bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotechnological Strategies to Improve Plant Biomass Quality for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Peña-Castro Julián Mario , del Moral Sandra , Núñez-López Lizeth , Barrera-Figueroa Blanca E. , Amaya-Delgado Lorena
Published: August 2017

The transition from an economy dependent on nonrenewable energy sources to one with higher diversity of renewables will not be a simple process. It requires an important research effort to adapt to the dynamics of the changing energy market, sort costly processes, and avoid overlapping with social interest markets such as food and livestock production. In this review, we analyze the desirable traits of raw plant materials for the bioethanol industry and the molecular biotechnology strategies employed to improve them, in either plants already under use (as maize) or proposed species (large grass families). The fundamentals of these applications can be found in the mechanisms by which plants have evolved different pathways to manage carbon resources for reproduction or survival in unexpected conditions. Here, we review the means by which this information can be used to manipulate these mechanisms for commercial uses, including saccharification improvement of starch and cellulose, decrease in cell wall recalcitrance through lignin modification, and increase in plant biomass.
Concrete with Improved Chloride Binding and Chloride Resistivity by Blended Cements
Authors: Kopecskó Katalin , Balázs György L.
Published: August 2017

Durability and service life of concrete structures can be endangered by chloride ions. Two phenomena help to keep control of chloride effects. On one hand cements are able to bind chloride ions by their aluminate clinker phases or by the clinker substituting materials. On the other hand resistivity of concrete against chloride penetration can be improved by careful selection of concrete constituents and production. Detailed results of two series of extensive experimental studies are presented herein. Chloride ion binding capacity of tested cements in decreasing sequence was the following: (1) CEM III/B 32,5 N-S; (2) CEM III/A 32,5 N; (3) CEM II/B 32,5 R; (4) CEM II/B-M (V-L) 32,5 R; (5) CEM I 42,5 N. Test results indicated that the increasing substitution of clinkers by GGBS improves the chloride resistivity in concrete made with the same water to cement ratio. The application of air entraining agent increases considerably the values of Dnssm. Based on the migration coefficients (Dnssm) the following sequence of efficiency was found (from the best): CEM III/B 32,5 N > CEM V/A (S-V) 32,5 N > CEM III/A 32,5 N > CEM II/B-S 42,5 R > CEM II/A-S 42,5 N > CEM I 42,5 N.
The Snap Tension Analysis of Taut‐Slack Mooring Line with tanh Method
Authors: Zhang Su-xia , Shi Rui-zhi , Chen Shengli , Liu Xi-jun
Published: August 2017

The continuous model is introduced, and the nonlinear partial differential equations of taut‐slack mooring line system are transferred to nonlinear algebraic equations through tanh method, and four solitary solutions are obtained further. At the same time, to express the results clearly, the curve surfaces of strains, displacements, and tension are plotted. The results show that there are four different solutions in the system. With the pretension increasing, the tension changes from one solitary solution to snap tension, and when the pretension is increased further, the curve converts to continuous line, until straight line, which is corresponding to the taut mooring line. In the process of increasing of pretension, the mooring line transfers from slack to taut, accompanied with tension skipping, which is reduced by the system parameters, and different combination of parameters may introduce different tension in line, and the uncertainty may cause the breakage of mooring system. The results have an agreement with experiment, which shows that the calculating method in this paper may be believable and feasible. This work may provide reference for design of mooring system.
Exception to the Rule: Genomic Characterization of Naturally Occurring Unusual Vibrio cholerae Strains with a Single Chromosome
Authors: Xie Gary , Johnson Shannon L. , Davenport Karen W. , Rajavel Mathumathi , Waldminghaus Torsten , Detter John C. , Chain Patrick S. , Sozhamannan Shanmuga
Published: August 2017

The genetic make-up of most bacteria is encoded in a single chromosome while about 10% have more than one chromosome. Among these, Vibrio cholerae, with two chromosomes, has served as a model system to study various aspects of chromosome maintenance, mainly replication, and faithful partitioning of multipartite genomes. Here, we describe the genomic characterization of strains that are an exception to the two chromosome rules: naturally occurring single-chromosome V. cholerae. Whole genome sequence analyses of NSCV1 and NSCV2 (natural single-chromosome vibrio) revealed that the Chr1 and Chr2 fusion junctions contain prophages, IS elements, and direct repeats, in addition to large-scale chromosomal rearrangements such as inversions, insertions, and long tandem repeats elsewhere in the chromosome compared to prototypical two chromosome V. cholerae genomes. Many of the known cholera virulence factors are absent. The two origins of replication and associated genes are generally intact with synonymous mutations in some genes, as are recA and mismatch repair (MMR) genes dam, mutH, and mutL; MutS function is probably impaired in NSCV2. These strains are ideal tools for studying mechanistic aspects of maintenance of chromosomes with multiple origins and other rearrangements and the biological, functional, and evolutionary significance of multipartite genome architecture in general.
MITF-High and MITF-Low Cells and a Novel Subpopulation Expressing Genes of Both Cell States Contribute to Intra- and Intertumoral Heterogeneity of Primary Melanoma
Authors: Ennen Marie , Keime Céline , Gambi Giovanni , Kieny Alice , Coassolo Sebastien , Thibault-Carpentier Christelle , Margerin-Schaller Fanny , Davidson Guillaume , Vagne Constance , Lipsker Dan , Davidson Irwin
Published: August 2017

Purpose: Understanding tumor heterogeneity is an important challenge in current cancer research. Transcription and epigenetic profiling of cultured melanoma cells have defined at least two distinct cell phenotypes characterized by distinctive gene expression signatures associated with high or low/absent expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Nevertheless, heterogeneity of cell populations and gene expression in primary human tumors is much less well characterized.

Experimental Design: We performed single-cell gene expression analyses on 472 cells isolated from needle biopsies of 5 primary human melanomas, 4 superficial spreading, and one acral melanoma. The expression of MITF-high and MITF-low signature genes was assessed and compared to investigate intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity and correlated gene expression profiles.

Results: Single-cell gene expression analyses revealed varying degrees of intra- and intertumor heterogeneity conferred by the variable expression of distinct sets of genes in different tumors. Expression of MITF partially correlated with that of its known target genes, while SOX10 expression correlated best with PAX3 and ZEB2. Nevertheless, cells simultaneously expressing MITF-high and MITF-low signature genes were observed both by single-cell analyses and RNAscope.

Conclusions: Single-cell analyses can be performed on limiting numbers of cells from primary human melanomas revealing their heterogeneity. Although tumors comprised variable proportions of cells with the MITF-high and MITF-low gene expression signatures characteristic of melanoma cultures, primary tumors also comprised cells expressing markers of both signatures defining a novel cell state in tumors in vivo. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 7097–107. ©2017 AACR.
TRP53 Mutants Drive Neuroendocrine Lung Cancer Through Loss-of-Function Mechanisms with Gain-of-Function Effects on Chemotherapy Response
Authors: Akeno Nagako , Reece Alisa L. , Callahan Melissa , Miller Ashley L. , Kim Rebecca G. , He Diana , Lane Adam , Moulton Jonathan S. , Wikenheiser-Brokamp Kathryn A.
Published: August 2017

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) as the most aggressive subtype. Preferential occurrence of TP53 missense mutations rather than loss implicates a selective advantage for TP53-mutant expression in SCLC pathogenesis. We show that lung epithelial expression of R270H and R172H (R273H and R175H in humans), common TRP53 mutants in lung cancer, combined with RB1 loss selectively results in two subtypes of neuroendocrine carcinoma, SCLC and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). Tumor initiation and progression occur in a remarkably consistent time frame with short latency and uniform progression to lethal metastatic disease by 7 months. R270H or R172H expression and TRP53 loss result in similar phenotypes demonstrating that TRP53 mutants promote lung carcinogenesis through loss-of-function and not gain-of-function mechanisms. Tumor responses to targeted and cytotoxic therapeutics were discordant in mice and corresponding tumor cell cultures demonstrating need to assess therapeutic response at the organismal level. Rapamycin did not have therapeutic efficacy in the mouse model despite inhibiting mTOR signaling and markedly suppressing tumor cell growth in culture. In contrast, cisplatin/etoposide treatment using a patient regimen prolonged survival with development of chemoresistance recapitulating human responses. R270H, but not R172H, expression conferred gain-of-function activity in attenuating chemotherapeutic efficacy. These data demonstrate a causative role for TRP53 mutants in development of chemoresistant lung cancer, and provide tractable preclinical models to test novel therapeutics for refractory disease. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(12); 2913–26. ©2017 AACR.
IL15 Infusion of Cancer Patients Expands the Subpopulation of Cytotoxic CD56bright NK Cells and Increases NK-Cell Cytokine Release Capabilities
Authors: Dubois Sigrid , Conlon Kevin C. , Müller Jürgen R. , Hsu-Albert Jennifer , Beltran Nancy , Bryant Bonita R. , Waldmann Thomas A.
Published: August 2017

The cytokine IL15 is required for survival and activation of natural killer (NK) cells as well as expansion of NK-cell populations. Here, we compare the effects of continuous IL15 infusions on NK-cell subpopulations in cancer patients. Infusions affected the CD56bright NK-cell subpopulation in that the expansion rates exceeded those of CD56dim NK-cell populations with a 350-fold increase in their total cell numbers compared with 20-fold expansion for the CD56dim subset. CD56bright NK cells responded with increased cytokine release to various stimuli, as expected given their immunoregulatory functions. Moreover, CD56bright NK cells gained the ability to kill various target cells at levels that are typical for CD56dim NK cells. Some increased cytotoxic activities were also observed for CD56dim NK cells. IL15 infusions induced expression changes on the surface of both NK-cell subsets, resulting in a previously undescribed and similar phenotype. These data suggest that IL15 infusions expand and arm CD56bright NK cells that alone or in combination with tumor-targeting antibodies may be useful in the treatment of cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(10); 929–38. ©2017 AACR.
Adaptation of the Score for Allergic Rhinitis in the Chinese Population: Psychometric Properties and Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: Lam Simon Ching , Yeung Cheryl Chi Yan , Chan Jackie Ho Man , Lam Dave Wan Choi , Lam Angie Ho Yan , Annesi-Maesano Isabella , Bousquet Jean
Published: August 2017

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a worldwide health problem with rising prevalence. To enhance the estimation of AR prevalence in epidemiological studies, the Score for AR (SFAR), a screening tool, has been developed and widely used. An 8-item SFAR is a handy, self-administered instrument assessing the information on nasal and eye symptoms, seasonal increase in symptoms, skin test results, and previous AR diagnoses. This study aimed to adapt the SFAR to the Chinese population (CSFAR) and validate it by testing its psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy. Methods: This methodological study involved translation and validation phases. Different batches of participants were recruited for the above purposes. Results: In phase 1, the CSFAR obtained satisfactory item (80-100%) and scale level (97.8%) semantic equivalence, content validity index (96.7%), comprehensibility (100%), cross-language testing (κ = 0.44-0.83 for item-to-item agreement; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.95, p < 0.05-0.001). In phase 2, CSFAR showed satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.83), 1-month (ICC = 0.88) and 1-year stability (ICC = 0.85), and construct validity (significant correlation between CSFAR and impairments induced by AR: r = 0.47, p < 0.001). Based on the receiver-operating characteristic curve, comparing the CSFAR with diagnosis made by specialists, an optimal cutoff value was 6 (sensitivity 81.8% and specificity 80.3%). Conclusion: SFAR was translated into a Chinese version, the CSFAR. Satisfactory results were obtained for its equivalence, appropriateness, comprehensibility, and relevance, as well as its reliability and validity. A cutoff value of 6 was recommended to increase the diagnostic accuracy in environments with less pollen. This study provides evidence that the SFAR we adapted for the Chinese population is a valuable tool in AR screening.
Cognitive Impairments in Unipolar Depression: The Impact of Rumination
Authors: Schwert Christine , Aschenbrenner Steffen , Weisbrod Matthias , Schröder Annette
Published: August 2017

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with impairments in several cognitive domains. People with depression also tend to focus on and think about their problems (“ruminate”) more than people without depression. Recent studies indicate that depressive rumination is connected to cognitive impairments in MDD. However, there is little scientific understanding of the role of rumination in these deficits. Sampling and Methods: The current study examined the performance of 62 outpatients suffering from unipolar major depression with a low tendency to ruminate versus outpatients with a high tendency to ruminate using a neuropsychological battery covering the 5 cognitive domains: attention, memory, working memory, executive functions and processing speed. Results: The results indicated that high ruminators show a lower performance than low ruminators with regard to processing speed and executive function tasks with low effect sizes. However, these findings were not significant after Bonferroni correction. Hierarchical linear regression revealed that the effect on processing speed could be partially attributed to rumination, but an effect on executive functions was not established. Conclusions: The current study is the first to systematically investigate the impact of rumination on cognitive impairments in MDD, exploring a broad range of cognitive domains. The results partially support the hypothesis that rumination has an impact on single cognitive domains and highlight the necessity for further investigations in order to generalize these findings.
MMP-9 in Dentinal Fluid Correlates with Caries Lesion Depth
Authors: Ballal Vasudev , Rao Sheetal , Bagheri Azadeh , Bhat Vinutha , Attin Thomas , Zehnder Matthias
Published: August 2017

The analysis of molecular cues in dentinal fluid from an excavated cavity could improve diagnostics in the context of minimally invasive caries treatment. In the current clinical trial we assessed whether the dentinal fluid levels of MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9; neutrophil gelatinase) would increase with the progression of carious lesions. MMP-9 is associated with neutrophil-related tissue breakdown in the pulp. Absolute MMP-9 levels were contrasted against the levels of MMP-2, an enzyme related to normal tissue turnover. Dentinal fluid was collected below deep and shallow caries from molars and premolars within the same patients aged 18 years and older (n = 30, 1 tooth per group/patient). Experimental teeth were isolated under a rubber dam prior to excavation. Dentinal fluid was collected from the bottom of the cavity using a size 25 paper point. MMP levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nonparametric methods were applied to test for differences between groups. Significantly more (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon test) MMP-9 was collected from the deep carious lesions than from the shallow counterparts. Pairwise comparison of MMP-9 values within patients revealed that there was more MMP-9 collected from deep lesions than from shallow counterparts in 27 of the 30 individuals under investigation (pairwise Wilcoxon test, p < 0.001). In contrast, no such difference existed for MMP-2. There was a high correlation between MMP-9 from deep and shallow lesions (Spearman's ρ = 0.72, p < 0.001), indicating that patients with more MMP-9 in the deep carious lesion also tended to have more MMP-9 in the shallow lesion.
Histological Properties of Main and Accessory Olfactory Bulbs in the Common Hippopotamus
Authors: Kondoh Daisuke , Watanabe Kenichi , Nishihara Kaori , Ono Yurie S. , Nakamura Kentaro G. , Yuhara Kazutoshi , Tomikawa Sohei , Sugimoto Miki , Kobayashi Saori , Horiuchi Noriyuki , Kobayashi Yoshiyasu , Sasaki Motoki , Kitamura Nobuo
Published: August 2017

The olfactory system of mammals comprises a main olfactory system that detects hundreds of odorants and a vomeronasal system that detects specific chemicals such as pheromones. The main (MOB) and accessory (AOB) olfactory bulbs are the respective primary centers of the main olfactory and vomeronasal systems. Most mammals including artiodactyls possess a large MOB and a comparatively small AOB, whereas most cetaceans lack olfactory bulbs. The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is semiaquatic and belongs to the order Cetartiodactyla, family Hippopotamidae, which seems to be the closest extant family to cetaceans. The present study evaluates the significance of the olfactory system in the hippopotamus by histologically analyzing the MOB and AOB of a male common hippopotamus. The MOB comprised six layers (olfactory nerve, glomerular, external plexiform, mitral cell, internal plexiform, and granule cell), and the AOB comprised vomeronasal nerve, glomerular, plexiform, and granule cell layers. The MOB contained mitral cells and tufted cells, and the AOB possessed mitral/tufted cells. These histological features of the MOB and the AOB were similar to those in most artiodactyls. All glomeruli in the AOB were positive for anti-Gαi2, but weakly positive for anti-Gαo, suggesting that the hippopotamus vomeronasal system expresses vomeronasal type 1 receptors with a high affinity for volatile compounds. These findings suggest that the olfactory system of the hippopotamus is as well developed as that of other artiodactyl species and that the hippopotamus might depend on its olfactory system for terrestrial social communication.
Comparison of Central, Ambulatory, Home and Office Blood Pressure Measurement as Risk Markers for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Yaneva-Sirakova Teodora , Traykov Latchezar , Petrova Julia , Vassilev Dobrin
Published: August 2017

Aims: We compared the role of central blood pressure (BP), ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), home-measured BP (HMBP) and office BP measurement as risk markers for the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: 70 hypertensive patients on combination medical therapy were studied. Their mean age was 64.97 ± 8.88 years. Eighteen (25.71%) were males and 52 (74.28%) females. All of the patients underwent full physical examination, laboratory screening, echocardiography, and office, ambulatory, home and central BP measurement. The neuropsychological tests used were: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). SPSS 19 was used for the statistical analysis with a level of significance of 0.05. Results: The mean central pulse pressure values of patients with MCI were significantly (p = 0.016) higher than those of the patients without MCI. There was a weak negative correlation between central pulse pressure and the results from the MoCA and MMSE (r = –0.283, p = 0.017 and r = –0.241, p = 0.044, respectively). There was a correlation between ABPM and MCI as well as between HMBP and MCI. Conclusions: The correlation of central BP with target organ damage (MCI) is as good as for the other types of measurements of BP (home and ambulatory). Office BP seems to be the poorest marker for the assessment of target organ damage.
First report of soft coral Sarcophyton birkelandi Verseveldt, 1978 (Anthozoa: Alcyonacea) in Indian waters from Andaman Islands
Authors: Rajendra Seepana , Raghunathan C. , Mondal Tamal , Venkataraman K.
Published: August 2017

Sarcophyton birkelandi Verseveldt, 1978 is reported as a new record to Indian waters from Andaman Islands.  Colony morphology, sclerite structures and measurements were extracted and examined from the surface and coenenchyme of both capitulum and stalk for confirmation of species.  Structural differentiation was observed in sclerite shape such as club shaped, needle shaped and spindle shaped with a variety of sizes and orientation pattern.
Birds of the Kerala Agricultural University campus, Thrissur District, Kerala, India - an update
Authors: Manohar K. Abha , Ramachandran Arjun , Syamili M.S. , Sreekumar E.R. , Mohan Nithin , Anjali J. , Reddy Abinand , Nameer P. O.
Published: August 2017

An updated checklist of the birds of the Kerala Agricultural University main campus is presented here.  The current checklist includes 172 species in 60 families and 17 orders.  The campus avifauna includes two Western Ghats endemic species and three globally threatened species.  The Kerala Agricultural University main campus also supports 11 species of birds included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and 16 species that are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).  Seasonality chart prepared using eBird is also provided for each of the species.
Floristic diversity of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Rahangdale Savita Sanjaykumar , Rahangdale Sanjaykumar Ramlal
Published: August 2017

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) is located on the crestline of the northern Western Ghats in Pune and Thane districts in Maharashtra State.  It was notified in October 1985 towards conservation of the state animal of Maharashtra, the Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica ssp. elphinstonii.  Although an important protected area in the Western Ghats, due to the lack of a comprehensive report, an assessment of floristic diversity of BWS was done from 2009 to 2016.  The results revealed that forest types and microhabitats are diverse in the sanctuary.  Major forest types are western subtropical broad leaved hill forest to moist deciduous types with a few included small patches of evergreen forests.  The rich flora of the sanctuary is represented by a total of 1,142 angiospermic taxa at species and infraspecific level spread over 619 genera and 124 families.  Of these 1,094 taxa are wild, which belong to 118 families and 586 genera.  Rest of the taxa are planted (34), and 14 introduced.  The taxa are classified as per the APG IV.  The  wild taxa include 20 magnolids, 285 monocots, one Ceratophyllales and 788 eudicots.  Out of these, 217 taxa are Indian endemics; which comprise about 19.84% of the total number of wild taxa (1,094) in the sanctuary and 5.04% of total Indian endemics (4,303).  Total 53 taxa are under different threat categories according to IUCN.  BWS harbours a significant extent of angiosperms in a very small geographic area.
Records of the Palni Hills Rudraksha Tree Elaeocarpus blascoi (Oxalidales Elaeocarpaceae) in Palni Hills, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Stewart Robert , Balcar Tanya
Published: August 2017

Elaeocarpus blascoi is an endemic tree species reported only from the Palni Hills in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.  It was described from one tree in 1972, and was thought to be extinct till 1999.  We had germinated an unidentified plant species in 1990, and this was later identified in 2001 as E. blascoi upon discovery of a mature tree in Vattakanal shola.  We describe here the discovery of the mature tree and two of our plantings that have survived over the past 20 years.  Our discovery and plantings have been written about in other publications but with partial information.  In this note we list out all our experience with this species to provide clarity.
Wintering of the Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus (Aves: Charadriiformes: Charadriidae) in Kerala, India
Authors: Roshnath R
Published: August 2017

Sightings of Grey-headed Lapwings wintering in Kerala were compiled from different sources.  With a total of 77 sightings from 1999–2016 in Kerala the bird, which was earlier thought to be a rare winter visitor, was found to be a frequent visitor to the state.  Kole wetland, Vellayani-Punchakkari paddy fields and Kattampally wetlands were the sites in Kerala with fairly regular sightings of the bird.  From the records, it was found that they are here from October to April, with a maximum number of sightings in January.
A new record of Harlequin Shrimp (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Palaemonidae: Hymenocera picta Dana, 1852) in the southern Mexican Pacific Reefs
Authors: Valencia-Mendez Omar , Lopez-Perez Andres , Martinez-Guerrero Betel , Antonio-Perez Virgilio , Ramirez-Chavez Eduardo
Published: August 2017

The Harlequin Shrimp Hymenocera picta is abundant in the Indo-Pacific and Central Pacific regions, but there are few reports of it from the eastern Pacific.  Two pairs of the Harlequin Shrimp were observed feeding on the Sea Star Phataria unifascialis (Gray, 1840) in the reefs of Huatulco National Park, Mexican Pacific.  This paper reports the occurrence of H. picta in Mexican Pacific waters and extends its previous distribution by 1,270km north of El Ocotal, Costa Rica in the eastern Pacific equatorial zone.  In addition, we evaluate the potential distribution of H. picta along the tropical eastern Pacific using the Maximum-Entropy modelling algorithm.
The ecology and distribution of Flying Foxes (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae: Pteropus) in Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar with a first mainland record of Pteropus hypomelanus geminorum from Myeik
Authors: Oo Khin Swe , Win Hsu Lae , Bates Paul J.J. , Pearch Malcolm
Published: August 2017

Roosting colonies of Pteropus spp. at Myeik and Nyaung-zin in Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Region were surveyed between March and October 2016.  Flying Foxes from 12 roost sites in Myeik town are considered to represent the taxon Pteropus hypomelanus geminorum based on the collection of a single specimen, which is the first record of the taxon from a mainland location.  Further information was gathered from local people concerning the ecology and seasonal migration of Flying Fox colonies at the coastal village of Shaw-Taw-Maw and on the small island of The-byu.  Data are presented on the roost tree species selected by Pteropus colonies and local threats to the bats and their habitat.
Adventitious rooting of mature Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill (Cycadales: Cycadaceae) tree stems reveals moderate success for salvage of an endangered cycad
Authors: Marler Thomas Edward , Cruz Gil Naputi
Published: August 2017

Mature Cycas micronesica trees were among the forest trees that were destined to be removed from a 2012 construction site in northern Guam.  Forty-nine of these trees were cut at the base and transported to nursery conditions to determine if adventitious root development could be stimulated as a means of saving the trees.  Fungicide and auxin were applied to the base of each stem, and perlite was used as the container medium.  A nursery maintained by an experienced cycad horticulturist yielded 41% survival, but half of the rooted plants exhibited severe stem dieback.  A nursery maintained by general plant nursery specialists without cycad experience resulted in 100% mortality.  If numerous caveats are acknowledged, whole-tree stem cuttings may yield moderate success for saving C. micronesica trees from construction sites when adequate resources are appropriated to support the nursery phase with experienced cycad biologists.
Novel Index of Maladaptive Myocardial Remodeling in Hypertension
Authors: Goh Vera J. , Le Thu-Thao , Bryant Jennifer , Wong Jia Ing , Su Boyang , Lee Chi-Hang , Pua Chee Jian , Sim Chloe P.Y. , Ang Briana , Aw Tar Choon , Cook Stuart A. , Chin Calvin W.L.
Published: August 2017

Background—

Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (HTN-LVH) is a leading cause of heart failure. Conventional patterns of cardiac geometry do not adequately risk-stratify patients with HTN-LVH. Using cardiovascular magnetic resonance, we developed a novel Remodeling Index (RI) that was designed to detect an exaggerated hypertrophic response to hypertension and tested its potential to risk-stratify hypertensive patients.

Methods and Results—

The RI was derived using LaPlace’s Law (

), and normal RI ranges were established in 180 healthy volunteers. The utility of the RI was examined in 256 asymptomatic hypertensive patients and 10 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Hypertensive patients underwent multimodal cardiac assessment: contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance, echocardiograms, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, and cardiac biomarkers (high-sensitivity cardiac troponins, NT-proBNP [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide], and galectin-3). Blood pressure accounted for only 20% of the variance observed in LV mass. Although there was no association between blood pressure and myocardial fibrosis, LV mass was independently associated with fibrosis. Compared with hypertensive patients without LVH (n=191; 74.6%) and those with HTN-LVH and normal RI (n=50; 19.5%), patients with HTN-LVH and low RI (HTN-LVH/low RI; n=15, 5.9%) had an amplified myocardial response: elevated indexed LV masses (83±24 g/m
2
), more fibrosis (73%), and higher biomarkers of myocardial injury and dysfunction (
P
<0.05 for all). RI was similar in HTN-LVH/low RI and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (4.1 [3.4–4.5] versus 3.7 [3.4–4.0], respectively;
P
=0.15).

Conclusions—

We suggest that RI provides an approach for stratifying hypertensive patients and is suitable for testing in other disease cohorts to assess its clinical utility.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02670031.
Derivation and Validation of a Novel Right-Sided Heart Failure Model After Implantation of Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Soliman Osama I.I. , Akin Sakir , Muslem Rahatullah , Boersma Eric , Manintveld Olivier C. , Krabatsch Thomas , Gummert Jan F. , de By Theo M.M.H. , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , Zijlstra Felix , Mohacsi Paul , Caliskan Kadir
Published: August 2017

Background:

The aim of the study was to derive and validate a novel risk score for early right-sided heart failure (RHF) after left ventricular assist device implantation.

Methods:

The EUROMACS (European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support) was used to identify adult patients undergoing continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation with mainstream devices. Eligible patients (n=2988) were randomly divided into derivation (n=2000) and validation (n=988) cohorts. The primary outcome was early (<30 days) severe postoperative RHF, defined as receiving short- or long-term right-sided circulatory support, continuous inotropic support for ≥14 days, or nitric oxide ventilation for ≥48 hours. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality and length of stay in the intensive care unit. Covariates found to be associated with RHF (exploratory univariate
P
<0.10) were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. A risk score was then generated using the relative magnitude of the exponential regression model coefficients of independent predictors at the last step after checking for collinearity, likelihood ratio test, c index, and clinical weight at each step.

Results:

A 9.5-point risk score incorporating 5 variables (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support class, use of multiple inotropes, severe right ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography, ratio of right atrial/pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, hemoglobin) was created. The mean scores in the derivation and validation cohorts were 2.7±1.9 and 2.6±2.0, respectively (
P
=0.32). RHF in the derivation cohort occurred in 433 patients (21.7%) after left ventricular assist device implantation and was associated with a lower 1-year (53% versus 71%;
P
<0.001) and 2-year (45% versus 58%;
P
<0.001) survival compared with patients without RHF. RHF risk ranged from 11% (low risk score 0–2) to 43.1% (high risk score >4;
P
<0.0001). Median intensive care unit stay was 7 days (interquartile range, 4–15 days) versus 24 days (interquartile range, 14–38 days) in patients without versus with RHF, respectively (
P
<0.001). The c index of the composite score was 0.70 in the derivation and 0.67 in the validation cohort. The EUROMACS-RHF risk score outperformed (
P
<0.0001) previously published scores and known individual echocardiographic and hemodynamic markers of RHF.

Conclusions:

This novel EUROMACS-RHF risk score outperformed currently known risk scores and clinical predictors of early postoperative RHF. This novel score may be useful for tailored risk-based clinical assessment and management of patients with advanced HF evaluated for ventricular assist device therapy.
Evidence for Prohypertensive, Proinflammatory Effect of Interleukin-10 During Chronic High Salt Intake in the Condition of Elevated Angiotensin II Level
Authors: Singh Purnima , Castillo Alexander , Islam M. Toriqul , Majid Dewan S.A.
Published: August 2017

IL-10 (interleukin-10) has been suggested to play a protective role in angiotensin II (AngII)–induced cardiovascular disorders. This study examined the role of endogenous IL-10 in salt-sensitive hypertension and renal injury induced by AngII. Responses to chronic AngII (400 ng/min per kilogram body weight; osmotic minipump) infusion were evaluated in IL-10 gene knockout mice fed with either normal salt diet (0.3% NaCl) or high salt (HS; 4% NaCl) diet, and these responses were compared with those in wild-type mice. Normal salt diets or HS diets were given alone for the first 2 weeks and then with AngII treatment for an additional 2 weeks (n=6 in each group). Arterial pressure was continuously monitored by implanted radio-telemetry, and a 24-hour urine collection was performed by metabolic cages on the last day of the experimental period. Basal mean arterial pressure was lower in IL-10 gene knockout mice than in wild-type (98±3 versus 113±3 mm Hg) mice. Mean arterial pressure responses to normal salt/HS alone or to the AngII+normal salt treatment were similar in both strains. However, the increase in mean arterial pressure induced by the AngII+HS treatment was significantly lower in IL-10 gene knockout mice (15±5% versus 37±3%) compared with wild-type mice. Renal tissue endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression (≈3-folds) and urinary excretion of nitric oxide metabolites, nitrate/nitrite (1.2±0.1 versus 0.2±0.02 µmol/L/24 hours) were higher in IL-10 gene knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. These results indicate that an increase in nitric oxide production helps to mitigate salt-sensitive hypertension induced by AngII and suggest that a compensatory interaction between IL-10 and nitric oxide exists in modulating AngII-induced responses during HS intake.
Angiogenic Markers Predict Pregnancy Complications and Prolongation in Preeclampsia
Authors: Saleh Langeza , Vergouwe Yvonne , van den Meiracker Anton H. , Verdonk Koen , Russcher Henk , Bremer Henk A. , Versendaal Hans J. , Steegers Eric A.P. , Danser A.H. Jan , Visser Willy
Published: August 2017

To assess the incremental value of a single determination of the serum levels of sFlt-1 (soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1) and PlGF (placental growth factor) or their ratio, without using cutoff values, for the prediction of maternal and fetal/neonatal complications and pregnancy prolongation, 620 women with suspected/confirmed preeclampsia, aged 18 to 48 years, were included in a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study. Women had singleton pregnancies and a median pregnancy duration of 34 (range, 20–41) weeks. Complications occurred in 118 women and 248 fetuses. The median duration between admission and delivery was 12 days. To predict prolongation, PlGF showed the highest incremental value (
R
2
=0.72) on top of traditional predictors (gestational age at inclusion, diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria, creatinine, uric acid, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and platelets) compared with
R
2
=0.53 for the traditional predictors only. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio showed the highest value to discriminate women with and without maternal complications (C-index=0.80 versus 0.63 for the traditional predictors only), and to discriminate fetal/neonatal complications (C-index=0.86 versus 0.78 for the traditional predictors only). Applying previously suggested cutoff values for the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio yielded lower incremental values than applying continuous values. In conclusion, sFlt-1 and PlGF are strong and independent predictors for days until delivery along with maternal and fetal/neonatal complications on top of the traditional criteria. Their use as continuous variables (instead of applying cutoff values for different gestational ages) should now be tested in a prospective manner, making use of an algorithm calculating the risk of an individual woman with suspected/confirmed preeclampsia to develop complications.
Vulnerabilities to Health Disparities and Statin Use in the REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) Study
Authors: Schroff Praful , Gamboa Christopher M. , Durant Raegan W. , Oikeh Asikhame , Richman Joshua S. , Safford Monika M.
Published: August 2017

Background

Statins may be underutilized in certain vulnerable populations, but the effect of cumulative vulnerabilities within 1 individual is not well described. We sought to determine the likelihood of receiving statins with an increasing number of vulnerabilities in an individual, after controlling for factors known to influence health services utilization.

Methods and Results

We identified 18 216 participants from the
REGARDS
(Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study who had a statin indication or who were taking statins, as verified by pill bottle review. Statin use was assessed with respect to 5 major vulnerability domains alone and in combination: older age, black race, female sex, high area‐level poverty, and lack of health insurance. The study included 5286 white men, 4180 black men, 2791 white women, and 4194 black women; 5.6% of the sample had no vulnerabilities, 20.6% had 1 vulnerability, 29.2% had 2 vulnerabilities, 27.3% had 3 vulnerabilities, and 17.3% had 4 or 5 vulnerabilities. All race–sex groups were less likely than white men to use statins; prevalence of use was 0.80 in black women with reference to white men (
P
<0.0001). In both unadjusted and adjusted models, as the number of vulnerabilities increased, statin use steadily decreased. After adjusting for factors that influence health services utilization, compared with those without any vulnerabilities, statin use prevalence was 0.91, 0.83, 0.74 and 0.68 (
P
<0.0001) in those with 1, 2, 3, and 4 or 5 vulnerabilities, respectively.

Conclusions

Participants with more simultaneously occurring vulnerabilities experienced the greatest disparities in statin use. Black women and those without health insurance were at particularly high risk of underutilization.
Cerebral Microbleeds and the Risk of Incident Ischemic Stroke in CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy)
Authors: Puy Laurent , De Guio François , Godin Ophélia , Duering Marco , Dichgans Martin , Chabriat Hugues , Jouvent Eric
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral microbleeds are associated with an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Recent data suggest that microbleeds may also predict the risk of incident ischemic stroke. However, these results were observed in elderly individuals undertaking various medications and for whom causes of microbleeds and ischemic stroke may differ. We aimed to test the relationship between the presence of microbleeds and incident stroke in CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy)—a severe monogenic small vessel disease known to be responsible for both highly prevalent microbleeds and a high incidence of ischemic stroke in young patients.

Methods—

We assessed microbleeds on baseline MRI in all 378 patients from the Paris–Munich cohort study. Incident ischemic strokes were recorded during 54 months. Survival analyses were used to test the relationship between microbleeds and incident ischemic stroke.

Results—

Three hundred sixty-nine patients (mean age, 51.4±11.4 years) were followed-up during a median time of 39 months (interquartile range, 19 months). The risk of incident ischemic stroke was higher in patients with microbleeds than in patients without (35.8% versus 19.6%, hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–3.01;
P
=0.009). These results persisted after adjustment for history of ischemic stroke, age, sex, vascular risk factors, and antiplatelet agents use (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–3.26;
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—

The presence of microbleeds is an independent risk marker of incident ischemic stroke in CADASIL, emphasizing the need to carefully interpret MRI data.
Assessment Model to Identify Patients With Stroke With a High Possibility of Discharge to Home
Authors: Itaya Takahiro , Murakami Yusuke , Ota Akiko , Nomura Eiichi , Fukushima Tomoko , Nishigaki Masakazu
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose—

Discharge planning for inpatients with acute stroke can enhance reasonable use of healthcare resources, as well as improve clinical outcomes and decrease financial burden of patients. Especially, prediction for discharge destination is crucial for discharge planning. This study aimed to develop an assessment model to identify patients with a high possibility of discharge to home after an acute stroke.

Methods—

We reviewed the electronic medical records of 3200 patients with acute stroke who were admitted to a stroke center in Japan between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015. The outcome variable was the discharge destination of postacute stroke patients. The predictive variables were identified through logistic regression analysis. Data were divided into 2 data sets: the learning data set (n=2240) for developing the instrument and the test data set (n=960) for evaluating the predictive capability of the model.

Results—

In all, 1548 (48%) patients were discharged to their homes. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified 5 predictive variables for discharge to home: living situation, type of stroke, functional independence measure motor score on admission, functional independence measure cognitive score on admission, and paresis. The assessment model showed a sensitivity of 85.0% and a specificity of 75.3% with an area under the curve equal to 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.86–0.89) when the cutoff point was 10. On evaluating the predictive capabilities, the model showed a sensitivity of 88.0% and a specificity of 68.7% with an area under the curve equal to 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.89).

Conclusions—

We have developed an assessment model for identifying patients with a high possibility of being discharged to their homes after an acute stroke. This model would be useful for health professionals to adequately plan patients’ discharge soon after their admission.
Connecticut Confronts the Guillotine: The French Revolution and the Land of Steady Habits
Authors: Imholt Robert J.
Published: August 2017

Accounts of French revolutionary violence issuing from Connecticut presses both reflected and shaped the public mindset. Drawing on pre-existing elements of popular culture, the descriptions established tropes which Connecticut public figures utilized to shape public opinion and fashion the state's self-image as the “Land of Steady Habits.”
Mucuna laticifera, a new species from north-eastern India
Authors: INGALHALIKAR SHRIKANT , PAGE NAVENDU , GAIKWAD SWAROOPSINGH , GURAV RAJARAM V
Published: August 2017

Mucuna laticifera, a new species of Fabaceae from Sikkim state of India is described and illustrated here. It can be distinguished from its closely related species by the presence of a watery latex, uniformly green to pale yellow corolla, glabrous standard and wings and parallel pod margins.
Three new species of Mesovelia Mulsant & Rey (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Mesoveliidae) from India
Authors: JEHAMALAR E. EYARIN , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: August 2017

Three new species of Mesovelia Mulsant & Rey, 1852 (Mesoveliidae: Mesoveliinae) are described from India. Mesovelia kumaria sp. nov. and Mesovelia lillyae sp. nov. are described from Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu and Mesovelia easaci sp. nov. is described from Meghalaya. Mesovelia easaci sp. nov. can be distinguished by the presence of a small gap between the median spinose tuft on the eighth abdominal sternum of the male, an inverted heart-shaped white mark on the membrane of the macropterous form and a flap-like posterolateral projection on the ninth abdominal segment of the female. Mesovelia kumaria sp. nov. can easily be identified by the absence of spines on the flexor region of the male fore femur and the presence of widely spaced and very small spinose setal tufts on the eighth abdominal sternum of the male. Mesovelia lillyae sp. nov. can be recognized by the absence of the spines on the basal half of the mid femur and the presence of a pair of brush-like spinal tufts in the centre of the eighth abdominal sternum in the males. Detailed illustrations of all three species described here are given.
Transition of the Tsushima Warm Current Path Observed over Toyama Trough, Japan
Authors: Igeta Yosuke , Yankovsky Alexander , Fukudome Ken-ichi , Ikeda Satoshi , Okei Noriyuki , Ayukawa Kota , Kaneda Atsushi , Watanabe Tatsuro
Published: August 2017

Mooring, CTD, and ADCP observations were made in 2012 in and around the Toyama Trough (TT) cutting across a continental shelf along the Japanese coast of the Japan Sea between Noto Peninsula (NP) and Sado Island (SI) to investigate spatiotemporal characteristics of path transition of the coastal branch of the Tsushima Warm Current (CBTWC). Around SI, downstream of the TT boundary, a wavelike alongshore current perturbation, accompanied by sea level rise, was observed. This perturbation occurred after the seasonal amplification of the CBTWC around the NP on the upstream boundary of the TT. This process was delineated by the results of numerical experiments performed with a two-layer model using idealized topography. The model showed that a current path of the CBTWC shifted from alongshore mode to offshore mode bridged over the TT in association with the lee eddy development behind the NP toward the SI over the TT. This lee eddy is generated by positive vorticity induced over topographic discontinuity between the continental shelf off the northern coast of the NP and deeper region of the TT. The model indicated the period of eddy formation is 60–90 days if the volume transport is 1 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1), whereas the observations showed the formation period was only 47 days at 1.2 Sv of volume transport. To explain this discrepancy, temporal variation of the CBTWC, vortex supply from preexisting eddies, or eddies caused by the scattering of coastal-trapped waves were suggested as new processes that accelerate the growth rate of the lee eddy.