bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasmodium knowlesi:a superbin vivononhuman primate model of antigenic variation in malaria
Authors: GALINSKI M. R. , LAPP S. A. , PETERSON M. S. , AY F. , JOYNER C. J. , LE ROCH K. G. , FONSECA L. L. , VOIT E. O. ,   THE MAHPIC CONSORTIUM
Published: July 2017

SUMMARYAntigenic variation in malaria was discovered inPlasmodium knowlesistudies involving longitudinal infections of rhesus macaques (M. mulatta). The variant proteins, known as theP. knowlesiSchizont Infected Cell Agglutination (SICA) antigens and theP. falciparumErythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 (PfEMP1) antigens, expressed by theSICAvarandvarmultigene families, respectively, have been studied for over 30 years. Expression of the SICA antigens inP. knowlesirequires a splenic component, and specific antibodies are necessary for variant antigen switch eventsin vivo. Outstanding questions revolve around the role of the spleen and the mechanisms by which the expression of these variant antigen families are regulated. Importantly, the longitudinal dynamics and molecular mechanisms that govern variant antigen expression can be studied withP. knowlesiinfection of its mammalian and vector hosts. Synchronous infections can be initiated with established clones and studied at multi-omic levels, with the benefit of computational tools from systems biology that permit the integration of datasets and the design of explanatory, predictive mathematical models. Here we provide an historical account of this topic, while highlighting the potential for maximizing the use ofP. knowlesi– macaque model systems and summarizing exciting new progress in this area of research.
The structure of schizotypal personality traits: a cross-national study
Authors: Fonseca-Pedrero E. , Debbané M. , Ortuño-Sierra J. , Chan R. C. K. , Cicero D. C. , Zhang L. C. , Brenner C. , Barkus E. , Linscott R. J. , Kwapil T. , Barrantes-Vidal N. , Cohen A. , Raine A. , Compton M. T. , Tone E. B. , Suhr J. , Muñiz J. , Fumero A. , Giakoumaki S. , Tsaousis I. , Preti A. , Chmielewski M. , Laloyaux J. , Mechri A. , Lahmar M. A. , Wuthrich V. , Larøi F. , Badcock J. C. , Jablensky A. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundSchizotypal traits are considered a phenotypic-indicator of schizotypy, a latent personality organization reflecting a putative liability for psychosis. To date, no previous study has examined the comparability of factorial structures across samples originating from different countries and cultures. The main goal was to evaluate the factorial structure and reliability of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) scores by amalgamating data from studies conducted in 12 countries and across 21 sites.MethodThe overall sample consisted of 27 001 participants (37.5% males,n= 4251 drawn from the general population). The mean age was 22.12 years (s.d.= 6.28, range 16–55 years). The SPQ was used. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Multilevel CFA (ML-CFA) were used to evaluate the factor structure underlying the SPQ scores.ResultsAt the SPQ item level, the nine factor and second-order factor models showed adequate goodness-of-fit. At the SPQ subscale level, three- and four-factor models displayed better goodness-of-fit indices than other CFA models. ML-CFA showed that the intraclass correlation coefficients values were lower than 0.106. The three-factor model showed adequate goodness of fit indices in multilevel analysis. The ordinalαcoefficients were high, ranging from 0.73 to 0.94 across individual samples, and from 0.84 to 0.91 for the combined sample.ConclusionsThe results are consistent with the conceptual notion that schizotypal personality is a multifaceted construct and support the validity and utility of SPQ in cross-cultural research. We discuss theoretical and clinical implications of our results for diagnostic systems, psychosis models and cross-national mental health strategies.
Fortresses of the Tur Abdin and the confrontation between Rome and Persia
Authors: Comfort Anthony 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAlthough research is currently impossible on the ground, satellite photographs allow some further information to be gleaned concerning the region of the Tur Abdin, of crucial importance during the wars between the late Roman Empire and Sassanian Persia in the fourth to seventh century AD. This article examines the ancient sources and the reports of visitors to the area in the light of what is now visible to all via Google Earth and other suppliers of free satellite imagery. Apart from describing the remains of the fortresses and their role in defending an important redoubt against Persian attacks, it draws attention to the urgent necessity for proper ground surveys of what remains of the fortifications of various periods before these are completely destroyed by looting and reuse of building materials. Dams also present a substantial risk to some of the monuments discussed here.
The Strengths of China's Charm Offensive: Changes in the Political Landscape of a Southern Taiwan Town under Attack from Chinese Economic Power
Authors: Keng Shu , Yu-Chen Tseng Jean , Yu Qiang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractChina's trade with Taiwan has a political motive: winning the hearts and minds of the Taiwanese people. The effectiveness of China's economic statecraft can be examined in the Syuejia (Xuejia) case, where Taiwan put up strong resistance to the generous benefits offered by China. This article investigates the political implications of the Chinese-designed contract farming programme in Syuejia and argues that if economic favours are delivered, and positive impressions also created, political attitudes can be revised. Without these two prerequisites, however, replicating the Syuejia results elsewhere and thus disturbing the cross-Strait status quo will be difficult. When put in a theoretical context, the changes in the political landscape of Syuejia illustrate the interplay of economic interests and political identity.
Pregnant with HIV before age 25: data from a large national study in Italy, 2001–2016
Authors: FLORIDIA M. , MASUELLI G. , TAMBURRINI E. , CETIN I. , LIUZZI G. , MARTINELLI P. , GUARALDI G. , SPINILLO A. , VIMERCATI A. , MASO G. , PINNETTI C. , FRISINA V. , DALZERO S. , RAVIZZA M. 
Published: July 2017

SUMMARYYoung pregnant women with HIV may be at significant risk of unplanned pregnancy, lower treatment coverage, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. In a large cohort of pregnant women with HIV in Italy, among 2979 pregnancies followed in 2001–2016, 9·0% were in women <25 years, with a significant increase over time (2001–2005: 7·0%; 2006–2010: 9·1%; 2011–2016: 12·2%,P< 0·001). Younger women had a lower rate of planned pregnancy (23·2%vs.37·7%, odds ratio (OR) 0·50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·36–0·69), were more frequently diagnosed with HIV in pregnancy (46·5%vs.20·9%, OR 3·29, 95% CI 2·54–4·25), and, if already diagnosed with HIV before pregnancy, were less frequently on antiretroviral treatment at conception (<25 years: 56·3%; ⩾25 years: 69·0%, OR 0·58, 95% CI 0·41–0·81). During pregnancy, treatment coverage was almost universal in both age groups (98·5%vs.99·3%), with no differences in rate of HIV viral suppression at third trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The data show that young women represent a growing proportion of pregnant women with HIV, and are significantly more likely to have unplanned pregnancy, undiagnosed HIV infection, and lower treatment coverage at conception. During pregnancy, antiretroviral treatment, HIV suppression, and pregnancy outcomes are similar compared with older women. Earlier intervention strategies may provide additional benefits in the quality of care for women with HIV.
Visual systemizing preference in children with autism: A randomized controlled trial of intranasal oxytocin
Authors: Strathearn Lane , Kim Sohye , Bastian D. Anthony , Jung Jennifer , Iyengar Udita , Martinez Sheila , Goin-Kochel Robin P. , Fonagy Peter 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSeveral studies have suggested that the neuropeptide oxytocin may enhance aspects of social communication in autism. Little is known, however, about its effects on nonsocial manifestations, such as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. In the empathizing–systemizing theory of autism, social deficits are described along the continuum of empathizing ability, whereas nonsocial aspects are characterized in terms of an increased preference for patterned or rule-based systems, called systemizing. We therefore developed an automated eye-tracking task to test whether children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to matched controls display a visual preference for more highly organized and structured (systemized) real-life images. Then, as part of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, we examined the effect of intranasal oxytocin on systemizing preferences in 16 male children with ASD, compared with 16 matched controls. Participants viewed 14 slides, each containing four related pictures (e.g., of people, animals, scenes, or objects) that differed primarily on the degree of systemizing. Visual systemizing preference was defined in terms of the fixation time and count for each image. Unlike control subjects who showed no gaze preference, individuals with ASD preferred to fixate on more highly systemized pictures. Intranasal oxytocin eliminated this preference in ASD participants, who now showed a similar response to control subjects on placebo. In contrast, control participants increased their visual preference for more systemized images after receiving oxytocin versus placebo. These results suggest that, in addition to its effects on social communication, oxytocin may play a role in some of the nonsocial manifestations of autism.
Structural Brain Correlations of Visuospatial and Visuoperceptual Tests in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Garcia-Diaz Anna Isabel , Segura Barbara , Baggio Hugo Cesar , Marti Maria Jose , Valldeoriola Francesc , Compta Yaroslau , Bargallo Nuria , Uribe Carme , Campabadal Anna , Abos Alexandra , Junque Carme 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground: Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is relevant because it is a marker for evolution to dementia. However, the selection of suitable tests to evaluate separate cognitive domains in mild cognitive impairment related to PD remains an open question. The current work aims to investigate the neuroanatomical correlates of several visuospatial/visuoperceptual tests using the same sample and a multimodal MRI approach. Methods: The study included 36 PD patients and 20 healthy subjects matched for age, sex, and education. The visuospatial/visuoperceptual tests selected were: Pentagon Copying Test (PCT), Judgment of Line Orientation Test (JLOT), Visual Form Discrimination Test (VFDT), Facial Recognition Test (FRT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SMDT), and clock copying task (CLOX2). FreeSurfer was used to assess cortical thickness, and tract-based spatial statistics was used for fractional anisotropy analysis. Results: Lower performance in the PCT, JLOT, and SDMT was associated with extensive cortical thickness reductions in lateral parietal and temporal regions. VFDT and CLOX2 did not show this common pattern and correlated with more limited medial occipito-temporal and occipito-parietal regions. Performance in all visuospatial/visuoperceptual tests correlated with fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum. Conclusions: Our findings show that JLOT, SDMT, and PCT, in addition to differentiating patients from controls, are suitable visuospatial/visuoperceptual tests to reflect cortical thinning in lateral temporo-parietal regions in PD patients. We did not observe the dissociation between dorsal and ventral streams that was expected according to the neuropsychological classification of visuospatial and visuoperceptual tests. (JINS, 2018, 24, 33–44)
Household availability of ultra-processed foods and obesity in nineteen European countries
Authors: Monteiro Carlos Augusto , Moubarac Jean-Claude , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Canella Daniela Silva , Louzada Maria Laura da Costa , Cannon Geoffrey 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo assess household availability of NOVA food groups in nineteen European countries and to analyse the association between availability of ultra-processed foods and prevalence of obesity.DesignEcological, cross-sectional study.SettingEurope.SubjectsEstimates of ultra-processed foods calculated from national household budget surveys conducted between 1991 and 2008. Estimates of obesity prevalence obtained from national surveys undertaken near the budget survey time.ResultsAcross the nineteen countries, median average household availability amounted to 33·9 % of total purchased dietary energy for unprocessed or minimally processed foods, 20·3 % for processed culinary ingredients, 19·6 % for processed foods and 26·4 % for ultra-processed foods. The average household availability of ultra-processed foods ranged from 10·2 % in Portugal and 13·4 % in Italy to 46·2 % in Germany and 50·4 % in the UK. A significant positive association was found between national household availability of ultra-processed foods and national prevalence of obesity among adults. After adjustment for national income, prevalence of physical inactivity, prevalence of smoking, measured or self-reported prevalence of obesity, and time lag between estimates on household food availability and obesity, each percentage point increase in the household availability of ultra-processed foods resulted in an increase of 0·25 percentage points in obesity prevalence.ConclusionsThe study contributes to a growing literature showing that the consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases. Its findings reinforce the need for public policies and actions that promote consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods and make ultra-processed foods less available and affordable.
The share of ultra-processed foods determines the overall nutritional quality of diets in Brazil
Authors: Louzada Maria Laura da Costa , Ricardo Camila Zancheta , Steele Euridice Martinez , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Cannon Geoffrey , Monteiro Carlos Augusto 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the dietary share of ultra-processed foods and to determine its association with the overall nutritional quality of diets in Brazil.DesignCross-sectional.SettingBrazil.SubjectsA representative sample of 32 898 Brazilians aged ≥10 years was studied. Food intake data were collected. We calculated the average dietary content of individual nutrients and compared them across quintiles of energy share of ultra-processed foods. Then we identified nutrient-based dietary patterns, and evaluated the association between quintiles of dietary share of ultra-processed foods and the patterns’ scores.ResultsThe mean per capita daily dietary energy intake was 7933 kJ (1896 kcal), with 58·1 % from unprocessed or minimally processed foods, 10·9 % from processed culinary ingredients, 10·6 % from processed foods and 20·4 % from ultra-processed foods. Consumption of ultra-processed foods was directly associated with high consumption of free sugars and total, saturated andtransfats, and with low consumption of protein, dietary fibre, and most of the assessed vitamins and minerals. Four nutrient-based dietary patterns were identified. ‘Healthy pattern 1’ carried more protein and micronutrients, and less free sugars. ‘Healthy pattern 2’ carried more vitamins. ‘Healthy pattern 3’ carried more dietary fibre and minerals and less free sugars. ‘Unhealthy pattern’ carried more total, saturated andtransfats, and less dietary fibre. The dietary share of ultra-processed foods was inversely associated with ‘healthy pattern 1’ (−0·16; 95 % CI −0·17, −0·15) and ‘healthy pattern 3’ (−0·18; 95 % CI −0·19, −0·17), and directly associated with ‘unhealthy pattern’ (0·17; 95 % CI 0·15, 0·18).ConclusionsDietary share of ultra-processed foods determines the overall nutritional quality of diets in Brazil.
Segmenting Microscopy Images of Multi-Well Plates Based on Image Contrast
Authors: Chen Weiyang , Liao Bo , Li Weiwei , Dong Xiangjun , Flavel Matthew , Jois Markandeya , Li Guojun , Xian Bo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractImage segmentation is a key process in analyzing biological images. However, it is difficult to detect the differences between foreground and background when the image is unevenly illuminated. The unambiguous segmenting of multi-well plate microscopy images with various uneven illuminations is a challenging problem. Currently, no publicly available method adequately solves these various problems in bright-field multi-well plate images. Here, we propose a new method based on contrast values which removes the need for illumination correction. The presented method is effective enough to distinguish foreground and therefore a model organism (Caenorhabditis elegans) from an unevenly illuminated microscope image. In addition, the method also can solve a variety of problems caused by different uneven illumination scenarios. By applying this methodology across a wide range of multi-well plate microscopy images, we show that our approach can consistently analyze images with uneven illuminations with unparalleled accuracy and successfully solve various problems associated with uneven illumination. It can be used to process the microscopy images captured from multi-well plates and detect experimental subjects from an unevenly illuminated background.
Paths to improving care of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women following gestational diabetes
Authors: Campbell Sandra , Roux Nicolette , Preece Cilla , Rafter Eileen , Davis Bronwyn , Mein Jackie , Boyle Jacqueline , Fredericks Bronwyn , Chamberlain Catherine 
Published: July 2017

AimTo understand enablers and barriers influencing postpartum screening for type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes in Australian Indigenous women and how screening might be improved.BackgroundAustralian Indigenous women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are less likely than other Australian women to receive postpartum diabetes screening. This is despite a fourfold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes within eight years postpartum.MethodsWe conducted interviews with seven Indigenous women with previous GDM, focus groups with 20 Indigenous health workers and workshops with 24 other health professionals. Data collection included brainstorming, visualisation, sorting and prioritising activities. Data were analysed thematically using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Barriers are presented under the headings of ‘capability’, ‘motivation’ and ‘opportunity’. Enabling strategies are presented under ‘intervention’ and ‘policy’ headings.FindingsParticipants generated 28 enabling environmental, educational and incentive interventions, and service provision, communication, guideline, persuasive and fiscal policies to address barriers to screening and improve postpartum support for women. The highest priorities included providing holistic social support, culturally appropriate resources, improving Indigenous workforce involvement and establishing structured follow-up systems. Understanding Indigenous women’s perspectives, developing strategies with health workers and action planning with other health professionals can generate context-relevant feasible strategies to improve postpartum care after GDM. Importantly, we need evidence which can demonstrate whether the strategies are effective.
BMP-2 induces EMT and breast cancer stemness through Rb and CD44
Authors: Huang Peide , Chen Anan , He Weiyi , Li Zhen , Zhang Guanglin , Liu Zhong , Liu Ge , Liu Xueting , He Shuilian , Xiao Gang , Huang Feicheng , Stenvang Jan , Brünner Nils , Hong An , Wang Ju 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) has been reported to facilitate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and bone metastasis in breast cancer xenograft models. To investigate the role of BMP-2 in the development of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), and to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying its influence on breast cancer metastasis, we conducted a comprehensive molecular study using breast cancer cell lines and clinical samples. Our results showed that downregulation of Rb by BMP-2 was associated with ubiquitin-mediated degradation activated by phosphorylation of Rb via the PI3K/AKT signal pathway. In addition, the Smad signaling pathways are implicated in upregulation of CD44 protein expression by BMP-2. It was suggested that cross-talk exists between Rb and CD44 signaling pathways, as recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) was found to regulate CD44 expression partly through Rb signals. In clinical tissues, BMP-2 was positively and negatively correlated with CD44 and Rb expression, respectively. Based on the in vitro and in vivo results, we have established an integrated mechanism by which rhBMP-2 induces EMT and stemness of breast cancer cells via the Rb and CD44 signaling pathways, which then contribute to breast cancer metastasis. These findings may be helpful for developing new strategies for the treatment and prognosis of advanced breast cancer.
MUS81 nuclease activity is essential for replication stress tolerance and chromosome segregation in BRCA2-deficient cells
Authors: Lai Xianning , Broderick Ronan , Bergoglio Valérie , Zimmer Jutta , Badie Sophie , Niedzwiedz Wojciech , Hoffmann Jean-Sébastien , Tarsounas Madalena 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFailure to restart replication forks stalled at genomic regions that are difficult to replicate or contain endogenous DNA lesions is a hallmark of BRCA2 deficiency. The nucleolytic activity of MUS81 endonuclease is required for replication fork restart under replication stress elicited by exogenous treatments. Here we investigate whether MUS81 could similarly facilitate DNA replication in the context of BRCA2 abrogation. Our results demonstrate that replication fork progression in BRCA2-deficient cells requires MUS81. Failure to complete genome replication and defective checkpoint surveillance enables BRCA2-deficient cells to progress through mitosis with under-replicated DNA, which elicits severe chromosome interlinking in anaphase. MUS81 nucleolytic activity is required to activate compensatory DNA synthesis during mitosis and to resolve mitotic interlinks, thus facilitating chromosome segregation. We propose that MUS81 provides a mechanism of replication stress tolerance, which sustains survival of BRCA2-deficient cells and can be exploited therapeutically through development of specific inhibitors of MUS81 nuclease activity.
Modulation of nongenomic activation of PI3K signalling by tetramerization of N-terminally-cleaved RXRα
Authors: Chen Liqun , Aleshin Alexander E. , Alitongbieke Gulimiran , Zhou Yuqi , Zhang Xindao , Ye Xiaohong , Hu Mengjie , Ren Gaoang , Chen Ziwen , Ma Yue , Zhang Duo , Liu Shuai , Gao Weiwei , Cai Lijun , Wu Lingjuan , Zeng Zhiping , Jiang Fuquan , Liu Jie , Zhou Hu , Cadwell Gregory , Liddington Robert C. , Su Ying , Zhang Xiao-kun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRetinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα) binds to DNA either as homodimers or heterodimers, but it also forms homotetramers whose function is poorly defined. We previously discovered that an N-terminally-cleaved form of RXRα (tRXRα), produced in tumour cells, activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling by binding to the p85α subunit of PI3K and that K-80003, an anti-cancer agent, inhibits this process. Here, we report through crystallographic and biochemical studies that K-80003 binds to and stabilizes tRXRα tetramers via a ‘three-pronged’ combination of canonical and non-canonical mechanisms. K-80003 binding has no effect on tetramerization of RXRα, owing to the head–tail interaction that is absent in tRXRα. We also identify an LxxLL motif in p85α, which binds to the coactivator-binding groove on tRXRα and dissociates from tRXRα upon tRXRα tetramerization. These results identify conformational selection as the mechanism for inhibiting the nongenomic action of tRXRα and provide molecular insights into the development of RXRα cancer therapeutics.