bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potent effects of dioscin against pancreatic cancer via miR‐149‐3P‐mediated inhibition of the Akt1 signalling pathway
Authors: Si Lingling , Xu Lina , Yin Lianhong , Qi Yan , Han Xu , Xu Youwei , Zhao Yanyan , Liu Kexin , Peng Jinyong 
Published: January 2017

Background and PurposeThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and possible underlying mechanisms of dioscin against pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo.Experimental ApproachIn vitro actions of dioscin on viability of ASPC‐1 and PANC‐1 cells, and in vivo effects to suppress the tumour growth of cell xenografts in nude mice were assessed. In addition, microRNA microarray analysis determined which microRNAs were affected by dioscin. The mechanisms underlying the actions of dioscin against pancreatic cancer were elucidated in terms of Akt1 and other proteins related to aopoptosis.Key ResultsDioscin markedly induced apoptosis and significantly suppressed the tumour growth of ASPC‐1 and PANC‐1 cell xenografts, in nude mice. Total of 107 microRNAs with differential changes were found, in which miR‐149‐3P targeted with Akt1 was markedly up‐regulated by dioscin. Further studies showed that dioscin significantly down‐regulated Akt1 levels, and thus induced cell apoptosis by increasing the levels of Bax, Apaf‐1, cleaved caspase‐3/9, cleaved PARP, suppressing Bcl‐2 levels, and causing cytochrome c release. The effects of an inhibitor of miR‐149‐3P and of siRNA of testicular Akt1 suggested that dioscin showed excellent activity against pancreatic cancer via miR‐ 149‐3P‐mediated inhibition of Akt1 signalling pathway.Conclusions and ImplicationsCollectively, these findings confirmed the potent effects of dioscin against pancreatic cancer and also provided novel insights into the mechanisms of the compound as a potential candidate for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Assessing the assessments: evaluation of four impact assessment protocols for invasive alien species
Authors: Turbé Anne , Strubbe Diederik , Mori Emiliano , Carrete Martina , Chiron François , Clergeau Philippe , González‐Moreno Pablo , Le Louarn Marine , Luna Alvaro , Menchetti Mattia , Nentwig Wolfgang , Pârâu Liviu G. , Postigo Jose‐Luis , Rabitsch Wolfgang , Senar Juan Carlos , Tollington Simon , Vanderhoeven Sonia , Weiserbs Anne , Shwartz Assaf 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimEffective policy and management responses to the multiple threats posed by invasive alien species (IAS) rely on the ability to assess their impacts before conclusive empirical evidence is available. A plethora of different IAS risk and/or impact assessment protocols have been proposed, but it remains unclear whether, how and why the outcomes of such assessment protocols may differ.LocationEurope.MethodsHere, we present an in‐depth evaluation and informed assessment of the consistency of four prominent protocols for assessing IAS impacts (EICAT, GISS, Harmonia+ and NNRA), using two non‐native parrots in Europe: the widespread ring‐necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and the rapidly spreading monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus).ResultsOur findings show that the procedures used to assess impacts may influence assessment outcomes. We find that robust IAS prioritization can be obtained by assessing species based on their most severe documented impacts, as all protocols yield consistent outcomes across impact categories. Additive impact scoring offers complementary, more subtle information that may be especially relevant for guiding management decisions regarding already established invasive alien species. Such management decisions will also strongly benefit from consensus approaches that reduce disagreement between experts, fostering the uptake of scientific advice into policy‐making decisions.Main conclusionsInvasive alien species assessments should take advantage of the capacity of consensus assessments to consolidate discussion and agreement between experts. Our results suggest that decision‐makers could use the assessment protocol most fit for their purpose, on the condition they apply a precautionary approach by considering the most severe impacts only. We also recommend that screening for high‐impact IAS should be performed on a more robust basis than current ad hoc practices, at least using the easiest assessment protocols and reporting confidence scores.
Speaking a tone language enhances musical pitch perception in 3–5‐year‐olds
Authors: Creel Sarah C. , Weng Mengxing , Fu Genyue , Heyman Gail D. , Lee Kang 
Published: January 2017

AbstractYoung children learn multiple cognitive skills concurrently (e.g., language and music). Evidence is limited as to whether and how learning in one domain affects that in another during early development. Here we assessed whether exposure to a tone language benefits musical pitch processing among 3–5‐year‐old children. More specifically, we compared the pitch perception of Chinese children who spoke a tone language (i.e., Mandarin) with English‐speaking American children. We found that Mandarin‐speaking children were more advanced at pitch processing than English‐speaking children but both groups performed similarly on a control music task (timbre discrimination). The findings support the Pitch Generalization Hypothesis that tone languages drive attention to pitch in nonlinguistic contexts, and suggest that language learning benefits aspects of music perception in early development. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/UY0kpGpPNA0
Believing In Twin Earth: New Evidence for the Normativity of Belief
Authors: Kalantari Seyed Ali , Miller Alexander 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAccording to many philosophers, the notion of belief is constitutively normative (Boghossian (, ); Shah (, ); Shah and Velleman (); Gibbard (); Wedgwood (, )). In a series of widely discussed papers (, , ), Terence Horgan and Mark Timmons have developed an ingenious ‘Moral Twin Earth’ argument against ‘Cornell Realist’ metaethical views which hold that moral terms have synthetic natural definitions in the manner of natural kind terms. In this paper we shall suggest that an adaptation of the Moral Twin Earth argument to the doxastic case – Doxastic Twin Earth – provides new evidence for the normativity of belief.
Canopy manipulations of exotic Bitter Willow (Salix elaeagnos) forest for indigenous seedling recruitment: A pilot study
Authors: Forbes Adam 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe invasive exotic tree species Bitter Willow (Salix elaeagnos; Salicaceae) has colonised areas of rank exotic grassland and has been found to contain indigenous seed, dispersed by frugivorous birds into the monospecific stands. This small pilot study examined whether indigenous seedlings that have germinated in the understorey of exotic Bitter Willow stands could be stimulated to establish through the creation of small‐scale canopy gaps. In Bitter Willow forest, four single Bitter Willow trees were poisoned to create canopy gaps. Light transmission and seedling regeneration of tree and shrub species were assessed beneath both the four manipulated and three comparable intact Bitter Willow canopies. Over 3 years, seedling height and density increased more beneath opened compared to intact Bitter Willow canopies. These results suggest that Bitter Willow can fill the roles of both a facilitative nurse and a perch tree. Larger‐scale canopy manipulation experiments of both Bitter Willow and other Salix species are needed to determine the full potential of canopy manipulations for forest restoration.
Mapping fire severity and fire extent in forest in Victoria for ecological and fuel outcomes
Authors: McCarthy Greg , Moon Kangmin , Smith Luke 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThis study shows how high‐resolution (~15 cm) simultaneous colour and infra‐red digital aerial photography can be used to map both fire severity and, particularly, fire extent, in forest in south‐eastern Australia. The results show that this methodology is capable of detecting and mapping burnt and unburnt edges under unaffected forest canopy (i.e. still green) – that is, revealing the mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas that often result from planned landscape burning under mild weather conditions (i.e. with little of the brownish canopy scorch that results from more intense bushfires). This has important implications for both fuel management and ecology. It can answer the basic questions of fire and biodiversity managers following planned burning –’how much of the planned area burnt, and, within the burnt area, what aspects were burnt, and how hot did they burn?’ The analysis of fire extent by aspect showed that about 80% of southern and eastern aspects remained unburnt during broadscale autumn prescribed burning, with many of these moister aspects potentially providing longer unburnt refuges over multiple burn rotations. The fire severity and extent mapping products, produced using the methodology outlined in this study, have the potential to substantially increase the understanding of the ecological and fuel outcomes of landscape‐scale autumn prescribed burning.
No short‐term change in avian assemblage following removal of Yellow‐throated Miner (Manorina flavigula) colonies
Authors: O'Loughlin Thea , O'Loughlin Luke S. , Clarke Michael F. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe overabundance of Yellow‐throated Miner (Manorina flavigula) has been shown to negatively affect the abundance and richness of small birds in areas they occupy, leading to homogenization of the avifauna across the fragmented landscape. In this study, we took advantage of a planned management cull to ask the question, does the removal of Yellow‐throated Miner colonies cause an immediate change in avian species richness and abundance? This cull was undertaken around the Bronzewing Flora and Fauna Reserve (north‐western Victoria, Australia) in order to protect a resident population of endangered Black‐eared Miner (M. melanotis) from hybridization. We conducted avian surveys along roadsides surrounding the reserve at Yellow‐throated Miner colonies (n = 6), control sites with no miners (n = 7), and where colonies were removed (n = 3). We found that the cull was followed by only a very modest increase in the species richness and abundance of small birds, with no significant effects on avian assemblage overall. This result contrasts with far more dramatic increases following culls of other species of miner. Sites where miners were removed were not depauperate of other species prior to the cull, which could have been due to a combination of proximity to refuge for small birds in a neighbouring reserve or the low numbers of miners that made up each culled colony. This study highlights that assumed effects of a management action may be highly dependent upon spatial and temporal context.
Body regions have an impact on the collagen/elastin index of the skin measured by non‐invasive in vivo vertical two‐photon microscopy
Authors: Czekalla Carolin , Schönborn Karl Heinz , Döge Nadine , Jung Sora , Darvin Maxim E. , Lademann Jürgen , Meinke Martina C. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIt is known that the collagen and elastin fibre structures are changing with age. There is little knowledge about the influence of body area as these investigations have been limited for ethical reasons, so far. Thus, modified non‐invasive two‐photon microscopy was used providing vertical optical sections of second harmonic generation and autofluorescence to calculate the collagen‐to‐elastin ratio and its alterations depending on the investigated body site in vivo. The results of this study indicate that the impact of different body areas could be higher than the influence of age and should be considered in future studies.
Igf1r signalling acts on the anagen‐to‐catagen transition in the hair cycle
Authors: Castela Mathieu , Linay Fabien , Roy Edwige , Moguelet Philippe , Xu Jie , Holzenberger Martin , Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Aractingi Selim 
Published: January 2017

AbstractInsulin‐like growth factor 1 (Igf1) is important for skin development and homoeostasis. However, overexpression and inactivation studies have produced variable findings regarding its role in hair follicle (HF) biology. Here, we studied a conditional and inducible knockout of the Igf1 receptor (Igf1r) in keratin 15‐expressing bulge cells. Deletion of Igf1r after the development of the skin appendages in K15‐Igf1rKO mice showed no abnormalities in epidermal homoeostasis. Numbers of bulge cells were lower in K15‐Igf1rKO mice than in controls, without consequences on wound healing, at least in young mice. K15‐Igf1rKO HFs entered anagen phase earlier than controls and showed a delay in the anagen/catagen switch. The expression of Bmp‐4 mRNA was inhibited in HFs from K15‐Igf1rKO. MED1 transcription was impaired in the epidermis of K15‐Igf1rKO mice. These findings suggest that Igf1r controls the hair cycle, partly through Bmp‐4 activation.
In silico prediction of Leishmania major‐specific CD8+ epitopes
Authors: Dietze‐Schwonberg Kirsten , Grewe Beatrix , Brosch Sven , Kuharev Joerg , van Zandbergen Ger , Rammensee Hans‐Georg , Tenzer Stefan , von Stebut Esther 
Published: January 2017

AbstractInfections with Leishmania (L.) major induce protective IFN‐γ‐dependent Th1/Tc1 immunity in C57BL/6 mice as well as in immunocompetent humans. Even though antigen‐specific immunity provides lifelong immunity against reinfection, a vaccine against this pathogen does not yet exist. Here, we compared the results obtained from in silico predictions of murine CD8‐specific L. major peptides using the algorithm SYFPEITHI with the number and predicted affinity of known proteins/peptides. Our results indicate that the majority of “immunodominant” epitopes of L. major have not been identified so far; thus, computer‐based prediction algorithms may aid the development of an effective vaccine.
Skin microbiome and acne vulgaris: Staphylococcus, a new actor in acne
Authors: Dreno Brigitte , Martin Richard , Moyal Dominique , Henley Jessica B. , Khammari Amir , Seité Sophie 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPropionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the sebaceous gland and follicular keratinocytes are considered the three actors involved in the development of acne. This exploratory study investigated the characteristics of the skin microbiota in subjects with acne and determined microbiota changes after 28 days of application of erythromycin 4% or a dermocosmetic. Skin microbiota were collected under axenic conditions from comedones, papulo‐pustular lesions and non‐lesional skin areas from subjects with mild to moderate acne according to the GEA grading using swabs. Samples were characterized using a high‐throughput sequencing approach that targets a portion of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Overall, microbiota samples from 26 subjects showed an overabundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and an under‐representation of Actinobacteria. Staphylococci were more abundant on the surface of comedones, papules and pustules (P=.004 and P=.003 respectively) than on non‐lesional skin. Their proportions increased significantly with acne severity (P<.05 between GEA‐2 and GEA‐3). Propionibacteria represented less than 2% of the bacteria on the skin surface. At Day 28, only the number of Actinobacteria had decreased with erythromycin while the dermocosmetic decreased also the number of Staphylococci. A significant reduction (P<.05) from Day 0 of comedones, papules and pustules with no significant difference between the products was observed. The bacterial diversity on all sampling areas was similar. The dermocosmetic decreased the number of Actinobacteria and Staphylococcus spp. after 28 days. Staphylococcus remained the predominant genus of the superficial skin microbiota. No significant reduction in Staphylococcus spp. was observed with the topical antibiotic.
Study of the stress intensity factor analysis through thickness: methodological aspects
Authors: Garcia‐Manrique J , Camas D , Gonzalez‐Herrera A 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis paper is focused on the methodological aspects of the numerical study of stress intensity factor (SIF) evolution through thickness. The work evaluates the modelling of an Al‐alloy 2024‐T351 CT specimen under mode I nominal loading in fracture. No plastic wake effect is introduced to separate the influence of plasticity‐induced crack closure near the surface. Numerical models have shown the complexity 3‐D behaviour in the vicinity of the crack front and finite element methods (FEM) are widely used in these problems with interesting results.However, there is a lack of literature support in many simplifying assumptions. In previous studies, authors have analysed some issues as the evolution of the plastic zone, the crack closure stress or the SIF. The current work attempts to describe and justify the key aspects of the methodology developed to address these problems by the FEM. A huge effort has been made to study main parameters involved and their influence in the results, especially in order to properly capture the SIF distribution along the thickness. Recommendations about mesh density are provided, and the main procedures to obtain K are discussed.
Building democratic public spheres? Transnational advocacy networks and the social forum process
Authors: NORMAN DAVID J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWhat, if anything, can transnational advocacy networks (TANs) contribute to the democratization of public spheres outside Westphalian frameworks? On the one hand, TANs excel at turning international public campaigns into political influence – connecting people and power across borders. On the other hand, the increasingly policy‐orientated nature of TANs raises questions about their legitimacy in speaking on behalf of multiple publics. In this article, I suggest that a TAN's success in ensuring the political efficacy of public spheres, while at the same time undermining their normative legitimacy, reflects two sides of the same coin. This is a consequence of the recent internal professionalization of advocacy networks. Framing professionalization as a particular form of communicative distortion within TAN decision‐making, I suggest that networks should incorporate internal deliberative mechanisms, adapted from international social forums, to enhance the normative legitimacy of democratic public spheres.
Synthesis and antioxidant properties of caffeic acid corn bran arabinoxylan esters
Authors: Li Y. , Zhu Y. , Liang R. , Yang C. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveAs a potential of bioactive additives, corn bran arabinoxylan (CAX) was prominent in its probiotic benefits and immuno‐enhancing activities. To improve the antioxidant ability of CAX, naturally occurring caffeic acid (CA) was covalently attached to CAX by esterification to generate caffeic acid corn bran arabinoxylan esters (CA‐CAX) with various degrees of substitution (DS).MethodsThe structure of CA‐CAX was analysed by NMR, and the DS was determined by HPLC. The antioxidant activity of CA‐CAX was investigated on scavenging the 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and autoxidazing methyl linoleate, and an aqueous linolenic acid dispersion was also used as an in vitro test system to examine the inhibition effect of CA‐CAX on the lipid peroxidation level after UV exposure. The ability of CA‐CAX to prevent H2O2‐induced oxidative damage of cell was studied by reducing MDA levels and increasing SOD and GSH‐Px activities in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cell.ResultsThe results certificated that CA was linked to CAX successfully with various DS. Compared with CAX, the antioxidant capacity of CA‐CAX was improved significantly and enhanced with the increasing concentration and DS.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha gene promoter −238G/A polymorphism increases the risk of psoriasis vulgaris in Indian patients
Authors: Rajesh Deepa , Gurumurthy Rajesh , Kutty A. V. Moideen , Balakrishna Sharath 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundTumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) gene −238G/A polymorphism (rs361525) is associated with psoriasis in several populations worldwide. To the best of our knowledge, there is no information about this polymorphism in Indian psoriatic patients. This study was undertaken to fill the gap in knowledge.MethodsThis case–control study involved 72 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) and 72 age and gender matched healthy individuals. TNFα −238G/A polymorphism was genotyped by PCR‐RFLP method.ResultsTNFα −238A allele was 5 times commoner in PsV patients than in the control group (P = 4.1 × 10−7; odds ratio [OR] = 6.5 [0.95 CI: 2.9–14.6]). Distribution of the genotypes in the two groups showed statistically significant difference in dominant genetic model (P = 2.3 × 10−7) and not in recessive genetic model (P = 2.5 × 10−1). Odds ratio for the occurrence of −238A genotype in PsV patients was 8.8 (0.95 CI: 3.5–20.2). The association showed no major difference when PsV patients were subgrouped into type I and type II categories and tested separately. Subgroup analysis on the basis of disease severity showed higher association with the moderate‐severe subgroup (P = 2.4 × 10−9, OR 15.4 [0.95 CI: 5.8–41.0]) than with mild subgroup (P = 1.3 × 10−2, OR 3.8 [0.95 CI: 1.3–10.9]).ConclusionsOur results indicate that TNFα gene −238G/A polymorphism increases the risk of developing psoriasis vulgaris among Indians. Also, the data show that severity and not the type affects the strength of association in this population.
Who is responsible for metabolic screening for mental health clients taking antipsychotic medications?
Authors: Ward Tamara , Wynaden Dianne , Heslop Karen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMetabolic syndrome is common in mental health consumer populations, and is linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes. Metabolic screening is a way of recognising consumers who are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome but internationally screening rates remain low. A retrospective audit was completed at one Australian public mental health service on the case files of 100 randomly selected consumers to determine nurses level of compliance with metabolic screening policies over a 12 month period. Consumers included in the review were prescribed antipsychotic medications for at least 12 months and had their care in the community coordinated by mental health nurses. Data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet for analysis. Low levels of metabolic screening were identified and these levels decreased over the 12 months under review. No consumers had metabolic screening that recorded all parameters at three monthly intervals over the 12 month period. Only one consumer had every metabolic parameter recorded on the physical health screen tool at baseline assessment. The findings demonstrated that while there is increased awareness of co‐morbid physical health issues in this consumer population, the translation of guidelines and policy directives to clinical practice to address this disparity remains low. Improving physical health outcomes is the responsibility of all health professionals, particularly doctors who prescribe and nurses who administer antipsychotic medications regularly to mental health consumers. Moreover, nurses are well placed to demonstrate leadership in reducing the rate of metabolic syndrome through the delivery of holistic care that includes effective screening programs.