bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of supplementation of medium with different antioxidants during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes on subsequent embryo production
Authors: Sovernigo TC , Adona PR , Monzani PS , Guemra S , Barros FDA , Lopes FG , Leal CLV
Published: March 2017

Contents

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of different antioxidants on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) in oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM), as well as on the production of embryos. Oocyte of slaughterhouse‐derived cattle ovaries were placed in IVM with different antioxidants: quercetin (2 μM), cysteamine (100 μM), carnitine (0.5 mg/ml), vitamin C (50 μg/ml) or resveratrol (2 μM). Oocytes matured without any antioxidant supplementation were used as control. The oocytes were assessed for maturation rates and for ROS and GSH levels by fluorescence staining in 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and Cell Tracker Blue, respectively. Embryo production was assessed in terms of cleavage, blastocysts and hatching rates and embryo cell numbers. The results expressed in arbitrary fluorescence units showed ROS reduction (p < .05) in the groups with quercetin (27.5 ± 3.4), vitamin C (27.1 ± 3.0) or resveratrol (28.1 ± 4.7), in comparison with those with cysteamine (34.9 ± 4.5), carnitine (34.6 ± 3.8) or to the control group (36.5 ± 5.2). GSH levels increased (p < .05) in cysteamine (63.5 ± 5.5) or carnitine (60.8 ± 4.4) groups in comparison with quercetin (52.7 ± 5.1), vitamin C (53.0 ± 3.8), resveratrol (53.1 ± 4.4) or to the control (49.6 ± 4.5). Nuclear maturation cleavage and hatched blastocysts rates did not differ (p > .05) between groups. However, blastocyst rates after in vitro fertilization in quercetin (53.5 ± 3.9%), vitamin C (52.1 ± 3.1%) resveratrol (54.2 ± 4.0%), cysteamine (52.4 ± 2.7%) or carnitine (54.2 ± 3.1%) groups were higher (p < .05) than in the control (47.2 ± 2.7%). Total cell numbers in embryos from the vitamin C, resveratrol, cysteamine or carnitine groups were higher than in quercetin and control groups, which were similar to each other. The results suggest that using antioxidants during IVM may reduce oxidative stress either by decreasing ROS levels directly or by increasing GSH levels in oocytes, depending on the type of antioxidant used. Overall, oxidative stress control during IVM with the antioxidants examined here improved blastocyst development with similar efficacy.
Development of an in vitro oviduct epithelial explants model for studying sperm–oviduct binding in the buffalo
Authors: Saraf KK , Kumaresan A , Nayak S , Chhillar S , Sreela L , Kumar S , Tripathi UK , Datta TK , Mohanty TK
Published: March 2017

Contents

In this study, we developed an in vitro model for studying sperm–oviduct binding in the buffalo. Oviduct explants were prepared by overnight culture of epithelial cells in TCM‐199 medium under 5% CO2 at 38.5 °C. Cryopreserved spermatozoa from buffalo bulls (n = 4) were incubated with the oviduct explants, and the sperm–oviduct explants complex was stained with JC‐1. The effect of sperm concentration (2, 3 and 4 million), size of the oviduct explants (<0.2, 0.2–0.3, 0.3–0.4 and >0.4 mm2) and time of incubation (1 hr and 4 hr) on binding index (BI—number of sperm bound to unit area of explants) was studied. No significant difference was observed in the BI among <0.2, 0.2–0.3 and 0.3–0.4 mm2 size of explants; however, the BI decreased significantly (p < .05) when the size of explants exceeded 0.4 mm2. The BI decreased significantly (p < .05) when the sperm concentration was increased to 4 million, while the duration of incubation did not have any significant effect on the BI. The interaction of bulls with explants size, sperm concentration and incubation time was not significant. The developed assay has the potential to be used as an in vitro model for studying sperm–oviduct binding in the buffalo.
Harkusha the Noble Bandit and the “Minority” of Little Russian Literature
Authors: KOROPECKYJ ROMAN , ROMANCHUK ROBERT
Published: March 2017

From the 1820s to the 1840s, there appeared a number of texts by such writers as Vasilii Narezhnyi, Orest Somov, and Hryhorii Kvitka‐Osnov'ianenko that tell tales of Semen Harkusha, a figure straight out of Eric Hobsbawm's Bandits who terrorized the rich and powerful in eighteenth‐century Ukraine. Written in Russian, Ukrainian, or in an idiom that oscillates between the two, this corpus of texts articulates the obverse, darker side of what the authors of this article argue elsewhere, in connection with Gogol's Evenings on a Farm near Dikan'ka, is “the singing and dancing” that defines the field of Little Russian literature. If only by virtue of its “strange” linguistic practices, “incomprehensible to a Russian,” this “supposed” literature, as Russian critics of the day put it, would accord with the notion of a “minor literature” as theorized by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari. However, besides the disruption these texts introduced into the Russian imperial literary system through their generic lability, the “high coefficient of deterritorialization” that the two critics insist is characteristic of literary minority is also effected in the Harkusha texts on a diegetic level, as the political (noble banditry) expressed Oedipally (in scenes of transgressive seduction and matchmaking); and on the level of enunciation, as (the internalization of) the work of the imperial censor's office.
Forms of Wealth Associated with Attaining Peer Group Net Worth Following Bankruptcy
Authors: Palmer Lance , Bhargava Vibha
Published: March 2017

Objectives

This study examines the contribution of general human capital, social capital, and financial management practices to the individual's relative financial well‐being following bankruptcy.

Methods

Multivariate logistic regression models were estimated using secondary data from the Survey of Consumer Finances 2004 and 2007.

Results

Individuals who possess higher general human capital and greater access to social capital are significantly more likely to achieve net worth parity with nonfilers following bankruptcy compared to similar individuals with lower levels of general human capital and social capital.

Conclusion

Human and social capital are relatively more important factors contributing to attaining net worth parity with peers following bankruptcy than financial management practices and attitudes when controlling for ownership of protected assets. Congressionally mandated financial management training and counseling would likely have substantially better outcomes on bankruptcy filers’ financial well‐being over the long term if additional human‐capital‐building—and consequently income‐building—programs are integrated into the mandated financial management training.
The incremental Virtual Fields Method and prestretching method applied to rubbers under uniaxial medium‐strain‐rate loading
Authors: Yoon S.‐H. , Siviour C. R.
Published: March 2017

Conventional dynamic experiments on rubbers have several limitations including low signal‐to‐noise ratio and a long time period during which the specimen is not in static equilibrium, which causes difficulties separating constitutive material behaviour from specimen response. In order to overcome these limitations, we build on previous research in which the Virtual Fields Method (VFM) is applied to dynamic tensile experiments. A previous study has demonstrated that the VFM can be used to identify the material parameters of a hyperelastic model for a given rubber based on optical measurements of wave propagation in the rubber, eliminating the need for force measurements by instead using acceleration fields as a “virtual load cell.” In order for us to successfully characterise the strain hardening in the material, large deformations are required, and these were achieved by applying static preloads to the specimen before the dynamic loading. In order for us to then apply the VFM, measurements of the static force, or strain, or both, are required. This paper explores different methods for applying the VFM, in particular, comparing the use of a static force measurement, as in the previous research, to methods that only require strain fields in order to apply the incremental equation of motion. Finite element method simulations were conducted to compare the identification sensitivity to experimental error sources between the 2 VFM implementations; the experimental data used in the previous studies were then applied to the incremental VFM. A further experimental comparison is provided between constitutive parameters obtained in tensile experiments using the VFM and compressive measurements from a modified split Hopkinson bar technique equipped with a piezoelectric force transducer. Finally, there is a discussion of the effects of preloading and relaxation in the material.
Big location‐based social media messages from China's Sina Weibo network: Collection, storage, visualization, and potential ways of analysis
Authors: Jendryke Michael , Balz Timo , Liao Mingsheng
Published: March 2017

China's social media platform, Sina Weibo, like Twitter, hosts a considerable amount of big data: messages, comments, pictures. Collecting and analyzing information from this treasury of human behavior data is a challenge, although the message exchange on the network is readable by everyone through the web or app interface. The official Application Programming Interface (API) is the gateway to access and download public content from Sina Weibo and is used to collect messages for all mainland China. The nearby_timeline() request is used to harvest only messages with associated location information. This technical note serves as a reference for researchers who do not speak Mandarin but want to collect data from this rich source of information. Ways of data visualization are presented as a point cloud, density per areal unit, or clustered using Density‐Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN). The relation of messages to census information is also given.
Respiratory virus infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant in a tropical center: Predictive value of the immunodeficiency scoring index
Authors: Wang Lin , Allen John , Diong Colin , Goh Yeow‐Tee , Gopalakrishnan Sathish , Ho Aloysius , Hwang William , Lim Francesca , Oon Lynette , Tan Thuan‐Tong , Linn Yeh‐Ching , Tan Ban Hock
Published: March 2017

Background

Respiratory virus infection (RVI) is a prevalent infection in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo‐HSCT) and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Ability to assess the potential severity of RVI is important in the management of such patients.

Methods

We reviewed the cases of RVI in allo‐HSCT recipients and explored the predictive value of the immunodeficiency scoring index (ISI) established for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its applicability for RVI caused by other respiratory viruses.

Results

RVI occurred year‐round in our tropical transplant center, with peaks in the middle and end of the year. Ninety‐five of the 195 recipients developed a total of 191 episodes of RVI, giving a cumulative incidence of 28% by 6 months and 52% by 24 months for the first episode of RVI. RSV, influenza, rhinovirus, and parainfluenza were the most common viruses. Pneumonia occurred in 63.64%, 42.31%, and 32.42% of adenovirus, influenza, and RSV RVI episodes, respectively, but was also non‐negligible in the more benign viruses, such as coronavirus (31.58%) and rhinovirus (23.68%). Nineteen of the 63 episodes of viral pneumonia required mechanical ventilation and 14 deaths occurred within 6 weeks of the RVI. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that an ISI of ≥8 predicted pneumonia with a positive predictive value of >80% for RVI caused by RSV, influenza, adenovirus, and parainfluenza, while it was not predictive for coronavirus and rhinovirus.

Conclusions

The ISI is a useful aid for decision‐making during clinic consultation for patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of an RVI.
Risk factors, survival, and impact of prophylaxis length in cytomegalovirus‐seropositive lung transplant recipients: A prospective, observational, multicenter study
Authors: Monforte Victor , Sintes Helena , López‐Gallo Cristina , Delgado Maria , Santos Francisco , Zurbano Felipe , Solé Amparo , Gavaldá Joan , Borro Jose Maria , Redel‐Montero Javier , Cifrian Jose Manuel , Pastor Amparo , Román Antonio , Ussetti Piedad
Published: March 2017

Background

The optimal length of cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in lung transplantation according to CMV serostatus is not well established.

Methods

We have performed a prospective, observational, multicenter study to determine the incidence of CMV infection and disease in 92 CMV‐seropositive lung transplant recipients (LTR), their related outcomes and risk factors, and the impact of prophylaxis length.

Results

At 18 months post transplantation, 37 patients (40%) developed CMV infection (23 [25%]) or disease (14 [15.2%]). Overall mortality was higher in patients with CMV disease (64.3% vs 10.2%; P<.001), but only one patient died from CMV disease. In the multivariate analysis, CMV disease was an independent death risk factor (odds ratio [OR] 18.214, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.120‐80.527; P<.001). CMV disease incidence was higher in patients with 90‐day prophylaxis than in those with 180‐day prophylaxis (31.3% vs 11.8%; P=.049). Prophylaxis length was an independent risk factor for CMV disease (OR 4.974, 95% CI 1.231‐20.094; P=.024). Sixteen patients withdrew from prophylaxis because of adverse events.

Conclusion

CMV infection and disease in CMV‐seropositive LTR remain frequent despite current prophylaxis. CMV disease increases mortality, whereas 180‐day prophylaxis reduces the incidence of CMV disease.
Red blood cell metabolic responses to refrigerated storage, rejuvenation, and frozen storage
Authors: D'Alessandro Angelo , Gray Alan D. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Hansen Kirk , Herschel Louise H. , Dumont Larry J.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Storage of red blood cells (RBCs) under blood bank conditions promotes metabolic modulation within the RBC. This “metabolic storage lesion” may affect the quality and safety of the transfused RBCs. The aim of this study is to determine the metabolic changes in stored RBCs over 42 days of routine storage followed by a US Food and Drug Administration‐approved method of rejuvenation, freezing, and preparation for transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We exploited a mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics approach to monitor 42‐day‐stored citrate phosphate dextrose/AS‐1 RBCs (n = 29) that were rejuvenated, glycerolized and frozen, then thawed and deglycerolized, and held for 24 hours at 1 to 6ºC in saline‐glucose.

RESULTS

Previously reported metabolic alterations were confirmed in 42‐day‐old RBCs. In this study, in total, 181 (62%) of the biochemical compounds exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05) change compared with Day 0 values. Rejuvenation restored adenosine triphosphate and 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate levels, replenished purine reservoirs, up regulated glycolysis, increased levels of pentose phosphate pathway intermediates, and partially rescued glutathione biosynthesis. Increased levels of lysophospholipid in rejuvenated RBCs suggests the activation of recycling pathways of damaged membrane lipids, in which a total of 167 (57%) biochemical compounds showed significant change compared with Day 42 values.

CONCLUSION

Rejuvenation reversed over one‐half of the metabolic biochemical compounds evaluated compared with Day 42 values, and the compounds were stable through frozen storage and preparation for transfusion. Rejuvenation promoted significant metabolic reprogramming, including the reactivation of energy‐generating and antioxidant pathways (the pentose phosphate pathway and glutathione homeostasis), salvage reactions, cofactor reservoirs, and membrane lipid recycling.
Human platelet antigen antibody induction in uncomplicated pregnancy is associated with HLA sensitization
Authors: Reiher Viktoria S.A. , Hönger Gideon , Infanti Laura , Passweg Jakob R. , Hösli Irene , Frey Beat M. , Gassner Christoph , Meyer Stefan , Buser Andreas S. , Holbro Andreas , Schaub Stefan
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Alloimmunization against human platelet antigens (HPAs) during pregnancy is rare but can lead to severe bleeding disorders, such as fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In a cohort of 241 uncomplicated pregnancies, we investigated the immunogenicity of HPA mismatches and correlated HLA sensitization with HPA antibody formation. HPA antibodies were measured with a Luminex‐based multiplex assay.

RESULTS

HPA mismatches were observed in 109 of 241 pregnancies (45%), but child‐specific HPA antibodies were only found in two of 109 cases (2%), indicating a low immunogenicity. Only nine of 241 women (4%) had detectable HPA antibodies. HLA sensitization was identified as a strong and independent predictor for HPA antibody formation (hazard ratio, 10.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.8‐193; p = 0.006), whereas the number of pregnancies was not.

CONCLUSION

Our observational data indicated a low immunogenicity of HPA and suggest that a broader immune response—inferred by HLA sensitization—is probably associated with HPA antibody induction.
INJURIES OF THE SAGITTAL GROOVE OF THE PROXIMAL PHALANX IN WARMBLOOD HORSES DETECTED WITH LOW‐FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING: 19 CASES (2007–2016)
Authors: Gold Sarah J. , Werpy Natasha M. , Gutierrez‐Nibeyro Santiago D.
Published: March 2017

Sagittal groove injuries of the proximal phalanx are an important cause of lameness in performance horses. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to describe standing low‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of these injuries in a group of Warmblood horses. Horses with an MRI diagnosis of sagittal groove injuries involving the proximal phalanx and that had follow‐up MRI and clinical outcome information were included. Findings from clinical examinations, diagnostic tests, and other imaging modalities were recorded. All MRI studies were retrieved for re‐evaluation by an experienced, board‐certified veterinary radiologist. A total of 19 horses met inclusion criteria. All horses had MRI lesions consistent with unilateral or bilateral sagittal groove injuries of the proximal phalanx and abnormal mineralization of the sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone. Fifteen horses (79%) had concurrent osteoarthritis of the affected metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint. Eighteen horses received conservative therapy and all horses still had osseous abnormalities detected at the time of follow‐up MRI. Thirteen horses (68.5%) were still lame at the time of follow‐up, whereas the other six horses (31.5%) had become sound and returned to the previous level of exercise. Findings indicated that, for mature Warmblood horses, acute or chronic injuries of the sagittal groove of the proximal phalanx may have variable standing low‐field MRI characteristics. Based on this sample of 19 horses, findings also indicated that the prognosis for performance soundness in horses diagnosed with sagittal groove injury of the proximal phalanx and concurrent osteoarthritis is poor.
STAT3 potentiates the ability of airway smooth muscle cells to promote angiogenesis by regulating VEGF signalling
Authors: Lv Jing , Sun Baohua , Mai Zhitao , Jiang Mingming , Du Junfeng
Published: March 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Airway angiogenesis occurs in asthma, and airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells have been reported to be capable of promoting airway angiogenesis. What is the potential mechanism by which ASM cells harvested from patients with asthma are capable of promoting airway angiogenesis?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Endogenous STAT3 mediated the pro‐angiogenic ability of ASM cells by directly activating VEGF signalling. These findings contribute to the understanding of airway angiogenesis in pathology and could represent a possible therapeutic target for asthma.

Airway angiogenesis indicates the specific vascular structure remodelling that occurs in asthma. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells have been reported to be capable of promoting airway angiogenesis; however, the potential mechanism is not yet fully defined. Herein, we investigated the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the progress of airway angiogenesis. Western blot analysis showed that STAT3 activation was aberrantly upregulated in ASM tissues of patients with asthma and ASM cells that were exposed to cytokines to imitate the airway conditions in patients with asthma. Compared with the control group, both the inhibition of STAT3 activation and the silencing of endogenous STAT3 in ASM cells significantly reduced the proliferation, migration and tube‐forming ability of human lung microvascular endothelial cells induced by the conditioned medium (CM) of ASM cells. The increased proliferation and migration of human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells were also repressed by inhibition of STAT3 in ASM cells. Besides, the increased activity of VEGF signalling was observed in ASM cells and the CM by RT‐PCR and Western blotting assay, whereas this increased activity was reduced by STAT3 silencing. Further studies indicated that STAT3 regulated VEGF activation by directly interacting with the binding site on the 5′ region of the VEGF gene. The increase in STAT3‐induced pro‐angiogenic activity of ASM cells was significantly decreased by administration of VEGF neutralizing antibody. In conclusion, we provided evidence that endogenous STAT3 mediates the pro‐angiogenic ability of ASM cells by directly activating VEGF signalling, which could represent a possible therapeutic target for asthma.
Evidence for a functional vasoconstrictor role for ATP in the human cutaneous microvasculature
Authors: Lang James A. , Krajek Alex C. , Smaller Kevin A.
Published: March 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

In young adults, about half of the cold‐related reduction in skin blood flow during cold exposure is mediated by noradrenaline, while the remainder is attributable to other substances co‐released with noradrenaline that have yet to be identified.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Purinergic receptor blockade blunted the vasoconstriction response to whole‐body cooling and to intradermal administration of tyramine. These results indicate that ATP is necessary to vasoconstrict blood vessels in the skin adequately and prevent heat loss in a cold environment.

Noradrenaline is responsible for eliciting ∼60% of the reflex cutaneous vasoconstriction (VC) response in young adults, while the remainder is attributable to one or more unidentified co‐released sympathetic adrenergic neurotransmitter(s). Inconsistent evidence has placed neuropeptide Y in this role; however, other putative cotransmitters have yet to be tested. We hypothesize that ATP contributes to the reflex cutaneous VC response. Two protocols were conducted in young adults (n = 10); both involved the placement of three microdialysis probes in forearm skin and whole‐body cooling (skin temperature = 30.5°C). In protocol 1, the following solutions were infused: (i) lactated Ringer solution (control); (ii) 10 mm l‐NAME; and (iii) purinergic receptor blockade with 1 mm suramin plus l‐NAME. In protocol 2, the following solutions were infused: (i) lactated Ringer solution; (ii) suramin plus l‐NAME; and (iii) suramin plus l‐NAME plus adrenoreceptor blockade with 5 mm yohimbine plus 1 mm propranolol. Laser Doppler flux (LDF) was measured over each microdialysis site, and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated (CVC = LDF/MAP) and expressed as percentage changes from baseline (%ΔCVCBASELINE). l‐NAME was used to block the vasodilatory influence of ATP and unmask the P2X‐mediated VC response to exogenous ATP infusion (−21 ± 6%ΔCVCBASELINE). During cooling, the VC response (control, −39 ± 8%ΔCVCBASELINE) was attenuated at the suramin site (−21 ± 4%ΔCVCBASELINE) and further blunted with combined adrenoreceptor blockade (−9 ± 3%ΔCVCBASELINE; P < 0.05). Compared with the control site (−22 ± 5%ΔCVCBASELINE), suramin inhibited pharmacologically induced VC to tyramine (−12 ± 6%ΔCVCBASELINE; P < 0.05), which displaces adrenergic neurotransmitters from axon terminals. These data indicate that ATP contributes to the cutaneous VC response in humans.
Remuscularization of the failing heart
Authors: Zimmermann Wolfram‐Hubertus
Published: March 2017

Myocardial remuscularization can be achieved by cardiomyocyte implantation. Electromechanical integration and long‐term survival of cardiomyocyte grafts are essential for maximal therapeutic impact. Cardiomyocyte application with support material has been instrumental in enhancing cell retention. Co‐administration of pro‐survival factors and immunological matching are additional strategies for increased cell graft survival. Finally, larger cardiomyocyte grafts, although therapeutically desirable, will increase the risk for arrhythmias and, if pluripotent stem cells are used to derive cardiomyocytes, tumour formation. This review introduces major challenges pertaining to myocardial remuscularization (cardiomyocyte retention, arrhythmogenicity and tumourigenicity), discusses studies addressing these challenges, and suggests strategies to overcome remaining challenges for the translation of myocardial remuscularization.

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Mechano‐chemo‐transduction in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Chen‐Izu Ye , Izu Leighton T.
Published: March 2017

The heart has the ability to adjust to changing mechanical loads. The Frank–Starling law and the Anrep effect describe exquisite intrinsic mechanisms the heart has for autoregulating the force of contraction to maintain cardiac output under changes of preload and afterload. Although these mechanisms have been known for more than a century, their cellular and molecular underpinnings are still debated. How does the cardiac myocyte sense changes in preload or afterload? How does the myocyte adjust its response to compensate for such changes? In cardiac myocytes Ca2+ is a crucial regulator of contractile force and in this review we compare and contrast recent studies from different labs that address these two important questions. The ‘dimensionality’ of the mechanical milieu under which experiments are carried out provide important clues to the location of the mechanosensors and the kinds of mechanical forces they can sense and respond to. As a first approximation, sensors inside the myocyte appear to modulate reactive oxygen species while sensors on the cell surface appear to also modulate nitric oxide signalling; both signalling pathways affect Ca2+ handling. Undoubtedly, further studies will add layers to this simplified picture. Clarifying the intimate links from cellular mechanics to reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide signalling and to Ca2+ handling will deepen our understanding of the Frank–Starling law and the Anrep effect, and also provide a unified view on how arrhythmias may arise in seemingly disparate diseases that have in common altered myocyte mechanics.

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Top down control of spinal sensorimotor circuits essential for survival
Authors: Koutsikou Stella , Apps Richard , Lumb Bridget M.
Published: March 2017

The ability to interact with challenging environments requires coordination of sensory and motor systems that underpin appropriate survival behaviours. All animals, including humans, use active and passive coping strategies to react to escapable or inescapable threats, respectively. Across species the neural pathways involved in survival behaviours are highly conserved and there is a consensus that knowledge of such pathways is a fundamental step towards understanding the neural circuits underpinning emotion in humans and treating anxiety or other prevalent emotional disorders. The midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG) lies at the heart of the defence‐arousal system and its integrity is paramount to the expression of survival behaviours. To date, studies of ‘top down control’ components of defence behaviours have focused largely on the sensory and autonomic consequences of PAG activation. In this context, effects on motor activity have received comparatively little attention, despite overwhelming evidence of a pivotal role for the PAG in coordinating motor responses essential to survival (e.g. such as freezing in response to fear). In this article we provide an overview of top down control of sensory functions from the PAG, including selective control of different modalities of sensory, including proprioceptive, information forwarded to a major supsraspinal motor control centre, the cerebellum. Next, evidence from our own and other laboratories of PAG control of motor outflow is also discussed. Finally, the integration of sensorimotor functions by the PAG is considered, as part of coordinated defence behaviours that prepare an animal to be ready and able to react to danger.

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Experimental Investigation of Heat Transfer Coefficient and Correlation Development for Subcooled Flow Boiling of Water–Ethanol Mixture in Conventional Channel
Authors: Suhas B. G. , Sathyabhama A.
Published: March 2017

In this present work, bubble dynamics of subcooled flow boiling in water–ethanol mixture is investigated through visualization using a high-speed camera in horizontal rectangular channels. The heat transfer coefficient of water–ethanol mixture during subcooled flow boiling is determined for various parameters like heat flux, mass flux, and channel inlet temperature. The effect of bubble departure diameter on heat transfer coefficient is discussed. A correlation is developed for subcooled flow boiling Nusselt number of water–ethanol mixture. The parameters considered for correlation are grouped as dimensionless numbers by Buckingham π-theorem. The present correlation is compared with the experimental data. The mean absolute error (MAE) of Nusselt number of water–ethanol mixture calculated from the experimental data and those predicted from the present correlation is 10.39%. The present correlation is also compared with the available literature correlations developed for water. The MAE of Nusselt number of water predicted from the present correlation and those predicted with Papel, Badiuzzaman, Moles–Shaw, and Baburajan correlations is 41%, 19.61%, 29.9%, and 43.1%, respectively.
Rescue of exhausted CD8 T cells by PD-1–targeted therapies is CD28-dependent
Authors: Kamphorst Alice O. , Wieland Andreas , Nasti Tahseen , Yang Shu , Zhang Ruan , Barber Daniel L. , Konieczny Bogumila T. , Daugherty Candace Z. , Koenig Lydia , Yu Ke , Sica Gabriel L. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Freeman Gordon J. , Blazar Bruce R. , Turka Laurence A. , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Pillai Rathi N. , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Araki Koichi , Ahmed Rafi
Published: March 2017

Immunotherapeutic PD-1–targeted therapies require CD28 to promote cancer cell killing.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Staphylococcus epidermidis Strain with Exceptional Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Lassen Simon B. , Lomholt Hans B. , Brüggemann Holger
Published: March 2017

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a Gram-positive bacterium that is prevalent on human skin. The species is associated with skin health, as well as with opportunistic infections. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
S. epidermidis
14.1.R1, isolated from human skin. In bacterial interference assays, the strain showed exceptional antimicrobial activity.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Pseudoalteromonas
sp. Strain PAB 2.2 Isolated from Abrolhos Bank (Brazil)
Authors: Silva Bruno S. O. , Nobrega Maria S. , Leomil Luciana , Tschoeke Diogo A. , Garcia Gizele D. , Dias Graciela , Thompson Cristiane C. , Thompson Fabiano L.
Published: March 2017

We present here the draft genome sequence of
Pseudoalteromonas
sp. strain PAB 2.2, isolated from water of Parcel de Abrolhos coral reef (17°57′32.7″; 38°30′20.3″), on Abrolhos Bank, at a depth of 12 m. The assembly consists of 4,434,635 bp and contains 40 contigs, with a G+C content of 41.60%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus reuteri 121, a Source of α-Glucan and β-Fructan Exopolysaccharides
Authors: Gangoiti Joana , Meng Xiangfeng , Lammerts van Bueren Alicia , Dijkhuizen Lubbert
Published: March 2017

The probiotic bacterium
Lactobacillus reuteri
121 is a well-known producer of diverse homoexopolysaccharides (α-glucans and β-fructans) from sucrose and maltodextrins/starches of interest for food applications. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain, with a focus on carbohydrate-active enzymes.
Genome Sequences of Two Spore-Forming Bacteria Isolated from the Shore of Mono Lake, California
Authors: Thomas Jason M. , Ghebrendrias Natsinet , Rawat Mamta
Published: March 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two
Bacillus
spore-forming Gram-positive bacteria, isolated from soil on the shore of Mono Lake.
The risk of injury associated with body checking among Pee Wee ice hockey players: an evaluation of Hockey Canada’s national body checking policy change
Authors: Black Amanda M , Hagel Brent E , Palacios-Derflingher Luz , Schneider Kathryn J , Emery Carolyn A
Published: March 2017

Background

In 2013, Hockey Canada introduced an evidence-informed policy change delaying the earliest age of introduction to body checking in ice hockey until Bantam (ages 13–14) nationwide.

Objective

To determine if the risk of injury, including concussions, changes for Pee Wee (11–12 years) ice hockey players in the season following a national policy change disallowing body checking.

Methods

In a historical cohort study, Pee Wee players were recruited from teams in all divisions of play in 2011–2012 prior to the rule change and in 2013–2014 following the change. Baseline information, injury and exposure data for both cohorts were collected using validated injury surveillance.

Results

Pee Wee players were recruited from 59 teams in Calgary, Alberta (n=883) in 2011–2012 and from 73 teams in 2013–2014 (n=618). There were 163 game-related injuries (incidence rate (IR)=4.37/1000 game-hours) and 104 concussions (IR=2.79/1000 game-hours) in Alberta prior to the rule change, and 48 injuries (IR=2.16/1000 game-hours) and 25 concussions (IR=1.12/1000 game-hours) after the rule change. Based on multivariable Poisson regression with exposure hours as an offset, the adjusted incidence rate ratio associated with the national policy change disallowing body checking was 0.50 for all game-related injuries (95% CI 0.33 to 0.75) and 0.36 for concussion specifically (95% CI 0.22 to 0.58).

Conclusions

Introduction of the 2013 national body checking policy change disallowing body checking in Pee Wee resulted in a 50% relative reduction in injury rate and a 64% reduction in concussion rate in 11-year-old and 12-year-old hockey players in Alberta.
Development of a high resolution MRI intracranial atherosclerosis imaging phantom
Authors: Chueh Ju-Yu , van der Marel Kajo , Gounis Matthew J , LeMatty Todd , Brown Truman R , Ansari Sameer A , Carroll Timothy J , Buck Amanda K , Zhou Xiaohong Joe , Chatterjee A Rano , King Robert M , Mao Hui , Zheng Shaokuan , Brooks Olivia W , Rappleye Jeff W , Swartz Richard H , Feldmann Edward , Turan Tanya N
Published: March 2017

Background and purpose

Currently, there is neither a standard protocol for vessel wall MR imaging of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) nor a gold standard phantom to compare MR sequences. In this study, a plaque phantom is developed and characterized that provides a platform for establishing a uniform imaging approach for ICAD.

Materials and methods

A patient specific injection mold was 3D printed to construct a geometrically accurate ICAD phantom. Polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel was infused into the core shell mold to form the stenotic artery. The ICAD phantom incorporated materials mimicking a stenotic vessel and plaque components, including fibrous cap and lipid core. Two phantoms were scanned using high resolution cone beam CT and compared with four different 3 T MRI systems across eight different sites over a period of 18 months. Inter-phantom variability was assessed by lumen dimensions and contrast to noise ratio (CNR).

Results

Quantitative evaluation of the minimum lumen radius in the stenosis showed that the radius was on average 0.80 mm (95% CI 0.77 to 0.82 mm) in model 1 and 0.77 mm (95% CI 0.74 to 0.81 mm) in model 2. The highest CNRs were observed for comparisons between lipid and vessel wall. To evaluate manufacturing reproducibility, the CNR variability between the two models had an average absolute difference of 4.31 (95% CI 3.82 to 5.78). Variation in CNR between the images from the same scanner separated by 7 months was 2.5–6.2, showing reproducible phantom durability.

Conclusions

A plaque phantom composed of a stenotic vessel wall and plaque components was successfully constructed for multicenter high resolution MRI standardization.
Attendance of MSM at Genitourinary Medicine services in England: implications for selective HPV vaccination programme (a short communication)
Authors: Bayley Jake , Mesher David , Nadarzynski Tom , Hughes Gwenda , Soldan Kate
Published: March 2017

Background

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) immunisation programmes for female adolescents in the UK offer relatively little benefit to men who have sex with men (MSM). Targeted HPV vaccination for MSM may reduce the high incidence of HPV-related disease among MSM. We used national data from sexual health clinics to calculate the number of MSM attending these clinics throughout England from 2009 to 2014 and to identify their characteristics, to inform the implementation of a targeted HPV vaccination programme in MSM.

Methods

We used the Genitourinary Medicine Clinic Activity Dataset (GUMCADv2) to obtain data for men aged 15–70 years who had attended a GUM clinic in England from 2009 to 2014. We analysed both numbers of MSM attending and number of GUM attendances, age at first attendance, ethnicity and geographical area of the clinic in England.

Results

A total of 374 983 MSM attended sexual health services in England between 2009 and 2014. Median age of presentation was 32 years (IQR 25–41) and showed regional geographical variation. Of all men attending sexual health clinics in England, the highest proportion of those identifying as MSM was in London (21%). Excluding visits within 1 month of an initial attendance, 49% of all MSM re-attended within 12 months and 58% within 24 months. MSM aged ≥36 years reattended more frequently than younger MSM. 51% reattended at least twice within 24 months of initial visit.

Conclusions

The majority of MSM reattend clinic at least once within a 24-month period, potentially facilitating the delivery of a three-dose HPV vaccination programme. This would reduce the burden on sexual health clinics and cost to local authorities due to extra visits if HPV vaccination were to be delivered through these services.
Difficulties in administration of oral medication formulations to pet cats: an e‐survey of cat owners
Authors: Sivén M. , Savolainen S. , Räntilä S. , Männikkö S. , Vainionpää M. , Airaksinen S. , Raekallio M. , Vainio O. , Juppo A. M.
Published: March 2017

The purpose here was to determine the problems cat owners encounter in medicating their cats with orally administered drugs at home. The study was carried out as an open e‐questionnaire survey addressed to cat owners in which the authors focused on the oral administration route. A total of 46 completed questionnaires were included in the survey. In the study, 46 cats received 67 orally administered drugs. Approximately half of the drugs were registered for use in cats by the European Medicines Agency (54 per cent), and there were also off‐label drugs registered for human (36 per cent) and canine medication (7.4 per cent) and an ex tempore drug (3.0 per cent). The owners were unable to give the doses as prescribed for their cats for one‐fourth of the medications (16/67). Drugs that were registered for feline medication were significantly more palatable than drugs registered for other species (odds ratio (OR) 4.9), and liquid formulations were significantly more palatable than solid formulations (OR 4.8). However, most of the owners (22/38) preferred a solid dosage form, while few (4/38) chose a liquid formulation. The results indicate that there is still a need for more palatable and easily administered oral drugs for cats.
Veterinary nursing champion
Authors: Andrews‐Jones Belinda
Published: March 2017

Belinda Andrews‐Jones was recently appointed director of veterinary nursing at CVS; she is currently studying for a Masters degree in veterinary education
My week: Marc Armour
Authors: Armour Marc
Published: March 2017

Marc Armour, is a fourth‐year vet student at the Royal Veterinary College. Now on rotations, he chose to spend a week doing EMS with the BVA's journals, which are published by BMJ. Here's how he got on.
Effects of lactulose and silymarin on liver enzymes in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Ghobadi Pour Mozhgan , Mirazi Naser , Alaei Hojjatollah , Moradkhani Shirin , Rajaei Ziba , Monsef Esfahani Alireza
Published: March 2017

Silymarin, a mixture of antihepatotoxic flavonolignans used in the treatment of liver diseases, and lactulose, a nonabsorbable synthetic disaccharide, were investigated to analyze their probable synergic and healing effects in a hepatic cirrhotic rat model. Liver damage was induced by the administration and subsequent withdrawal of thioacetamide. The significant decrease in liver enzymes and malondialdehyde levels confirmed the curative effects of silymarin and lactulose. In the silymarin + lactulose group, liver enzyme and malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced compared with those in the thioacetamide group. All treatments led to liver regeneration and triggered enhanced regeneration. Silymarin and lactulose alone or in combination have potent curative effects and reduce thioacetamide-induced liver damage.
Klein and conformal superspaces, split algebras and spinor orbits
Authors: Fioresi Rita , Latini Emanuele , Marrani Alessio
Published: March 2017

We discuss [Formula: see text] Klein and Klein-conformal superspaces in [Formula: see text] space-time dimensions, realizing them in terms of their functor of points over the split composition algebra [Formula: see text]. We exploit the observation that certain split forms of orthogonal groups can be realized in terms of matrix groups over split composition algebras. This leads to a natural interpretation of the sections of the spinor bundle in the critical split dimensions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Within this approach, we also analyze the non-trivial spinor orbit stratification that is relevant in our construction since it affects the Klein-conformal superspace structure.
Differential Evolution Technique for the Optimization of Reactive Power Reserves
Authors: Bhattacharyya Biplab , Raj Saurav
Published: March 2017

In the present work, reactive power planning problem along with voltage stability margin is addressed by effective co-ordination of reactive power sources. Modal analysis and L-index methods are used to detect weak nodes of the system accordingly. Differential Evolution (DE) and Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based optimization techniques are applied for the proper co-ordination of Var sources under base and increased loading conditions maintaining voltage stability of the connected power network. The problem is multi-objective and IEEE 30 bus system is taken as the standard system. It is observed that modal analysis based detection of weak nodes are more effective than the L-index-based detection. Moreover, the DE-based optimization algorithm gives better result compared to GA-based approach in maximizing reactive power reserves.
Existence and uniqueness theorems for the full three-dimensional Ericksen–Leslie system
Authors: Chechkin Gregory A. , Ratiu Tudor S. , Romanov Maxim S. , Samokhin Vyacheslav N.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we study the three-dimensional Ericksen–Leslie equations for the nematodynamics of liquid crystals. We prove short time existence and uniqueness of strong solutions for the initial value problem for the periodic case and in bounded domains with both Dirichlet- and Neumann-type boundary conditions.
Anomalous diffusion limit for a linear Boltzmann equation with external force field
Authors: Aceves-Sanchez Pedro , Mellet Antoine
Published: March 2017

This paper is devoted to the approximation of the linear Boltzmann equation by fractional diffusion equations. Most existing results address this question when there is no external acceleration field. The goal of this paper is to investigate the case where a given acceleration field is present. The main result of this paper shows that for an appropriate scaling of the acceleration field, the usual fractional diffusion equation is supplemented by an advection term. Both the critical and supercritical case are considered.
Ws,p-approximation properties of elliptic projectors on polynomial spaces, with application to the error analysis of a Hybrid High-Order discretisation of Leray–Lions problems
Authors: Di Pietro Daniele A. , Droniou Jérôme
Published: March 2017

In this work, we prove optimal [Formula: see text]-approximation estimates (with [Formula: see text]) for elliptic projectors on local polynomial spaces. The proof hinges on the classical Dupont–Scott approximation theory together with two novel abstract lemmas: An approximation result for bounded projectors, and an [Formula: see text]-boundedness result for [Formula: see text]-orthogonal projectors on polynomial subspaces. The [Formula: see text]-approximation results have general applicability to (standard or polytopal) numerical methods based on local polynomial spaces. As an illustration, we use these [Formula: see text]-estimates to derive novel error estimates for a Hybrid High-Order (HHO) discretisation of Leray–Lions elliptic problems whose weak formulation is classically set in [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text]. This kind of problems appears, e.g. in the modelling of glacier motion, of incompressible turbulent flows, and in airfoil design. Denoting by [Formula: see text] the meshsize, we prove that the approximation error measured in a [Formula: see text]-like discrete norm scales as [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] and as [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text].
Testing the distance–duality relation from strong gravitational lensing, type Ia supernovae and gamma-ray bursts data up to redshift z ∼ 3.6
Authors: Fu Xiangyun , Li Pengcheng
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we perform a cosmological model-independent test of the cosmic distance–duality relation (CDDR) in terms of the ratio of angular diameter distance (ADD) [Formula: see text] from strong gravitational lensing (SGL) and the ratio of luminosity distance (LD) [Formula: see text] obtained from the joint of type Ia supernovae (SNIa) Union2.1 compilation and the latest Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) data, where the superscripts s and l correspond to the redshifts [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at the source and lens from SGL samples. The purpose of combining GRB data with SNIa compilation is to test CDDR in a wider redshift range. The LD associated with the redshifts of the observed ADD is obtained through two cosmological model-independent methods, namely, method A: binning the SNIa+GRBs data, and method B: reconstructing the function of DL by combining the Crossing Statistic with the smoothing method. We find that CDDR is compatible with the observations at [Formula: see text] confidence level for the power law model which is assumed to describe the mass distribution of lensing systems with method B in a wider redshift range.