bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for obesity in preschool‐aged children in China
Authors: Chen J. ‐ L. , Esquivel J. H. , Guo J. , Chesla C. A. , Tang S.
Published: March 2017

Aims

To examine the relationship between child, mother, and environmental factors and increased body mass index in preschool‐aged children in China.

Background

There are about 120 million children in China are classified as overweight or obese. Understanding the key factors associated with childhood obesity (i.e. child, mother and environment) is the first step in combating the growing obesity epidemic in China, as well as in the global community, where large numbers of Chinese immigrants can be found.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was used. Each child's weight and height were measured by trained assistants, whereas mothers were asked to complete several questionnaires including family demographic, family eating and activity habit and child feeding practices. Mothers also reported their own as well as the father's height, weight and waist circumference. Linear regression models were used.

Findings

The overweight and obesity prevalence was 22% for children, 7% for mothers and 82% for fathers. Children spent an average of 1.2 h (72 min) engaged in physical activities and 0.76 h (46 min) in sedentary time including TV watching or computer and video games playing per day. Factors associated with a child's higher body mass index included maternal beliefs regarding the child's susceptibility to obesity, their own susceptibility to obesity, a child's more advanced age and more unhealthy food stimulus exposure at home.

Conclusion

Because a mother's health behaviours may influence their child's health behaviours and they are a crucial model for the family and children, childhood obesity prevention needs to include mothers and focus on building a healthy home environment for the family.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Understanding factors associated with childhood obesity can assist researchers and clinicians to develop culturally sensitive and evidence‐based programmes and policy to reduce this global epidemic.
Regional Financial Developments and Research and Development Investment–Cash Flow Sensitivity: Evidence on Chinese Public High‐Tech Companies
Authors: Hu Jie , Li Guo , Zhu Feifei
Published: March 2017

In a sample of 485 Chinese public high‐tech companies, we show that the R&D investment is significantly dependent on internal cash flow. Based on the sizable discrepancies of stock market and financial intermediary developments in the East, Middle and West regions of China, empirical estimation provides strong evidence that the financial developments in both credit and equity markets have large effects on reducing financing constraints. The effects are most significant in the financially advanced East region of China.
Benefits of intralesional injections of sodium thiosulfate in the treatment of calciphylaxis
Authors: Isoherranen Kirsi , Bouchard Laura , Kluger Nicolas
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Calciphylaxis (CPX) is a rare calcifying thrombotic vasculopathy responsible for painful necrotic ulcers, with a high mortality rate, and its management is often difficult. Recently, intravenous infusions of sodium thiosulfate (STS) have shown efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of intralesional STS (IL STS) in four patients. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of IL STS in a prospective mono‐centric open study that included four patients with a biopsy‐proven cutaneous CPX. Four women (55–84 years old, mean age: 71·2 years) with a uremic (n = 1) or non‐uremic CPX (n = 3) and primary hyperparathyroidism induced by teriparatide or after the initiation of oral anti‐vitamin K were treated by IL STS (250 mg/ml). The injections were performed around the ulcers, on the active borders, once or twice a week and then at 1‐2 weeks intervals. The injected quantity varied from 1·5 to 15 ml. Pain usually improved after two series of injections. Clinical response was visible after 2 weeks. Three patients (75%) healed completely or almost completely. A failure was observed in the last patient who also had lower limb arteriopathy. The main side effect was the pain during injections. IL STS is an interesting alternative therapeutic option in the management of CPX necrotic ulcers with limited side effects. Larger studies are warranted to precisely define its place, its administration procedure and the patients who could benefit from it.
The Utility of Exercise Testing in Risk Stratification of Asymptomatic Patients With Type 1 Brugada Pattern
Authors: SUBRAMANIAN MUTHIAH , PRABHU MUKUND A. , HARIKRISHNAN MADHAVANKUTTY SANTHAKUMARI , SHEKHAR SARITHA S. , PAI PRAVEEN G. , NATARAJAN KUMARASWAMY
Published: March 2017

Risk Stratification in Type 1 Brugada Pattern

Introduction

Risk stratification of asymptomatic patients with a Brugada type 1 ECG pattern remains an unresolved clinical conundrum. In contrast to provocative pharmacological testing in Brugada syndrome, there is limited data on the role of exercise stress testing as a risk stratification modality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of exercise testing in asymptomatic patients with type 1 Brugada pattern to prognosticate major arrhythmic events (MAE) during follow‐up.

Methods and Results

Treadmill exercise testing was conducted for 75 asymptomatic patients with type 1 Brugada pattern and for 88 healthy control subjects. The clinical end point of MAE was defined as the occurrence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) or resuscitated ventricular fibrillation (VF). During a follow‐up of 77.9 ± 28.9 months, eight MAE occurred (five VF and three SCD). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the following were independent predictors of MAE in asymptomatic patients with a type 1 Brugada pattern: increase in S wave upslope duration ratio >30% at peak exercise (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08–10.97, P = 0.023), augmentation of J point elevation in lead aVR >2 mm in late recovery (HR 1.88, 95% 1.21–15.67, P = 0.011), and delayed HR recovery (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06–18.22, P = 0.042). A high‐risk cohort was identified by the final step‐wise regression model with good accuracy (specificity = 98.4%, sensitivity = 62.5%) and discriminative power (AUC = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.96, P = 0.002). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed increasing MAE in subjects with one, two, or three predictors, respectively (log rank P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Exercise testing in asymptomatic patients with type 1 Brugada pattern aids in identification of high‐risk patients and provides a unique window of opportunity for early intervention.
Endothelial microparticles act as novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of circulatory hypoxia‐related diseases: a literature review
Authors: Deng Fan , Wang Shuang , Zhang Liangqing
Published: March 2017

Circulatory hypoxia‐related diseases (CHRDs), including acute coronary syndromes, stroke and organ transplantation, attract increased attention due to high morbidity and mortality. Mounting evidence shows that hypoxia‐induced oxidative stress, coagulation, inflammation and angiogenesis play extremely important roles in the physiological and pathological processes of CHRD‐related vascular endothelial injury. Interestingly, hypoxia, even hypoxia‐induced oxidative stress, coagulation and inflammation can all induce release of endothelial microparticles (EMPs). EMPs, shed from activated or apoptotic endothelial cells (ECs), reflect the degree of EC damage, and elevated EMP levels are found in several CHRDs. Furthermore, EMPs, which play an important role in cell‐to‐cell communication and function, have confirmed pro‐coagulant, proinflammatory, angiogenic and other functions, affecting pathological processes. These findings suggest that EMPs and CHRDs have a very close relationship, and EMPs may help to identify CHRD phenotypes and stratify the severity of disease, to improve risk stratification for developing CHRDs, to better define prophylactic strategies and to ameliorate prognostic characterization of patients with CHRDs. This review summarizes the known and potential roles of EMPs in the diagnosis, staging, treatment and clinical prognosis of CHRDs.
Smell Loss Predicts Mortality Risk Regardless of Dementia Conversion
Authors: Ekström Ingrid , Sjölund Sara , Nordin Steven , Nordin Adolfsson Annelie , Adolfsson Rolf , Nilsson Lars‐Göran , Larsson Maria , Olofsson Jonas K.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To determine whether dementia could explain the association between poor olfactory performance and mortality risk within a decade‐long follow‐up period.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Betula Study, Umeå, Sweden.

Participants

A population‐based sample of adult participants without dementia at baseline aged 40 to 90 (N = 1,774).

Measurements

Olfactory performance using the Scandinavian Odor‐Identification Test (SOIT) and self‐reported olfactory function; several social, cognitive, and medical risk factors at baseline; and incident dementia during the following decade.

Results

Within the 10‐year follow‐up, 411 of 1,774 (23.2%) participants had died. In a Cox model, the association between higherSOITscore and lower mortality was significant (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.74 per point interval, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71–0.77,P< .001). The effect was attenuated, but remained significant, after controlling for age, sex, education, and health‐related and cognitive variables (HR= 0.92, 95%CI= 0.87–0.97,P= .001). The association betweenSOITscore and mortality was retained after controlling for dementia conversion before death (HR= 0.92, 95%CI= 0.87–0.97,P= .001). Similar results were obtained for self‐reported olfactory dysfunction.

Conclusion

Poor odor identification and poor self‐reported olfactory function are associated with greater likelihood of future mortality. Dementia does not attenuate the association between olfactory loss and mortality, suggesting that olfactory loss might mark deteriorating health, irrespective of dementia.
Hypoxemia after single‐shot anesthesia in common marmosets
Authors: Konoike Naho , Miwa Miki , Ishigami Akiyo , Nakamura Katsuki
Published: March 2017

Background

It remains unknown how single‐shot anesthesia influences physical parameters, especially respiratory function and blood oxygen level of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) which came to be used for laboratory research.

Methods

We measured blood oxygen levels, both before and after oxygenation, in 13 common marmosets under two single‐shot anesthesia conditions: ketamine/xylazine/atropine and alphaxalone.

Results and Conclusions

We found that SpO2 values decreased to about 80% in the ketamine/xylazine/atropine protocol and fell just below 90% in the alphaxalone protocol. We observed a clear decrease in PaO2 values under the anesthetized condition compared to the awake condition. Our data indicate that single‐shot anesthesia may cause hypoxemia in marmosets. Previous studies on other non‐human primate have reported no SpO2 decrease and hypoxemia; thus, our experiment suggests that marmosets may have a more fragile respiratory system and require intensive veterinary care during anesthesia.
Personalized genetics of the cholinergic blockade of neuroinflammation
Authors: Simchovitz Alon , Heneka Michael T. , Soreq Hermona
Published: March 2017

Acetylcholine signaling is essential for cognitive functioning and blocks inflammation. To maintain homeostasis, cholinergic signaling is subjected to multi‐leveled and bidirectional regulation by both proteins and non‐coding microRNAs (‘CholinomiRs’). CholinomiRs coordinate the cognitive and inflammatory aspects of cholinergic signaling by targeting major cholinergic transcripts including the acetylcholine hydrolyzing enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Notably, AChE inhibitors are the only currently approved line of treatment for Alzheimer's disease patients. Since cholinergic signaling blocks neuroinflammation which is inherent to Alzheimer's disease, genomic changes modifying AChE's properties and its susceptibility to inhibitors and/or to CholinomiRs regulation may affect the levels and properties of inflammasome components such as NLRP3. This calls for genomic‐based medicine approaches based on genotyping of both coding and non‐coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes involved in cholinergic signaling. An example is a SNP in a recognition element for the primate‐specific microRNA‐608 within the 3′ untranslated region of the AChE transcript. Carriers of the minor allele of that SNP present massively elevated brain AChE levels, increased trait anxiety and inflammation, accompanied by perturbed CholinomiR‐608 regulatory networks and elevated prefrontal activity under exposure to stressful insults. Several additional SNPs in the AChE and other cholinergic genes await further studies, and might likewise involve different CholinomiRs and pathways including those modulating the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. CholinomiRs regulation of the cholinergic system thus merits in‐depth interrogation and is likely to lead to personalized medicine approaches for achieving better homeostasis in health and disease.

This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.

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Cyclic imine toxins from dinoflagellates: a growing family of potent antagonists of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Molgó Jordi , Marchot Pascale , Aráoz Rómulo , Benoit Evelyne , Iorga Bogdan I. , Zakarian Armen , Taylor Palmer , Bourne Yves , Servent Denis
Published: March 2017

We present an overview of the toxicological profile of the fast‐acting, lipophilic macrocyclic imine toxins, an emerging family of organic compounds associated with algal blooms, shellfish contamination and neurotoxicity. Worldwide, shellfish contamination incidents are expanding; therefore, the significance of these toxins for the shellfish food industry deserves further study. Emphasis is directed to the dinoflagellate species involved in their production, their chemical structures, and their specific mode of interaction with their principal natural molecular targets, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, or with the soluble acetylcholine‐binding protein, used as a surrogate receptor model. The dinoflagellates Karenia selliformis and Alexandrium ostenfeldii / A. peruvianum have been implicated in the biosynthesis of gymnodimines and spirolides, while Vulcanodinium rugosum is the producer of pinnatoxins and portimine. The cyclic imine toxins are characterized by a macrocyclic skeleton comprising 14–27 carbon atoms, flanked by two conserved moieties, the cyclic imine and the spiroketal ring system. These phycotoxins generally display high affinity and broad specificity for the muscle type and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, a feature consistent with their binding site at the receptor subunit interfaces, composed of residues highly conserved among all nAChRs, and explaining the diverse toxicity among animal species.

This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.

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Advance Refundings of Municipal Bonds
Authors: ANG ANDREW , GREEN RICHARD C. , LONGSTAFF FRANCIS A. , XING YUHANG
Published: March 2017

The advance refunding of debt is a widespread practice in municipal finance. In an advance refunding, municipalities retire callable bonds early and refund them with bonds with lower coupon rates. We find that 85% of all advance refundings occur at a net present value loss, and that the aggregate losses over the past 20 years exceed $15 billion. We explore why municipalities advance refund their debt at loss. Financially constrained municipalities may face pressure to advance refund since it allows them to reduce short‐term cash outflows. We find strong evidence that financial constraints are a major driver of advance refunding activity.
Do Funds Make More When They Trade More?
Authors: PÁSTOR ĽUBOŠ , STAMBAUGH ROBERT F. , TAYLOR LUCIAN A.
Published: March 2017

We model fund turnover in the presence of time‐varying profit opportunities. Our model predicts a positive relation between an active fund's turnover and its subsequent benchmark‐adjusted return. We find such a relation for equity mutual funds. This time‐series relation between turnover and performance is stronger than the cross‐sectional relation, as the model predicts. Also as predicted, the turnover‐performance relation is stronger for funds trading less‐liquid stocks and funds likely to possess greater skill. Turnover is correlated across funds. The common component of turnover is positively correlated with proxies for stock mispricing. Turnover of similar funds helps predict a fund's performance.
N‐Terminal Pro‐B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide and Phonocardiography in Differentiating Innocent Cardiac Murmurs from Congenital Cardiac Anomalies in Asymptomatic Puppies
Authors: Marinus S.M. , van Engelen H. , Szatmári V.
Published: March 2017

Background

Differentiating innocent cardiac murmurs from murmurs caused by congenital cardiac anomalies can be challenging with auscultation alone in asymptomatic puppies.

Hypothesis

Plasma N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentrations and phonocardiograms recorded by an electronic stethoscope can differentiate innocent from pathologic cardiac murmurs.

Animals

A total of 186 client‐owned asymptomatic dogs: 135 Cairn Terriers (age: 45–124 days), 20 adult Cairn Terriers (age: 7.5 months to 13.5 years), and 31 puppies of various breeds (age: 29–396 days).

Methods

Study design is a cross‐sectional survey. Each dog was auscultated, and when a cardiac murmur was heard, a phonocardiogram was recorded and an echocardiogram was performed. Plasma NT‐proBNP concentrations were measured by a single laboratory by an ELISA.

Results

No significant (P = .41) difference in plasma NT‐proBNP levels was found between puppies without a murmur and puppies with an innocent murmur (median 300 versus 326 pmol/L), and between clinically healthy adult Cairn Terriers and Cairn Terrier puppies. Plasma NT‐proBNP levels in puppies with a congenital heart disease were significantly (P < .001) higher than those in puppies with innocent murmurs (median 1,102 versus 326 pmol/L). However, some puppies with severe pulmonic stenosis did not have increased plasma NT‐proBNP levels. On phonocardiograms, innocent murmurs had a significantly (P < .001) shorter “murmur‐to‐systole duration ratio” than the abnormal ones (median 66 versus 100%). The “murmur‐to‐S1 (first cardiac sound) amplitude ratio” was significantly (P < .001) lower of the innocent murmurs compared with that of the abnormal ones (median 16 versus 58 %).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Plasma NT‐proBNP concentrations within the reference range do not rule out a congenital cardiac anomaly. Murmurs longer than 80% of the systole are most likely abnormal, whereas murmurs shorter than that could be either innocent or pathologic.
Water availability drives signatures of local adaptation in whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) across fine spatial scales of the Lake Tahoe Basin, USA
Authors: Lind Brandon M. , Friedline Christopher J. , Wegrzyn Jill L. , Maloney Patricia E. , Vogler Detlev R. , Neale David B. , Eckert Andrew J.
Published: March 2017

Patterns of local adaptation at fine spatial scales are central to understanding how evolution proceeds, and are essential to the effective management of economically and ecologically important forest tree species. Here, we employ single and multilocus analyses of genetic data (n = 116 231 SNPs) to describe signatures of fine‐scale adaptation within eight whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) populations across the local extent of the environmentally heterogeneous Lake Tahoe Basin, USA. We show that despite highly shared genetic variation (FST = 0.0069), there is strong evidence for adaptation to the rain shadow experienced across the eastern Sierra Nevada. Specifically, we build upon evidence from a common garden study and find that allele frequencies of loci associated with four phenotypes (mean = 236 SNPs), 18 environmental variables (mean = 99 SNPs), and those detected through genetic differentiation (n = 110 SNPs) exhibit significantly higher signals of selection (covariance of allele frequencies) than could be expected to arise, given the data. We also provide evidence that this covariance tracks environmental measures related to soil water availability through subtle allele frequency shifts across populations. Our results replicate empirical support for theoretical expectations of local adaptation for populations exhibiting strong gene flow and high selective pressures and suggest that ongoing adaptation of many P. albicaulis populations within the Lake Tahoe Basin will not be constrained by the lack of genetic variation. Even so, some populations exhibit low levels of heritability for the traits presumed to be related to fitness. These instances could be used to prioritize management to maintain adaptive potential. Overall, we suggest that established practices regarding whitebark pine conservation be maintained, with the additional context of fine‐scale adaptation.
A single haplotype hyposensitive to light and requiring strong vernalization dominates Arabidopsis thaliana populations in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Kasulin Luciana , Rowan Beth A. , León Rolando J.C. , Schuenemann Verena J. , Weigel Detlef , Botto Javier F.
Published: March 2017

The growing collection of sequenced or genotyped Arabidopsis thaliana accessions includes mostly individuals from the native Eurasian and N. African range and introduced North American populations. Here, we describe the genetic and phenotypic diversity, along with habitats and life history, of A. thaliana plants collected at the southernmost end of its worldwide distribution. Seed samples were harvested from plants growing in four sites within a ~3500‐km2‐area in Patagonia, Argentina, and represent the first germplasm to be collected in South America for this species. Whole‐genome resequencing revealed that plants from the four sites and a Patagonia herbarium specimen collected in 1967 formed a single haplogroup (Pat), indicating that the phenotypic variation observed in the field reflected plastic responses to the environment. admixture and principal components analyses suggest that the ancestor of the Pat haplogroup either came from Italy or the Balkan/Caucasus regions of Eurasia. In the laboratory, plants from the Pat haplogroup were hyposensitive to continuous red (Rc) and shade light, with corresponding changes in the expression of phytochrome signalling genes. Pat had higher PIF3 and PIF5 and lower HY5 expression under Rc light; and lower expression of PIL1, ATHB2 and HFR1 under shade compared to Col‐0. In addition, Pat plants had a strong vernalization requirement associated with high levels of FLC expression. We conclude that including Pat in studies of natural variation and in comparison with other introduced populations will provide additional information for association studies and allow for a more detailed assessment of the demographic events following colonization.
Animal tracking meets migration genomics: transcriptomic analysis of a partially migratory bird species
Authors: Franchini Paolo , Irisarri Iker , Fudickar Adam , Schmidt Andreas , Meyer Axel , Wikelski Martin , Partecke Jesko
Published: March 2017

Seasonal migration is a widespread phenomenon, which is found in many different lineages of animals. This spectacular behaviour allows animals to avoid seasonally adverse environmental conditions to exploit more favourable habitats. Migration has been intensively studied in birds, which display astonishing variation in migration strategies, thus providing a powerful system for studying the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape migratory behaviour. Despite intensive research, the genetic basis of migration remains largely unknown. Here, we used state‐of‐the‐art radio‐tracking technology to characterize the migratory behaviour of a partially migratory population of European blackbirds (Turdus merula) in southern Germany. We compared gene expression of resident and migrant individuals using high‐throughput transcriptomics in blood samples. Analyses of sequence variation revealed a nonsignificant genetic structure between blackbirds differing by their migratory phenotype. We detected only four differentially expressed genes between migrants and residents, which might be associated with hyperphagia, moulting and enhanced DNA replication and transcription. The most pronounced changes in gene expression occurred between migratory birds depending on when, in relation to their date of departure, blood was collected. Overall, the differentially expressed genes detected in this analysis may play crucial roles in determining the decision to migrate, or in controlling the physiological processes required for the onset of migration. These results provide new insights into, and testable hypotheses for, the molecular mechanisms controlling the migratory phenotype and its underlying physiological mechanisms in blackbirds and other migratory bird species.
Nurse middle managers contributions to patient‐centred care: A ‘managerial work’ analysis
Authors: Lalleman PCB , Smid GAC , Dikken J , Lagerwey MD , Schuurmans MJ
Published: March 2017

Nurse middle managers are in an ideal position to facilitate patient‐centred care. However, their contribution is underexposed in literature due to difficulties to articulate this in practice. This paper explores how nurse middle managers contribute to patient‐centred care in hospitals. A combination of time‐use analysis and ethnographic work was used to disclose their contribution to patient‐centred care at a micro level. Sixteen nurse managers were shadowed for over 560 hours in four hospitals. Some nurse middle managers seldom contribute to patient‐centred care. Others are involved in direct patient care, but this does not result in patient‐centred practices. At one hospital, the nurse middle managers did contribute to patient‐centred care. Here balancing between “organizing work” and “caring work” is seen as a precondition for their patient‐centeredness. Other important themes are feedback mechanisms; place matters; with whom to talk and how to frame the issues at stake; and behavioral style. Both “hands‐on” and “heads‐on” caring work of nurse middle managers enhances their patient‐centeredness. This study is the first of its kind to obtain insight in the often difficult to articulate “doings” of nurse middle managers with regard to patient‐centred care through combining time‐use analysis with ethnographic work.
Quantitative analysis of eyes and other optical systems in linear optics
Authors: Harris William F. , Evans Tanya , van Gool Radboud D.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To show that 14‐dimensional spaces of augmented point P and angle Q characteristics, matrices obtained from the ray transference, are suitable for quantitative analysis although only the latter define an inner‐product space and only on it can one define distances and angles. The paper examines the nature of the spaces and their relationships to other spaces including symmetric dioptric power space.

Methods

The paper makes use of linear optics, a three‐dimensional generalization of Gaussian optics. Symmetric 2 × 2 dioptric power matrices F define a three‐dimensional inner‐product space which provides a sound basis for quantitative analysis (calculation of changes, arithmetic means, etc.) of refractive errors and thin systems. For general systems the optical character is defined by the dimensionally‐heterogeneous 4 × 4 symplectic matrix S, the transference, or if explicit allowance is made for heterocentricity, the 5 × 5 augmented symplectic matrix T. Ordinary quantitative analysis cannot be performed on them because matrices of neither of these types constitute vector spaces. Suitable transformations have been proposed but because the transforms are dimensionally heterogeneous the spaces are not naturally inner‐product spaces.

Results

The paper obtains 14‐dimensional spaces of augmented point P and angle Q characteristics. The 14‐dimensional space defined by the augmented angle characteristics Q is dimensionally homogenous and an inner‐product space. A 10‐dimensional subspace of the space of augmented point characteristics P is also an inner‐product space.

Conclusions

The spaces are suitable for quantitative analysis of the optical character of eyes and many other systems. Distances and angles can be defined in the inner‐product spaces. The optical systems may have multiple separated astigmatic and decentred refracting elements.
Feruloylation and structure of arabinoxylan in wheat endosperm cell walls from RNAi lines with suppression of genes responsible for backbone synthesis and decoration
Authors: Freeman Jackie , Ward Jane L. , Kosik Ondrej , Lovegrove Alison , Wilkinson Mark D. , Shewry Peter R. , Mitchell Rowan A.C.
Published: March 2017

Arabinoxylan (AX) is the major component of the cell walls of wheat grain (70% in starchy endosperm), is an important determinant of end‐use qualities affecting food processing, use for animal feed and distilling and is a major source of dietary fibre in the human diet. AX is a heterogeneous polysaccharide composed of fractions which can be sequentially extracted by water (WE‐AX), then xylanase action (XE‐AX) leaving an unextractable (XU‐AX) fraction. We determined arabinosylation and feruloylation of AX in these fractions in both wild‐type wheat and RNAi lines with decreased AX content (TaGT43_2 RNAi, TaGT47_2 RNAi) or decreased arabinose 3‐linked to mono‐substituted xylose (TaXAT1 RNAi). We show that these fractions are characterized by the degree of feruloylation of AX, <5, 5–7 and 13–19 mg bound ferulate (g−1 AX), and their content of diferulates (diFA), <0.3, 1–1.7 and 4–5 mg (g−1 AX), for the WE, XE and XU fractions, respectively, in all RNAi lines and their control lines. The amount of AX and its degree of arabinosylation and feruloylation were less affected by RNAi transgenes in the XE‐AX fraction than in the WE‐AX fraction and largely unaffected in the XU‐AX fraction. As the majority of diFA is associated with the XU‐AX fraction, there was only a small effect (TaGT43_2 RNAi, TaGT47_2 RNAi) or no effect (TaXAT1 RNAi) on total diFA content. Our results are compatible with a model where, to maintain cell wall function, diFA is maintained at stable levels when other AX properties are altered.
TFE3‐positive renal cell carcinoma occurring in three children with dysfunctional kidneys on immunosuppression
Authors: Schaefer Beverly A. , Johnson Theodore S. , Hooper David K. , Nathan Jaimie D. , Geller James I.
Published: March 2017

Pediatric RCC is a rare pediatric neoplasm and is distinctly different compared to adult RCC, often demonstrating translocation morphology evidenced by unique histopathological features and TFE3 or TFEB nuclear expression. We report three cases of pediatric TFE3 positive RCC (TFE3‐RCC) occurring in the setting of chronic kidney disease and long‐term pharmacological immunosuppression, including two cases that developed in the native kidney following kidney transplantation. Together, these cases suggest that the kidney microenvironment in combination with immune dysregulation is likely contributing factors in the pathogenesis of some pediatric RCC, warranting further study. Long‐term post‐transplant surveillance may warrant screening for RCC.
Long‐distance movement of phosphate starvation‐responsive microRNAs in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huen A. K. , Rodriguez‐Medina C. , Ho A. Y. Y. , Atkins C. A. , Smith P. M. C.
Published: March 2017

Plant microRNAs are small RNAs that are important for genetic regulation of processes such as plant development or environmental responses. Specific microRNAs accumulate in the phloem during phosphate starvation, and may act as long‐distance signalling molecules.

We performed quantitative PCR on Arabidopsis hypocotyl micrograft tissues of wild‐type and hen1‐6 mutants to assess the mobility of several phosphate starvation‐responsive microRNA species.

In addition to the previously confirmed mobile species miR399d, the corresponding microRNA* (miR399d*) was identified for the first time as mobile between shoots and roots. Translocation by phosphate‐responsive microRNAs miR827 and miR2111a between shoots and roots during phosphate starvation was evident, while their respective microRNA*s were not mobile.

The results suggest that long‐distance mobility of microRNA species is selective and can occur without the corresponding duplex strand. Movement of miR399d* and root‐localised accumulation of miR2111a* opens the potential for persisting microRNA*s to be mobile and functional in novel pathways during phosphate starvation responses.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii responding to high light: a role for 2‐propenal (acrolein)
Authors: Roach Thomas , Baur Theresa , Stöggl Wolfgang , Krieger‐Liszkay Anja
Published: March 2017

High light causes photosystem II to generate singlet oxygen (1O2), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can react with membrane lipids, releasing reactive electrophile species (RES), such as acrolein. To investigate how RES may contribute to light stress responses, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was high light‐treated in photoautotrophic and mixotrophic conditions and also in an oxygen‐enriched atmosphere to elevate ROS production. The responses were compared to exogenous acrolein. Non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) was higher in photoautotrophic cells, as a consequence of a more de‐epoxidized state of the xanthophyll cycle pool and more LHCSR3 protein, showing that photosynthesis was under more pressure than in mixotrophic cells. Photoautotrophic cells had lowered α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene contents and a higher level of protein carbonylation, indicators of elevated 1O2 production. Levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPX5) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST1), important antioxidants against RES, were also increased in photoautotrophic cells. In parallel to the wild‐type, the LHCSR3‐deficient npq4 mutant was high light‐treated, which in photoautotrophic conditions exhibited particular sensitivity under elevated oxygen, the treatment that induced the highest RES levels, including acrolein. The npq4 mutant had more GPX5 and GST1 alongside higher levels of carbonylated protein and a more oxidized glutathione redox state. In wild‐type cells glutathione contents doubled after 4 h treatment, either with high light under elevated oxygen or with a non‐critical dose (600 ppm) of acrolein. Exogenous acrolein also increased GST1 levels, but not GPX5. Overall, RES‐associated oxidative damage and glutathione metabolism are prominently associated with light stress and potentially in signaling responses of C. reinhardtii.
Influence of partial or total replacement of glycerol by alternative cryoprotectants in Ghent freezing extender on post‐thaw sperm quality in stallions
Authors: De Oliveira RA , Budik S , Aurich C
Published: March 2017

Contents

Although glycerol is the cryoprotectant most commonly used in stallions, it has also a considerable toxicity for equine sperm. It was the aim of this study to analyse the quality of frozen‐thawed stallion semen after complete or partial replacement of glycerol in the freezing extender by alternative cryoprotectants. We hypothesized that partial or total replacement of glycerol by cryoprotectants occurring in cold‐resistant frog, insect or plant species results in similar or better semen quality after freezing–thawing. As basic medium, the commercial Ghent basic extender was used and either supplemented with glucose and urea, trehalose and proline, or trehalose and betaine. Based on a series of preliminary experiments, semen was frozen in either commercial Ghent cryopreservation extender (Ghent control), Ghent glucose–urea extender or a Ghent combined extender (glucose–urea, trehalose‐betaine and trehalose‐proline; volume ratio of 2:1:2) in a computer‐controlled rate freezer. After freezing–thawing, semen was analysed for motility, membrane integrity, phosphatidylserine translocation, mitochondrial membrane potential and chromatin condensation. No differences between Ghent control and Ghent glucose–urea extender were seen, while all endpoints except DNA integrity were negatively affected in Ghent combined extender (e.g., progressive motility: Ghent 49.2 ± 3.7, Ghent glucose–urea 46.5 ± 4.6, Ghent combined 24.4 ± 2.8%; p < .001). In conclusion, glycerol concentration in a commercial freezing extender for equine spermatozoa can be successfully reduced when urea as an additive cryoprotectant is added and the glucose concentration is elevated. However, total glycerol replacement with urea, betaine, proline and trehalose was less successful.
Ion beam assisted organic chemical vapor etch of magnetic thin films
Authors: Chen Jack Kun-Chieh , Kim Taeseung , Altieri Nicholas D. , Chen Ernest , Chang Jane P.
Published: March 2017

An ion beam-assisted organic vapor etch process is demonstrated for patterning magnetic metal elements for potential applications in magnetoresistive random access memory devices. A thermodynamic analysis was performed to evaluate the feasibility of a chemical etch process, leading to the selection of acetylacetone (acac) and hexafluoroacetylacetone (hfac) chemistries. First, etching of cobalt and iron in acac and hfac solutions was studied, and it was determined that acac etches Co preferentially over Fe with a Co:Fe selectivity of ∼4, while hfac etches Fe preferentially over Co with an Fe:Co selectivity of ∼40. This motivates the use of acac and hfac to etch Co and Fe, respectively, but the etch rate was, in the gas phase, too small to be considered a viable process. An argon ion beam was employed in between organic vapor exposures and resulted in significant enhancement in the etch rates, suggesting an ion-enhanced chemical etching process is viable for the patterning of these magnetic metal elements.
Cohesive Properties of the
Caulobacter crescentus
Holdfast Adhesin Are Regulated by a Novel c-di-GMP Effector Protein
Authors: Sprecher Kathrin S. , Hug Isabelle , Nesper Jutta , Potthoff Eva , Mahi Mohamed-Ali , Sangermani Matteo , Kaever Volkhard , Schwede Torsten , Vorholt Julia , Jenal Urs
Published: March 2017

When encountering surfaces, many bacteria produce adhesins to facilitate their initial attachment and to irreversibly glue themselves to the solid substrate. A central molecule regulating the processes of this motile-sessile transition is the second messenger c-di-GMP, which stimulates the production of a variety of exopolysaccharide adhesins in different bacterial model organisms. In
Caulobacter crescentus
, c-di-GMP regulates the synthesis of the polar holdfast adhesin during the cell cycle, yet the molecular and cellular details of this control are currently unknown. Here we identify HfsK, a member of a versatile
N
-acetyltransferase family, as a novel c-di-GMP effector involved in holdfast biogenesis. Cells lacking HfsK form highly malleable holdfast structures with reduced adhesive strength that cannot support surface colonization. We present indirect evidence that HfsK modifies the polysaccharide component of holdfast to buttress its cohesive properties. HfsK is a soluble protein but associates with the cell membrane during most of the cell cycle. Coincident with peak c-di-GMP levels during the
C. crescentus
cell cycle, HfsK relocalizes to the cytosol in a c-di-GMP-dependent manner. Our results indicate that this c-di-GMP-mediated dynamic positioning controls HfsK activity, leading to its inactivation at high c-di-GMP levels. A short C-terminal extension is essential for the membrane association, c-di-GMP binding, and activity of HfsK. We propose a model in which c-di-GMP binding leads to the dispersal and inactivation of HfsK as part of holdfast biogenesis progression.

IMPORTANCE
Exopolysaccharide (EPS) adhesins are important determinants of bacterial surface colonization and biofilm formation. Biofilms are a major cause of chronic infections and are responsible for biofouling on water-exposed surfaces. To tackle these problems, it is essential to dissect the processes leading to surface colonization at the molecular and cellular levels. Here we describe a novel c-di-GMP effector, HfsK, that contributes to the cohesive properties and stability of the holdfast adhesin in
C. crescentus
. We demonstrate for the first time that c-di-GMP, in addition to its role in the regulation of the rate of EPS production, also modulates the physicochemical properties of bacterial adhesins. By demonstrating how c-di-GMP coordinates the activity and subcellular localization of HfsK, we provide a novel understanding of the cellular processes involved in adhesin biogenesis control. Homologs of HfsK are found in representatives of different bacterial phyla, suggesting that they play important roles in various EPS synthesis systems.
Neisseria meningitidisUses Sibling Small Regulatory RNAs To Switch from Cataplerotic to Anaplerotic Metabolism
Authors: Pannekoek Yvonne , Huis in ‘t Veld Robert A. G. , Schipper Kim , Bovenkerk Sandra , Kramer Gertjan , Brouwer Matthijs C. , van de Beek Diederik , Speijer Dave , van der Ende Arie
Published: March 2017

Neisseria meningitidis(the meningococcus) is primarily a commensal of the human oropharynx that sporadically causes septicemia and meningitis. Meningococci adapt to diverse local host conditions differing in nutrient supply, like the nasopharynx, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid, by changing metabolism and protein repertoire. However, regulatory transcription factors and two-component systems in meningococci involved in adaptation to local nutrient variations are limited. We identified novel sibling small regulatory RNAs (Neisseriametabolicswitchregulators [NmsRs]) regulating switches between cataplerotic and anaplerotic metabolism in this pathogen. Overexpression of NmsRs was tolerated in blood but not in cerebrospinal fluid. Expression of six tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes was downregulated by direct action of NmsRs. Expression of the NmsRs themselves was under the control of the stringent response through the action of RelA. Small sibling regulatory RNAs of meningococci, controlling general metabolic switches, add an exciting twist to their versatile repertoire in bacterial pathogens.

IMPORTANCERegulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) of pathogens are coming to be recognized as highly important components of riboregulatory networks, involved in the control of essential cellular processes. They play a prominent role in adaptation to physiological changes as represented by different host environments. They can function as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression to orchestrate metabolic adaptation to nutrient stresses. Here, we identified highly conserved sibling sRNAs inNeisseria meningitidiswhich are functionally involved in the regulation of gene expression of components of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These novel sibling sRNAs that function by antisense mechanisms extend the so-called stringent response which connects metabolic status to colonization and possibly virulence as well as pathogenesis in meningococci.
Health and Disease Imprinted in the Time Variability of the Human Microbiome
Authors: Martí Jose Manuel , Martínez-Martínez Daniel , Rubio Teresa , Gracia César , Peña Manuel , Latorre Amparo , Moya Andrés , P. Garay Carlos
Published: March 2017

The human microbiota correlates closely with the health status of its host. This article analyzes the microbial composition of several subjects under different conditions over time spans that ranged from days to months. Using the Langevin equation as the basis of our mathematical framework to evaluate microbial temporal stability, we proved that stable microbiotas can be distinguished from unstable microbiotas. This initial step will help us to determine how temporal microbiota stability is related to a subject’s health status and to develop a more comprehensive framework that will provide greater insight into this complex system.
Extraperitoneal abscess originating from an ischorectal abscess
Authors: Hamza Eman , Saeed Mirza Faraz , Salem Amro , Mazin Isam
Published: March 2017

We describe a case which had ongoing sepsis, despite adequate incision and drainage performed for an ischorectal abscess. The patient was then noted to have an ascending infection reaching the extraperitoneal space of the abdominal cavity. The case reported required multiple episodes of drainage along with lower midline incision for deep-situated abscess. Postoperatively, the abdominal wound was treated with vacuum-assisted closure dressing and antibiotics. The patient was doing well and was discharged with an appointment at the surgical outpatient department. The report signifies the importance of investigating patients who have systemic inflammatory response syndrome despite treating local abscess.
Metabolic equivalents fail to indicate metabolic load in post-myocardial infarction patients during the modified Bruce treadmill walking test
Authors: Woolf-May K , Meadows S , Ferrett D , Kearney E
Published: March 2017

Aim

To investigate the suitability of metabolic equivalents (METs) for determining exercise intensity in phase-IV post-myocardial infarction (MI) men during the modified Bruce treadmill walking test (MBWT).

Methods

Twenty phase-IV post-MI men (mean±SD, aged 64.4±5.8 years) and 20 healthy non-cardiac male controls (59.8±7.6 years) participated. Participants performed a MBWT. Throughout the participants’ heart rate (HR), heart rhythm, expired air parameters and ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) were measured. MET values were compared between groups and those currently ascribed to each stage of the MBWT.

Results

General linear model analysis found no significant differences between groups during the MBWT forVO2,VCO2, HR, METs or RPEs (Borg 6–20 scale). Ascribed METs did not differ from mean METs of post-MIs or controls other than at stage 5 where post-MI METs were significantly lower. Irrespective, the post-MI group worked at a higher percentage of their anaerobic threshold (AT) (respiratory exchange ratio, RER=1.0) (F(2,5)=7.22, p<0.008), higher RER (F(2,5)=11.25, p<0.001) with increased breathing frequency (F(2,5)=7.22, p<0.001). Regression analysis revealed AT to beVO225.6 (mL/kg/min) for post-MI versusVO231.1 (mL/kg/min) for controls. Gross energy expenditure (kcal/min) was greater for the post-MI group compared with controls (F(2,5)=11.22, p<0.001). Throughout the MBWT, post-MI group worked at a higher %AT/MET than controls (F(2,196)=211.76, p<0.01). Body composition did not strongly influence %AT/MET, parameters ofVO2, METs or RPE.

Conclusion

During the MBWT, post-MI men worked more anaerobically per MET (%AT/MET) than controls. Therefore, current METs based on non-cardiac individuals appear unsuitable in determining the full metabolic load of the exercise intensity for cardiac patients during the MBWT.