bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipid raft dynamics linked to sperm competency for fertilization in mice
Authors: Watanabe Hitomi , Takeda Rie , Hirota Keiji , Kondoh Gen 
Published: April 2017

It is well known that mammalian sperm acquires fertilization ability after several maturation processes, particularly within the female reproductive tract. In a previous study, we found that both glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored protein (GPI‐AP) release and lipid raft movement occur during the sperm maturation process. In several genetic studies, release of GPI‐AP is a crucial step for sperm fertilization ability in the mouse. Here, we show that lipid raft movement is also fundamental for sperm to be competent for fertilization by comparing the sperm maturation process of two mouse inbred strains, C57BL/6 and BALB/c. We found that ganglioside GM1 movement was exclusively reduced in BALB/c compared with C57BL/6 among other examined sperm maturation parameters, such as GPI‐AP release, sperm migration to the oviduct, cholesterol efflux, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and acrosome reaction, and was strongly linked to sperm fertility phenotype. The relationship between GM1 movement and in vitro fertilization ability was confirmed in other mouse strains, suggesting that lipid raft movement is one of the important steps for completing the sperm maturation process.
Histological grading based on poorly differentiated clusters is predictive of tumour response and clinical outcome in rectal carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Reggiani Bonetti Luca , Lionti Simona , Domati Federica , Pagliani Giuliana , Mattioli Elisabetta , Barresi Valeria 
Published: April 2017

AimsThe clinical outcome of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is influenced by the tumour response to treatment, which is reflected by tumour regression grade and post‐treatment (y) TNM stage. Little is known about the prognostic value of pretreatment histopathological features of the tumour that may be useful to discriminate potential non‐responders and to design tailored therapeutic strategies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic role of poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs) of neoplastic cells in pretreatment biopsies of patients with rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant CRT.Methods and resultsGrading based on PDC counting was retrospectively applied to 204 pretreatment endoscopic biopsies of rectal carcinomas from patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT and surgery. Interobserver agreement in the assessment of PDC grade was good. High PDC grade was significantly associated with high yT stage (P = 0.044), yM+ status (P = 0.0004), and unchanged TNM stage or TNM upstaging (P = 0.032). In addition, high PDC grade was a significant and independent prognostic factor for cancer‐specific survival.ConclusionsPDC grade may be assessed in preoperative biopsies of rectal cancer with good reproducibility. High PDC grade in a pretreatment tumour is significantly associated with a poor response to therapy. Hence, we suggest that PDC grading might be used as a significant predictive and prognostic factor in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who are treated with neoadjuvant CRT, and to identify high‐risk patients who need surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.
A biogeographical perspective on species abundance distributions: recent advances and opportunities for future research
Authors: Matthews Thomas J. , Borges Paulo A.V. , de Azevedo Eduardo Brito , Whittaker Robert J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIt has become increasingly recognized that multiple processes can generate similar shapes of species abundance distributions (SADs), with the result that the fit of a given SAD model cannot unambiguously provide evidence in support of a given theory or model. An alternative approach to comparing the fit of different SAD models to data from a single site is to collect abundance data from a variety of sites, and then build models to analyse how different SAD properties (e.g. form, skewness) vary with different predictor variables. Such a biogeographical approach to SAD research is potentially very revealing, yet there has been a general lack of interest in SADs in the biogeographical literature. In this Perspective, we address this issue by highlighting findings of recent analyses of SADs that we consider to be of intrinsic biogeographical interest. We use arthropod data drawn from the Azorean archipelago to further highlight how analyses of SAD form and function may be biogeographically informative. We hope that, by reviewing a number of novel approaches, our article may prove to be a catalyst for a greater interest in analysing SADs in biogeography.
Nursing students’ preferences for clinical placements in the residential aged care setting
Authors: Lea Emma , Marlow Annette , Altmann Erika , Courtney‐Pratt Helen 
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectivesTo examine nursing student placement preferences submitted as online comments to a university's placement management system, to inform strategies for positive residential aged care experiences.BackgroundThere are predicted shortages of nurses to service an ageing population. Clinical placements undertaken by undergraduate nursing students help shape their attitudes and are a key determinant of career decision‐making, yet there is little research about why students prefer particular placement areas.DesignAnalysis of qualitative data from a placement management system.MethodsOf 6,610 comments received between 2007–2014, 607 related to aged care and were coded according to preferences for being placed in a residential aged care facility, with reasons for this preference thematically coded and quantified.ResultsFour hundred and one comments (66.1%) related to students requesting not to be allocated residential aged care for the upcoming placement, primarily due to previous experience in the sector; 104 (17.1%) referred to aged care in a neutral manner, focusing on conflict of interest; 102 (16.8%) related to a request for an aged care placement.ConclusionsThe student nurse comments characterise students as being focused on maximising their learning, while considering prior experience. In some cases, increased exposure to aged care is considered to offer limited learning opportunities, which is concerning and suggests that both the tertiary and aged care sectors have a joint responsibility to pursue recognition of aged care nursing as a specialised, highly skilled role.Relevance to clinical practiceNursing programme providers should ensure curriculum content and exposure to aged care placement clearly identify the complexities of care and provide genuine opportunities for knowledge acquisition and skill development based on multifaceted resident care needs. This will support both those interested in a future aged care career and those undecided.
Clinical factors affecting costs in patients receiving systemic antifungal therapy in intensive care units in Greece: Results from the ESTIMATOR study
Authors: Armaganidis A. , Nanas S. , Antoniadou E. , Mandragos K. , Liakou K. , Koutsoukou A. , Baltopoulos G. , Nakos G. , Kounougeri A. , Ganas K. , Prekates A. , Kompoti M. , Georgopoulos D. , Pneumatikos I. , Zakynthinos E. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryInvasive fungal infections are common in intensive care units (ICUs) but there is a great variability in factors affecting costs of different antifungal treatment strategies in clinical practice. To determine factors affecting treatment cost in adult ICU patients with or without documented invasive fungal infection receiving systemic antifungal therapy (SAT) we have performed a prospective, multicentre, observational study enrolling patients receiving SAT in participating ICUs in Greece. During the study period, 155 patients received SAT at 14 participating ICUs: 37 (23.9%) for proven fungal infection before treatment began, 10 (6.5%) prophylactically, 77 (49.7%) empirically and 31 (20.0%) pre‐emptively; 66 patients receiving early SAT (55.9%) were subsequently confirmed to have proven infection with Candida spp. (eight while on treatment). The most frequently used antifungal drugs were echinocandins (89/155; 57.4%), fluconazole (31/155; 20%) and itraconazole (20/155; 12.9%). Mean total cost per patient by SAT strategy was €20 458 (proven), €15 054 (prophylaxis), €23 594 (empiric) and €22 184 (pre‐emptive). Factors associated with significantly increased cost were initial treatment failure, length of stay (LOS) in ICU before starting SAT (i.e. from admission until treatment start), fever and proven candidaemia (all P≤.05). Conclusion: Early administration of antifungal drugs was not a substantial component of total hospital costs. However, there was a significant adverse impact on costs with increasing LOS in febrile patients in ICU for whom diagnosis of fungaemia was delayed before starting SAT, and with initial treatment failure. Awareness of potential candidaemia and initiation of pre‐emptive or empirical strategy as early appropriate treatment may improve ICU patient outcomes while reducing direct medical costs.
Analysis of mutations in the SOS‐1 gene in two Polish families with hereditary gingival fibromatosis
Authors: Gawron K , Bereta G , Nowakowska Z , Łazarz‐Bartyzel K , Potempa J , Chomyszyn‐Gajewska M , Górska R , Plakwicz P 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesTo establish whether two families from Malopolska and Mazovia provinces in Poland are affected by hereditary gingival fibromatosis type 1, caused by a single‐cytosine insertion in exon 21 of the Son‐of‐Sevenless‐1 gene.Material and MethodsSix subjects with hereditary gingival fibromatosis and five healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Gingival biopsies were collected during gingivectomy or tooth extraction and used for histopathological evaluation. Total RNA and genomic DNA were purified from cultured gingival fibroblasts followed by cDNA and genomic DNA sequencing and analysis.ResultsHereditary gingival fibromatosis was confirmed by periodontal examination, X‐ray, and laboratory tests. Histopathological evaluation showed hyperplastic epithelium, numerous collagen bundles, and abundant‐to‐moderate fibroblasts in subepithelial and connective tissue. Sequencing of exons 19‐22 of the Son‐of‐Sevenless‐1 gene did not reveal a single‐cytosine insertion nor other mutations.ConclusionsPatients from two Polish families under study had not been affected by hereditary gingival fibromatosis type 1, caused by a single‐cytosine insertion in exon 21 of the Son‐of‐Sevenless‐1 gene. Further studies of the remaining regions of this gene as well as of other genes are needed to identify disease‐related mutations in these patients. This will help to unravel the pathogenic mechanism of gingival overgrowth.
Melanocortin 2, 3 and 4 Receptor Gene Expressions are Downregulated in CD8+ T Cytotoxic Lymphocytes and CD19+ B Lymphocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis Responding to TNF‐α Inhibition
Authors: Andersen M. , Nagaev I. , Meyer M. K. , Nagaeva O. , Wikberg J. , Mincheva‐Nilsson L. , Andersen G. N. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMelanocortin signalling in leucocyte subsets elicits anti‐inflammatory and immune tolerance inducing effects in animal experimental inflammation. In man, however, the effects of melanocortin signalling in inflammatory conditions have scarcely been examined. We explored the differential reactions of melanocortin 1‐5 receptors (MC1‐5R) gene expressions in pathogenetic leucocyte subsets in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to treatment with TNF‐α inhibitor adalimumab. Seven patients with active RA donated blood at start and at 3‐month treatment. CD4+ T helper (h) lymphocytes (ly), CD8+ T cytotoxic (c) ly, CD19+ B ly and CD14+ monocytes were isolated, using immunomagnetic beads, total RNA extracted and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) performed. Fold changes in MC1‐5R, Th1‐, inflammatory‐ and regulatory cytokine gene expressions were assessed for correlation. Six patients responded to adalimumab treatment, while one patient was non‐responder. In all lymphocyte subtypes, MC1‐5R gene expressions decreased in responders and increased in the non‐responder. In responders, decrease in MC2R, MC3R and MC4R gene expressions in CD8+ Tc and CD19+ B ly was significant. Fold change in MC1‐5R and IFNγ gene expressions correlated significantly in CD8+ Tc ly, while fold change in MC1R, MC3R and MC5R and IL‐1β gene expressions correlated significantly in CD4+ Th ly. Our results show regulation of MC2R, MC3R and MC4R gene expressions in CD8+ Tc ly and CD19+ B ly. The correlations between fold change in different MCRs and disease driving cytokine gene expressions in CD8+ Tc ly and CD4+ Th ly point at a central immune modulating function of the melanocortin system in RA.
A Non‐pathogenic Recombinant Leishmania Expressing Lipophosphoglycan 3 Against Experimental Infection with Leishmania infantum
Authors: Pirdel L. , Farajnia S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean basin and affects primarily children and immunosuppressed individuals. Various strategies of vaccination have so far been examined by either protein or DNA without achievable complete protection against the disease. The live non‐pathogenic lizard parasite, Leishmania tarentolae, expressing elected Leishmania antigens has recently provided a promising new approach as a safe and effective live vaccine candidate to prevent leishmaniasis. Here, we evaluated the immunoprotective potential of a live recombinant L. tarentolae expressing Lipophosphoglycan 3 (LPG3) antigen against L. infantum infection in BALB/c mice. Results indicated that the administration of live recombinant Leishmania produced a significant high level of IFN‐γ accompanied by reduced levels of IL‐10 as compared to wild‐type parasites as live vaccine control, thus suggesting the induction of a Th1‐type immune response in a mouse model of visceral leishmaniasis. Analysis of the IgG antibody response also showed high levels of IgG2a relative to IgG1 in sera of mice immunized with recombinant Leishmania parasites. However, immune responses elicited by this live vaccine conferred partial protection against infectious challenge. Therefore, further studies are required to increase its protective efficacy.
Influence of land use and tillage depth on dynamics of soil microbial properties, soil carbon fractions and crop yield after conversion of short‐rotation coppices
Authors: Wachendorf C. , Stuelpnagel R. , Wachendorf M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe effect of conversion of short‐rotation coppices (SRCs) to agricultural land on soil organic carbon (SOC), soil microbial properties and crop yield is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of subsequent land use and tillage depth after conversion of SRCs on (i) total SOC (ii) soil C fractions with differentiation of total harvest residues and woody harvest residues from SRC and maize by 13C analysis and (iii) dry matter and N yield of grassland and maize. For this purpose, field trials were established after conversion of SRCs at three sites in Germany and cultivated with maize and grassland with shallow (5 cm), medium (15 cm) and deep tillage depth (30 cm). Crops were sampled for 5 yrs, and soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–5, 5–15 and 15–30 cm. Amount of total carbon and soil carbon fractions immediately and 4 yrs after conversion of SRC were compared. Tillage depth had no effect on dry matter yield of maize and grassland. The amount of woody harvest residues decreased over time following conversion at all sites irrespective of land use or tillage depth, but SOC decreased only at one site. Microbial biomass was particularly sensitive to land use, but microorganisms reacted differently to tillage depth depending on the soil conditions. Our results reveal that decomposition of woody harvest residues is rapid and that effects of tillage and land use on different soil C‐pools are site specific.
High‐dose calcineurin inhibitor‐free everolimus as a maintenance regimen for heart transplantation may be a risk factor for Pneumocystis pneumonia
Authors: Hu Yu‐Ning , Lee Nan‐Yao , Roan Jun‐Neng , Hsu Chi‐Hsin , Luo Chwan‐Yau 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundEverolimus reduces the incidence of cardiac‐allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and is less renally toxic than are calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). We evaluated the safety of CNI‐free everolimus for post‐heart transplant (HTx) patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of 36 consecutive patients who had undergone an HTx between January 2006 and December 2013 in National Cheng Kung University Hospital. All patients initially had been treated with the standard tacrolimus regimen. The Study group—12 patients with CAV, renal impairment, or a history of malignancy—were switched from tacrolimus to everolimus. The Control group consisted of 19 patients who remained on the standard regimen. The target everolimus trough concentration was 8‐14 ng/mL. The primary outcome was survival, and the secondary outcomes were bacterial, viral, fungal, and other infections; Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP); and rejection (≥2R).ResultsDuring a 53.3±25.6‐month follow‐up, the survival rate, rejection rate, and number of infections, except for PJP, were not significantly different between the two groups. In the Study group, 6 patients were diagnosed with PJP 33±18.2 months after switching. None of the Control group patients were diagnosed with PJP during follow‐up.ConclusionsA high‐dose CNI‐free everolimus maintenance regimen might yield a higher incidence of post‐transplantation PJP.
Hippocampal electrical stimulation disrupts associative learning when targeted at dentate spikes
Authors: Nokia Miriam S. , Gureviciene Irina , Waselius Tomi , Tanila Heikki , Penttonen Markku 
Published: April 2017

Key points
Dentate spikes are fast fluctuations of hilar local‐field potentials that take place during rest and are thought to reflect input arriving from the entorhinal cortex to the hippocampus.
During dentate spikes, neuronal firing in hippocampal input (dentate gyrus) and output (CA1/CA3) regions is uncoupled.
To date, the behavioural significance of dentate spikes is unknown.
Here, we provide evidence that disrupting the dentate spike‐related uncoupling of the dentate gyrus and the CA1/CA3 subregions for 1 h after training retards associative learning.
We suggest dentate spikes play a significant role in memory consolidation.
AbstractHippocampal electrophysiological oscillations, namely theta and ripples, have been implicated in encoding and consolidation of new memories, respectively. According to existing literature, hippocampal dentate spikes are prominent, short‐duration (<30 ms), large‐amplitude (∼2–4 mV) fluctuations in hilar local‐field potentials that take place during awake immobility and sleep. Interestingly, previous studies indicate that during dentate spikes dentate gyrus granule cells increase their firing while firing of CA1 pyramidal cells are suppressed, thus resulting in momentary uncoupling of the two hippocampal subregions. To date, the behavioural significance of dentate spikes is unknown. Here, to study the possible role of dentate spikes in learning, we trained adult male Sprague–Dawley rats in trace eyeblink classical conditioning. For 1 h immediately following each conditioning session, one group of animals received hippocampal stimulation via the ventral hippocampal commissure (vHC) contingent on dentate spikes to disrupt the uncoupling between the dentate gyrus and the CA1 subregions. A yoked control group was stimulated during immobility, irrespective of brain state, and another control group was not stimulated at all. As a result, learning was impaired only in the group where vHC stimulation was administered contingent on dentate spikes. Our results suggest dentate spikes and/or the associated uncoupling of the dentate gyrus and the CA1 play a significant role in memory consolidation. Dentate spikes could possibly reflect reactivation and refinement of a memory trace within the dentate gyrus triggered by input from the entorhinal cortex.
BRAF V600 mutation detection in melanoma: a comparison of two laboratory testing methods
Authors: O'Brien Odharnaith , Lyons Tomas , Murphy Sandra , Feeley Linda , Power Derek , Heffron Cynthia C B B 
Published: April 2017

AimsThe assessment of B-raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) gene status is now standard practice in patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma with its presence predicting a clinical response to treatment with BRAF inhibitors. The gold standard in determining BRAF status is currently by DNA-based methods. More recently, a BRAF V600E antibody has been developed. We aim to investigate whether immunohistochemical detection of BRAF mutation is a suitable alternative to molecular testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).MethodsWe assessed the incidence of BRAF mutation in our cohort of 132 patients, as determined by PCR, as well as examining clinical and histopathological features. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the anti-BRAF V600E VE1 clone antibody in detecting the presence of the BRAF V600E mutation in 122 cases deemed suitable for testing.ResultsThe incidence of BRAF mutation in our cohort was 28.8% (38/132). Patients with the BRAF mutation were found to be significantly younger at age of diagnosis. BRAF-mutated melanomas tended to be thinner and more mitotically active. The antibody showed a sensitivity of 86.1% with a specificity of 96.9%. The positive predictive value was 96.9%; the negative predictive value was 94.4%. The concordance rate between PCR and immunohistochemical BRAF status was 95.1% (116/122).ConclusionsThe rate of BRAF mutation in our cohort (28.8%) was lower than international published rates of 40%–60%. This may reflect ethnic or geographic differences within population cohorts. The high concordance rate of PCR and immunohistochemical methods in determining BRAF status suggests that immunohistochemistry is potentially a viable, cost-effective alternative to PCR testing and suitable as a screening test for the BRAF mutation.
Trans-Tethyan correlation of the Lower–Middle Cenomanian boundary interval; southern England (Southerham, near Lewes, Sussex) and Douar el Khiana, northeastern Algeria
Authors: Kennedy William J. , Gale Andrew S. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A 480 m section of marls with widely separated levels of nodular limestone in the Fahdene Formation north of Bou Khadra in Tebessa Province, northeastern Algeria, spans the Lower/Middle Cenomanian boundary. A total of 30 ammonite species are present, of which two: Forbesiceras reversum and Calycoceras (Newboldiceras) algeriense are new. The fauna allows recognition of the Northwest European upper Lower Cenomanian Mantelliceras dixoni Zone, the succeeding lower Middle Cenomanian Cunningtoniceras inerme Zone, the Acanthoceras rhotomagense Zone and its subzones of Turrilites costatus and Turrilites acutus. The sequence of index species occurs in the same order in both north-eastern Tunisia and the Southerham Grey Pit in Sussex (and indeed elsewhere in Northwest Europe), indicating these to be robust assemblage zones and subzones that can be recognised on both the north and south sides of the Tethys. Other occurrences of taxa that are common in both sections and regions are markedly different, and include the co-occurrence of Cunningtoniceras inerme (Pervinquière, 1907) with Acanthoceras rhotomagense (Brongniart, 1822) in the costatus Subzone in north-eastern Algeria and central Tunisia, the extension of Acompsoceras renevieri (Sharpe, 1857) into the lower Middle Cenomanian in north-eastern Tunisia, whilst the acme of Turrilites scheuchzerianus Bosc, 1801, is in the dixoni Zone in Northwest Europe, and in the inerme Zone in northeasten Algeria and adjacent parts of Central Tunisia. These differences are not a result of collection failure or non-preservation, but must rather reflect environmental controls on occurrence and abundance.