the hyperalkaline conditions expected to occur within a cementitious geological disposal facility for radioactive wastes and indicates that floc communities within such a facility can survive at pHs up to 12.0.

IMPORTANCE
The role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the survival of microorganisms in hyperalkaline conditions is poorly understood. Here, we present the taxonomy, morphology, and chemical characteristics of an EPS-based microbial floc, formed by a consortium isolated from an anthropogenic hyperalkaline site. Short-term (<2 weeks) survival of the flocs at a pH of 13 was observed, with indefinite survival observed at a pH of 12.0. Measurements from micro-pH electrodes (10-μm-diameter tip) demonstrated that flocs maintain lower internal pHs in response to hyperalkaline conditions (pH 11.0, 11.5, and 12.0), demonstrating that floc formation and EPS production are survival strategies under hyperalkaline conditions. The results indicate how microbial communities may survive and propagate within the hyperalkaline environment that is expected to prevail in a cementitious geological disposal facility for radioactive wastes; the results are also relevant to the wider extremophile community.
Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain OLL2712 Culture Conditions on the Anti-inflammatory Activities for Murine Immune Cells and Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Toshimitsu T. , Ozaki S. , Mochizuki J. , Furuichi K. , Asami Y. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Studies on the health-promoting effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are numerous, but few provide examples of the relationship between LAB function and culture conditions. We verified the effect of differences in culture conditions on
Lactobacillus plantarum
OLL2712 functionality; this strain exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and preventive effects against metabolic disorders. We measured interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-12 production in murine immune cells treated with OLL2712 cells prepared under various culture conditions. The results showed that the IL-10-inducing activities of OLL2712 cells on murine immune cells differed dramatically between OLL2712 groups at different culture phases and using different culture medium components, temperatures, and neutralizing pHs. In particular, exponential-phase cells had much more IL-10-inducing activity than stationary-phase cells. We confirmed that the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) stimulation activity of OLL2712 cells depended on culture conditions in conjunction with IL-10-inducing activity. We also demonstrated functional differences by culture phases
in vivo
; OLL2712 cells at exponential phase had more anti-inflammatory activity and anti-metabolic-disorder effects on obese and diabetic mice than those by their stationary-phase counterparts. These results suggest that culture conditions affect the functionality of anti-inflammatory LAB.

IMPORTANCE
While previous studies demonstrated that culture conditions affected the immunomodulatory properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), few have comprehensively investigated the relationship between culture conditions and LAB functionality. In this study, we demonstrated several culture conditions of
Lactobacillus plantarum
OLL2712 for higher anti-inflammatory activity. We also showed that culture conditions concretely influenced the health-promoting functions of OLL2712
in vivo
, particularly against metabolic disorders. Further, we characterized a novel mechanism by which changing LAB culture conditions affected immunomodulatory properties. Our results suggest that culture condition optimization is important for the production of LAB with anti-inflammatory activity.
P
gas
, a Low-pH-Induced Promoter, as a Tool for Dynamic Control of Gene Expression for Metabolic Engineering of Aspergillus niger
Authors: Yin Xian , Shin Hyun-Dong , Li Jianghua , Du Guocheng , Liu Long , Chen Jian 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

The dynamic control of gene expression is important for adjusting fluxes in order to obtain desired products and achieve appropriate cell growth, particularly when the synthesis of a desired product drains metabolites required for cell growth. For dynamic gene expression, a promoter responsive to a particular environmental stressor is vital. Here, we report a low-pH-inducible promoter, P
gas
, which promotes minimal gene expression at pH values above 5.0 but functions efficiently at low pHs, such as pH 2.0. First, we performed a transcriptional analysis of
Aspergillus niger
, an excellent platform for the production of organic acids, and we found that the promoter P
gas
may act efficiently at low pH. Then, a gene for synthetic green fluorescent protein (
sGFP
) was successfully expressed by P
gas
at pH 2.0, verifying the results of the transcriptional analysis. Next, P
gas
was used to express the
cis
-aconitate decarboxylase (
cad
) gene of
Aspergillus terreus
in
A. niger
, allowing the production of itaconic acid at a titer of 4.92 g/liter. Finally, we found that P
gas
strength was independent of acid type and acid ion concentration, showing dependence on pH only.

IMPORTANCE
The promoter P
gas
can be used for the dynamic control of gene expression in
A. niger
for metabolic engineering to produce organic acids. This promoter may also be a candidate tool for genetic engineering.
Structural analysis of the Kiokee belt and its framing elements
Authors: Dennis Allen J. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Eight stops on a one-day field trip along the Savannah River corridor between Plum Branch, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia, review the Ediacaran–Cambrian and Pennsylvanian–Permian history of several terranes that comprise Carolinia in the eastern Piedmont. The foliation of ca. 550 Ma andesitic metatuffs of the Persimmon Fork is isoclinally folded. This event may be related to other recognized events in Carolinia at the Cambrian-Precambrian boundary or the folding of the sub–Asbill Pond angular unconformity before the intrusion of the Clouds Creek pluton. Three stops illustrate features of the Modoc zone in the eastern Piedmont. Variably mylonitized Modoc zone orthogneisses were intruded between 300 and 310 Ma. Mylonitic Modoc zone orthogneisses are parasitically folded around the northwest-vergent Kiokee antiform. Monazites from the core of the Kiokee antiform yield TIMS (thermal ionization mass spectrometry) U-Pb ages of ca. 306–308 Ma, and hornblende yields 40Ar/39Ar plateaus of ca. 288 and 296 Ma. Favorably oriented near-vertical segments of the steeply dipping to overturned limb of the Kiokee antiform are reactivated with dextral strike-slip sense and locally preserve spectacular composite planar fabric. The serpentinites at Burks Mountain include serpentinized orthopyroxene and chromite. The origin of these ultramafic rocks may have been at the base of an ophiolite or an ultramafic layered intrusion in the lower continental crust. The ca. 294 Ma Appling granite is undeformed and intrudes the trailing limb of the Kiokee antiform. The Augusta fault frames the southeastern margin of the Kiokee belt schists and gneisses. The fault is known from a single quarry exposure that places low-grade metavolcanics and epiclastic rocks in the hanging wall against footwall gneisses and schists of the Kiokee belt. The most distinctive rocks in the quarry are K-silica-metasomatized mylonites interleaved with chlorite schists. The origin of K and Group I cations is thought to be the retrogression of biotite. Furthermore this metasomatism is thought to have accompanied Triassic rifting. These metasomatic effects are heterogeneously developed in the footwall Kiokee belt gneisses, and are well known in the footwall of the Triassic border fault of the Dunbarton basin, underlying the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site. It is thought that no differential rotation of the eastern Piedmont in this area occurred after ca. 275 Ma. A final stop is made to observe the low-grade metavolcanic rocks of the Belair belt south of the Augusta fault.
Mediterranean style diet is associated with low risk of new-onset diabetes after renal transplantation
Authors: Osté Maryse C J , Corpeleijn Eva , Navis Gerjan J , Keyzer Charlotte A , Soedamah-Muthu Sabita S , van den Berg Else , Postmus Douwe , de Borst Martin H , Kromhout Daan , Bakker Stephan J L 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveThe incidence of new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) and premature mortality is high in renal transplant recipients (RTR). We hypothesized that a Mediterranean Style diet protects against NODAT and premature mortality in RTR.Research design and methodsA prospective cohort study of adult RTR with a functioning graft for >1 year. Dietary intake was assessed with a 177-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Patients were divided based on a 9-point Mediterranean Style Diet Score (MDS): low MDS (0–4 points) versus high MDS (5–9 points). A total of 468 RTR were eligible for analyses. Logistic multivariable regression analyses were used to study the association of MDS with NODAT and Cox multivariable regression models for the association with all-cause mortality.ResultsMean±SD age was 51.3±13.2 years and 56.6% were men. About 50% of the patients had a high MDS. During median follow-up of 4.0 (IQR, 0.4–5.4) years, 22 (5%) RTR developed NODAT and 50 (11%) died. High MDS was significantly associated with both a lower risk of NODAT (HR=0.23; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.64; p=0.004) and all-cause mortality (HR=0.51; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.89, p=0.02) compared to low MDS, independent of age and sex. Adjustment for other potential confounders, including total energy intake, physical activity and smoking status, did not materially change the results of the analyses.ConclusionsDietary habits leading to high MDS were associated with lower risk of NODAT. These results suggest that healthy dietary habits are of paramount importance for RTR.
Leisure-time sport and overuse injuries of extremities in children age 6–13, a 2.5 years prospective cohort study: the CHAMPS-study DK
Authors: Chéron Charlène , Leboeuf-Yde Charlotte , Le Scanff Christine , Jespersen Eva , Rexen Christina Trifonov , Franz Claudia , Wedderkopp Niels 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesIt is not known which sports are most likely to cause overuse injuries of the extremities in children. In this study, we report on the incidence of overuse injuries of the upper and lower extremities in children who participate in various leisure-time sports and relate this to the frequency of sport sessions.DesignNatural experiment including a prospective cohort study.Setting10 state schools in 1 Danish municipality: Svendborg.Participants1270 children aged 6–13 years participating in the Childhood Health, Activity, and Motor Performance School Study Denmark.Outcomes measuresOver 2.5 years, parents answered weekly SMS-track messages (a) on type and frequency of leisure-time sports undertaken by their child, and (b) reporting if their child had experienced any musculoskeletal pain. Children with reported pain were examined by a clinician and diagnosed as having an overuse injury of an extremity or not. The incidence of diagnosed overuse injury was calculated for each of the 9 most common sports in relation to 5-week periods. Incidence by frequency of sessions was calculated, and multivariable analysis was performed taking into account age, sex and frequency of physical education classes at school.ResultsIncidence of overuse injuries of the lower extremity ranged from 0.2 to 3.3 for the 9 sports, but was near 0 for overuse injuries of the upper extremities. There was no obvious dose–response. The multivariate analysis showed soccer and handball to be the sports most likely to result in an overuse injury.ConclusionsAmong a general population of schoolchildren, overuse injuries of the lower extremities were not common and overuse injuries of the upper extremities were rare. Organised leisure-time sport, as practised in Denmark, can be considered a safe activity for children.
Association between insomnia symptoms, job strain and burnout syndrome: a cross-sectional survey of 1300 financial workers
Authors: Metlaine Arnaud , Sauvet Fabien , Gomez-Merino Danielle , Elbaz Maxime , Delafosse Jean Yves , Leger Damien , Chennaoui Mounir 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesProfessional burnout is closely related to work stress but less frequently associated with disturbed sleep. This study determines whether job strain and sleep disturbances are associated risk factors of burnout among financial workers.DesignObservational study.Participants1300 employees (725 female) of a financial company.Primary measuresSelf-reported questionnaires (Maslach Burnout Inventory, Job Content Questionnaire, Sleep questionnaire based on ICSD-3 classification), the Epworth sleepiness scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultThe prevalence of burnout was 10.2% (9.0% moderate and 1.2% severe). 23.3% of workers were considered with high job strain, and 93.1% had a high level of job satisfaction. 16.8% of individuals had insomnia and 97% reported non-restorative sleep. The bivariate analyses demonstrate a higher risk of burnout in participants with insomnia (OR=14.7, 95% CI 9.8 to 21.9), non-restorative sleep (OR=9.9, 95% CI 5.1 to 19.5) and anxiety (OR=10.2, 95% CI 6.8 to 15.3). High job strain was associated with burnout (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.6). This association was not maintained after adjustment for sleep parameters. Job satisfaction was another independent risk factor for burnout (OR=124, 95% CI 65 to 237).ConclusionsIn our sample of financial workers, job strain represents a burnout risk factor only if associated with insomnia. Insomnia can be considered as a relevant clinical marker that should be targeted in mental health prevention programmes at the workplace.
Cost-effectiveness of superficial femoral artery endovascular interventions in the UK and Germany: a modelling study
Authors: Kearns Benjamin C , Thomas Steven M 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo assess the lifetime costs and cost-effectiveness of 5 endovascular interventions to treat superficial femoral arterial disease.DesignA model-based health economic evaluation. An existing decision analytical model was used, with updated effectiveness data taken from the literature, and updated costs based on purchasing prices.SettingUK and German healthcare perspectives were considered.ParticipantsPatients with intermittent claudication of the femoropopliteal arteries eligible for endovascular treatment.MethodsUK and German healthcare perspectives were considered, as were different strategies for re-intervention.InterventionsPercutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with bail-out bare metal stenting (assumed to represent the existing standard of care, and 4 alternatives: primary bare metal stents, drug-eluting stents, drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) and biomimetic stents).Primary outcome measuresThe incremental cost-effectiveness ratio between 2 treatments, defined as the incremental costs divided by the incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).ResultsUse of a biomimetic stent, BioMimics 3D, was always estimated to dominate the other interventions, having lower lifetime costs and greater effectiveness, as measured by QALYs. Of the remaining interventions, DEBs were always the most effective, and PTA the least effective. There was uncertainty in the cost-effectiveness results, with key drivers being the costs and effectiveness of the biomimetic stent along with the costs of DEBs.ConclusionsAll 4 of the alternatives to PTA were more effective, with the biomimetic stent being the most cost-effective. As there was uncertainty in the results, and all of the interventions have different mechanisms of action, all 4 may be considered to be alternatives to PTA.
Screening for Atrial Fibrillation using Economical and accurate TechnologY (SAFETY)—a pilot study
Authors: Lown Mark , Yue Arthur , Lewith George , Little Paul , Moore Mike 
Published: January 2017

IntroductionAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a cause of stroke and a marker of atherosclerosis and of all patients with stroke, around 17% have AF. The screening and treatment of AF could prevent about 12% of all strokes. Several relatively low-cost devices with good accuracy now exist which can detect AF including WatchBP and AliveCor. However, they can only measure the ECG or pulse over short time periods. Inexpensive devices such as heart rate monitors, which are widely available, can measure heart rate for prolonged periods and may have potential in screening for AF. This study aims to determine the accuracy of AliveCor and WatchBP along with a bespoke algorithm using a heart rate monitor belt (Polar H7) and a wearable RR interval recorder (Firstbeat Bodyguard 2) for detecting AF during a single screening visit in primary care patients.Methods/analysisA multicentre case–control diagnostic study comparing the four different devices for the detection of AF with a reference standard consisting of a 12-lead ECG in GP surgeries across Hampshire, UK. We aim to recruit 92 participants with AF and 329 without AF aged 65 years and over. We will ask participants to rate comfort and overall impression for each device. We will collect qualitative data from participants capturing their experience of using wearable devices in order to evaluate acceptability. We will collect data from GPs to determine their views on AF screening.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol was approved by the London—City & East Research Ethics Committee in June 2016. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, national and international conference presentations and the Atrial Fibrillation Association, UK.Trial registration numberISRCTN17495003, Pre-results.
Sunitinib Stimulates Expression of VEGFC by Tumor Cells and Promotes Lymphangiogenesis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Dufies Maeva , Giuliano Sandy , Ambrosetti Damien , Claren Audrey , Ndiaye Papa Diogop , Mastri Michalis , Moghrabi Walid , Cooley Lindsay S. , Ettaiche Marc , Chamorey Emmanuel , Parola Julien , Vial Valerie , Lupu-Plesu Marilena , Bernhard Jean Christophe , Ravaud Alain , Borchiellini Delphine , Ferrero Jean-Marc , Bikfalvi Andréas , Ebos John M. , Khabar Khalid Saad , Grépin Renaud , Pagès Gilles 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Sunitinib is an antiangiogenic therapy given as a first-line treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). While treatment improves progression-free survival, most patients relapse. We hypothesized that patient relapse can stem from the development of a lymphatic network driven by the production of the main growth factor for lymphatic endothelial cells, VEGFC. In this study, we found that sunitinib can stimulate vegfc gene transcription and increase VEGFC mRNA half-life. In addition, sunitinib activated p38 MAPK, which resulted in the upregulation/activity of HuR and inactivation of tristetraprolin, two AU-rich element–binding proteins. Sunitinib stimulated a VEGFC-dependent development of lymphatic vessels in experimental tumors. This may explain our findings of increased lymph node invasion and new metastatic sites in 30% of sunitinib-treated patients and increased lymphatic vessels found in 70% of neoadjuvant treated patients. In summary, a therapy dedicated to destroying tumor blood vessels induced the development of lymphatic vessels, which may have contributed to the treatment failure. Cancer Res; 77(5); 1212–26. ©2017 AACR.