bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Chinese herbal medicine on kinetics of plasma phenylalanine, tyrosine and whole body protein synthesis in sheep
Authors: Liang Xi , Bi Xue , Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Sano Hiroaki
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding decoction of a traditional nourishing Chinese herbal medicine formula on rates of plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine turnover and whole body protein synthesis in sheep. Ruminal fermentation characteristics and blood metabolites were also determined. Six sheep were subjected to either mixed hay (MH‐diet, as control) or MH‐diet supplemented with 2% of Chinese herbal medicine (mixture of Astragalus root, Angelica root, and Atractylodes rhizome; CHM‐diet) in a crossover design for each of 3‐week period. The isotope dilution of [2H5]phenylalanine and [2H2]tyrosine was performed as a primed‐continuous infusion to measure plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine kinetics. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acid, acetate, and propionate in the rumen tended to be higher (p < 0.10), and the pH value was lower (p = 0.04) for the CHM‐diet than the MH‐diet. Turnover rates of plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine tended to be higher (p < 0.10) for the CHM‐diet than the MH‐diet. Furthermore, whole body protein synthesis was greater (p = 0.04) for the CHM‐diet compared with the MH‐diet. The Chinese herbal medicine improved rumen fermentation and enhanced protein metabolism in sheep. Hence, it is suggested that the decoction of Chinese herbal medicine formula could be considered as a potential feed additive for ruminant production.
Avian mycobacteriosis in captive brolgas (Antigone rubicunda)
Authors: Hodge PJ , Sandy JR , Noormohammadi AH
Published: February 2019

Case series

Avian mycobacteriosis is a significant disease of a wide range of bird species worldwide. The most common causative agent, Mycobacterium avium, is reported to also infect a range of mammals, including humans. Of 11 brolgas (Antigone rubicunda) submitted to the University of Melbourne for postmortem examination over a 10‐year period, 7 were diagnosed with mycobacteriosis. All were from a wildlife park and kept in permanent enclosures as part of a breeding program. Most of the brolgas with mycobacteriosis were in poor body condition and had widely disseminated granulomas throughout the body, especially within the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract. Respiratory tract involvement was common, with all disseminated cases having pulmonary or air sac granulomas. Rare to moderate numbers of acid‐fast organisms were detected in granulomas by histological examination. Where examined by appropriate bacteriological examinations, M. avium complex was isolated from affected tissues.

Conclusion

This case series is the first known report of mycobacteriosis in brolgas and highlights the pathological changes seen. The complications in maintaining an avian mycobacteriosis‐free breeding program and in eradication of the disease from an enclosed wildlife environment are discussed.
Fragmentation of the dorsal distal aspect of the talus on weanling survey and pre‐sale radiographs of juvenile Thoroughbreds: prevalence and 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds racing performance
Authors: Steel CM , Devery S , Hance SR , Adkins AR , Hitchens PL
Published: February 2019

Background

Fragmentation of the dorsal aspect of the distal talus (FDDT), at the dorsolateral articular margin of the proximal intertarsal joint (PITJ) on pre‐sale radiographs of yearling Thoroughbreds has not been previously described and data to support decisions made by veterinarians to predict future racing potential of horses with these lesions are lacking.

Methods

In this retrospective case–control study we aimed to determine the prevalence of FDDT in juvenile Thoroughbreds and to report their race records. From a database of survey and repository radiographic examinations of 5709 horses, 36 with FDDT were identified.

Results

The prevalence of FDDT was 0.63% (36/5709; 95%CI 0.44, 0.87), compared with 5.01% (286/5709; 95%CI 4.46, 5.61) for osteochondrosis of the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia in the same population. In most cases, a single oval‐shaped fragment 1–12 mm in diameter was present. When comparing cases with matched controls, there were no significant differences in mean sale price, whether horses started in a trial or race and mean number of starts, wins, places and prize money when 2‐ and 3‐years old.

Conclusion

FDDT did not appear to affect racing performance, although a larger‐scale study is warranted to confirm this finding.
Tracing research trends of 21st‐century learning skills
Authors: Silber‐Varod Vered , Eshet‐Alkalai Yoram , Geri Nitza
Published: February 2019

Recently, learning technologies have become a pivotal constituent of teaching–learning processes. Contemporary studies indicate that in order to effectively utilize these technologies, instructors and learners alike must master a range of cognitive and socio‐emotional competencies, commonly termed “digital literacy competencies” or “21st century skills.” This study employs a content analysis methodology to trace trends of change in the research of core digital literacy competencies as reflected in the educational academic literature of the past 37 years (1980–2016). Based on well‐established frameworks of digital literacy competencies, this research examined seven skills: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Problem‐solving and Socio‐emotional skills. Data were collected through advanced search queries of peer‐reviewed publications in the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database. Findings reveal that among the examined terms, Communication is the most prominent digital literacy skill, followed by Problem Solving and Collaboration. Furthermore, within the context of Skills, the most prominent terms are Information Literacy and Critical thinking; Technology and Collaboration are least mentioned. Our findings suggest that awareness of digital learning competencies in educational research literature is marginal, implying that educational research seems to lag behind the need to understand the ever‐changing digital competencies that instructors and learners need.
Seismic stratigraphical record of Lake Levinson‐Lessing, Taymyr Peninsula: evidence for ice‐sheet dynamics and lake‐level fluctuations since the Early Weichselian
Authors: Lebas Elodie , Krastel Sebastian , Wagner Bernd , Gromig Raphael , Fedorov Grigory , Baumer Marlene , Kostromina Natalia , Haflidason Haflidi
Published: February 2019

A multi‐channel, high‐resolution seismic reflection survey using a Micro‐GI airgun was carried out in the framework of the Russian‐German project PLOT (Paleolimnological Transect) on Lake Levinson‐Lessing, Taymyr Peninsula, in 2016. In total, ~70 km of seismic reflection profiles revealed in unprecedented detail the glacial and postglacial sedimentary infill of the lake basin. Five main seismic units have been recognized and interpreted as glacial (Unit V), subglacial and proglacial (Unit IV), marine (Unit III), fluvial‐lacustrine (Unit II) and lacustrine (Unit I) sediments. Of particular significance are imbricated, south‐orientated structures present in the southernmost part of the lake basin within Unit V and a large topographic ridge recognized in front of those structures. We interpret these structures as push moraines and an end moraine, respectively, left by the glacier after its retreat. The depositional pattern of the units above the moraines documents past lake‐level fluctuations. We interpret Unit IV, Unit III and Unit I as highstand deposits, and Unit II as lowstand deposits. Gas‐charged sediments dominate the northern part of the lake basin, whilst they occur only sporadically and in limited spatial extent in the central and southern parts of the lake. In the latter areas, the seismic and echo‐sounder data suggest recent tectonic activity. Our study contributes to the reconstruction of environmental conditions in the Taymyr Peninsula directly following the Early Weichselian deglaciation and shows that deep tectonic lake basins affected by several glaciations can preserve important palaeoenvironmental records, which contributes significantly to our understanding of palaeoenvironmental changes in the Taymyr Peninsula and the central Russian Arctic.
Reduction of intrapancreatic neural density in cancer tissue predicts poorer outcome in pancreatic ductal carcinoma
Authors: Iwasaki Toshimitsu , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Ino Yoshinori , Nakajima Kosei , Kishi Yoji , Nara Satoshi , Esaki Minoru , Shimada Kazuaki , Katai Hitoshi
Published: February 2019

Neural invasion is one of the malignant features contributing to locally advanced and/or metastatic disease progression in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Few studies exist on the distribution and state of nerve fibers in PDAC tissue and their clinicopathological impacts. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic value of intrapancreatic neural alterations in patients with PDAC. We retrospectively analyzed 256 patients with PDAC who underwent macroscopic curative surgery. Nerve fibers, immunolabeled with a specific neural marker GAP‐43, were digitally counted and compared among PDAC, chronic pancreatitis (CP) and normal pancreatic tissues. Interlobular nerve fibers were apparently hypertrophic in both CP and PDAC, although intrapancreatic neural density and nerve number decreased characteristically in PDAC. They tended to decrease toward the center of the tumor. Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses revealed a statistically significant correlation between low neural density and shorter overall survival (OS) (P = 0.014), and between high neural invasion and shorter OS (P = 0.017). Neural density (P = 0.04; HR = 1.496; 95% CI 1.018‐2.199) and neural invasion ratio (P = 0.064; HR = 1.439; 95% CI .980‐2.114) were prognostic factors of shorter OS in the multivariate analysis. These findings suggest low intrapancreatic neural density in patients with PDAC as an independent prognosticator, which may represent aggressive tumor behavior. Furthermore, we propose a simple, practical and reproducible method (to measure neural density and the neural invasion ratio during conventional histopathological diagnosis of PDAC), which has been validated using another cohort (n = 81).
Molecular design of sequence‐minimized, structure‐optimized, and hydrocarbon‐stapled helix–helix interactions in the trimer‐of‐hairpins motif of pediatric pneumonia RSV‐F protein
Authors: Wang Jihong , Zhang Jingxiu , Sun Xiangguo , Liu Chengjun , Li Xingli , Chen Lei
Published: February 2019

The respiratory syncytial virus fusion (RSV‐F) protein is a primary target for vaccine and drug development against respiratory infection and pediatric pneumonia. The RSV‐F core forms a trimer‐of‐hairpins (TOH) motif in postfusion conformation, which is characterized by a six‐helix bundle (6HB) where the three N‐terminal HRn helices define a central coiled‐coil, while three C‐terminal HRc helices pack on the coiled‐coil surface in an antiparallel manner. Here, one tightly packed HRn–HRc helix–helix interaction is stripped from the 6HB, which represents the minimum unit of RSV‐F TOH motif. The helix–helix interaction sequence can be truncated to derive a core binding region (CBR) that covers intense nonbonded interactions across the interaction interface. Dynamics simulation and energetics analysis reveal that the CBR HRc peptide has a large flexibility and intrinsic disorder in unbound free state, which would incur a considerable entropy penalty upon its binding to CBR NRn peptide. Two strategies are described to constrain the HRc peptide conformation. First, the four non‐interfacial residues of HRc peptide are artificially substituted with new amino acid combinations of high helical propensity and, second, the helical conformation of wild‐type and mutant HRc peptides is stabilized by adding an all‐hydrocarbon bridge across two spatially vicinal, non‐interfacial residues 503 (i) and 507 (i + 4). Free energy calculation and fluorescence‐based assay confirm that the substitution and stapling can effectively improve the binding affinity of CBR HRn–HRc interaction.
Design, synthesis, anti‐mycobacterial and cytotoxic evaluation of C‐4 functionalized 1,8‐naphthalimide‐heterocyclic hydrazide conjugates
Authors: Shalini  , Johansen Matt D. , Kremer Laurent , Kumar Vipan
Published: February 2019

This manuscript discloses the design and synthesis of a series of C‐4 functionalized 1,8‐naphthalimide‐heterocyclic hydrazide conjugates along with their anti‐mycobacterial and cytotoxic evaluation. The present work assumes significance as it describes the first report on the amalgamation of C‐4 substituted naphthalimides with various heterocyclic hydrazides. However, contrary to the rationale behind the synthesis of the conjugates, none of them inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the tested concentrations though these were non‐cytotoxic towards the Vero kidney epithelial cell line.
Front Cover
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Xin , Li Hai‐Yu , He Wen‐Bin , Tu Chaofeng , Du Juan , Li Wen , Lu Guang‐Xiu , Lin Ge , Yang Yongjia , Tan Yue‐Qiu
Published: February 2019

The cover image is based on the Letter to the Editor XRCC2 mutation causes premature ovarian insuffi ciency as well as non-obstructive azoospermia in humans, by Ya‐Xin Zhang et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.13475.

image
Continued attendance for paediatric weight management: A multicentre, qualitative study of parents' reasons and facilitators
Authors: Farnesi Biagina‐Carla , Perez Arnaldo , Holt Nicholas L. , Morrison Katherine M. , Gokiert Rebecca , Legault Laurent , Chanoine Jean‐Pierre , Sharma Arya M. , Ball Geoff D.C.
Published: February 2019

Although prolonged engagement in paediatric weight management (PWM) is associated with positive treatment outcomes, little is currently known about enablers of long‐term programme attendance. The purpose of our study was to explore families' reasons for and facilitators of their continued attendance at health services for PWM. Semi‐structured, individual interviews were conducted with parents of children (10‐17 year old; body mass index ≥85th percentile) who completed the active phase of treatment in one of four Canadian multidisciplinary clinics for PWM. Interview data were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Parents' (n = 40) reasons for continued clinic attendance included ongoing concerns (eg, parental concern about their child's health), actual and expected benefits from treatment (eg, lifestyle improvements) and perceived quality of care (eg, structured, comprehensive, tailored health services). Several logistical and motivational factors contributed to continued attendance, including flexible work schedules, flexible appointment times, financial resources and children's motivation for treatment. Helping families address treatment barriers and ensuring that weight management services meet families' treatment expectations are promising strategies to enhance retention in PWM to optimize health outcomes.
N,N‐dimethylacrylamide—A new sensitizer in the FreeStyle Libre glucose sensor
Authors: Mowitz Martin , Herman Anne , Baeck Marie , Isaksson Marléne , Antelmi Annarita , Hamnerius Nils , Pontén Ann , Bruze Magnus
Published: February 2019

Background

Isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) has recently been identified as one sensitizer in the FreeStyle Libre glucose sensor. Analyses with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) have indicated the presence of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) in the sensor.

Material and methods

Seven patients were referred for patch testing after developing skin reactions when using FreeStyle Libre. All patients were patch tested with IBOA and DMAA. Two patients were tested with adhesive patches that had been removed from the sensors “as is,” and two patients were tested with acetone extracts of materials from the sensor. The extracts were analysed with GC‐MS.

Results

Six patients reacted to both IBOA and DMAA, and one patient reacted only to DMAA. Positive reactions were also observed in both patients tested with the adhesive patch "as is". One patient reacted to both an extract of the adhesive patch and an extract of the sensor itself. When analysed with GC‐MS, IBOA was found in both extracts and DMAA was found in the extract of the sensor.

Conclusion

Both IBOA and DMAA may be present in adhesives used in medical devices such as glucose sensors or insulin pumps, and should be patch tested when suspected contact allergic reactions to these products are investigated.
Diagnosis of epidermodysplasia verruciformis: Two cases highlighting the role of direct HPV L1 gene sequencing
Authors: Bushara Omar , Miller Daniel , Giubellino Alessio , Schomaker Matthew , Thyagarajan Bharat , Nelson Andrew C.
Published: February 2019

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare skin disease characterized by the development of multiple flat warts with the potential for malignant transformation. Patients are susceptible to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection that develops in a background of either a genetic or acquired immunodeficiency predisposing patients to infection with specific HPV types that are ubiquitous but generally non‐pathogenic in healthy individuals. There is no standard clinical methodology for determining the causative HPV from patients with suspected EV. Here, we report the diagnostic workup of two EV cases and describe the use of L1 gene Sanger sequencing as a specific method to accurately identify the causative HPV genotype and confirm the diagnosis of EV.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes – a new genotype of zoophilic dermatophyte causes sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Kupsch Christiane , Czaika Viktor‐Alexander , Deutsch Cornelia , Gräser Yvonne
Published: February 2019

Background

A new genotype of the zoophilic fungal species Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes was recently described in two studies. It was isolated from three patients who had visited Southeast Asia and one patient who had visited Egypt. In contrast to these studies, we have observed a number of cases with the dimensions of an epidemic outbreak.

Patients and methods

At the University Hospital Charité Berlin, 43 patients, mostly suffering from highly inflammatory, painful and persistent infections of the pubogenital region were observed between January 2016 and July 2017. Mycological examination was performed with fungal culture and sequencing of the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) region of the ribosomal DNA. Three additional genomic regions were spot‐checked.

Results

In 37 of the cases, a new genotype of T. mentagrophytes (referred to here as T. mentagrophytes VII) was isolated as the etiological agent, and sequencing revealed identical sequences for all isolates. Most of the infected patients had no history of travel, and only two patients reported contact with animals.

Conclusions

The new genotype clustered phylogenetically among the strains of the zoophilic species T. mentagrophytes with four different DNA markers. While human‐to‐human transmission of zoophilic dermatophytes is rare, transmission via sexual contact seemed to be quite effective here.
The effect of income inequality on political polarization: Evidence from European regions, 2002–2014
Authors: Winkler Hernan
Published: February 2019

This article investigates whether income inequality leads to political polarization and provides new evidence that an increase in the Gini coefficient at the local level increases the probability of supporting a political party at the extreme left and right of the ideological distribution. Using individual data for 25 European countries from 2002 to 2014, I find that increasing inequality leads on average to more support for left‐wing parties. I also find that increasing inequality leads to more support for far‐right parties among older individuals. Support for far‐right parties seems to be driven by rising anti‐immigrant sentiments. The results are robust to different specifications, including an instrumental variable that addresses the endogeneity of income inequality.
Leaf‐cutting ants use relative humidity and temperature but not CO2 levels as cues for the selection of an underground dumpsite
Authors: Römer Daniela , Bollazzi Martin , Roces Flavio
Published: February 2019

1. Leaf‐cutting ants remove copious amounts of colony waste, a potential pathogen source for workers and reared symbiotic fungus, to above‐ground heaps or deep underground chambers. However, the dumpsite may also contain information about plants initially harvested and disposed of because of unsuitability for the fungus.

2. The underground environment presents climatic gradients across the soil profile and it is an open question whether leaf‐cutting ants use microclimatic cues to choose suitable sites for waste disposal, as displayed for other in‐nest tasks.

3. Climatic preferences in leaf‐cutting ants were investigated for the deposition of colony waste. In the laboratory, deposition of waste particles by workers of Atta laevigata was quantified by offering them, in different experiments, a binary choice of temperatures (range, 15–30 °C), levels of air humidity (range 10–98%), and CO2 concentrations (range, atmospheric values to 10%).

4. Leaf‐cutting ants used temperature and air humidity, but not CO2 levels, as cues for the deposition of their waste. They consistently preferred a dry (≤ 33% air humidity) environment. Less consistent, temperature preferences varied depending on colony (15–25 °C for one colony and 25–30 °C for the other). Although workers showed clear preferences for high levels of CO2 for themselves, they were CO2‐indifferent for waste deposition.

5. It is argued that the observed climatic preferences for underground waste disposal might aid nest hygiene by providing unsuitable dry conditions for pathogen growth, with thermal preferences that do not hinder worker activities for further waste management and inspection of discarded plants.
A soil‐quality index for soil from Mediterranean forests
Authors: Andrés‐Abellán Manuela , Wic‐Baena Consolación , López‐Serrano Francisco R. , García‐Morote Francisco A. , Martínez‐García Eduardo , Picazo Marta I. , Rubio Eva , Moreno‐Ortego Jose L. , Bastida‐López Felipe , García‐Izquierdo Carlos
Published: February 2019

Treatments involving vegetation thinning have become more frequent in Mediterranean forest ecosystems. Under extreme climate conditions, this practice can affect the balance between physicochemical, microbiological and biochemical soil properties, modifying the soil quality and the ability of these forest ecosystems to regenerate. The aim of this study was to use principal component analysis (PCA) to develop a multivariable soil‐quality index (SQI) applicable to the Mediterranean forest ecosystems of the Cuenca mountain range in central‐eastern Spain. To achieve this, seven physicochemical properties (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, carbonate, total organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus) and six microbiological properties (basal respiration and microbial biomass carbon, as well as the activity of dehydrogenase, urease, phosphatase and β‐glucosidase enzymes) were measured seasonally between 2011 and 2012. Soil samples were obtained from seven unmanaged and undisturbed forest areas and these data were used to create the SQI. Subsequently, we applied this SQI to soil samples from other forests in the Cuenca mountain range, which had been affected by different thinning treatments. Our analysis showed that the greater was the canopy present in these treated forests, the larger were the average values for all 13 variables. The smallest SQI values were in areas that had been intensively thinned. Therefore, our results suggest that this SQI is an important tool for the development of appropriate measures to maintain the quality of forest soil in Spanish Mediterranean forest ecosystems.

Highlights

We developed a multivariable soil quality index (SQI) to assess status of Mediterranean forest ecosystems.

This index is adequate to detect changes quickly in forest soil of Mediterranean ecosystems.

The SQI helped to assess the effects of thinning treatments on forest soil.

The SQI enabled establishment of different levels of soil quality (very high, high, medium and low).
The measurement of coevolution in the wild
Authors: Week Bob , Nuismer Scott L.
Published: February 2019

Coevolution has long been thought to drive the exaggeration of traits, promote major evolutionary transitions such as the evolution of sexual reproduction and influence epidemiological dynamics. Despite coevolution’s long suspected importance, we have yet to develop a quantitative understanding of its strength and prevalence because we lack generally applicable statistical methods that yield numerical estimates for coevolution’s strength and significance in the wild. Here, we develop a novel method that derives maximum likelihood estimates for the strength of direct pairwise coevolution by coupling a well‐established coevolutionary model to spatially structured phenotypic data. Applying our method to two well‐studied interactions reveals evidence for coevolution in both systems. Broad application of this approach has the potential to further resolve long‐standing evolutionary debates such as the role species interactions play in the evolution of sexual reproduction and the organisation of ecological communities.
Naringenin as an opener of mitochondrial potassium channels in dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Kampa Rafal Pawel , Kicinska Anna , Jarmuszkiewicz Wieslawa , Pasikowska‐Piwko Monika , Dolegowska Barbara , Debowska Renata , Szewczyk Adam , Bednarczyk Piotr
Published: February 2019

Flavonoids belong to a large group of polyphenolic compounds that are widely present in plants. Certain flavonoids, including naringenin, have cytoprotective properties. Although the antioxidant effect has long been thought to be a crucial factor accounting for the cellular effects of flavonoids, mitochondrial channels have emerged recently as targets for cytoprotective strategies. In the present study, we characterized interactions between naringenin and the mitochondrial potassium (mitoBKCa and mitoKATP) channels recently described in dermal fibroblasts. With the use of the patch‐clamp technique and mitoplasts isolated from primary human dermal fibroblast cells, our study shows that naringenin in micromolar concentrations leads to an increase in mitoBKCa channel activity. The opening probability of the channel decreased from 0.97 in the control conditions (200 μmol/L Ca2+) to 0.06 at a low Ca2+ level (1 μmol/L) and increased to 0.85 after the application of 10 μmol/L naringenin. Additionally, the activity of the mitoKATP channel increased following the application of 10 μmol/L naringenin. To investigate the effects of naringenin on mitochondrial function, the oxygen consumption of dermal fibroblast cells was measured in potassium‐containing media. The addition of naringenin significantly and dose‐dependently increased the respiratory rate from 5.8 ± 0.2 to 14.0 ± 0.6 nmol O2 × min−1 × mg protein−1. Additionally, a Raman spectroscopy analysis of skin penetration indicated that the naringenin was distributed in all skin layers, including the epidermis and dermis. In this study, we demonstrated that a flavonoid, naringenin, can activate two potassium channels present in the inner mitochondrial membrane of dermal fibroblasts.
Imaging of pH and pO2 gives insight in molecular processes of irradiated cells
Authors: Reinders Yvonne , Meier Robert J. , Liebsch Gregor , Pohl Fabian , Schreml Stephan , Prantl Lukas , Haubner Frank
Published: February 2019

One of the major challenges in radiation therapy is the interference with tissue repair processes due to hypoxic characteristics and pH dysregulation. In this study, we present dual imaging of pH and oxygenation in vitro based on luminescent biocompatible sensor foils that allow studying the effects of irradiation on different cell types in culture. Different sensitivities of fibroblast and oral squamous carcinoma cells were observed by complementing oxygen and pH differences with proliferation assays. This study highlights especially the distinct role of oxygen after irradiation and the difference in proliferation processes of irradiated normal dermal cells in contrast to irradiated tumor cells.
Control and regulation of S‐Adenosylmethionine biosynthesis by the regulatory β subunit and quinolone‐based compounds
Authors: Panmanee Jiraporn , Bradley‐Clarke Jack , Mato Jose M. , O'Neill Paul M. , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Hasnain S. Samar
Published: February 2019

Methylation is an underpinning process of life and provides control for biological processes such as DNA synthesis, cell growth, and apoptosis. Methionine adenosyltransferases (MAT) produce the cellular methyl donor, S‐Adenosylmethionine (SAMe). Dysregulation of SAMe level is a relevant event in many diseases, including cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma and colon cancer. In addition, mutation of Arg264 in MATα1 causes isolated persistent hypermethioninemia, which is characterized by low activity of the enzyme in liver and high level of plasma methionine. In mammals, MATα1/α2 and MATβV1/V2 are the catalytic and the major form of regulatory subunits, respectively. A gating loop comprising residues 113–131 is located beside the active site of catalytic subunits (MATα1/α2) and provides controlled access to the active site. Here, we provide evidence of how the gating loop facilitates the catalysis and define some of the key elements that control the catalytic efficiency. Mutation of several residues of MATα2 including Gln113, Ser114, and Arg264 lead to partial or total loss of enzymatic activity, demonstrating their critical role in catalysis. The enzymatic activity of the mutated enzymes is restored to varying degrees upon complex formation with MATβV1 or MATβV2, endorsing its role as an allosteric regulator of MATα2 in response to the levels of methionine or SAMe. Finally, the protein–protein interacting surface formed in MATα2:MATβ complexes is explored to demonstrate that several quinolone‐based compounds modulate the activity of MATα2 and its mutants, providing a rational for chemical design/intervention responsive to the level of SAMe in the cellular environment.

Enzymes

Methionine adenosyltransferase (EC.2.5.1.6).

Database

Structural data are available in the RCSB PDB database under the PDB ID 6FBN (Q113A), 6FBP (S114A: P22121), 6FBO (S114A: I222), 6FCB (P115G), 6FCD (R264A), 6FAJ (wtMATα2: apo), 6G6R (wtMATα2: holo)
Denitrification as a major regional nitrogen sink in subtropical forest catchments: Evidence from multi‐site dual nitrate isotopes
Authors: Yu Longfei , Mulder Jan , Zhu Jing , Zhang Xiaoshan , Wang Zhangwei , Dörsch Peter
Published: February 2019

Increasing nitrogen (N) deposition in subtropical forests in south China causes N saturation, associated with significant nitrate (NO3−) leaching. Strong N attenuation may occur in groundwater discharge zones hydrologically connected to well‐drained hillslopes, as has been shown for the subtropical headwater catchment “TieShanPing”, where dual NO3− isotopes indicated that groundwater discharge zones act as an important N sink and hotspot for denitrification. Here, we present a regional study reporting inorganic N fluxes over two years together with dual NO3− isotope signatures obtained in two summer campaigns from seven forested catchments in China, representing a gradient in climate and atmospheric N input. In all catchments, fluxes of dissolved inorganic N indicated efficient conversion of NH4+ to NO3− on well‐drained hillslopes, and subsequent interflow of NO3− over the argic B‐horizons to groundwater discharge zones. Depletion of 15N‐ and 18O–NO3− on hillslopes suggested nitrification as the main source of NO3−. In all catchments, except one of the northern sites, which had low N deposition rates, NO3− attenuation by denitrification occurred in groundwater discharge zones, as indicated by simultaneous 15N and 18O enrichment in residual NO3−. By contrast to the southern sites, the northern catchments lack continuous and well‐developed groundwater discharge zones, explaining less efficient N removal. Using a model based on 15NO3− signatures, we estimated denitrification fluxes from 2.4 to 21.7 kg N ha−1 year−1 for the southern sites, accounting for more than half of the observed N removal. Across the southern catchments, estimated denitrification scaled proportionally with N deposition. Together, this indicates that N removal by denitrification is an important component of the N budget of southern Chinese forests and that natural NO3− attenuation may increase with increasing N input, thus partly counteracting further aggravation of N contamination of surface waters in the region.
Sevoflurane anesthesia impairs metabotropic glutamate receptor‐dependent long‐term depression and cognitive functions in senile mice
Authors: Yu Xiangdi , Zhang Fangxiang , Shi Jinshan
Published: February 2019

Aim

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is often observed in older patients. Previous reports described the link between postoperative cognitive dysfunction and general anesthetics, such as sevoflurane, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. We therefore sought to characterize the effects of sevoflurane on hippocampal‐dependent cognitive functions, as well as hippocampal plasticity, and to delineate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Behavioral assays including the novel object recognition test and the Morris water maze test were carried out to assess the cognitive performance of control and sevoflurane‐exposed mice. Electrophysiological recordings were carried out to evaluate the sevoflurane‐induced changes of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Furthermore, western blot assay was utilized to quantitatively assess the altered protein expression resulting from sevoflurane exposure.

Results

Sevoflurane anesthesia impaired cognitive functions, as well as metabotropic glutamate receptor‐dependent long‐term depression, through elevated surface expression of small conductance calcium‐activated potassium type 2 channels. Blockage of calcium‐activated potassium type 2 channels reversed the sevoflurane‐induced deficits at both cellular and behavioral levels.

Conclusions

Sevoflurane anesthesia impaired metabotropic glutamate receptor‐dependent long‐term depression and thereby affected cognitive functions in old mice. Inhibitory modulators of calcium‐activated potassium type 2 channels might prevent cognitive decline elicited by sevoflurane. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 357–362.
Investigation of Groundwater Potential Zones in Hard Rock Terrain, Wadi Na'man, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Algaydi Bander A.M. , Subyani Ali M. , Hamza Mohamed H.M.M.
Published: February 2019

In arid and hyper‐arid zones, groundwater exploration is one of the most significant ways to locate potential new water supplies. Geophysical prospecting is currently the most successfully used method for locating new supplies, but it is rather costly. Satellite remote sensing (RS) detection, however, with its integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides the best chance for identifying and initially evaluating water‐bearing formations. In the western part of Saudi Arabia, Wadi Na'man has for centuries been one of the major water sources for the city of Makkah Al‐Mukarramah. It is therefore very important to find appropriate groundwater potential (GP) zones in this wadi for water supply. This study utilizes RS and GIS techniques, and also studies the hydrogeological, geological, and geomorphological characteristics that have significant impact on groundwater occurrence in Wadi Na'man. Representative layers are generated for each component and each given a weight ratio that depends on the level of influence. The overlay and integration of these thematic layers was used to produce a map that shows the most promising potential groundwater areas and classifies local potentials as either low, medium, or high. The results also reveal that the areas overall‐rated as “promising” (i.e., classified as medium or high) represent approximately 17‐25% of the total basin area and consist mainly of Quaternary sediments and connected fractured rock areas.
Hemodialysis‐induced bradycardia, “a plumbing issue”: Resolved with catheter repositioning
Authors: Sitaula Subhas , Kaul Pratibha , Aggarwal Vikram
Published: February 2019

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is reported as leading cause of death in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Arrhythmias are proposed to be a major predisposing factor for SCD. However, triggers for potentially lethal arrhythmias are not well understood. Here we describe a case of 72‐year‐old man on chronic hemodialysis via permanent Central venous catheter (CVC) who was admitted for evaluation after unwitnessed fall. Within 10 minutes of his first routine dialysis session in the hospital, he had cardiac‐arrest. He was successfully resuscitated within 3 minutes. The next day, fifteen minutes into the dialysis session, he had bradycardia with telemetry demonstrating long sinus pause and he lost consciousness. After few minutes of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) he regained pulse and consciousness. Further review of the chest X‐ray revealed the tip of CVC to be directly touching the distal Superior Vena Cava (SVC) wall. We felt the catheter tip may have migrated after the fall and now is irritating the Sinoatrial node and triggering bradyarrhythmia. Next day, the CVC was exchanged, and the tip was placed higher up in superior vena‐cava. After repositioning, we started him on dialysis under intensive monitoring, and he tolerated well without any arrhythmia. Subsequent dialysis was uneventful. We describe a case of recurrent symptomatic intra‐dialytic bradycardia due to abnormal positioning of CVC that resolved after the repositioning of the catheter. This case in addition to similar case in nondialysis settlings provides additional insights into mechanisms of fatal arrhythmias in hemodialysis patient having CVC.
Successful management of severe hyponatremia in CKD‐VD: In a cost limited setting
Authors: Pattanashetti Navin , Bharati Joyita , Kohli Harbir Singh , Gupta Krishan Lal , Ramachandran Raja
Published: February 2019

Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and severe hyponatremia always pose a challenge to manage. It is necessary to correct biochemical parameters, advanced azotemia, and fluid overload with conventional haemodialysis (HD) but it may correct serum sodium (Na) rapidly resulting in neurological complications like seizures and osmotic demyelination syndrome. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is an ideal modality to manage such patients. However, most of the centers in the developing or underdeveloped nations do not have CRRT facility. We present two cases of ESRD, who had advanced azotemia requiring dialysis, also had persistent vomiting and severe hyponatremia (one with Na 107, another with Na 109 mEq/L), both cases were managed with conventional HD using dialysate Na concentration of 128 mEq/L (lowest permissible level of Na in a traditional HD machine) and keeping the blood flow of 50 mL/min. The serum Na increased by 1 mEq/L/h during first HD session, during the next session blood flow increased to 100 mL/min, and serum Na increased by two mEq/L/h. At the end of 48 hours, we were able to successfully correct serum Na by 18 mEq/L, with complete resolution of uremic manifestations and no neurological deficits. The current reports highlight management of hyponatremia in newly diagnosed ESRD in a cost limited setting.
Gastric cancer prevention targeted on risk assessment: Gastritis OLGA staging
Authors: Rugge Massimo , Sugano Kentaro , Scarpignato Carmelo , Sacchi Diana , Oblitas Walker Jove , Naccarato Antonio Giuseppe
Published: February 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks among the most lethal epithelial malignancies, and its striking mortality rate prompts a global prevention strategy. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis is the main GC promoter, and the 2014 Global Kyoto conference recognized H. pylori gastritis as a (treatable) infectious disease. It is therefore plausible that any large‐scale intervention for H. pylori eradication would result in cleansing the world of the fifth cause of cancer‐related death. Atrophic gastritis is the cancerization field in which GCs (both intestinal and diffuse histotypes) mainly develop. Discontinuing the inflammatory cascade triggered by H. pylori is tantamount to preventing GC. For patients (still infected or eradicated) who have already developed gastric atrophy, the severity/topography of the atrophic changes correlates with their cancer risk. Gastritis OLGA (Operative Link for Gastritis Assessment) staging consistently ranks the atrophy‐associated cancer risk, providing a solid clinical/biological rationale for establishing patient‐specific surveillance programs. By combining primary and secondary prevention strategies, gastric cancer is a preventable disease.
Measuring the economic impact of universities operating in unstable environments: The case of a private institution in Lebanon
Authors: Nauffal Diane I.
Published: February 2019

This paper evaluates the economic impact of a university in a country characterised by the scarcity of significant data and quantitative information. It uses an input–output model that permits the use of gross domestic product (GDP) deflators to portray the economy of years following a year for which a complete data set input is possible. Using commonly available administrative data, the model not only allows for the calculation of monetary multipliers but also employment multipliers that play a major role in the educational sector. The study highlights the role of Higher Education in promoting economic development, even under difficult political, economic and security conditions, where lack of stability is the norm and aims to demonstrate that not only well‐known historically grounded universities have significant economic impact but also smaller emerging universities play an important role in the development of their national economies.
Morphofunctional characteristics of skeletal muscle in rats with cerebral palsy
Authors: Buratti Pâmela , Covatti Caroline , Centenaro Lígia Aline , Brancalhão Rose Meire Costa , Torrejais Marcia Miranda
Published: February 2019

Knowledge of skeletal muscle adaptations is important to understand the functional deficits in cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to investigate the morphofunctional characteristics of skeletal muscle in a CP animal model. Initially, pregnant Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with saline or lipopolysaccharide over the last five days of pregnancy. The control group (n = 8) consisted of male pups born to females injected with saline. The CP group (n = 8) consisted of male pups born to females injected with lipopolysaccharide, which were submitted to perinatal anoxia [day of birth, postnatal day 0 (P0)] and sensorimotor restriction (P1‐P30). The open‐field test was undertaken on P29 and P45. On P48, the animals were weighed, and the plantaris muscle was collected and its weight and length were measured. Transverse sections were stained with haematoxylin‐eosin, NADH‐TR, Masson's trichrome and non‐specific esterase reaction for analysis. and transmission electron microscopy was performed. In the CP group, reductions were observed in mobility time, number of crossings and rearing frequency, body weight, muscle weight and length, and nucleus‐to‐fibre and capillary‐to‐fibre ratios. There was a statistically significant increase in the percentage area of the muscle section occupied by collagen; reduction in the area and increase in the number of type I muscle fibres; increase in myofibrillar disorganization and Z‐line disorganization and dissolution; and reduction in the area and largest and smallest diameters of neuromuscular junctions. Thus this animal model of CP produced morphofunctional alterations in skeletal muscle, that were associated with evidence of motor deficits as demonstrated by the open‐field test.
Investigation on low‐temperature sintered AlN nanoceramics with high thermal conductivity
Authors: He Yi‐Ling , Wu Hue‐Min
Published: February 2019

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of sintering additive and relatively low‐sintering temperature on the thermal conductivity of aluminum nitride nanoceramic. While using nanosized AlN powder and liquid‐phase sintering additives, the various sintering processes were performed at temperatures 1400 and 1500°C for several hours. In the analysis methods, thermal conductivity (K) and thermal diffusivity (α) were measured using thermal conductivity analyzer (Hot Disk), scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the surface morphology of the microstructure, x‐ray diffraction analyzer (XRD) to analyze the grain size and crystal structure, Raman spectroscopy (Raman) emission spectrum was analyzed to identify the material microstructure and the densities of AlN specimens were measured by Archimedes method. It was found that the thermal conductivity is related to the densification of nanosize low‐temperature sintered material, which can be controlled by additives and sintering temperature. With Y2O3 sintering add, the densification of AlN for low‐temperature sintering increased by the factor of ～5% to ～12%, and the thermal conductivity was enhanced by 25%. The relative density observed in this research is about 78%‐84%, and the thermal conductivity measured is in the range of 9‐14 W/mK.
Experience in management of porphyria cutanea tarda in a tertiary referral Brazilian hospital from 2002 to 2017
Authors: Cabezas Arteaga Julia Elisa , Vieira Fatima Mendonça Jorge , Silva dos Reis Vitor Manoel
Published: February 2019

Background

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common porphyria worldwide. The known acquired precipitating factors that induce PCT include alcoholism, hepatitis C virus infection, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and estrogen intake. Hereditary hemochromatosis is considered an inherited risk factor. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze precipitating factors and family history, with emphasis on PCT management.

Methods

A retrospective study of 87 patients with PCT was conducted between January 2002 and December 2017.

Results

A male predominance of 1.8 : 1 was found. The median age at diagnosis was 49 years (range 18–71). Family history of PCT was observed in 19.5% of patients. Two or more acquired precipitating factors were present in 42.5%. Patients were treated with antimalarial monotherapy (72.4%), antimalarial combined with phlebotomy (22.9%), and only with phlebotomy (4.6%). Acquired precipitating factors and inherited factors were not associated with treatment group. There was a difference in 24 h‐UP normalization rate between treatment groups; combined therapy takes longer than antimalarial monotherapy, 38 months versus 15 months, respectively (CI 95%, 6.5–63.5 vs. 12.9–17) (log‐rank test, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Precipitating factors did not seem to be associated with treatment choice; however, all acquired and inherited precipitating factors should be investigated, and the choice between phlebotomy and/or antimalarials should be individualized. All dermatologists treating PCT patients should observe transferrin saturation and ferritin levels to search for underlying hereditary hemochromatosis.