bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of NLRP3 signalling accelerates skin wound healing
Authors: Ito Hiroyasu , Kanbe Ayumu , Sakai Hiroyasu , Seishima Mitsuru 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe process of skin wound healing involves the following three steps: inflammation, tissue formation and tissue remodelling. These optimal steps are required for the development of normal wound healing. Recent reports demonstrated that inflammasomes are involved in the innate immune response. In the present study, we examined whether the activation of inflammasomes affects the process of skin wound repair. The skin wound repair model was established using wild‐type (WT), NACHT, LRR and PYD domains‐containing protein 3 (NALP3) knockout (KO) and ASC‐KO mice. The wounds were observed every other day, and changes in wound size over time were calculated using photography. Wound repair in NALP3‐KO and ASC‐KO mice was significantly impaired compared with WT mice. Isoliquiritigenin, an inhibitor of NALP3, decreased the rate of wound repair in WT mice. mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the wound sites of NALP3‐KO mice was markedly decreased compared with WT mice. Treatment with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a ligand of NALP3, upregulated the mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines at the wound site and accelerated wound healing in the WT mice. Scratch assay revealed that ATP accelerated wound closure in mouse embryonic fibroblasts from WT mice but not from NALP3‐KO mice. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that NALP3 pathway activation is involved in wound repair, and the topical use of ATP may be useful as an effective treatment for accelerating wound healing.
Variation of the epidermal expression of glucocorticoid receptor‐beta as potential predictive marker of bullous pemphigoid outcome
Authors: Brulefert Adrien , Le Jan Sébastien , Plée Julie , Durlach Anne , Bernard Philippe , Antonicelli Frank , Trussardi‐Régnier Aurélie 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease in Western countries. Although topical and/or systemic glucocorticoids treatment efficacy is widely recognized, up to 30% of patients with BP may undergo a relapse during the first year of treatment. We investigated the protein expression of the total glucocorticoid receptor and GRβ isoform in the skin biopsy specimens from patients with BP and wondered whether such investigation at baseline provided a tool to predict disease outcome. Total GR and GRβ protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry at baseline on 12 patients who later relapse and 11 patients who remained on remission in comparison with 14 control patients. The expression of GRβ in the epidermis of patients with BP who later relapse was significantly higher than that in the epidermis of patients with BP controlled upon corticosteroid treatment, which was also higher than control patients. Thus, our results suggest that increased protein expression of GRβ in skin epithelial cells is predictive of reduced steroid treatment efficacy, and therefore of increased risk of disease relapse in patients with BP.
Structural proteins of the dermal‐epidermal junction targeted by autoantibodies in pemphigoid diseases
Authors: Goletz Stephanie , Zillikens Detlef , Schmidt Enno 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe dermal‐epidermal junction consists of a network of several interacting structural proteins that strengthen adhesion and mediate signalling events. This structural network consists of hemidesmosomal‐anchoring filament complexes connecting the basal keratinocytes to the basement membrane. The anchoring filaments in turn interact with the anchoring fibrils to attach the basement membrane to the underlying dermis. Several of these structural proteins are recognized by autoantibodies in pemphigoid diseases, a heterogeneous group of clinically and immunopathologically diverse entities. Targeted proteins include the two intracellular plakins, plectin isoform 1a and BP230 (also called bullous pemphigoid antigen (BPAG) 1 isoform e (BPAG1e)). Plectin 1a and BP230 are connected to the intermediate filaments and to the cell surface receptor α6β4 integrin, which in turn is connected to laminin 332, a component of the anchoring filaments. Further essential adhesion proteins are BP180, a transmembrane protein, laminin γ1 and type VII collagen. Latter protein is the major constituent of the anchoring fibrils. Mutations in the corresponding genes of these adhesion molecules lead to inherited epidermolysis bullosa emphasizing the importance of these proteins for the integrity of the dermal‐epidermal junction. This review will provide an overview on the structure and function of the proteins situated in the dermal‐epidermal junction targeted by autoantibodies.
Study of the sleep quality and psychological state of patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis
Authors: Xiao Guoqing , Ye Qing , Han Tao , Yan Junqing , Sun Lixia , Wang Fengmei 
Published: September 2017

AimWe aimed to investigate sleep quality, mild hepatic encephalopathy, anxiety, and depression in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by using a variety of scales and questionnaires.MethodA cohort of 341 patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis were categorized by Child–Pugh grading (A, B, and C) in this cross‐sectional study. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Number Connection Test‐A (NCT‐A), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) evaluated the questionnaires and statistically analyzed the intrinsic correlation. The control group included 50 healthy individuals. Of 341 patients, 213 had a PSQI index >5 points.ResultsThe PSQI, NCT‐A, anxiety scale (HAD [a]), and depression scale (HAD [d]) of the patients were significantly different. The NCT‐A‐positive patients revealed 214 cases of possible minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) during a preliminary screening of patients. The PSQI score of NCT‐A‐positive patients was significantly elevated compared to NCT‐A‐negative patients (P < 0.001). HAD (a) and HAD (d) were significantly different between the NCT‐A‐positive and NCT‐A‐negative groups (P = 0.002 and P = 0.006, respectively). Univariate Pearson's correlation analysis found that NCT‐A and HAD (a) were positively correlated with PSQI (P < 0.001 and P = 0.045, respectively); however, Child–Pugh score and HAD (d) were not correlated with PSQI (P = 0.061 and P = 0.059, respectively).ConclusionThese results indicated that patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis have a disturbed sleep, which might be an MHE symptom, further causing considerable anxiety. Thus, the evaluation of sleep quality and psychological state of patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis necessitates further investigation to guide positive intervention.
The epithelioid BAP1‐negative and p16‐positive phenotype predicts prolonged survival in pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Chou Angela , Toon Christopher W , Clarkson Adele , Sheen Amy , Sioson Loretta , Gill Anthony J 
Published: September 2017

AimsMesothelioma is a relatively uncommon but highly malignant neoplasm. Most patients die of disease within 1 year of diagnosis, but some have prolonged survival. Prospective identification of these longer‐term survivors may help to guide treatment. We therefore sought to investigate the role of p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) both alone and in combination with other markers as a potential predictor of prolonged survival in mesothelioma.Methods and resultsP16 IHC was performed on unselected pleural mesotheliomas biopsied from 1991 to 2014; 153 of 208 (74%) cases were p16‐negative, which correlated significantly with poor overall survival in both univariate (median survival 7.6 versus 13.6 months; P = 0.001) and multivariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR): 1.632; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.103–2.415; P = 0.014]. Other independent factors associated with prolonged survival included loss of expression of BAP1 and epithelioid morphology. We therefore stratified patients further based on these three independent prognostic variables and demonstrated an unusually prolonged survival in mesotheliomas which were epithelioid, BAP1 IHC negative and p16 IHC positive (12% of cases, median survival 31.7 months, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn conclusion, p16 IHC is an independent prognostic biomarker in pleural mesothelioma. When used in combination with BAP1 IHC and morphological subtyping, patients with exceptionally prolonged survival can potentially be identified.
Wear profile of canal wall surfaces and bond strength of endodontic sealers after in situ acid challenge
Authors: Silva‐Neto R. D. , Sousa‐Neto M. D. , Pécora J. D. , Palma‐Dibb R. G. , Souza‐Gabriel A. E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the wear of root wall surfaces, the bond strength of sealers to dentine and the demineralization around root filling materials after canals were exposed to acid challenge in situ.MethodologyEighty‐seven roots of mandibular incisors were selected. Thirty‐two were used in the laboratory bond strength study (n = 8), and 55 in the in situ study (n = 11). Root canals were prepared biomechanically and then filled with gutta‐percha and AH Plus, MTA Fillapex, Sealapex or Endofill. For 14 days, 11 participants used intra‐oral devices with five sterilized roots (four experimental and one control – only canal prepared). Drops of sucrose were dripped onto roots allowing the accumulation of biofilm on canal surfaces. Roots were removed, sectioned and analysed for the following: bond strength of filling material using a push‐out test and also wear profile and dentine demineralization using confocal microscopy. Bond strength (MPa) was evaluated by two‐way anova and Tukey test (α = 0.05), and wear profile was assessed by Kruskal–Wallis and t‐tests (α = 0.05).ResultsAH Plus had the highest bond strength values. Intermediate results were found in roots with MTA Fillapex and Endofill, whilst Sealapex had inferior results (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found amongst root thirds (P > 0.05). For wear profile, samples were associated with degradation of the filling materials after exposure to the oral environment (P < 0.05). Roots had signs of demineralization around the filling material when Sealapex and Endofill were used.ConclusionsSealers were not able to prevent degradation of the adhesive interface and dentine. AH Plus and MTA Fillapex had superior bond strength to dentine and less intense demineralization around the root filling.
Isomaltooligosaccharide synthesised from rice starch and its prebiotic properties in vitro
Authors: Plongbunjong Vijitra , Graidist Potchanapond , Knudsen Knud Erik Bach , Wichienchot Santad 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) were produced from rice starch with a maximum conversion yield of 84% and had a concentration of 372.5 mg mL−1. Compositions of IMO consisted of 26.7% isomaltohexaose (DP6), 16.2% isomaltotetraose (DP4), 19.6% d‐panose (DP3), 21.4% and isomaltose (DP2) and had a dietary fibre content of 1.1%. In vitro (consisted of three vessels) fermentation of instant Sang‐Yod rice porridge (ISYRP) mixed with IMO showed a slight increase in beneficial bacteria, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. On the other hand, the pathogenic bacteria, clostridia and bacteroides were decreased (P < 0.05). The highest prebiotic index (PI) was found in Vessel 1 (0.13). Butyric acid was found at the highest concentration on day 11 (75.1 mm), and it was decreased at day 21 (63.4 mm) in Vessel 1. In conclusion, the ISYRP mixture of IMO was showed a good preference in prebiotic properties.
Effects of breeds on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines in smoked lamb
Authors: Hou Chengli , Wang Zhenyu , Wu Liguo , Chai Jiali , Song Xuan , Wang Wenting , Zhang Dequan 
Published: September 2017

SummaryHeterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds, which are commonly detectable in cooked meat products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sheep breeds on the formation of HAAs in smoking cooked lamb. The results showed that HAAs in smoked lamb meat products were generally low (2.74–5.42 ng g−1), with most being Harman and Norharman. IQ, MeIQx, 4,8‐DiMeIQx, Trp‐p‐2, PhIP and MeAaC were not detected in smoked lamb meat products in the present study. The total content of HAAs differed between meat products of different sheep breeds, but no difference in the order of magnitude was determined. Smoking altered the content of protein, fat, moisture and free amino acids in lamb meat products, which was probably mostly contributed by the reduction in meat moisture. Free tryptophan decreased in all breeds after smoking, which was probably used to synthesise HAAs. In summary, HAAs were low in smoked lamb meat products of all sheep breeds; thus, consumption of smoked lamb meat products should contribute very limited intake of HAAs.
Gel‐like emulsions prepared with zein nanoparticles produced through phase separation from acetic acid solutions
Authors: Zou Yuan , Pan Runting , Wan Zhili , Guo Jian , Wang Jinmei , Yang Xiaoquan 
Published: September 2017

SummaryIn this article, we report the microstructure and rheological property of Pickering emulsions stabilised with zein nanoparticles prepared through phase separation from acetic acid solution. The fresh emulsions showed liquid‐like behaviour and reasonable small droplet size. Interestingly, after 3 days of storage at 25° C, the emulsions changed into solid‐like state. The viscosity remarkably increased, and the storage modulus was much larger than the loss modulus. These results indicate the formation of the gel‐like network in emulsions. The droplet size also showed an obvious increase, while the big droplets could be disrupted into small ones in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. The particle network in the continuous phase was seen in the confocal laser scanning microscopy. Therefore, it is suggested that the gel‐like network is formed by the flocculation of oil droplets and particle network in continuous, mainly through the hydrophobic interactions between the particles.
Enhancement effect on apparent viscosity of aqueous tragacanth gum dispersions promoted by sugars
Authors: Silva Claudia , Torres María D. , Moreira Ramon , Chenlo Francisco 
Published: September 2017

SummaryFlow curves of aqueous dispersions of tragacanth gum (T) with sucrose and glucose at different temperatures were determined using a controlled‐stress rheometer. The effect of sodium chloride without or with sucrose (at the highest content) on the rheology of T dispersions was evaluated. The presence of sucrose and glucose promoted a noticeable enhancement impact on the apparent viscosity of aqueous T dispersions, which depended on sugar type/content, shear rate and temperature. In all cases, the glucose addition led to the largest enhanced viscosities at low shear rates (<10 s−1) and temperature. The joint action of sugar and salt exhibited a notable effect on apparent viscosity at low shear rates, softening the strong shear‐thinning behaviour of T samples. Flow curves of T in the presence of sugars were satisfactorily described by the Cross‐Williamson model, being semi‐empirical correlations of the model parameters with ingredients content and temperature stablished.
Changes in in vitro protein digestion of retort‐pouched pork belly during 120‐day storage
Authors: Zhou Yiting , Yang Wanjun , Zhou Guanghong , Xu Xinglian , Zhang Zhigang , Ahmad Muhammad Ijaz , Li Chunbao 
Published: September 2017

SummaryTo investigate the effect of long‐term storage on in vitro protein digestion of the retort‐pouched pork belly. The products were stored at 25 °C for 0, 30, 60 and 120 days and digested with pepsin and trypsin at each time point. SDS‐PAGE and LC‐MS‐MS were applied to separate and identify proteins and their digested products. In vitro protein digestibility decreased from 47.7% after 60‐day storage to 25.4% after 120‐day storage for the samples digested by pepsin, and from 63.9% to 45.7% for the samples digested by pepsin and trypsin at corresponding time points. LC‐MS‐MS demonstrated changes in peptide composition and abundance with storage time. Long‐term storage could deteriorate nutritive values of meat products by reducing digestible protein content.
Accumulating mechanism of γ‐aminobutyric acid in soybean (Glycine max L.) during germination
Authors: Luo Xu , Wang Yan , Li Qianqian , Wang Donghui , Xing Cencan , Zhang Lijing , Xu Teng , Fang Fang , Wang Fengzhong 
Published: September 2017

Summaryγ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been found accumulating significantly in soybean seeds during germination. However, the mechanism of the accumulating process is not clear. Therefore, gene expression, enzyme activity and metabolites associated with GABA shunt in ZH 13 soybean during germination were analysed in this paper. GABA content in 5‐day germinated soybean was 0.26 ± 0.016 mg g−1 DW, which was equivalent to six times concentration of original soybean. The GAD activity has a positive effect on the accumulation of GABA, as well as the GABA‐T activity was found to play a significant role in the degradation of GABA. The expression levels of GmGAD and GmGABA‐T may affect the GABA content by regulating the respective enzyme activities. In conclusion, upregulation of GAD and downregulation of GABA‐T may cause the accumulation of GABA.
Modulation of γδ T‐cell activation by neutrophil elastase
Authors: Towstyka Nadia Yasmín , Shiromizu Carolina Maiumi , Keitelman Irene , Sabbione Florencia , Salamone Gabriela Verónica , Geffner Jorge Raúl , Trevani Analía Silvina , Jancic Carolina Cristina 
Published: September 2017

Summaryγδ T cells are non‐conventional, innate‐like T cells, characterized by a restricted T‐cell receptor repertoire. They participate in protective immunity responses against extracellular and intracellular pathogens, tumour surveillance, modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, tissue healing, epithelial cell maintenance and regulation of physiological organ function. In this study, we investigated the role of neutrophils during the activation of human blood γδ T cells through CD3 molecules. We found that the up‐regulation of CD69 expression, and the production of interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α induced by anti‐CD3 antibodies was potentiated by neutrophils. We found that inhibition of caspase‐1 and neutralization of interleukin‐18 did not affect neutrophil‐mediated modulation. By contrast, the treatment with serine protease inhibitors prevented the potentiation of γδ T‐cell activation induced by neutrophils. Moreover, the addition of elastase to γδ T‐cell culture increased their stimulation, and the treatment of neutrophils with elastase inhibitor prevented the effect of neutrophils on γδ T‐cell activation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the effect of elastase on γδ T cells was mediated through the protease‐activated receptor, PAR1, because the inhibition of this receptor with a specific antagonist, RWJ56110, abrogated the effect of neutrophils on γδ T‐cell activation.
Historical biogeography of Goniothalamus and Annonaceae tribe Annoneae: dispersal–vicariance patterns in tropical Asia and intercontinental tropical disjunctions revisited
Authors: Thomas Daniel C. , Tang Chin Cheung , Saunders Richard M. K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimThe historical biogeography of the species‐rich flowering plant genus Goniothalamus (c. 130 species) and the wider Annonaceae tribe Annoneae is investigated to evaluate hypotheses regarding the processes underlying tropical intercontinental disjunctions (‘long‐distance dispersal [LDD]’ versus ‘boreotropics’) and floristic exchange between biodiversity hotspots in tropical Asia.LocationTropics, tropical Asia.MethodsDivergence time estimation was based on plastid DNA sequence data (c. 10 kb; 164 Annonaceae accessions, including 65 Goniothalamus species) using an uncorrelated lognormal relaxed clock model and two fossil calibrations. Likelihood ancestral range estimation was performed using dispersal‐extinction‐cladogenesis models with and without time‐stratified dispersal constraints.ResultsThe boreotropics model incorporating high chances for intercontinental dispersal during 68–34 Ma fitted the data significantly better than LDD models enforcing low intercontinental dispersal rates. Multiple vicariance events were identified in Annoneae including at the Annoneae crown node (57–49 Ma, Africa/S+N America), and the Disepalum‐Asimina split (27–24 Ma, Asia/N America). A wide ancestral range in continental SE Asia, W and E Malesia was inferred at the Goniothalamus crown node (24–21 Ma). Several dispersal events from continental SE Asia/W Malesia were identified in the Miocene: two north‐eastwards to the Philippines, one eastwards to the Sahul Shelf and two westwards to India.Main conclusionsThe boreotropics hypothesis provides a well‐supported, plausible explanation for the disjunctions and dispersal–vicariance patterns in tribe Annoneae. The wide distribution inferred at the Goniothalamus crown node indicates that its ancestors already bridged the marine gap between the Sunda and Sahul Shelves by LDD or rafting on tectonic plate microfragments. Dispersal across long‐standing water bodies in Malesia occurred multiple times from the early Miocene as marine gaps decreased following tectonic plate convergence and land emergence. Substantially older crown group divergence estimates compared with previous studies indicate that hypotheses of rapid recent radiation in Goniothalamus must be rejected.
Rapid poleward distributional shifts in the European cave‐dwelling Meta spiders under the influence of competition dynamics
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Isaia Marco 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimTo describe the distribution of two congeneric species of cave‐dwelling spiders under current climatic conditions and future warming scenarios, keeping into account their bioclimatic requirements, dispersal capacity and competition dynamics.LocationEurope and North Africa.MethodsWe gathered detailed occurrence data for Meta menardi and M. bourneti (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) and modelled their distribution across their bioclimatic range. We evaluated the breadth of the bioclimatic niche of the two species and assessed the potential overlap between their multidimensional Hutchinsonian hypervolumes. We compared these results with their current distribution maps obtained by species distribution modelling (SDMs) keeping into account dispersal and competition dynamics, and we projected future trends of distribution according to different climatic scenarios.ResultsThe overall size of the niche hypervolumes of the two species was very similar and highly overlapping. However, when accounting for competition in the model, the predicted ranges of the two species showed only minor areas of overlap. On the base of SDM analysis, we predicted a significant poleward shift in the distribution of both species, with the appearance of a new contact area especially in Central Europe, southern UK, France and northern Spain.Main conclusionsInterspecific competition keeps the current ranges of the two European Meta species apart, although their fundamental bioclimatic niches are very similar. Rapid poleward shifts of the two species are likely due to the high dispersal capacity of the two spiders. The case of Meta spiders exemplifies rapid shift in range of distribution associated with global warming, which are unlikely to occur in the case of most cave‐dwelling arthropods.