bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of
Gulbenkiania indica
Strain HT27
T
(DSM 17901
T
) Isolated from a Sulfur Spring in India
Authors: Badhai Jhasketan , Narayan Kunwar Digvijay , Whitman William B. , Das Subrata K.
Published: August 2016

Gulbenkiania indica
strain HT27
T
was isolated from a sulfur spring. Here, we report the first representative draft genome sequence of a type strain of the genus
Gulbenkiania
. The estimated genome is 2.8 Mb, with 2,713 protein-coding sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Idiomarina woesei
Strain W11
T
(DSM 27808
T
) Isolated from the Andaman Sea
Authors: Lepcha Rinchen T. , Poddar Abhijit , Whitman William B. , Das Subrata K.
Published: August 2016

Idiomarina woesei
strain W11
T
was isolated from the Andaman Sea. Heterotrophic growth was observed at 30 to 37°C and pH 7 to 9. It grows in the presence of 0.5 to 12% (wt/vol) NaCl, and optimum growth occurred at 5 to 6% NaCl. The estimated genome is 2.4 Mb and encodes 2,305 proteins.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Tepidiphilus thermophilus
Strain JHK30
T
(JCM 19170
T
) Isolated from a Terrestrial Hot Spring in India
Authors: Poddar Abhijit , Lepcha Rinchen T. , Whitman William B. , Das Subrata K.
Published: August 2016

Tepidiphilus thermophilus
strain JHK30
T
was isolated from a hot spring at Surajkund, Jharkhand, India. It is a Gram-negative rod, nonsporulating, aerobic, and motile. The estimated genome is 2.3 Mb, with 2,186 protein-coding sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Comamonas thiooxydans
Strain S23
T
(DSM 17888
T
), a Thiosulfate-Oxidizing Bacterium Isolated from a Sulfur Spring in India
Authors: Narayan Kunwar Digvijay , Badhai Jhasketan , Whitman William B. , Das Subrata K.
Published: August 2016

The genus
Comamonas
contains species isolated from various environments, such as termite guts, wetlands, activated sludge, soil, humans, and fresh water. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Comamonas thiooxydans
strain S23
T
capable of oxidizing thiosulfate under mixotrophic growth conditions. Based upon draft genome sequencing, the genome is 5.3 Mb and encodes 4,767 proteins. The
Comamonas thiooxydans
whole-genome sequence will help understand the metabolic diversity in sulfur oxidation pathways.
Draft Genome Sequence of Colistin-Resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
Strain VB22595 Isolated from a Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Veeraraghavan Balaji , Anandan Shalini , Ragupathi Naveen Kumar Devanga , Vijayakumar Saranya , Sethuvel Dhiviya Prabaa Muthuirulandi , Biswas Indranil
Published: August 2016

Acinetobacter baumannii
is an important emerging pathogen that causes health care-associated infections. In this study, we determined the genome of a multidrug-resistant clinical strain, VB22595, isolated from a hospital in Southern India. The draft genome indicates that strain VB22595 encodes a genome of ~3.92 Mb in size and does not contain plasmid derived MCR-1 for colistin resistance.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Mycobacterium acapulcensis
Strain CSURP1424
Authors: Asmar Shady , Rascovan Nicolás , Robert Catherine , Drancourt Michel
Published: August 2016

Mycobacterium acapulcensis
is a rapidly growing scotochromogenic acid-fast bacillus. The draft genome of
M. acapulcensis
CSURP1424 comprises 5,290,974 bp, exhibiting a 66.67% G+C content, 4,870 protein-coding genes, and 71 predicted RNA genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Serratia marcescens
U36365, a Green Pigment–Producing Strain Isolated from a Patient with Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Sahni Rani Diana , Amalanathan Rabecca , Devanga Ragupathi Naveen Kumar , Mathai John , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Biswas Indranil
Published: August 2016

Serratia marcescens
is an emerging nosocomial pathogen associated with urinary and respiratory tract infections. In this study, we determined the genome of a green pigment–producing clinical strain, U36365, isolated from a hospital in Southern India.
De novo
assembly of PacBio long-read sequencing indicates that the U36365 genome consists of a chromosome of 5.12 Mbps and no plasmids.
Genome Sequence of
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
Strain PA02 Isolated from an Ovine Host in the Amazon
Authors: Muge Gabriel R. S. , Veras Adonney A. O. , de Sá Pablo H. C. G. , Cavalcante Ana Lídia Queiroz , Alves Jorianne Thyeska Castro , Morais Ezequiel , Silva André G. M. , Guimarães Luís C. , Azevedo Vasco , Folador Adriana Ribeiro Carneiro , Silva Artur , Ramos Rommel T. J.
Published: August 2016

In this work, we report the complete genome sequence of
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
strain PA02 isolated from an ovine host. The genome contains 2,328,435 bp, a 52.2% G+C content, 2,035 coding sequences, 12 rRNA operons, 45 tRNAs, and 14 predicted pseudogenes.
Pleural effusion as a manifestation of multiple myeloma
Authors: Iqbal Nousheen , Tariq Muhammad Usman , Shaikh Mohammad Usman , Majid Hashir
Published: August 2016

Multiple myeloma is a clonal B-cell malignancy, characterised by proliferation of plasma cells and secretion of paraproteins. These plasma cells accumulate predominantly in the bone marrow; rarely, they invade other areas, especially the thorax. Myeloma presenting with a pleural effusion is rare and reported in only 6% of patients with myeloma. Such patients generally present late and have a poor prognosis. Here, we describe a patient presenting with a lung mass, renal failure and a massive unilateral pleural effusion due to multiple myeloma who was treated successfully.
How do males recover from eating disorders? An interview study
Authors: Pettersen Gunn , Wallin Karin , Björk Tabita
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The aim of the current study is to investigate what males experience as helpful in their recovery process from eating disorders (ED).

Methods

Qualitative in-depth interviews within a phenomenological approach, and using content analysis to excavate overarching text themes.

Setting

Norway and Sweden.

Participants

Included were 15 males with an age range from 19 to 52 years. Duration of illness varied between 3 and 25 years of experience with anorexia nervosa (n=10), bulimia nervosa (n=4) or ED not otherwise specified (n=1).

Results

The content analysis revealed four main categories, that is, ‘the need for a change’, ‘a commitment to leave the eating disorder behind’, ‘interpersonal changes’ and ‘searching for a life without an eating disorder’. These categories comprise features like motivation to change, gaining structure in eating situations, a re-learning of personal and interpersonal skills as well as accepting losses and starting a reorientation of identity and meaning. We noted a rather goal-oriented approach to help seeking and a variation in how the males engaged their social network in resolving the challenges associated with the recovery process. Still, the overall nature of the recovery process highly accords with what has been reported for women.

Discussion

A clinical implication from our findings is that symptom relief is important to facilitate good circles of improvement, but that the nature of the recovery process would require a wider perspective in treatment. Clinicians may also be informed about challenges related to an instrumental approach to help seeking reported in this study.
Testing the impact of local alcohol licencing policies on reported crime rates in England
Authors: De Vocht F , Heron J , Campbell R , Egan M , Mooney J D , Angus C , Brennan A , Hickman M
Published: August 2016

Background

Excessive alcohol use contributes to public nuisance, antisocial behaviour, and domestic, interpersonal and sexual violence. We test whether licencing policies aimed at restricting its spatial and/or temporal availability, including cumulative impact zones, are associated with reductions in alcohol-related crime.

Methods

Reported crimes at English lower tier local authority (LTLA) level were used to calculate the rates of reported crimes including alcohol-attributable rates of sexual offences and violence against a person, and public order offences. Financial fraud was included as a control crime not directly associated with alcohol abuse. Each area was classified as to its cumulative licensing policy intensity for 2009–2015 and categorised as ‘passive’, low, medium or high. Crime rates adjusted for area deprivation, outlet density, alcohol-related hospital admissions and population size at baseline were analysed using hierarchical (log-rate) growth modelling.

Results

284 of 326 LTLAs could be linked and had complete data. From 2009 to 2013 alcohol-related violent and sexual crimes and public order offences rates declined faster in areas with more ‘intense’ policies (about 1.2, 0.10 and 1.7 per 1000 people compared with 0.6, 0.01 and 1.0 per 1000 people in ‘passive’ areas, respectively). Post-2013, the recorded rates increased again. No trends were observed for financial fraud.

Conclusions

Local areas in England with more intense alcohol licensing policies had a stronger decline in rates of violent crimes, sexual crimes and public order offences in the period up to 2013 of the order of 4–6% greater compared with areas where these policies were not in place, but not thereafter.
Republished: Onyx extrusion through the scalp after embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Singla Amit , Fargen Kyle Michael , Hoh Brian
Published: August 2016

A man in his sixties referred with symptoms of episodic left lip numbness and left arm weakness was diagnosed with a Borden type 3 dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) on DSA. Successful Onyx embolization of the DAVF was performed via the distal left occipital artery using an ev3 Apollo detachable tip microcatheter. He underwent surgical obliteration for the residual DAVF 3 days later. Three months later during a routine postoperative clinic visit, the patient produced a plastic bag containing multiple small pieces of Onyx cast and the detached tip of the Apollo microcatheter that had extruded out from his scalp through small spontaneous holes about 5 weeks after the embolization procedure. This spontaneous extrusion of Onyx can be alarming to the patient not expecting it; however, prior knowledge and discussion can lessen the anxiety of both the treating physician and the patient dealing with such a situation.
Improving value-add work and satisfaction in medical residents training: a resident-led quality improvement project employing the lean method to improve hospital supply usage
Authors: Yang Jesse X , Hunt Tristan D , Ting Henry H , Henderson Dan , Finkelstein Julia , Davidson Karina W
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Our hospital has a Housestaff Quality Council that fosters education and mentorship of medical residents for quality improvement methodologies. Medical residents on our council identified non-standardised storage rooms as a source of medical resident inefficiency and dissatisfaction. To improve value-add work, medical residents implemented and evaluated a quality improvement project of storage room supplies using the lean method.

Methods

Using 5S principle and lean methodology, we designed and implemented a standardised supply cart with physician specific supplies. Between April 2014 and April 2015, 40 random observations (20 residents and 20 nurses) both before and after the standardised supply cart implementation were made. The duration time to locate an item was measured in seconds. The paths taken to locate items were drawn as spaghetti diagrams. Nurses served as our control group given that their supplies were not moved in the implementation. Fifty residents were surveyed to assess their satisfaction.

Results

Implementation of the standardised supply cart reduced the time for residents to locate an item per visit from 50.8 to 30.2 s in one unit (p<0.05) and 127 to 28.3 s in the second unit (p<0.05). Mean time savings per day per resident were 5 min. The spaghetti diagrams indicated that finding supplies became more efficient after the intervention for residents. After the intervention, 92% of residents reported finding supplies more rapidly and 86% reported less frustration with finding supplies.

Conclusions

Residents applied the 5S principles and lean methodology to identify and solve a problem that created inefficiency and dissatisfaction.
Eccentric resistance training increases and retains maximal strength, muscle endurance, and hypertrophy in trained men
Authors: Coratella Giuseppe , Schena Federico
Published: August 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different resistance training protocols on muscle strength, endurance, and hypertrophy after training and detraining. Thirty-four resistance-trained males were randomized in concentric-only (CONC), eccentric-only (ECC), traditional concentric–eccentric (TRAD) bench press resistance training or control group. The training volume was equalized among the intervention groups. Bench press of 1-repetition maximum (1RM)/body mass, maximum number of repetitions (MNR), and chest circumference were evaluated at the baseline, after 6 weeks of training, and after 6 weeks of detraining. All intervention groups reported significant 1RM/body mass increases after training (CONC baseline: 1.04 ± 0.06, post-training: 1.12 ± 0.08, p < 0.05; ECC baseline: 1.08 ± 0.04, post-training: 1.15 ± 0.05, p < 0.05; TRAD baseline: 1.06 ± 0.08, post-training: 1.11 ± 0.10, p < 0.05). After detraining, only ECC retained 1RM/body mass above the baseline (1.17 ± 0.07, p < 0.05), while CONC and TRAD returned to baseline values. Only ECC improved and retained MNR (baseline: 22 ± 3; post-training: 25 ± 3, and post-detraining: 25 ± 4, p < 0.05 compared with baseline) and chest circumference (baseline: 98.3 ± 2.4 cm, post-training: 101.7 ± 2.2 cm and post-detraining: 100.7 ± 2.3 cm. p < 0.05 compared with baseline), while no significant changes occurred in both CONC and TRAD. The incorporation of eccentric training can be recommended for counteracting the negative effects of detraining or forced physical inactivity.
Application of portable free-fall penetrometer for geotechnical investigation of Arctic nearshore zone
Authors: Stark Nina , Radosavljevic Boris , Quinn Brandon , Lantuit Hugues
Published: August 2016

The Arctic is currently undergoing rapid changes with regard to sea ice extent permafrost thaw, and coastal erosion. In addition to hydrodynamic processes, the sediments in the Arctic nearshore zone are affected by freeze–thaw cycles, as well as an increase of abundant suspended sediment introduced by permafrost-induced mass movements, such as retrogressive thaw slumps, and increased river discharge. During the YUKON14 expedition to Herschel Island, Yukon, in situ geotechnical testing of nearshore zone sediments was conducted using a portable free-fall penetrometer. Approximately 200 sites were tested, and four different geotechnical signatures identified and grouped. Most locations were characterized by a soft sediment top layer that exhibited a noticeably lower sediment strength than the underlying sediment. In some cases, multiple layers of different sediment strength were detected in the upper meter of the seabed surface. The results were correlated to existing sediment grain size records and backscatter information from a phase measuring bathymetric sonar. Strong spatial variations in sediment type and stiffness were observed, as well as in abundance and thickness of a top layer of very soft and loose sediment. The geotechnical signatures were correlated to site-specific hydrodynamic conditions, morphology, and vicinity to thaw slumps.
Sediment provenance and tectonics on the Laurentian margin: implications of detrital zircons ages from the Central Belt of the Southern Uplands–Down–Longford Terrane in Co. Monaghan, Ireland
Authors: McConnell Brian , Rogers Russell , Crowley Quentin
Published: August 2016

The Ordovician–Silurian meta-sedimentary rocks of the Southern Uplands–Down–Longford terrane were deposited at the Laurentian margin and structurally emplaced in an accretionary prism during subduction of Iapetus Ocean lithosphere. Within the terrane, a Central Belt consists of repeated structural tracts in which Ordovician–Silurian mudstone and sandstone (Moffat Shale Group) are overlain by Silurian greywacke (Gala Group). A Moffat Shale Group sandstone and Gala Group greywacke sandstones from Co. Monaghan, Ireland were sampled in order to examine, for the first time, detrital zircon spectra with a view to elucidating sediment provenance and tectonic evolution of this sector of the Laurentian margin. Detrital zircon ages from Gala Group greywacke sandstones include variable abundance of Precambrian zircons with ages typical of Laurentia, but are dominated by two Ordovician peaks at
c.
462 Ma and
c.
474 Ma. These Ordovician ages equate to magmatism in the local Laurentian margin in Ireland. The age spectra are distinct from those of equivalent rocks of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. There is no evidence from detrital zircon ages that a Gondwana-derived terrane had accreted to the Laurentian margin before or during sedimentation. Zircons from a Moffat Shale Group sandstone include a middle Cambrian component that may be derived from Ganderia.

Supplementary material:
The complete U–Pb data table is available at
http://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3270848
An overview of the Upper Palaeozoic–Mesozoic stratigraphy of the NE Atlantic region
Authors: Stoker M. S. , Stewart M. A. , Shannon P. M. , Bjerager M. , Nielsen T. , Blischke A. , Hjelstuen B. O. , Gaina C. , McDermott K. , Ólavsdóttir J.
Published: August 2016

This study describes the distribution and stratigraphic range of the Upper Palaeozoic–Mesozoic succession in the NE Atlantic region, and is correlated between conjugate margins and along the axis of the NE Atlantic rift system. The stratigraphic framework has yielded important new constraints on the timing and nature of sedimentary basin development in the NE Atlantic, with implications for rifting and the break-up of the Pangaean supercontinent. From a regional perspective, the Permian–Triassic succession records a northwards transition from an arid interior to a passively subsiding, mixed carbonate–siliciclastic shelf margin. A Late Permian–earliest Triassic rift pulse has regional expression in the stratigraphic record. A fragmentary paralic to shallow-marine Lower Jurassic succession reflects Early Jurassic thermal subsidence and mild extensional tectonism; this was interrupted by widespread Mid-Jurassic uplift and erosion, and followed by an intense phase of Late Jurassic rifting in some (but not all) parts of the NE Atlantic region. The Cretaceous succession is dominated by thick basinal-marine deposits, which accumulated within and along a broad zone of extension and subsidence between Rockall and NE Greenland. There is no evidence for a substantive and continuous rift system along the proto-NE Atlantic until the Late Cretaceous.
Effect of a puzzle on the process of students' learning about cardiac physiology
Authors: Cardozo Lais Tono , Miranda Aline Soares , Moura Maria José Costa Sampaio , Marcondes Fernanda Klein
Published: August 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of using a puzzle to learn about cardiac physiology. Students were divided into control and game groups. In class 1, the control group had a 2-h theoretical class about cardiac physiology, including a detailed description of the phases of the cardiac cycle, whereas the game group had a 50-min theoretical class without the description of the cardiac cycle. In class 2, the control group did an assessment exercise before an activity with the cardiac puzzle and the game group answered questions after the above-mentioned activity. While solving the puzzle, the students had to describe the cardiac cycle by relating the concepts of heart morphology and physiology. To evaluate short-term learning, the number of wrong answers and grades in the assessment exercise were compared between the control and game groups. To evaluate medium-term learning, we compared the grades obtained by students of the control and game groups in questions about cardiac physiology that formed part of the academic exam. In the assessment exercise, the game group presented a lower number of errors and higher score compared with the control group. In the academic exam, applied after both groups had used the puzzle, there was no difference in the scores obtained by the control and game groups in questions about cardiac physiology. These results showed a positive effect of the puzzle on students' learning about cardiac physiology compared with those not using the puzzle.
Soluble bioactive microbial mediators regulate proteasomal degradation and autophagy to protect against inflammation-induced stress
Authors: Inaba Yuhei , Ueno Nobuhiro , Numata Masatsugu , Zhu Xiaorong , Messer Jeannette S. , Boone David L. , Fujiya Mikihiro , Kohgo Yutaka , Musch Mark W. , Chang Eugene B.
Published: August 2016

Bifidobacterium breve and other Gram-positive gut commensal microbes protect the gastrointestinal epithelium against inflammation-induced stress. However, the mechanisms whereby these bacteria accomplish this protection are poorly understood. In this study, we examined soluble factors derived from Bifidobacterium breve and their impact on the two major protein degradation systems within intestinal epithelial cells, proteasomes and autophagy. Conditioned media from gastrointestinal Gram-positive, but not Gram-negative, bacteria activated autophagy and increased expression of the autophagy proteins Atg5 and Atg7 along with the stress response protein heat shock protein 27. Specific examination of media conditioned by the Gram-positive bacterium Bifidobacterium breve (Bb-CM) showed that this microbe produces small molecules (<3 kDa) that increase expression of the autophagy proteins Atg5 and Atg7, activate autophagy, and inhibit proteasomal enzyme activity. Upregulation of autophagy by Bb-CM was mediated through MAP kinase signaling. In vitro studies using C2BBe1 cells silenced for Atg7 and in vivo studies using mice conditionally deficient in intestinal epithelial cell Atg7 showed that Bb-CM-induced cytoprotection is dependent on autophagy. Therefore, this work demonstrates that Gram-positive bacteria modify protein degradation programs within intestinal epithelial cells to promote their survival during stress. It also reveals the therapeutic potential of soluble molecules produced by these microbes for prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disease.
Acetylcholine-producing T cells in the intestine regulate antimicrobial peptide expression and microbial diversity
Authors: Dhawan Shobhit , De Palma Giada , Willemze Rose A. , Hilbers Francisca W. , Verseijden Caroline , Luyer Misha D. , Nuding Sabine , Wehkamp Jan , Souwer Yuri , de Jong Esther C. , Seppen J. , van den Wijngaard René M. , Wehner Sven , Verdu Elena , Bercik Premek , de Jonge Wouter J.
Published: August 2016

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway reduces systemic tumor necrosis factor (TNF) via acetylcholine-producing memory T cells in the spleen. These choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-expressing T cells are also found in the intestine, where their function is unclear. We aimed to characterize these cells in mouse and human intestine and delineate their function. We made use of the ChAT-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter mice. CD4Cremice were crossed to ChATfl/flmice to achieve specific deletion of ChAT in CD4+T cells. We observed that the majority of ChAT-expressing T cells in the human and mouse intestine have characteristics of Th17 cells and coexpress IL17A, IL22, and RORC. The generation of ChAT-expressing T cells was skewed by dendritic cells after activation of their adrenergic receptor β2. To evaluate ChAT T cell function, we generated CD4-specific ChAT-deficient mice. CD4ChAT−/−mice showed a reduced level of epithelial antimicrobial peptides lysozyme, defensin A, and ang4, which was associated with an enhanced bacterial diversity and richness in the small intestinal lumen in CD4ChAT−/−mice. We conclude that ChAT-expressing T cells in the gut are stimulated by adrenergic receptor activation on dendritic cells. ChAT-expressing T cells may function to mediate the host AMP secretion, microbial growth and expansion.
ProbioticSaccharomyces boulardiiCNCM I-745 prevents outbreak-associatedClostridium difficile-associated cecal inflammation in hamsters
Authors: Koon Hon Wai , Su Bowei , Xu Chunlan , Mussatto Caroline C. , Tran Diana Hoang-Ngoc , Lee Elaine C. , Ortiz Christina , Wang Jiani , Lee Jung Eun , Ho Samantha , Chen Xinhua , Kelly Ciaran P. , Pothoulakis Charalabos
Published: August 2016

C. difficile infection (CDI) is a common debilitating nosocomial infection associated with high mortality. Several CDI outbreaks have been attributed to ribotypes 027, 017, and 078. Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that the nonpathogenic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 ( S.b) is effective for the prevention of CDI. However, there is no current evidence suggesting this probiotic can protect from CDI caused by outbreak-associated strains. We used established hamster models infected with outbreak-associated C. difficile strains to determine whether oral administration of live or heat-inactivated S.b can prevent cecal tissue damage and inflammation. Hamsters infected with C. difficile strain VPI10463 (ribotype 087) and outbreak-associated strains ribotype 017, 027, and 078 developed severe cecal inflammation with mucosal damage, neutrophil infiltration, edema, increased NF-κB phosphorylation, and increased proinflammatory cytokine TNFα protein expression. Oral gavage of live, but not heated, S.b starting 5 days before C. difficile infection significantly reduced cecal tissue damage, NF-κB phosphorylation, and TNFα protein expression caused by infection with all strains. Moreover, S.b-conditioned medium reduced cell rounding caused by filtered supernatants from all C. difficile strains. S.b-conditioned medium also inhibited toxin A- and B-mediated actin cytoskeleton disruption. S.b is effective in preventing C. difficile infection by outbreak-associated via inhibition of the cytotoxic effects of C. difficile toxins.
Measurement of strains experienced by viscerofugal nerve cell bodies during mechanosensitive firing using digital image correlation
Authors: Palmer Gwen , Hibberd Timothy J. , Roose Tiina , Brookes Simon J. H. , Taylor Mark
Published: August 2016

Mechanosensory neurons detect physical events in the local environments of the tissues that they innervate. Studies of mechanosensitivity of neurons or nerve endings in the gut have related their firing to strain, wall tension, or pressure. Digital image correlation (DIC) is a technique from materials engineering that can be adapted to measure the local physical environments of afferent neurons at high resolution. Flat-sheet preparations of guinea pig distal colon were set up with arrays of tissue markers in vitro. Firing of single viscerofugal neurons was identified in extracellular colonic nerve recordings. The locations of viscerofugal nerve cell bodies were inferred by mapping firing responses to focal application of the nicotinic receptor agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide. Mechanosensory firing was recorded during load-evoked uniaxial or biaxial distensions. Distension caused movement of surface markers which was captured by video imaging. DIC tracked the markers, interpolating the mechanical state of the gut at the location of the viscerofugal nerve cell body. This technique revealed heterogeneous load-evoked strain within preparations. Local strains at viscerofugal nerve cell bodies were usually smaller than global strain measurements and correlated more closely with mechanosensitive firing. Both circumferential and longitudinal strain activated viscerofugal neurons. Simultaneous loading in circumferential and longitudinal axes caused the highest levels of viscerofugal neuron firing. Multiaxial strains, reflecting tissue shearing and changing area, linearly correlated with mechanosensory firing of viscerofugal neurons. Viscerofugal neurons were mechanically sensitive to both local circumferential and local longitudinal gut strain, and appear to lack directionality in their stretch sensitivity.
Defining the sham environment for post-myocardial infarction studies in mice
Authors: Iyer Rugmani Padmanabhan , de Castro Brás Lisandra E. , Cannon Presley L. , Ma Yonggang , DeLeon-Pennell Kristine Y. , Jung Mira , Flynn Elizabeth R. , Henry Jeffrey B. , Bratton Dustin R. , White Jared A. , Fulton Linda K. , Grady Andrew W. , Lindsey Merry L.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sham surgery in a minimally invasive surgical model of permanent coronary artery occlusion used to generate myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. Adult male C57BL/6J mice (3–6 mo old) were divided into five groups: day (D) 0 (no surgical operation), D1 Sham, D1 MI, D7 Sham, and D7 MI. A refined MI surgery technique was used to approach the coronary artery without the ribs being cut. Both sham and MI mice had the left ventricle (LV) exposed through a small incision. To test the effects of surgery alone, the suture was passed around the coronary artery but not ligated. The MI mice were subjected to permanent coronary artery ligation. The mice were killed at D1 or D7 postsurgical procedure. Compared with D0 no surgery controls, the D1 and D7 sham groups exhibited no surgical mortality and similar necropsy and echocardiographic variables. Surgery alone did not induce an inflammatory cell response, as evidenced by the lack of leukocyte infiltration in the sham groups. Analysis of 165 inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix factors in sham revealed that a minor gene response was initiated but not translated to protein levels. Collagen deposition did not occur in the absence of MI. In contrast, the D1 and D7 MI groups showed the expected robust inflammatory and scar formation responses. When a minimally invasive procedure to generate MI in mice was used, the D0 (no surgical operation) control was an adequate replacement for the use of sham surgery groups.
Vascular smooth muscle cell contractile protein expression is increased through protein kinase G-dependent and -independent pathways by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibition and deficiency
Authors: Chettimada Sukrutha , Joshi Sachindra Raj , Dhagia Vidhi , Aiezza Alessandro , Lincoln Thomas M. , Gupte Rakhee , Miano Joseph M. , Gupte Sachin A.
Published: August 2016

Homeostatic control of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation is critical for contractile activity and regulation of blood flow. Recently, we reported that precontracted blood vessels are relaxed and the phenotype of VSMC is regulated from a synthetic to contractile state by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) inhibition. In the current study, we investigated whether the increase in the expression of VSMC contractile proteins by inhibition and knockdown of G6PD is mediated through a protein kinase G (PKG)-dependent pathway and whether it regulates blood pressure. We found that the expression of VSMC-restricted contractile proteins, myocardin (MYOCD), and miR-1 and miR-143 are increased by G6PD inhibition or knockdown. Importantly, RNA-sequence analysis of aortic tissue from G6PD-deficient mice revealed uniform increases in VSMC-restricted genes, particularly those regulated by the MYOCD-serum response factor (SRF) switch. Conversely, expression of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is decreased by G6PD inhibition. Interestingly, the G6PD inhibition-induced expression of miR-1 and contractile proteins was blocked by Rp-β-phenyl-1, N2-etheno-8-bromo-guanosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate, a PKG inhibitor. On the other hand, MYOCD and miR-143 levels are increased by G6PD inhibition through a PKG-independent manner. Furthermore, blood pressure was lower in the G6PD-deficient compared with wild-type mice. Therefore, our results suggest that the expression of VSMC contractile proteins induced by G6PD inhibition occurs via PKG1α-dependent and -independent pathways.
Transcription Factor KLF5 Binds a Cyclin E1 Polymorphic Intronic Enhancer to Confer Increased Bladder Cancer Risk
Authors: Pattison Jillian M. , Posternak Valeriya , Cole Michael D.
Published: August 2016

It is well established that environmental toxins, such as exposure to arsenic, are risk factors in the development of urinary bladder cancer, yet recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide compelling evidence that there is a strong genetic component associated with disease predisposition. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs8102137, was identified on chromosome 19q12, residing 6 kb upstream of the important cell-cycle regulator and proto-oncogene, Cyclin E1 (CCNE1). However, the functional role of this variant in bladder cancer predisposition has been unclear because it lies within a non-coding region of the genome. Here, it is demonstrated that bladder cancer cells heterozygous for this SNP exhibit biased allelic expression of CCNE1 with 1.5-fold more transcription occurring from the risk allele. Furthermore, using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, a novel enhancer element was identified within the first intron of CCNE1 that binds Kruppel-like Factor 5 (KLF5), a known transcriptional activator in bladder cancer. Moreover, the data reveal that the presence of rs200996365, a SNP in high-linkage disequilibrium with rs8102137 residing in the center of a KLF5 motif, alters KLF5 binding to this genomic region. Through luciferase assays and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, a novel polymorphic intronic regulatory element controlling CCNE1 transcription is characterized. These studies uncover how a cancer-associated polymorphism mechanistically contributes to an increased predisposition for bladder cancer development.

Implications: A polymorphic KLF5 binding site near the CCNE1 gene explains genetic risk identified through GWAS. Mol Cancer Res; 14(11); 1078–86. ©2016 AACR.
Delivery of CD151 by Ultrasound Microbubbles in Rabbit Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yang Shao-Ling , Tang Ke-Qiang , Tao Jun-Jia , Wan Ai-Hong , Lin Yan-Duan , Nan Shu-Liang , Guo Qing-Kui , Shen Zhi Yong , Hu Bin
Published: August 2016

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate whether ultrasound (US) and microbubble-mediated delivery of Cluster of Differentiation 151 (CD151) could enhance the therapeutic effects of CD151 on myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: A rabbit model of MI was established by a modified Fujita method. Then, 50 MI rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups, including G1 (CD151 plasmid and physiological saline in the presence of US); G2 (CD151 and Sonovue in the presence of US); G3 (CD151 and Sonovue in the absence of US); G4 (Sonovue in the absence of US), and a control group (physiological saline in the absence of US). After 14 days of treatment, the expression of CD151 was detected by Western blot. Besides, vessel density of peri-infarcted myocardium was measured by immunohistochemistry, and cardiac function was analyzed by echocardiography. Results: The rabbit model of MI was established successfully. CD151 injection increased the expression of CD151 and microvessel density in the myocardium of MI rabbits. Heart function was significantly improved by CD151, which exhibited increased left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening and a reduced Tei index. Besides, US Sonovue significantly increased the expression efficiency of CD151. Conclusion: US microbubble was an effective vector for CD151 delivery. CD151 might be an effective therapeutic target for MI.
Presence of Cytokeratin 19-Expressing Cholangiocarcinoma-Like Tumour in a Liver Metastatic Lesion of Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumour
Authors: Ishii Norihiro , Araki Kenichiro , Yokobori Takehiko , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Igarashi Takamichi , Watanabe Akira , Kubo Norio , Hirai Keitaro , Shirabe Ken , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Tumours with adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine components have often been reported, although the reason underlying the dual components remains unclear. Case Presentation: A 43-year-old woman with multiple liver metastatic lesions of rectal neuroendocrine tumour underwent primary tumour resection and subsequent liver transplantation. Pathological examination indicated a cholangiocarcinoma-like tumour with gland formation, adjacent to a liver metastatic lesion of the neuroendocrine tumour. This tumour comprised atypical columnar epithelium, and stained positively for neuroendocrine markers and the ductal marker cytokeratin 19, indicating amphicrine properties and a partial cholangiocarcinoma phenotype – features not observed in the primary and metastatic neuroendocrine tumours. Conclusion: The presence of adenocarcinoma only at the metastatic site indicated that neuroendocrine tumour cells acquired stemness and differentiated into adenocarcinoma through metastasis, or that the adenocarcinoma newly arose from the adjacent epithelium influenced by the neuroendocrine tumour. We propose a novel mechanism for the pathogenesis of mixed tumours in neuroendocrine tumours.
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Anasarca in a Female Patient with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Complicated by Respiratory and Kidney Failure
Authors: Khalil Muhammad Abdul Mabood  , Ghazni Muhammad Salman , Tan Jackson , Naseer Nazish , Khalil Muhammad Ashhad Ullah
Published: August 2016

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was first described in 1960. It may occur as a complication of gonadotropin hormone therapy during assisted pregnancy or for primary infertility. A 26-year-old female patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome and primary infertility was treated to conceive. She received intravenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) along with follicle-stimulating hormone in an outside private clinic. She presented to the emergency department with abdominal and chest pain, loose stool, vomiting, shortness of breath and decreasing urine output. She was found to have edema, ascites, effusion and acute kidney injury (AKI). Considering the symptoms preceding the drug history and anasarca, a diagnosis of severe OHSS was made. Ascites was further complicated by spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), which had already been reported before. We speculate that low immunity due to decreased immunoglobulin in patients with OHSS makes them prone to SBP. In our case, septicemia secondary to SBP and fluid loss due to capillary leakage from OHSS resulted in AKI and respiratory failure. This critically ill patient was treated in a special care unit, and she fully recovered with supportive measures. Severe OHSS may present as anasarca including ascites which can develop SBP leading to sepsis and multiorgan failure.
Clinical Value of Basal Serum Progesterone Prior to Initiate Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation with GnRH Antagonists: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Faulisi Sonia , Reschini Marco , Borroni Raffaella , Paffoni Alessio , Busnelli Andrea , Somigliana Edgardo
Published: August 2016

Background: The routine assessment of day 3 serum progesterone prior to initiation of ovarian hyper-stimulation with the use of GnRH antagonists is under debate. In this study, we evaluated the clinical utility of this policy. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with the use of GnRH antagonists aimed at determining the frequency of cases with progesterone levels exceeding the recommended threshold of 1,660 pg/ml and at evaluating whether this assessment may be predictive of pregnancy. Results: Serum progesterone exceeded the recommended threshold in one case (0.3%, 95% CI 0.01-1.5). The median (interquartile range) basal progesterone in women who did (n = 95) and did not (n = 217) become pregnant were 351 (234-476) and 380 (237-531) pg/ml, respectively (p = 0.28). The 90th percentile of the basal progesterone distribution in women who became pregnant was 660 pg/ml. Cases with serum progesterone exceeding this threshold in successful and unsuccessful cycles were 10 (10%) and 30 (14%), respectively (p = 0.47). The capacity of basal progesterone to predict pregnancy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve = 0.54, 95% CI 0.47-0.61, p = 0.28). No graphically evident threshold emerged. Conclusion: Routine day 3 serum progesterone assessment in IVF cycles with the use of GnRH antagonists is not justified. Further evidence is warranted prior to claiming its systematic use.
Hepatic Angiosarcoma Associated with Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage
Authors: Ito Zensho , Kajihara Mikio , Kobayashi Yasunobu , Kanai Tomoya , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Takakura Kazuki  , Yukawa Toyokazu  , Ohkusa Toshifumi , Koyama Seita , Imazu Hiroo , Arakawa Hiroshi , Ohata Mitsuru , Koido Shigeo
Published: August 2016

Primary hepatic angiosarcoma is a very rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Because patients present with no specific symptoms, the cancer can grow undetected and most cases are diagnosed too late for resection. We present the case of a 78-year-old Japanese man admitted to our hospital with massive hematemesis and melena. A total gastrectomy had previously been performed on the patient to treat gastric cancer. Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy was performed to control the bleeding from varices over the anastomosis. Computed tomography revealed the presence of multiple atypical liver nodules in the enhanced image. Histological diagnosis of hepatic angiosarcoma was obtained by percutaneous ultrasound-guided liver biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with hepatic angiosarcoma and acute variceal hemorrhage.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Twin Pregnancies with Complete Hydatidiform Mole and Coexistent Normal Fetus: A Series of 13 Cases
Authors: Giorgione Veronica , Cavoretto Paolo , Cormio Gennaro , Valsecchi Luca , Vimercati Antonella , De Gennaro Alessandra , Rabaiotti Emanuela , Candiani Massimo , Mangili Giorgia
Published: August 2016

Aim: The study aimed to describe prenatal diagnosis and the outcome of complete hydatidiform mole and coexistent normal fetus (CHMCF). Methods: This was a retrospective case series of 13 patients with CHMCF. Prenatal diagnosis, outcome and development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) were reviewed. Results: Ultrasound diagnosis was carried out in 12 of 13 cases at 17 ± 2.7 weeks of gestation (mean ± SD). Six patients showed abnormalities suggestive of subchorionic hematoma on first trimester ultrasonography (US). Prenatal invasive procedures were performed in 8 of 13 cases (62%). Two women decided to terminate their pregnancies. Four ended in late miscarriages (36%, 4 of 11) between 13 and 21 weeks, and early neonatal death occurred in 1 case (9%, 1 of 11); 5 women delivered a live baby with a mean gestational age of 31 weeks (range 26-37 weeks) with an overall neonatal survival of 45% (5 of 11). GTN occurred in 31% of cases (4 of 13). Conclusions: The first trimester US features of CHMCF are not well-documented. Our series showed that abnormalities of CHMCF could be misdiagnosed as subchorionic hematoma in the early first trimester. When CHMCF is confirmed by expert US, prenatal invasive procedures should be carefully evaluated depending on the associated US findings and exhaustive counseling should be performed.
Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) Methylation and Cognition in Psychotic Disorders
Authors: Grove Tyler B. , Burghardt Kyle J. , Kraal A. Zarina , Dougherty Ryan J. , Taylor Stephan F. , Ellingrod Vicki L.
Published: August 2016

Previous reports have identified an association between cognitive impairment and genetic variation in psychotic disorders. In particular, this association may be related to abnormal regulation of genes responsible for broad cognitive functions such as the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). Within psychotic disorders, it is unknown if OXTR methylation, which can have important implications for gene regulation, is related to cognitive function. The current study examined peripheral blood OXTR methylation and general cognition in people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (N = 101). Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, methylation at the Chr3:8767638 site was significantly associated with composite cognitive performance independent of demographic and medication factors while controlling for multiple testing in this combined diagnostic sample (adjusted p = 0.023).
Breast Cancer Sentinel Node Detection: An Alternative Solution for Centers Lacking Nuclear Technology
Authors: Alhussini Mahmoud A. , Awad Ahmed T. , Ashour Mohamed H. , Abdelateef Ahmed , Fayed Haytham
Published: August 2016

Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) has become the gold standard for all cases with no axillary nodal metastasis. The combined radioisotope and blue dye technique is adopted in most centers. The lack of the technology for radioisotope in our institution encouraged us to study the feasibility of methylene blue (MB) for SLN detection in breast cancer patients admitted to Alexandria Surgical Oncology Unit. Methods: A total of 144 cases were subjected to SLN detection by injecting 2 ml of MB 1%. This was followed by standard axillary lymph node dissection. The safety and accuracy of MB as a tracer for detection of SLN were studied. Results: The identification rate was 93.15%. The number of SLN identified ranged from 1 to 8 nodes with a mean of 1.75 ± 1.17. The sensitivity of MB dye technique was 96.3%. The false negative rate was 3.7%. The negative predictive value was 97.6% and the accuracy was 98.5%. Conclusions: MB is a safe, reliable, cheap, and accurate alternative tracer for detection of SLN.
Survival After Rate-Responsive Programming in Patients With Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-Defibrillator Implants Is Associated With a Novel Parameter
Authors: Olshansky Brian , Richards Mark , Sharma Arjun , Wold Nicholas , Jones Paul , Perschbacher David , Wilkoff Bruce L.
Published: August 2016

Background—

Rate-responsive pacing (DDDR) versus nonrate-responsive pacing (DDD) has shown no survival benefit for patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) implants. The heart rate score (HRSc), an indicator of heart rate variation, may predict survival. We hypothesized that high-risk HRSc CRT-D patients will have improved survival with DDDR versus DDD alone.

Methods and Results—

All CRT-D patients in LATITUDE remote monitoring (2006–2011), programmed DDD, had HRSc calculated at first data upload after implant (median 1.4 months). Patients subsequently reprogrammed to DDDR 7.6 median months later were compared with a propensity-matched DDD group and followed for 21.4 median months by remote monitoring. Data were adjusted for age, sex, lower rate limit, percent atrial pacing, percent biventricular pacing, and implant year. The social security death index was used to identify deaths. Remote monitoring provided programming and histogram data. DDDR programming in CRT-D patients was associated with improved survival (adjusted hazard ratio =0.77;
P
<0.001). However, only those with baseline HRSc ≥70% (2308/6164) had improved HRSc with DDDR (from 88±9% to 78±15%;
P
<0.001) and improved survival (hazard ratio =0.74;
P
<0.001). Patients with a high baseline HRSc and significant improvement over time were more likely to survive (hazard ratio =0.63;
P
=0.006). For patients with HRSc <70%, DDDR reprogramming increased the HRSc from 46±11% to 50±15% (
P
<0.001); survival did not change. The HRSc did not change with DDD pacing over time.

Conclusions—

In CRT-D patients with HRSc ≥70%, DDDR reprogramming improved the HRSc and was associated with survival. Patients with lower HRSc had no change in survival with DDDR programming.