bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory proteins in nasal lavage of workers exposed to occupational agents
Authors: Castano R. , Yucesoy B. , Johnson V. J. , Castellanos L. , Cartier A. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryBackgroundLow‐molecular‐weight (LMW) and high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) agents have been recognized as causes of occupational rhinitis (OR). Immunological mechanisms underlying OR differ according to the type of exposure. While HMW agents act mainly through IgE‐mediated mechanisms, LMW agents appear to act through both immunological and non‐immunological mechanisms.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify potential differences in the upper airways inflammatory response after exposure to LMW and HMW agents by specific inhalation challenge test (SIC).MethodsNasal lavage (NL) samples from 20 subjects who were exposed to HMW (n = 10, Group I) and LMW (n = 10, Group II) at their workplaces were collected after SIC with control and specific occupational agents. These samples were analysed for 47 inflammatory markers using multiplex bead technology.ResultsAfter exposure to specific agent, Group I exhibited higher concentrations of the following proteins compared to Group II: fibrinogen (median (interquartile range) Group I: 0.09 (0.00) μg/mL, Group II: 0.04 (0.05) μg/mL, P = .05); haptoglobin (Group I: 0.86 (0.01) μg/mL, Group II: 0.14 (0.20) μg/mL, P = .02); vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) (Group I: 0.34 (0.67) ng/mL, Group II: 0.11 (0.11) ng/mL, P = .01); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (Group I: 157.0 (154.0) pg/mL, Group II: 98.0 (20.25) pg/mL, P = .01); and vitamin D (VDBP) (Group I: 0.06 (0.13) μg/mL, Group II: 0.03 (0.03) μg/mL, P = .04). No statistically significant differences in proteins profiles were observed between the groups after exposure to control agent. Also, subjects exposed to HMW agents showed a significant increase in NL levels of C‐reactive protein compared to control‐day exposure.Conclusions and clinical relevanceExposure to HMW and LMW agents by SIC induced a differential nasal airway response including acute‐phase reactants proteins (fibrinogen, haptoglobin and CRP), cell adhesion molecules (VCAM‐1), endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and VDBP.
Denonvilliers’ fascia in men: a sheet plastination and confocal microscopy study of the prerectal space and the presence of an optimal anterior plane when mobilizing the rectum for cancer
Authors: Xu Z. , Chapuis P. H. , Bokey L. , Zhang M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the detailed, in situ, morphology of Denonvilliers’ fascia (DVF) in cadavers using sheet plastination and confocal microscopy and to review and describe the optimal anterior plane for mobilization of the distal rectum.MethodSix male cadavers (age range 46–87 years) were prepared as six sets of transverse (× 2), coronal (× 1) and sagittal (× 3) plastinated sections which were examined under a confocal laser scanning microscope.ResultsIn this study a consistent space between the anterior rectal wall and the posterior surface of the prostate and seminal vesicles above the level of the perineal body was termed the prerectal space. Within that prerectal space we identified fibres which take their origin from the external urethral sphincter (EUS), together with others from the longitudinal rectal muscle (LRM) and the connective tissue sheaths of neurovascular bundles. Neither the EUS‐ nor the LRM‐originated fibres were continuous with the endopelvic fascia; they were interposed laterally and cranially by multiple neurovascular bundles. Further, our results suggest that the peritoneum does not descend deep within the prerectal space.ConclusionThis study reveals the undisturbed, in situ, structural detail of membrane‐like structures in the prerectal space and confirms that the optimal plane for anterolateral mobilization of the rectum is posterior to the multilayered Denonvilliers’ fascia.
Loss‐of‐function of miR‐142 by hypermethylation promotes TGF‐β‐mediated tumour growth and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yu Qiangfeng , Xiang Leyang , Yin Libo , Liu Xincheng , Yang Dinghua , Zhou Jianyin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectivesHypermethylation‐induced epigenetic silencing of tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) are frequent events during carcinogenesis. MicroRNA‐142 (miR‐142) is found to be dysregulated in cancer patients to participate into tumour growth, metastasis and angiogenesis. However, the tumour suppressive role of miR‐142 and the status of methylation are not fully understood in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsHepatocellular carcinoma tissues and corresponding non‐neoplastic tissues were collected. The expression and function of miR‐142 and TGF‐β in two HCC cell lines were determined. The miRNA‐mRNA network of miR‐142 was analysed in HCC cell lines.ResultsWe found that the miR‐142 expression was reduced in tumour tissues and two HCC cell lines HepG2 and SMMC7721, which correlated to higher TNM stage, metastasis and differentiation. Moreover, miR‐142 was identified to directly target and inhibit transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β), leading to decreased cell vitality, proliferation, EMT and the ability of pro‐angiogenesis in TGF‐β‐dependent manner. Interestingly, the status of methylation of miR‐142 was analysed and the results found the hypermethylated miR‐142 in tumour patients and cell lines. The treatment of methylation inhibitor 5‐Aza could restore the expression of miR‐142 to suppress the TGF‐β expression, which impaired TGF‐β‐induced tumour growth.ConclusionThese findings implicated that miR‐142 was a tumour suppressor gene in HCC and often hyermethylated to increase TGF‐β‐induced development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Long non‐coding RNA LOC554202 modulates chordoma cell proliferation and invasion by recruiting EZH2 and regulating miR‐31 expression
Authors: Ma Xianli , Qi Shengjin , Duan Zhenying , Liao Hongzhan , Yang Baohua , Wang Wenbo , Tan Jie , Li Qinghua , Xia Xuewei 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectivesChordoma is a rare malignant bone tumour arising from notochordal remnants. Long non‐coding RNA LOC554202, as the host gene of miR‐31, contributes to various cancer developments. However, little is known about the biological function of LOC554202 in chordoma. Here, the relationship between LncRNA LOC554202, miR‐31 and EZH2 was elucidated in chordoma.Materials and methodsThe levels of LOC554402, miR‐31, EZH2, RNF144B, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were measured in chordoma tissues and the chordoma cell lines via quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) or Western blot. FISH assay demonstrated the LOC554402 expression in chordoma tissues. The chordoma cell lines, U‐CH1 and JHC7, were transfected with siRNA or miRNA mimics and analysed for cell proliferation ability, apoptosis, cell migration, and invasion. RNA pull down, RIP assay, and Luciferase Reporter Assay were used to analyze the interaction between LOC554202 and EZH2. Animal tumour xenografts were generated, and qRT‐PCR was performed to investigate EZH2, miR‐31, and RNB144B expression on tumour growth in vivo.ResultsWe found elevated expression of LOC554202 was associated with a decreased level of miR‐31 in cancer tissues. Knockdown of LOC554202 or overexpression of miR‐31 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of chordoma cells. Unexpectedly, EZH2 as a binding protein of LOC554202, and it was positively regulated by LOC554202, leading to the reduced expression of miR‐31. Furthermore, the impaired function of miR‐31 restored expression of the oncogene RNF144B and maintained the metastasis‐promoting activity in vitro. The results in vivo confirmed the anti‐tumour effects of knockdown of LOC554202, which inhibited EZH2/miR‐31 to activate the oncogene RNF144B.ConclusionOur results suggest that LOC554202 may play an important role in the progression of chordoma by the direct upregulation of EZH2 and indirect promotion of RNF144B via miR‐31.
Family conflict shapes how adolescents take risks when their family is affected
Authors: Guassi Moreira João F. , Telzer Eva H. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNumerous studies have established that the social context greatly affects adolescent risk taking. However, it remains unexplored whether adolescents' decision‐making behaviors change when they take risks that affect other individuals such as a parent. In the current study, we sought to investigate how the social context influences risky decisions when adolescents' behavior affects their family using a formalized risk‐taking model. Sixty‐three early adolescents (Mage = 13.3 years; 51% female) played a risk‐taking task twice, once during which they could make risky choices that only affected themselves and another during which their risky choices only affected their parent. Results showed that adolescents reporting high family conflict made more risky decisions when taking risks for their parent compared to themselves, whereas adolescents reporting low family conflict made fewer risky decisions when taking risks for their parent compared to themselves. These findings are the first to show that adolescents change their decision‐making behaviors when their risks affect their family and have important implications for current theories of adolescent risk taking.
William James and the ‘willfulness’ of belief
Authors: Dianda Alexis 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper explicates and defends some of William James' more controversial claims in ‘The Will to Believe’. After showing some of the weaknesses in standard interpretations of James' position, I turn to James' Principles of Psychology and The Varieties of Religious Experience to spell out in more detail James' account of the nature of the attitudes of belief, doubt, and disbelief and link them to an account of the subject. In so doing, the moral force of the argument comes to the fore by casting the question ‘Can we believe at will?’ in a new light. Through a discussion of the conversion experiences of The Varieties of Religious Experience and the kinds of self‐transformations in which beliefs that once appeared dead become live (or vice versa) that appear throughout James' psychology, the moral urgency of James' position in ‘The Will to Believe’ is clarified.
Maurice Merleau‐Ponty's concept of motor intentionality: Unifying two kinds of bodily agency
Authors: Jackson Gabrielle Benette 
Published: October 2017

AbstractI develop an interpretation of Maurice Merleau‐Ponty's concept of motor intentionality, one that emerges out of a reading of his presentation of a now classic case study in neuropathology—patient Johann Schneider—in Phenomenology of Perception. I begin with Merleau‐Ponty's prescriptions for how we should use the pathological as a guide to the normal, a method I call triangulation. I then turn to his presentation of Schneider's unusual case. I argue that we should treat all of Schneider's behaviors as pathological, not only his abstract movements (e.g., pointing), as is commonly acknowledged in the secondary literature, but also crucially his concrete movements (e.g., grasping). Using these facts of Schneider's illness, I reconstruct a ‘fundamental function’ of consciousness, as Merleau‐Ponty called it, in which there are two kinds of bodily agency: the power of the body to be solicited by a situation and the power of the body to project a situation. I propose that these powers became dissociated in Schneider's case, as evidenced by his abstract and concrete movements, while in the normal case, these powers comprise a dynamic unity, enacted as motor intentionality. I also discuss how my interpretation complements Merleau‐Ponty's assertion that motor intentions exist between mind and matter.
Relaxation of nonproductive binding and increased rate of coenzyme release in an alcohol dehydrogenase increases turnover with a nonpreferred alcohol enantiomer
Authors: Hamnevik Emil , Enugala Thilak Reddy , Maurer Dirk , Ntuku Siphosethu , Oliveira Ana , Dobritzsch Doreen , Widersten Mikael 
Published: September 2017

Alcohol dehydrogenase A (ADH‐A) from Rhodococcus ruber DSM 44541 is a promising biocatalyst for redox transformations of arylsubstituted sec‐alcohols and ketones. The enzyme is stereoselective in the oxidation of 1‐phenylethanol with a 300‐fold preference for the (S)‐enantiomer. The low catalytic efficiency with (R)‐1‐phenylethanol has been attributed to nonproductive binding of this substrate at the active site. Aiming to modify the enantioselectivity, to rather favor the (R)‐alcohol, and also test the possible involvement of nonproductive substrate binding as a mechanism in substrate discrimination, we performed directed laboratory evolution of ADH‐A. Three targeted sites that contribute to the active‐site cavity were exposed to saturation mutagenesis in a stepwise manner and the generated variants were selected for improved catalytic activity with (R)‐1‐phenylethanol. After three subsequent rounds of mutagenesis, selection and structure–function analysis of isolated ADH‐A variants, we conclude: (a) W295 has a key role as a structural determinant in the discrimination between (R)‐ and (S)‐1‐phenylethanol and a W295A substitution fundamentally changes the stereoselectivity of the protein. One observable effect is a faster rate of NADH release, which changes the rate‐limiting step of the catalytic cycle from coenzyme release to hydride transfer. (b) The obtained change in enantiopreference, from the (S)‐ to the (R)‐alcohol, can be partly explained by a shift in the nonproductive substrate‐binding modes.DatabaseStructural data are available in the Protein Data Bank with accession codes 5o8q for A2, 5o8h for A2C2, 5o9f for A2C3, and 5o9d for A2C2B1.
An unconventional family 1 uracil DNA glycosylase in Nitratifractor salsuginis
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Ran , Yang Ye , Zhang Zhemin , Fang Guang‐Chen , Xie Wei , Cao Weiguo 
Published: October 2017

The uracil DNA glycosylase superfamily consists of at least six families with a diverse specificity toward DNA base damage. Family 1 uracil N‐glycosylase (UNG) exhibits exclusive specificity on uracil‐containing DNA. Here, we report a family 1 UNG homolog from Nitratifractor salsuginis with distinct biochemical features that differentiate it from conventional family 1 UNGs. Globally, the crystal structure of N. salsuginisUNG shows a few additional secondary structural elements. Biochemical and enzyme kinetic analysis, coupled with structural determination, molecular modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations, shows that N. salsuginisUNG contains a salt bridge network that plays an important role in DNA backbone interactions. Disruption of the amino acid residues involved in the salt bridges greatly impedes the enzymatic activity. A tyrosine residue in motif 1 (GQDPY) is one of the distinct sequence features setting family 1 UNG apart from other families. The crystal structure of Y81G mutant indicates that several subtle changes may account for its inactivity. Unlike the conventional family 1 UNG enzymes, N. salsuginisUNG is not inhibited by Ugi, a potent inhibitor specific for family 1 UNG. This study underscores the diversity of paths that a uracil DNA glycosylase may take to acquire its unique structural and biochemical properties during evolution.DatabaseStructure data are available in the PDB under accession numbers 5X3G and 5X3H.
Diatom diversity patterns over the pastc. 150 years across the conterminous United States of America: Identifying mechanisms behind beta diversity
Authors: Winegardner Amanda K. , Legendre Pierre , Beisner Beatrix E. , Gregory‐Eaves Irene 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimUnderstanding the magnitude and drivers of freshwater diversity over the last 150 years provides essential insights for developing scenarios of future change. Here, we quantify and identify drivers of spatial and temporal beta diversity in diatom assemblages between historical and modern times.LocationUnited States of America.Major Taxa StudiedDiatoms.Tim Periodpre‐AD 1850 and c. 2007.MethodsUsing sedimentary genus‐level diatom data from 169 lakes and species‐level data for 52 lakes, we computed spatial beta diversity across all lakes and within ecoregions for 2007 and pre‐AD 1850 time points. We also computed local contributions to beta diversity (LCBD) and analysed them with respect to environmental variables. Total beta diversity was partitioned into replacement and abundance difference components to identify mechanisms possibly responsible for spatial beta at each time point. Temporal beta diversity indices (TBI) were also computed for each lake by comparing the diatom data of all lakes at the time points. TBIs were decomposed into taxon losses and gains to facilitate interpretation. TBIs and their components were related to contemporary land cover.ResultsTemporal beta diversity varied significantly as a function of forest cover, with higher temporal beta in lakes from watersheds with contemporary lower forest cover. Spatial beta diversity was similar between the historical and 2007 time points. Lakes with substantial local contributions to beta diversity were differentiated by water quality and land cover variables at a local scale, but showed no systematic regional pattern.Main conclusionsSpatial beta diversity of diatoms across the U.S.A. does not appear to have changed between pre‐AD 1850 and 2007, suggesting that broad‐scale land use and hydrological alteration of the landscape has not homogenized these communities. Temporal beta diversity occurred through genus gains and losses and was significantly related to land cover in watersheds. These analyses, pairing spatial and temporal beta diversity, provide insight into the mechanisms maintaining diatom diversity.
Microemulsion synthesis, optical and photocatalytic properties of vanadium‐doped nano ZnO
Authors: Mohamad Shahi Dorna , Hassanzadeh‐Tabrizi Sayed Ali , Saffar‐Teluri Ali 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn the present work, vanadium‐doped ZnO nanoparticles with different V concentrations were prepared via microemulsion method and employed as an effective photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue. The prepared samples were characterized by different techniques such as thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental mapping (MAP), and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (Uv‐Vis). The XRD patterns of vanadium‐doped samples were assigned to wurtzite structure of ZnO and vanadium ions were incorporated into the lattice of zinc oxide. SEM images showed that the synthesized pure zinc oxide has irregular morphology and with adding vanadium dopant, rod and cube‐like morphology appeared. The band gap energy of pure ZnO decreased from 3.3 to 3.21 eV on adding 1% vanadium. The results showed that the zinc oxide doped with 1% vanadium exhibited better photocatalytic activity compared to other samples. The possible mechanism for improving of photodegradation efficiency of doped samples was also discussed.
Being a valuable contributor on the frontline: The self‐perception of staff in group homes for people with intellectual disability
Authors: Quilliam Claire , Bigby Christine , Douglas Jacinta 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundGroup home frontline staff have a critical role in implementing service policies, yet research typically examines implementation issues from an organisational perspective. The aim of this study was to explore the self‐perception of frontline staff about their role in group homes for people with intellectual disability.MethodConstructivist grounded theory methodology guided the study. Data were collected with frontline staff through semistructured interviews and participant observations. Coding and sorting methods were used to analyse participants’ self‐perception.ResultsFrontline staff felt they were valuable contributors who knew the service setting and residents well. Despite this staff felt powerless in their roles, excluded from organisational dialogue, stressed and exhausted.ConclusionsFrontline staff have critical insight into service implementation although disability service organisations may limit their capacity to contribute to this. Further action could explore new ways to better nurture frontline staff engagement in organisational dialogue.
Effects of dosage and dosing frequency on the efficacy and safety of high‐dose metformin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kanto Kousei , Ito Hiroyuki , Noso Shinsuke , Babaya Naru , Hiromine Yoshihisa , Taketomo Yasunori , Toma Junko , Niwano Fumimaru , Yasutake Sara , Kawabata Yumiko , Ikegami Hiroshi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionDifferences in the efficacy and safety of antidiabetic drugs among different ethnic groups are well documented. Metformin is widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Western countries, but high doses of metformin have been approved only recently for clinical use in Japan. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dosage and dosing frequency on the efficacy and safety of high‐dose metformin in Japanese patients.Materials and MethodsA total of 71 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes were prospectively studied for the effects of dosage and dosing frequency on the efficacy and safety of metformin during hospitalization. Dose effects were studied in 27 patients treated with 0, 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,250 mg/day of metformin. The effect of dosing frequency was compared in 56 patients with 1,500 mg/day of metformin administered either two or three times per day.ResultsSignificant dose‐dependent improvement in daily profiles of blood glucose was observed with metformin dosages up to 1,500 mg/day, with a trend towards further improvement observed at 2,250 mg/day. The efficacy of 1,500 mg of metformin was comparable when the drug was administered either two or three times per day. The most frequently reported side‐effects were gastrointestinal symptoms, which were not affected by the dosage or dosing frequency of metformin.ConclusionsThese results show that the efficacy of high‐dose metformin is dose‐dependent in Japanese patients. The efficacy and safety of metformin were similar when the drug was administered either two or three times per day.