bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of antigenic diversity in the tick‐transmitted bacterium Borrelia afzelii: a role for host specialization?
Authors: Råberg L. , Hagström Å. , Andersson M. , Bartkova S. , Scherman K. , Strandh M. , Tschirren B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAntigenic diversity in pathogenic microbes can be a result of at least three different processes: diversifying selection by acquired immunity, host–pathogen coevolution and/or host specialization. Here, we investigate whether host specialization drives diversity at ospC (which encodes an immunodominant surface protein) in the tick‐transmitted bacterium Borrelia afzelii. We determined prevalence and infection intensity of ospC strains in naturally infected wild mammals (rodents and shrews) by 454 amplicon sequencing in combination with qPCR. Neither prevalence nor infection intensity of specific ospC strains varied in a species‐specific manner (i.e. there were no significant ospC × host species interactions). Rankings of ospC prevalences were strongly positively correlated across host species. Rankings of ospC infection intensities were correlated more weakly, but only in one case significantly < 1. ospC prevalences in the studied mammals were similar to those in ticks sampled at the study site, indicating that we did not miss any mammal species that are important hosts for specific ospC strains. Based on this, we conclude that there is at best limited host specialization in B. afzelii and that other processes are likely the main drivers of ospC diversity.
Arterial ageing: from endothelial dysfunction to vascular calcification
Authors: Tesauro M. , Mauriello A. , Rovella V. , Annicchiarico‐Petruzzelli M. , Cardillo C. , Melino G. , Di Daniele N. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractComplex structural and functional changes occur in the arterial system with advancing age. The aged artery is characterized by changes in microRNA expression patterns, autophagy, smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, and arterial calcification with progressively increased mechanical vessel rigidity and stiffness. With age the vascular smooth muscle cells modify their phenotype from contractile to ‘synthetic’ determining the development of intimal thickening as early as the second decade of life as an adaptive response to forces acting on the arterial wall. The increased permeability observed in intimal thickening could represent the substrate on which low‐level atherosclerotic stimuli can promote the development of advanced atherosclerotic lesions. In elderly patients the atherosclerotic plaques tend to be larger with increased vascular stenosis. In these plaques there is a progressive accumulation of both lipids and collagen and a decrease of inflammation. Similarly the plaques from elderly patients show more calcification as compared with those from younger patients. The coronary artery calcium score is a well‐established marker of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The presence of diffuse calcification in a severely stenotic segment probably induces changes in mechanical properties and shear stress of the arterial wall favouring the rupture of a vulnerable lesion in a less stenotic adjacent segment. Oxidative stress and inflammation appear to be the two primary pathological mechanisms of ageing‐related endothelial dysfunction even in the absence of clinical disease. Arterial ageing is no longer considered an inexorable process. Only a better understanding of the link between ageing and vascular dysfunction can lead to significant advances in both preventative and therapeutic treatments with the aim that in the future vascular ageing may be halted or even reversed.
Effect of 1,25(OH)2D3and 20(OH)D3on interleukin‐1β‐stimulated interleukin‐6 and ‐8 production by human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Nakashyan V. , Tipton D. A. , Karydis A. , Livada R. , Stein S. H. 
Published: March 2017

Background and ObjectiveVitamin D—1,25(OH)2D3or 1,25D3—maintains healthy osseous tissue, stimulates the production of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin and has anti‐inflammatory effects, but it can cause hypercalcemia. Evidence links diminished serum levels of 1,25D3 with increased gingival inflammation. Periodontitis progression is associated with increased local production of inflammatory mediators by immune cells and gingival fibroblasts. These include interleukin (IL)‐6, a regulator of osteoclastic bone resorption, and the neutrophil chemoattractantIL‐8, both regulated by signaling pathways, includingNF‐κBandMAPK/AP‐1. The objectives were to determine the effects of 1,25D3 or a non‐calcemic analog, 20‐hydroxyvitamin D3—20(OH)D3or 20D3—onIL‐1β‐stimulatedIL‐6 andIL‐8 production, andNF‐κBandMAPK/AP‐1 activation, by human gingival fibroblasts.Material and MethodsHuman gingival fibroblasts were incubated ±IL‐1β, with or without exposure to 1,25D3 or 20D3.IL‐6 andIL‐8 in culture supernatants were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.NF‐κB (p65) andAP‐1 (phospho‐cJun) and were measured in nuclear extracts via binding to specific oligonucleotides. Data were analyzed usingANOVAand Scheffe's F procedure for post hoc comparisons.ResultsIL‐1β‐stimulatedIL‐6 andIL‐8 levels were both significantly inhibited (40%‐60%) (P<.045) by 1,25D3, but not 20D3 (0%‐15% inhibition, not statistically significant). Both 1,25D3 and 20D3 significantly and similarly inhibitedIL‐1β‐stimulated nuclear levels of p65 and phospho‐cJun (P<.02).ConclusionReduction of the activation ofNF‐κB andAP‐1 alone is not able to inhibit strongly theIL‐1β stimulatedIL‐6 andIL‐8 gene expression. 1,25D3 but not 20D3 may affect some of the many other factors/processes/pathways that in turn regulate the expression of these genes. However, the results suggest that topical application of ligands of the vitamin D receptor may be useful in the local treatment of periodontitis while reducing adverse systemic effects.
Entecavir maleate versus entecavir in Chinese chronic hepatitis B predominantly genotype B or C: Results at week 144
Authors: Xu J.‐H. , Wang S. , Xu Z.‐N. , Yu Y.‐Y. , Si C.‐W. , Zeng Z. , Li J. , Mao Q. , Zhang D.‐Z. , Tang H. , Sheng J.‐F. , Chen X.‐Y. , Ning Q. , Shi G.‐F. , Xie Q. , Zhang X.‐Q. , Dai J. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryReports on the efficacy and safety of long‐term entecavir treatment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) predominantly genotype B or C are insufficient. This study presents the efficacy and safety of entecavir maleate in Chinese CHB patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 48‐week treatment with either 0.5 mg/day entecavir (group A) or 0.5 mg/day entecavir maleate (group B), and then all patients received treatment with 0.5 mg/day entecavir maleate from week 49. Two hundred and seventy‐five patients with CHB (HBeAg‐positive: 218) were analysed, predominantly (98.5%) with genotype B or C. Baseline characteristics were balanced. For the HBeAg‐positive CHB patients, the mean HBV DNA level decreased similarly (A: by 6.36 log10 IU/mL vs B: by 6.31 log10 IU/mL) between groups at week 144. The percentages of patients who achieved undetectable HBV DNA were similar (A: 70.59% vs B: 66.67%) between groups. Similar HBeAg loss rates (A: 43.53% vs B: 40.23%; P>.05) and HBeAg seroconversion rates (A: 21.52% vs B: 21.18%) were achieved. For the HBeAg‐negative CHB patients, similar reductions in HBV DNA levels from baseline (A: by 6.13 log10 IU/mL vs B: by 5.65 log10 IU/mL) and percentages of patients who achieved undetectable HBV DNA (A: 100% vs B: 100%) were achieved. The overall incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups. In conclusions, 48‐week administration of entecavir maleate and entecavir showed similar efficacy and safety in Chinese patients with CHB. Long‐term entecavir maleate treatment was effective and safe in CHB patients.
EASL and AASLD recommendations for the diagnosis of HCC to the test of daily practice
Authors: Aubé Christophe , Oberti Frédéric , Lonjon Julie , Pageaux Georges , Seror Olivier , N'Kontchou Giséle , Rode Agnes , Radenne Sylvie , Cassinotto Christophe , Vergniol Julien , Bricault Ivan , Leroy Vincent , Ronot Maxime , Castera Laurent , Michalak Sophie , Esvan Maxime , Vilgrain Valérie ,   The CHIC Group
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of CT, MRI and CEUS alone and in combination, for the diagnosis of HCC between 10 and 30 mm, in a large population of cirrhotic patients.Patients and methodsIn a multicentre prospective trial, 442 patients have been enrolled. Within a month, CEUS, CT and MRI were performed for all patients. A composite algorithm was defined to obtain the more accurate gold standard.ResultsA total of 544 nodules in 381 patients have been retained for the performance analysis. Eighty‐two percent of the patients were male, mean age was 62 years. For the 10‐20 mm nodules (n=342), the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for the diagnosis of HCC were, respectively, 70.6% and 83.2% for MRI, 67.9% and 76.8% for CT and 39.6% and 92.9% for CEUS. For the 20‐30 mm nodules (n=202), the Se and Sp were, respectively, 72.3% and 89.4% for MRI, 71.6% and 93.6% for CT and 52.9% and 91.5% for CEUS.The best combination for the 10‐20 mm nodules was MRI + CT (Se: 55.1%, Sp: 100.0%).After a first inconclusive technique, CEUS as second image technique allowed the highest specificity with only a slight drop of sensitivity for 10‐20 mm nodules and the highest sensitivity and specificity for 20‐30 mm nodules.ConclusionThis large multicentre study validates the EASL/AASLD recommendations in daily practice. Specificity using CT or MRI in 10‐20 mm HCC was low, but we do not recommend combined imaging at first as sensitivity would be very low. The best sequential approach combined MRI and CEUS.
Audiovisual speech perception: A new approach and implications for clinical populations
Authors: Irwin Julia , DiBlasi Lori 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis selected overview of audiovisual (AV) speech perception examines the influence of visible articulatory information on what is heard. Thought to be a cross‐cultural phenomenon that emerges early in typical language development, variables that influence AV speech perception include properties of the visual and the auditory signal, attentional demands, and individual differences. A brief review of the existing neurobiological evidence on how visual information influences heard speech indicates potential loci, timing, and facilitatory effects of AV over auditory only speech. The current literature on AV speech in certain clinical populations (individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, developmental language disorder, or hearing loss) reveals differences in processing that may inform interventions. Finally, a new method of assessing AV speech that does not require obvious cross‐category mismatch or auditory noise was presented as a novel approach for investigators.
Blood transcriptomes and de novo identification of candidate loci for mating success in lekking great snipe (Gallinago media)
Authors: Höglund Jacob , Wang Biao , Sæther Stein Are , Blom Mozes Pil Kyu , Fiske Peder , Halvarsson Peter , Horsburgh Gavin J. , Burke Terry , Kålås John Atle , Ekblom Robert 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe assembled the great snipe blood transcriptome using data from fourteen lekking males, in order to de novo identify candidate genes related to sexual selection, and determined the expression profiles in relation to mating success. The three most highly transcribed genes were encoding different haemoglobin subunits. All tended to be overexpressed in males with high mating success. We also called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the transcriptome data and found considerable genetic variation for many genes expressed during lekking. Among these, we identified 14 polymorphic candidate SNPs that had a significant genotypic association with mating success (number of females mated with) and/or mating status (mated or not). Four of the candidate SNPs were found in HBAA (encoding the haemoglobin α‐chain). Heterozygotes for one of these and one SNP in the gene PABPC1 appeared to enjoy higher mating success compared to males homozygous for either of the alleles. In a larger data set of individuals, we genotyped 38 of the identified SNPs but found low support for consistent selection as only one of the zygosities of previously identified candidate SNPs and none of their genotypes were associated with mating status. However, candidate SNPs generally showed lower levels of spatial genetic structure compared to noncandidate markers. We also scored the prevalence of avian malaria in a subsample of birds. Males infected with avian malaria parasites had lower mating success in the year of sampling than noninfected males. Parasite infection and its interaction with specific genes may thus affect performance on the lek.
Narratives of the nation in the Olympic opening ceremonies: comparative analysis of Beijing 2008 and London 2012
Authors: Lee Jongsoo , Yoon Hyunsun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the ways in which nationalism and the narratives of the nation were constructed in the Olympic opening ceremonies in Beijing 2008 and London 2012. The ritual of the opening ceremony represents a concentration of features, qualities and messages that combine the local and global, the culturally specific and universal, in a complex production. Using textual analysis of the telecast of the above two opening ceremonies, the study found that the Beijing 2008 opening ceremony used a grand narrative of progress, emphasising the unified identity of Chineseness, while privileging the official narrative of the nation and one collective identity. In contrast, the London 2012 opening ceremony highlighted the fragmented but diversified identity of Britishness, transpiring social inclusivity, cultural hybridity and multiculturalism. This may be related to the rise of different type of nationalism in the context of increasing globalisation. The Beijing opening ceremony represented the Sinocentric Chinese new nationalism, whereas the London 2012 counterpart, up to a point, highlighted civic‐based multicultural nationalism.
Cardiac iodine‐123‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy may be useful to identify pathologic from physiologic sinus bradycardia
Authors: Sunaga Akihiro , Masuda Masaharu , Fujita Masashi , Iida Osamu , Kanda Takashi , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Morozumi Takakazu , Mano Toshiaki , Uematsu Masaaki 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundSinus bradycardia includes pathologic sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and physiologic bradycardia such as athletes’ heart. Pacemaker implantation is indicated for patients with symptomatic SSS; however, the indication remains difficult to determine in those with mild and/or unspecific symptoms. The sympathetic tone is increased in response to reduced cardiac output in SSS, whereas excessive vagal tone has been seen in physiological bradycardia. We sought to determine if cardiac iodine‐123‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy (123I‐MIBG) was useful in differentiating pathologic from physiologic sinus bradycardia.MethodsTwenty consecutive patients presenting with continuous sinus bradycardia (heart rate of <50 beats/min) in our outpatient clinic (male, eight patients; age, 70 ± 12 years old) were enrolled. The indication for a pacemaker implantation was determined by an experienced electrophysiologist in compliance with the international guidelines. The sympathetic nervous tone was assessed by cardiac123I‐MIBG.ResultsEight patients (40%) were clinically diagnosed as SSS (type I) including four suffering from obvious symptoms (syncope or dizziness) and four suffering from mild symptoms (fatigue), and had an indication for a pacemaker implantation. The patients with SSS indicated for a pacemaker implantation had a lower early heart‐to‐mediastinum ratio (2.0 ± 0.6 vs 2.5 ± 0.2, P = 0.043), lower delayed heart to mediastinum ratio (2.0 ± 0.8 vs 2.8 ± 0.3, P = 0.026), and higher washout rate (34 ± 6.0 vs 26 ± 6.0, P = 0.008) than those without.ConclusionExcessive sympathetic tone detected by123I‐MIBG may serve as an adjunct to determine the indication for a pacemaker implantation in sinus bradycardia.
Effect of botulinum toxin on inducibility and maintenance of atrial fibrillation in ovine myocardial tissue
Authors: Nazeri Alireza , Ganapathy Anand V. , Massumi Ali , Massumi Mehran , Tuzun Egemen , Stainback Raymond , Segura Ana‐Maria , Elayda Macarthur A. , Razavi Mehdi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundAberrant vagal stimulation may promote the generation and propagation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Researchers have suggested that botulinum toxin (BTX), a neurotoxin that decreases neural vagal stimulation, may decrease the incidence of postoperative AF. The exact electrophysiologic mechanism underlying the observations and histopathologic alterations associated with BTX are unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the electrophysiologic, functional, and histopathologic effects of BTX on fibrillation induction in ovine atria.MethodsEight sheep underwent BTX injections into their pulmonary veins, atrial fat pads, and ventricular walls. Electrophysiology with pacing was performed at baseline and 7 days after injection to evaluate the atrial effective refractory period (ERP) and vulnerability to AF with and without vagal stimulation. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and day 7. After euthanasia, histopathologic analysis was performed.ResultsSeven sheep completed the study. For both atria, there was significant shortening in the ERP with vagal stimulation versus no stimulation on day 0 but not on day 7. More aggressive pacing was required to induce AF in the left atrium on day 7 than on day 0. Echocardiography on day 7 showed no significant changes in ejection fraction or new wall‐motion abnormalities of the left and right ventricle. Histopathologic analysis showed no significant adverse effects.ConclusionThe subacute BTX effect reduced the vulnerability of atrial tissue to AF induction and reduced the vagal influence on atrial ERP shortening compared to baseline levels. Direct BTX injection did not cause myocardial dysfunction or histologic adverse effects.
The association between caudal anesthesia and increased risk of postoperative surgical complications in boys undergoing hypospadias repair
Authors: Taicher Brad M. , Routh Jonathan C. , Eck John B. , Ross Sherry S. , Wiener John S. , Ross Allison K. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionRecent reports have suggested that caudal anesthesia may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical complications. We examined our experience with caudal anesthesia in hypospadias repair to evaluate for increased risk of urethrocutaneous fistula or glanular dehiscence.MethodsAll hypospadias repairs performed by a single surgeon in 2001–2014 were reviewed. Staged or revision surgeries were excluded. Patient age, weight, hypospadias severity, surgery duration, month and year of surgery, caudal anesthesia use, and postoperative complications were recorded. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.ResultsWe identified 395 single‐stage primary hypospadias repairs. Mean age was 15.6 months; 326 patients had distal (83%) and 69 had proximal (17%) hypospadias. Caudal anesthetics were used in 230 (58%) cases; 165 patients (42%) underwent local penile block at the discretion of the surgeon and/or anesthesiologist. Complications of urethrocutaneous fistula or glanular deshiscence occurred in 22 patients (5.6%) and were associated with caudal anesthetic use (OR 16.5, 95% CI 2.2–123.8, P = 0.007), proximal hypospadias (OR 8.2, 95% CI 3.3–20.0, P < 0.001), increased surgical duration (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02, P < 0.001), and earlier year of practice (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2–7.9, P = 0.03 for trend). After adjusting for confounding variables via multivariable logistic regression, both caudal anesthetic use (OR 13.4, 95% CI 1.8–101.8, P = 0.01) and proximal hypospadias (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.7–16.9, P < 0.001) remained highly associated with postoperative complications.ConclusionsIn our experience, caudal anesthesia was associated with an over 13‐fold increase in the odds of developing postoperative surgical complications in boys undergoing hypospadias repair even after adjusting for urethral meatus location. Until further investigation occurs, clinicians should carefully consider the use of caudal anesthesia for children undergoing hypospadias repair.
The Association Between Political Violence and the Connection Between Bullying and Suicidality Among Palestinian Youth
Authors: Abdeen Ziad , Brunstein‐Klomek Anat , Nakash Ora , Shibli Nabil , Nagar Maayan , Agha Hazem , Hallaq Sameh , Kanat‐Maymon Yaniv , Juerges Hendrik , Levav Itzhak 
Published: March 2017

We examined the association between protracted political violence and the connection between bullying and suicidality among Palestinian adolescents. Data were collected from a representative sample of Palestinian students (N = 5,713) from 100 schools in the West Bank and East Jerusalem who completed an in‐class survey. Students who were victims of bullying or bully victims who were exposed to political violence were at higher risk for suicide attempts compared to students who were victims of bullying or bully victims but not exposed to political violence. Political violence moderated the association between bullying and suicide attempts after controlling for socio demographic and other mental health variables.
Emp10 encodes a mitochondrial PPR protein that affects the cis‐splicing of nad2 intron 1 and seed development in maize
Authors: Cai Manjun , Li Shuzhen , Sun Feng , Sun Qin , Zhao Hailiang , Ren Xuemei , Zhao Yanxin , Tan Bao‐Cai , Zhang Zuxin , Qiu Fazhan 
Published: March 2017

SummaryIn higher plants, many mitochondrial genes contain group II‐type introns that are removed from RNAs by splicing to produce mature transcripts that are then translated into functional proteins. However, the factors involved in the splicing of mitochondrial introns and their biological functions are not well understood in maize. Here, we isolated an empty pericarp 10 (emp10) mutant and identified the underlying gene by map‐based cloning. Emp10 encodes a P‐type mitochondria‐targeted pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein with 10 PPR motifs. Loss of Emp10 function results in splicing defect of the first intron of nad2, a gene encoding subunit 2 of NADH dehydrogenase (also called complex I). The emp10 mutant has undetectable activity of complex I and has arrested development of embryo and endosperm, and thus defective seeds with empty pericarp. Additionally, the basal endosperm transfer layer cells were severely affected, indicating the deficiency of cell wall ingrowths in the emp10 kernels. Moreover, the alternative respiratory pathway involving alternative oxidase was significantly induced in the emp10 mutant. These results suggest that EMP10 is specifically required for the cis‐splicing of mitochondrial nad2 intron 1, embryogenesis and endosperm development in maize.