bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracellular amorphous carbonates uncover a new biomineralization process in eukaryotes
Authors: Martignier A. , Pacton M. , Filella M. , Jaquet J.‐M. , Barja F. , Pollok K. , Langenhorst F. , Lavigne S. , Guagliardo P. , Kilburn M. R. , Thomas C. , Martini R. , Ariztegui D. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUntil now, descriptions of intracellular biomineralization of amorphous inclusions involving alkaline‐earth metal (AEM) carbonates other than calcium have been confined exclusively to cyanobacteria (Couradeau et al., 2012). Here, we report the first evidence of the presence of intracellular amorphous granules of AEM carbonates (calcium, strontium, and barium) in unicellular eukaryotes. These inclusions, which we have named micropearls, show concentric and oscillatory zoning on a nanometric scale. They are widespread in certain eukaryote phytoplankters of Lake Geneva (Switzerland) and represent a previously unknown type of non‐skeletal biomineralization, revealing an unexpected pathway in the geochemical cycle of AEMs. We have identified Tetraselmis cf. cordiformis (Chlorophyta, Prasinophyceae) as being responsible for the formation of one micropearl type containing strontium ([Ca,Sr]CO3), which we also found in a cultured strain of Tetraselmis cordiformis. A different flagellated eukaryotic cell forms barium‐rich micropearls [(Ca,Ba)CO3]. The strontium and barium concentrations of both micropearl types are extremely high compared with the undersaturated water of Lake Geneva (the Ba/Ca ratio of the micropearls is up to 800,000 times higher than in the water). This can only be explained by a high biological pre‐concentration of these elements. The particular characteristics of the micropearls, along with the presence of organic sulfur‐containing compounds—associated with and surrounding the micropearls—strongly suggest the existence of a yet‐unreported intracellular biomineralization pathway in eukaryotic micro‐organisms.
Carbon accrual rates, vegetation and nutrient dynamics in a regularly burned coppice woodland in Germany
Authors: Borchard Nils , Adolphs Timo , Beulshausen Friederike , Ladd Brenton , Gießelmann Urs C. , Hegenberg Dominik , Möseler Bodo M. , Amelung Wulf 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHistorically, large areas of forest in Europe were managed as coppice woodland to produce wood‐based fuel for the smelting industry. We hypothesized that this practice produced a legacy effect on current forest ecosystem properties. Specifically, we hypothesized that the historical form of coppicing may have produced a legacy of elevated stocks of soil organic carbon (SOC), nutrients and black carbon (BC) in soil as fire was routinely used in coppiced woodland to clear land. We further hypothesized that these changes in soil properties would result in increased biodiversity. To test these hypotheses, we sampled the surface soil (0–5, 5–10 and 10–20 cm) from a chronosequence of forest sites found in the Siegerland (Germany) that had been coppiced and burned 1, 2, 3.5, 6, 8, 11 and 17 years before present. Mature beech and spruce forests (i.e., >60 years) were also sampled as reference sites: to provide a hint of what might occur in the absence of human intervention. We measured stocks of SOC, BC, NO3‐N, P, K, Mg, as well as cation exchange and water‐holding capacity, and we mapped plant composition to calculate species richness and evenness. The results showed that coppicing in combination with burning soil and litter improved soil nutrient availability, enhanced biodiversity and increased SOC stocks. The SOC stocks and biodiversity were increased by a factor of three relative to those in the mature beech and spruce forests. This study shows that traditional coppicing practice may facilitate net C accrual rates of 20 t ha−1 yr−1 and maintain high biodiversity, indicating that aspects of traditional practice could be applied in current forest management to foster biodiversity and to mitigate climate change.
The kerion: an angry tinea capitis
Authors: John Ann M. , Schwartz Robert A. , Janniger Camila K. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTinea capitis has a high incidence with a global changing pathogen distribution, making this condition a public health concern around the world. As the infection is initially asymptomatic, it is easily spread. Moreover, it is present in many fomites, including hairbrushes, pillows, and bedding. Prompt recognition and treatment is necessary for kerion, an inflammatory subtype characterized by tender boggy plaques with purulent drainage. Kerion is usually associated with infection by zoophilic dermatophytes, although other sources have been described. Treatment for this severe form of dermatophytic infection can be challenging. In addition to the use of topical treatments, oral administration of griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole is often required. Griseofulvin, the first‐line treatment, may not completely eradicate pathogen colonization of the host and may contribute to reinfection and prevalence of infective but asymptomatic carriers. This review highlights new agents that are being evaluated for the treatment of kerion and typical tinea capitis, enhanced diagnostic criteria, and a grading system for kerion evaluation.
Pedicled medial sural perforator flap for the reconstruction of knee defects
Authors: Chiang I‐Han , Wu Chia‐Chun , Chen Shyi‐Gen , Wang Chih‐Hsin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSoft tissue defects exposing the patellar tendon or bone are common in patients who have experienced trauma or implant infection. The purpose of this article is to present our experience of six patients who underwent reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the knee using a pedicled medial sural perforator flap. Between November 2013 and November 2015, six patients who presented with a soft tissue defect overlying the knee were admitted to our hospital. After adequate debridement or wide excision of the tumour, these patients underwent pedicled medial sural perforator flap placement to resurface the complex soft tissue defects and to provide a gliding surface for the exposed patellar tendon. The patients' age, comorbidity, aetiology, defect size and location, flap size, perforator numbers and lengths, outcome and follow‐up period were reviewed. The six medial sural perforator flaps survived completely, and the wounds healed satisfactorily over a mean follow‐up of 21·5 months (range, 6–51 months). Donor sites were closed primarily or covered with a split‐thickness skin graft. The medial sural perforator flap is a reliable flap for coverage of defects overlying the knee. The thin and pliable flap, long pedicle length and less donor site mobility benefit patients. Thus, the medial sural perforator flap may be a valuable alternative for defect reconstructions overlying the knee, which produces satisfactory results both functionally and cosmetically.
Distinct roles of immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based motifs in immunosuppressive indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1
Authors: Albini Elisa , Rosini Verdiana , Gargaro Marco , Mondanelli Giada , Belladonna Maria L. , Pallotta Maria Teresa , Volpi Claudia , Fallarino Francesca , Macchiarulo Antonio , Antognelli Cinzia , Bianchi Roberta , Vacca Carmine , Puccetti Paolo , Grohmann Ursula , Orabona Ciriana 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe enzyme indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) catalyses the initial, rate‐limiting step in tryptophan (Trp) degradation, resulting in tryptophan starvation and the production of immunoregulatory kynurenines. IDO1's catalytic function has long been considered as the one mechanism responsible for IDO1‐dependent immune suppression by dendritic cells (DCs), which are master regulators of the balance between immunity and tolerance. However, IDO1 also harbours immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motifs, (ITIM1 and ITIM2), that, once phosphorylated, bind protein tyrosine phosphatases, (SHP‐1 and SHP‐2), and thus trigger an immunoregulatory signalling in DCs. This mechanism leads to sustained IDO1 expression, in a feedforward loop, which is particularly important in restraining autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. Yet, under specific conditions requiring that early and protective inflammation be unrelieved, tyrosine‐phosphorylated ITIMs will instead bind the suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3), which drives IDO1 proteasomal degradation and shortens the enzyme half‐life. To dissect any differential roles of the two IDO1's ITIMs, we generated protein mutants by replacing one or both ITIM‐associated tyrosines with phospho‐mimicking glutamic acid residues. Although all mutants lost their enzymic activity, the ITIM1 – but not ITIM2 mutant – did bind SHPs and conferred immunosuppressive effects on DCs, making cells capable of restraining an antigen‐specific response in vivo. Conversely, the ITIM2 mutant would preferentially bind SOCS3, and IDO1's degradation was accelerated. Thus, it is the selective phosphorylation of either ITIM that controls the duration of IDO1 expression and function, in that it dictates whether enhanced tolerogenic signalling or shutdown of IDO1‐dependent events will occur in a local microenvironment.
MicroRNA let‐7g possesses a therapeutic potential for peripheral artery disease
Authors: Hsu Po‐Yuan , Hsi Edward , Wang Tzu‐Ming , Lin Ruey‐Tay , Liao Yi‐Chu , Juo Suh‐Hang H. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis and conveys a significant health burden globally. Critical limb ischaemia encompasses the most severe consequence of PAD. Our previous studies indicate that microRNA let‐7g prevents atherosclerosis and improves endothelial functions. This study aimed to investigate whether and how let‐7g therapy may improve blood flow to ischaemic limbs. The present study shows that let‐7g has multiple pro‐angiogenic effects on mouse ischaemic limb model and could be a potential therapeutic agent for PAD. Mice receiving intramuscular injection of let‐7g had more neovascularization, better local perfusion and increased recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells after hindlimb ischaemia. The therapeutic effects of let‐7g's on angiogenesis are mediated by multiple regulatory machinery. First, let‐7g increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) and VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) through targeting their upstream regulators HIF‐3α and TP53. In addition, let‐7g affected the splicing factor SC35 which subsequently enhanced the alternative splicing of VEGF‐A from the anti‐angiogenic isoform VEGF‐A165b towards the pro‐angiogenic isoform VEGF‐A164a. The pleiotropic effects of let‐7g on angiogenesis imply that let‐7g may possess a therapeutic potential in ischaemic diseases.
Ghrelin is a possible new predictor associated with executive function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen Siting , Zuo Xuyang , Li Yuan , Jiang Tian , Zhang Nan , Dai Fang , Chen Qiaoer , Zhang Qiu 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe aim of the present research was to study the ghrelin level, executive function and their possible association in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsA total of 370 people were recruited between March 2015 and March 2016 in this study. Among them, 212 participants were patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 158 participants were included as the control group. Their blood sample was analyzed for the level of ghrelin and other clinical indexes. Cognitive function was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and executive function was evaluated by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.ResultsIn the type 2 diabetes mellitus group, age, years of education, duration of diabetes, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, hypertension and waist‐to‐hip ratio were correlated with total Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. No association was found between ghrelin level and total Montreal Cognitive Assessment score in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, ghrelin was found to be a significant predictor for executive function impairment measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.ConclusionsThe level of serum ghrelin might be a biomarker of executive function and become a strong predictor of executive function impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ghrelin might have a potential protective effect against cognitive function impairment in type 2 diabetes patients.
Treatment outcomes with ixekizumab in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis who have or have not received prior biological therapies: an integrated analysis of two Phase III randomized studies
Authors: Gottlieb A.B. , Lacour J.‐P. , Korman N. , Wilhelm S. , Dutronc Y. , Schacht A. , Erickson J. , Zhang L. , Mallbris L. , Gerdes S. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundBiologics are effective for the treatment of psoriasis. However, treatment outcomes may differ among biologic‐naive patients and those switched from previous biological therapies.ObjectivesThe study's objective was to investigate efficacy and safety of ixekizumab, a high‐affinity anti‐interleukin‐17A antibody, in patients with psoriasis with and without previous exposure to biologics.MethodsData were integrated from the 12‐week induction phase of two etanercept‐controlled Phase III trials. Patients received 80 mg ixekizumab every 2 weeks (IXE Q2W; N = 736) or every 4 weeks (IXE Q4W; N = 733) following a 160‐mg starting dose, or placebo (N = 361). Etanercept (50 mg twice weekly; N = 740) was administered as active control. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75, PASI 90 and PASI 100 response rates at week 12 were evaluated in patients with or without previous exposure to biologics. Treatment effects were analysed with the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test stratified by study; missing values were imputed as non‐response.ResultsOverall, 497 (19.3%) patients had prior exposure to biologics and 2073 (80.7%) were naive to biologic therapy. PASI 75 was achieved by 91.5% of biologic‐experienced patients and 87.7% of biologic‐naive patients for IXE Q2W, 76.2% and 82.2% for IXE Q4W, respectively, and 34.6% and 50.7%, respectively, for etanercept. Higher response rates favouring each ixekizumab dose over etanercept within subgroups were also seen regarding PASI 90 and PASI 100.ConclusionsContrary to etanercept, the efficacy of ixekizumab was similarly high in patients with and without previous exposure to biologics when administered 80 mg every 2 weeks.
Toluene inhalation in adolescent rats reduces flexible behaviour in adulthood and alters glutamatergic and GABAergic signalling
Authors: Furlong Teri M. , Duncan Jhodie R. , Corbit Laura H. , Rae Caroline D. , Rowlands Benjamin D. , Maher Anthony D. , Nasrallah Fatima A. , Milligan Carol J. , Petrou Steven , Lawrence Andrew J. , Balleine Bernard W. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractToluene is a commonly abused inhalant that is easily accessible to adolescents. Despite the increasing incidence of use, our understanding of its long‐term impact remains limited. Here, we used a range of techniques to examine the acute and chronic effects of toluene exposure on glutameteric and GABAergic function, and on indices of psychological function in adult rats after adolescent exposure. Metabolomics conducted on cortical tissue established that acute exposure to toluene produces alterations in cellular metabolism indicative of a glutamatergic and GABAergic profile. Similarly, in vitro electrophysiology in Xenopus oocytes found that acute toluene exposure reduced NMDA receptor signalling. Finally, in an adolescent rodent model of chronic intermittent exposure to toluene (10 000 ppm), we found that, while toluene exposure did not affect initial learning, it induced a deficit in updating that learning when response‐outcome relationships were reversed or degraded in an instrumental conditioning paradigm. There were also group differences when more effort was required to obtain the reward; toluene‐exposed animals were less sensitive to progressive ratio schedules and to delayed discounting. These behavioural deficits were accompanied by changes in subunit expression of both NMDA and GABA receptors in adulthood, up to 10 weeks after the final exposure to toluene in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and ventromedial striatum; regions with recognized roles in behavioural flexibility and decision‐making. Collectively, our data suggest that exposure to toluene is sufficient to induce adaptive changes in glutamatergic and GABAergic systems and in adaptive behaviour that may underlie the deficits observed following adolescent inhalant abuse, including susceptibility to further drug‐use.
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Brefeldin A‐inhibited guanine nucleotide exchange protein 3 is localized in lysosomes and regulates GABA signaling in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Liu Tao , Li Hongyu , Hong Wanjin , Han Weiping 
Published: October 2016

AbstractADP‐ribosylation factor (ARF) family of guanine‐nucleotide‐binding (G) proteins regulates organelle biogenesis, structure and trafficking. The functions of ARF proteins are tightly controlled by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) containing a conserved SEC7 domain. Based on sequence similarity to brefeldin A‐inhibited guanine nucleotide exchange protein (BIG)/GBF of the Arf‐GEF family, we recently identified BIG3 as a novel ARF GEF protein with a non‐functional catalytic motif in the SEC7 domain. BIG3 is mainly expressed in pancreatic islets and brain. In the islets, depletion of BIG3 increases insulin and glucagon secretion because of enhanced biogenesis of insulin and glucagon granules in the absence of BIG3. Here, we investigate BIG3 functions in the brain, in particular its regulation of neurotransmitter release in hippocampal neurons from wild‐type and BIG3 knockout mice. In hippocampal neurons, BIG3 is mainly localized in lysosomes, and its depletion selectively impairs inhibitory synaptic transmission. Our finding provides novel insights for a cell‐specific function of BIG3 in regulating neurotransmission.
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Children referred for specialty care: Parental perspectives and preferences on referral, follow‐up and primary care
Authors: Freed Gary L , Turbitt Erin , Kunin Marina , Gafforini Sarah , Sanci Lena , Spike Neil 
Published: October 2016

AimOver the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of referrals for paediatric subspecialty care and in overall appointments (new and review) to these doctors. We sought to determine the perspective of parents regarding their role in the initiation of referrals, their preferences for follow‐up and the role of general practitioners (GPs) in care co‐ordination.MethodsSelf‐completed survey in outpatient paediatric clinics (general paediatrics and four subspecialties) at two children's hospitals in Victoria. Recruitment targets were 100 parents in each of the general paediatrics clinics and 50 parents in each subspecialty clinic, equally divided between new and review visits (total n = 600).ResultsA total of 606 parents provided responses, with a decline rate of 9%. Many (52%) new patients were referred by a GP with the remainder from a variety of other sources. With specific regard to providing general care to their child, only 45% were completely confident in a GP. Most (76%) agreed with the statement that a GP would give their child a referral to see a paediatrician whenever they ask. Approximately, a third of parents reported that a GP rarely or never co‐ordinates the care of their child with other doctors.ConclusionsParents play an important role in both the initiation of paediatric specialty referrals and the patterns of follow‐up care provided. Parent perspectives, preferences and motivations on both the referral process and the patterns for ongoing care are essential to develop policies that provide the best and most efficient care for children.
Analysis of the complete plastomes of three species of Membranoptera (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from Pacific North America
Authors: Hughey Jeffery R. , Hommersand Max H. , Gabrielson Paul W. , Miller Kathy Ann , Fuller Timothy 
Published: October 2016

Next generation sequence data were generated and used to assemble the complete plastomes of the holotype of Membranoptera weeksiae, the neotype (designated here) of M. tenuis, and a specimen examined by Kylin in making the new combination M. platyphylla. The three plastomes were similar in gene content and length and showed high gene synteny to Calliarthron, Grateloupia, Sporolithon, and Vertebrata. Sequence variation in the plastome coding regions were 0.89% between M. weeksiae and M. tenuis, 5.14% between M. weeksiae and M. platyphylla, and 5.18% between M. tenuis and M. platyphylla. We were unable to decipher the complete mitogenomes of the three species due to low coverage and structural problems; however, we assembled and analyzed, the cytochrome oxidase I, II, and III loci and found that M. weeksiae and M. tenuis differed in sequence by 1.3%, M. weeksiae and M. platyphylla by 8.4%, and M. tenuis and M. platyphylla by 8.1%. Evaluation of standard marker genes indicated that sequences from the rbcL, RuBisCO spacer, and CO1 genes closely approximated the pair‐wise genetic distances observed between the plastomes of the three species of Membranoptera. A phylogenetic tree based on rbcL sequences showed that M. tenuis and M. weeksiae were sister taxa. Short rbcL sequences were obtained from type specimens of M. dimorpha, M. multiramosa, and M. edentata and confirmed their conspecificity with M. platyphylla. The data support the recognition of three species of Membranoptera occurring south of Alaska: M. platyphylla, M. tenuis, and M. weeksiae.
High cholesterol dietary intake during pregnancy is associated with large for gestational age in a sample of low‐income women of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: de Castro Maria Beatriz Trindade , Farias Dayana Rodrigues , Lepsch Jaqueline , Mendes Roberta Hack , Ferreira Aline Alves , Kac Gilberto 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe association between the quality of maternal dietary fat intake during pregnancy and the infant's birthweight (BW) remains controversial. Our goal was to investigate the association between maternal dietary fat intake during pregnancy and the rate of large for gestational age (LGA) newborns. This study employed a cross‐sectional analysis of 297 pairs of mothers/children attending a public maternity at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. BW for gestational age according to the Intergrowth 21st was defined as follows: adequate for gestational age (AGA ≤ 90th percentile) and LGA (>90th percentile). The statistical analysis was a Poisson regression with robust estimations of the standard errors. Maternal dietary fat intake variables comprised lipids (% total energy); saturated (mg/1000 kcal), monounsaturated (mg/1000 kcal) and polyunsaturated (mg/1000 kcal) fats; and cholesterol (mg/1000 kcal), all of which were obtained with a Food Frequency Questionnaire. The mean BW was 3338 g (SD = 446.9), and the rate of LGA newborns was 13.1%. The mean maternal total energy intake was 2880 kcal (SD = 1074), cholesterol was 154.3 mg/1000 kcal (SD = 68.1) and monounsaturated fat was 6.9 mg/1000 kcal (SD = 2). Mothers of LGA newborns reported higher cholesterol dietary intake (195.8 vs. 148 mg/1000 kcal; P < 0.001), pre‐pregnancy body mass index (25.1 vs. 23.5 kg/m2; P = 0.026) when compared with mothers of AGA newborns. Women with cholesterol intake within the fourth quartile were 2.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.31–4.66) times more likely to have an LGA infant compared with those in the 1–3 quartiles. Dietary intake of cholesterol during pregnancy influences LGA even after adjusting for other confounders.