bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of a HEPN‐MNT family type II toxin–antitoxin in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Yao Jianyun , Guo Yunxue , Zeng Zhenshun , Liu Xiaoxiao , Shi Fei , Wang Xiaoxue 
Published: June 2015

SummaryToxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are prevalent in bacteria and archaea. However, related studies in the ecologically and bioelectrochemically important strain Shewanella oneidensis are limited. Here, we show that SO_3166, a member of the higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes nucleotide‐binding (HEPN) superfamily, strongly inhibited cell growth in S. oneidensis and Escherichia coli. SO_3165, a putative minimal nucleotidyltransferase (MNT), neutralized the toxicity of SO_3166. Gene SO_3165 lies upstream of SO_3166, and they are co‐transcribed. Moreover, the SO_3165 and SO_3166 proteins interact with each other directly in vivo, and antitoxin SO_3165 bound to the promoter of the TA operon and repressed its activity. Finally, the conserved Rx4‐6H domain in HEPN family was identified in SO_3166. Mutating either the R or H abolished SO_3166 toxicity, confirming that Rx4‐6H domain is critical for SO_3166 activity. Taken together, these results demonstrate that SO_3166 and SO_3165 in S. oneidensis form a typical type II TA pair. This TA pair plays a critical role in regulating bacterial functions because its disruption led to impaired cell motility in S. oneidensis. Thus, we demonstrated for the first time that HEPN‐MNT can function as a TA system, thereby providing important insights into the understanding of the function and regulation of HEPNs and MNTs in prokaryotes.
Amid the possible causes of a very famous foxing: molecular and microscopic insight into Leonardo da Vinci's self‐portrait
Authors: Piñar Guadalupe , Tafer Hakim , Sterflinger Katja , Pinzari Flavia 
Published: June 2015

SummaryLeonardo da Vinci's self‐portrait is affected by foxing spots. The portrait has no fungal or bacterial infections in place, but is contaminated with airborne spores and fungal material that could play a role in its disfigurement. The knowledge of the nature of the stains is of great concern because future conservation treatments should be derived from scientific investigations. The lack of reliable scientific data, due to the non‐culturability of the microorganisms inhabiting the portrait, prompted the investigation of the drawing using non‐invasive and micro‐invasive sampling, in combination with scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and molecular techniques. The fungus Eurotium halophilicum was found in foxing spots using SEM analyses. Oxalates of fungal origin were also documented. Both findings are consistent with the hypothesis that tonophilic fungi germinate on paper metabolizing organic acids, oligosaccharides and proteic compounds, which react chemically with the material at a low water activity, forming brown products and oxidative reactions resulting in foxing spots. Additionally, molecular techniques enabled a screening of the fungi inhabiting the portrait and showed differences when different sampling techniques were employed. Swabs samples showed a high abundance of lichenized Ascomycota, while the membrane filters showed a dominance of Acremonium sp. colonizing the drawing.
Lung cancer incidence and mortality in China, 2011
Authors: Zheng Rongshou , Zeng Hongmei , Zuo Tingting , Zhang Siwei , Qiao Youlin , Zhou Qinghua , Chen Wanqing 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR) of China is responsible for cancer surveillance. Cancer registration data from registries located in each province are submitted annually to the NCCR for analysis and publication. The lung cancer incidences, and mortalities were estimated in 2011 in China by NCCR.MethodsIn 2014, 234 population‐based cancer registries' data in 2011 were submitted to the NCCR and 177 cancer registries' data were selected after quality evaluation. The selected data were classified into urban and rural areas; the crude incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer were calculated by age and gender. Age‐standardized rates were calculated by China and World standard population. The 6th National Population Census data of China was used to estimate the 2011 lung cancer burden in China.ResultsLung cancer remained the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in China in 2011. Lung cancer incidence and mortality were higher in men and urban areas than those in women and rural areas. The rates were relatively low in patients under 40 years of age, and dramatically increased after age 40, reaching a peak in patients aged 80–84.ConclusionThe burden of lung cancer was serious in China in 2011, especially for men in urban areas. Effective methods of intervention, such as air pollution and smoking controls, should be enhanced in the future.
Improved corporate governance and Chinese seasoned equity offering announcement effects
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCorporate governance and thus overall investor protection in China improved after the Split Share Structure Reform and the release of the new company law in 2005. This study examines the impact of improved corporate governance and investor protection on the market's reaction to seasoned equity offering (SEO) announcements in China. The market reacts to post‐2005 SEOs positively, while it reacts to pre‐2005 SEOs negatively. The different market reactions are attributed to the market's different perceptions of firms' intentions behind SEO decisions – that is, investors are more optimistic and have more trust in SEO issuers when they believe they are better protected.
Acquired lymphoedema and cutaneous lymphangiectasia of abdominal skin following bilateral breast reduction and abdominoplasty
Authors: Khoury Simon , Wayte Jeffrey , James Craig , Calonje Eduardo , Huilgol Shyamala 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe report two cases where the combination of breast reduction surgery and abdominoplasty led to lymphatic congestion clinically manifesting as lymphoedema and acquired cutaneous lymphangiectasia over the abdomen. These associations have not been previously reported, and clinicians need to be aware of them to obtain patients' consent for the procedure and to assist diagnosis and early intervention.
Angioedema induced by cardiovascular drugs: new players join old friends
Authors: Bas M. , Greve J. , Strassen U. , Khosravani F. , Hoffmann T. K. , Kojda G. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDuring the last years, two new cardiovascular drug classes, namely inhibitors of DPP IV or neprilysin, have been developed. In both cases, there is clinical evidence for their potential to induce angioedema as known already from blockers of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). The majority of angioedema induced by DPP IV inhibitors occurs during concomitant treatment with ACEi and is therefore likely mediated by overactivation of bradykinin type 2 receptors (B2). In striking contrast, the molecular pathways causing angioedema induced by neprilysin inhibitors, that is, sacubitril, are unclear, although a contribution of bradykinin appears likely. Nevertheless, there is no clinical evidence suggesting that inhibition of B2 might relieve the symptoms and/or prevent invasive treatment including coniotomy or tracheotomy in angioedema caused by these drugs. Therefore, the risk of angioedema should always be considered, especially in ambulatory care situations where patients have no rapid access to intensive care.
Pregnant women's view on the Swedish internet resource Drugs and Birth Defects intended for health care professionals
Authors: Nörby Ulrika , Källén Karin , Shemeikka Tero , Korkmaz Seher , Winbladh Birger 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionPregnant women often have questions concerning fetal effects of drugs but there is limited reliable information specifically intended for them. This study investigated how pregnant women perceive and value the scientific resource Drugs and Birth Defects (www.janusinfo.se/fosterpaverkan) and compared their opinions with those of health care professionals.Material and methodsElectronic questionnaire study. Pregnant women were recruited at their regular visits, and health care professionals via e‐mail, at 10 antenatal clinics. Altogether, 275 pregnant women, 38 midwives and 30 physicians participated.ResultsAmong the pregnant women, 81% found the information valuable, 70% that it was easy to understand, and 92% that it strengthened information from the staff. Concerning anxiety for negative fetal effects, 68% of the women answered that the anxiety decreased or was not influenced by the texts and 22% that it increased. Among physicians and midwives, 44% saw risks associated with pregnant women reading the texts and 24% answered that they would fully recommend them to use the database. The corresponding figures among pregnant women were 17 and 65%, respectively (P < 0.001). The professionals preferred, to a greater extent than pregnant women did, lay people to use a special edition.ConclusionsThe majority of pregnant women seem to benefit from using a scientific resource on fetal impact of drugs intended for health care professionals. Some women are more worried after having read the information, but most of them still find it valuable. It is important that pregnant women who use the database can reach a medical professional to discuss the contents.
Development of anti‐migraine therapeutics using the capsaicin‐induced dermal blood flow model
Authors: Buntinx Linde , Vermeersch Steve , de Hoon Jan 
Published: June 2015

The efficacy of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (receptor) (CGRP‐(R)) blocking therapeutics in the treatment of acute migraine headache provided proof‐of‐concept for the involvement of CGRP in the pathophysiology of this disorder. One of the major hurdles for the development of any class of drugs, including CGRP blocking therapeutics, is the early clinical development process during which toxic and inefficacious compounds need to be eliminated as early as possible in order to focus on the most promising molecules. At this stage, human models providing proof of target engagement, combined with safety and tolerability studies, are extremely valuable in focusing on those therapeutics that have the highest engagement from the lowest exposure. They guide the go/no‐go decision making, establish confidence in the candidate molecule by de‐risking toxicity and safety issues and thereby speed up the early clinical development.In this review the focus is on the so called ‘capsaicin model’ as a typical example of a target engagement biomarker used as a human model for the development of CGRP blocking therapeutics. By applying capsaicin onto the skin, TRPV1 channels are activated and a CGRP‐mediated increase in dermal blood flow can be quantified with laser Doppler perfusion imaging. Effective CGRP blocking therapeutics in turn, display blockade of this response. The translation of this biomarker model from animals to humans is discussed as well as the limitations of the assay in predicting the efficacy of anti‐migraine drugs.
Childhood and Adolescent nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma ‐ A review of clinical outcome based on the histological variants
Authors: Shankar Ananth G. , Kirkwood Amy A. , Hall Georgina W. , Hayward Janis , O'Hare Patricia , Ramsay Alan D. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryNodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (nLPHL) comprises approximately 10–12% of all childhood Hodgkin lymphoma. As the majority have low stage disease recent years have seen a de‐escalation of treatment intensity to avoid treatment‐related morbidity. This report evaluates treatment outcome in children with histopathological variants of nLPHL after therapy de‐escalation. Biopsies from 60 patients were reviewed and histology categorized as typical (n = 47; 78%) or variant nLPHL (n = 13; 22%). Furthermore, presence of immunoglobulin D (IgD) expression by the lymphocyte predominant (LP) cells was assessed in 41 patients. Treatment outcomes were compared according to treatment received and histopathology of nLPHL. Compared to typical nLPHL, children with variant nLPHL had higher stage disease at diagnosis (stage III: 3/13; 23% vs. 3/47; 6%, P = 0·11), lower complete response rates (6/13; 46% vs. 38/47; 81%, P = 0·029) and higher relapse rates (2/13; 15% vs. 2/47; 4%, P = 0·20). Additionally, IgD expression by LP cells was associated with poorer treatment response and was more commonly seen in patients with variant nLPHL. (11/13; 85% vs. 15/28; 54%, P = 0·08). Variant histology appears to be indicative of a poorer prognosis in patients with early stage disease, and may be an important factor to take into account when moving towards reduced intensity treatment for nLPHL.
Beyond single behaviour theory: Adding cross‐behaviour cognitions to the health action process approach
Authors: Fleig Lena , Ngo Joy , Roman Blanca , Ntzani Evangelia , Satta Paolo , Warner Lisa M. , Schwarzer Ralf , Brandi Maria L. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesCommonly, health behaviour theories have been applied to single behaviours, giving insights into specific behaviours but providing little knowledge on how individuals pursue an overall healthy lifestyle. In the context of diet and physical activity, we investigated the extent to which cross‐behaviour cognitions, namely transfer cognitions and compensatory health beliefs, contribute to single behaviour theory.DesignA total of 767 participants from two European regions (i.e., Germany n = 351, southern Europe n = 416) completed online questionnaires on physical activity and healthy dietary behaviour, behaviour‐specific cognitions (i.e., self‐efficacy, outcome expectancies, risk perception, intention, action planning, action control), as well as cross‐behaviour cognitions, namely transfer cognitions and compensatory health beliefs.MethodsNested path models were specified to investigate the importance of cross‐behaviour cognitions over and above behaviour‐specific predictors of physical activity and healthy nutrition.ResultsAcross both health behaviours, transfer cognitions were positively associated with intention and self‐regulatory strategies. Compensatory health beliefs were negatively associated with intention. Action planning and action control mediated the effect of intentions on behaviour.ConclusionsCross‐behaviour cognitions contribute to single behaviour theory and may explain how individuals regulate more than one health behaviour.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Cross‐behaviour cognitions are related to a healthy lifestyle.

Compensatory health beliefs hinder the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

Transfer cognitions encourage the engagement in a healthy lifestyle.

What does this study add?

Transfer cognitions were positively associated with intentions, action planning, and action control over and above behaviour‐specific cognitions.

Compensatory health beliefs were related to intentions only.

Both facilitating and debilitating cross‐behaviour cognitions need to be studied within a unified multiple behaviour research framework.
The simple analytics of tobacco taxation with illegal supply
Authors: Irvine Ian , Sims William 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of tobacco excise taxes where legal and illegal supplies coexist. The government's objective is to minimize cigarettes smoked in the economy (or to maximize revenue or to minimize illegal activity). It reacts to a competitive illegal supply in an adjoining jurisdiction. A model of consumer choice is used to demonstrate how demand response to tax changes can yield counterintuitive results. While the model mimics the Canadian market, similar situations characterize the US and European markets. A novel element of the paper is the treatment of externalities on the supply side rather than the demand side.
Allergen‐induced early and late asthmatic responses to inhaled seasonal and perennial allergens
Authors: Boulet L.‐P. , Gauvreau G. , Boulay M.‐E. , O'Byrne P.M. , Cockcroft D. W. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe allergen bronchoprovocation (ABP) test is a validated model to study asthma pathophysiology and response to treatments. The inhibitory effect of agents on the allergen‐induced late asthmatic response (LAR) is a predictor of their efficacy in asthma treatment. However, it is difficult to predict the magnitude of a LAR, which may vary according to immune responsiveness and the type of allergen used for ABP.AimTo determine the relationship between the magnitudes of early asthmatic response (EAR) and LAR in mild asthmatic subjects according to the type of allergen inhaled and its determinants.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of a large database of ABPs, all performed with a common standardized methodology. Patients were either challenged with house dust mites (HDMs), animals or pollens allergens. EAR was defined as a ≥ 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) < 3 h following ABP and LAR as a ≥ 15% fall in FEV1 between 3 and 7 h post‐ABP. The ratio of EAR % fall in FEV1/LAR % fall in FEV1 was compared between the groups of subjects according to the allergen used for ABP.ResultsData from 290 subjects were analysed: 87 had an isolated EAR and 203 had a dual response (EAR + LAR). Dual responders had a significantly lower baseline PC20, a more marked fall in FEV1 at EAR, and a trend towards higher baseline sputum eosinophil percentages. The ratio of EAR over LAR was significantly lower in HDM compared with pollen ABP, indicating a larger LAR for a similar EAR. No correlations were observed between the ratio of EAR over LAR and the various parameters recorded in the different groups analysed.ConclusionDifferent mechanisms may be involved in modulating the magnitude of the LAR, according to the type of allergen. HDM seems to induce a stronger LAR than pollens, animal allergens being intermediary in this regard.
The morphology of the foetal sigmoid colon in the African population: a possible predisposition to sigmoid volvulus
Authors: Madiba T. E. , Aldous C. , Haffajee M. R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to determine the morphological types of the foetal sigmoid colon and establish if the anatomical predisposition to sigmoid volvulus is present in Black African foetuses. Sigmoid volvulus affects Black Africans in our province more frequently than other ethnic groups, and males more than females. Its aetiology remains speculative, with factors being proposed that do not suggest the pathogenetic mechanisms or the gender bias. Previous anatomical studies have suggested that Black Africans have a predisposition to sigmoid volvulus due to an elongated sigmoid colon. We investigated whether this phenomenon occurred during foetal development.MethodFoetuses were donated from local hospitals. Population groups were defined as Black African and non‐African. After dissection, the anatomy of the sigmoid colon was described according to level of origin, classic or elongated type and shape (broad or narrow).ResultsA total of 296 Black African foetuses and 37 non‐African foetuses were donated. The sigmoid colon in the majority of foetuses in all gestational age groups had a low level of origin. An elongated colon was seen in 68% of Black African and 17% of non‐African foetuses (P < 0.0001). Among Black Africans there was a higher proportion of elongated sigmoid colon among male (73%) than female foetuses (62%) (P = 0.044). In foetuses with an elongated sigmoid colon the broad shape was more common in females than males and the long‐narrow shape was more common in males (P = 0.038).ConclusionThe elongated sigmoid colon seen in Black Africans is present in utero and occurs more frequently in Black African males. A narrow shape is more common in male foetuses and the broad shape is more common in female foetuses. These anatomical features may be the cause of the predisposition to sigmoid volvulus in Black African adults.
Population genetics affected by pest management using fruit‐bagging: a case study with Grapholita molesta in China
Authors: Zheng Yan , Qiao Xianfeng , Wang Kang , Dorn Silvia , Chen Maohua 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFruit‐bagging is being used as a pest management tool to control fruit moths on several continents. However, nothing is known about how this physical control method affects population genetics of these moths. Focusing on the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita (= Cydia) molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), we used five polymorphic microsatellite loci and two mitochondrial gene sequences to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic structure of populations from three fruit‐bagged and two unbagged apple orchards in five regions of a major fruit‐growing area of China. We sampled each orchard 3× during the season and found high genetic diversity in the samples of populations collected. Populations from fruit‐bagged and unbagged orchards were genetically significantly differentiated, indicating a clear effect of the pest management method applied. Genetic structures of the populations under a given management regime changed in the course of the season in a characteristic manner, and within the same regime, patterns were always similar at a given sampling time. There was no significant isolation by geographical distance. Population genetics from both orchard types did not resemble one another at the beginning of the season, but they did rather at the end. Potential reasons for this unexpected direction of change in population genetic structure are discussed, and we hypothesize that diapause‐related characteristics may account for the patterns observed. The current study documents that pest management methods applied can have an important impact on the genetic diversity and genetic structure of targeted pest insect populations.
Leafminer egg distribution at decreasing leaf availability levels: do females avoid intraspecific competition?
Authors: Aparicio María Lourdes , Fenoglio María Silvina , Videla Martín 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFemale oviposition choices are expected to maximize offspring fitness. Leafminers often lay their eggs in an aggregated fashion, leading to exploitative or interference competition among larvae. However, few studies have explored whether egg distribution patterns vary with leaf availability and whether these changes are an attempt to reduce competition effects on offspring fitness. Here, we evaluated the egg distribution patterns of the specialist leafminer Liriomyza commelinae Frost (Diptera: Agromyzidae) for decreasing levels of leaf availability of their host plant Commelina erecta L. (Commelinaceae). Competition effects on insect performance were evaluated at various leaf larval densities in the laboratory and egg distribution was investigated for a wide range of leaf availability levels, both in the laboratory and in the field. Liriomyza commelinae performance indicated that larvae competed for resources (exploitative competition), with a negative impact on survival and adult size at emergence when four or more larvae shared a leaf. The distribution of the immature stages of the leafminer was aggregated in both the laboratory and in the field. As this pattern did not change with leaf availability, increasing levels of larval competition occurred when available leaves were scarce. Moreover, the proportion of total individuals subjected to the strongest competition level (six or more larvae per leaf) increased exponentially at the lower levels of leaf availability. Competition was found to be irrelevant as a selective force in shaping L. commelinae oviposition decisions, as egg distribution was aggregated and did not vary with leaf availability, leading to relatively strong levels of competition. The egg distribution patterns observed in L. commelinae may have resulted from trade‐offs between competition and factors such as enemy‐free space and leaf quality.