bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Glucose Represses hERG K+ Channel Expression through Trafficking Inhibition
Authors: Shi Yuan-Qi , Yan Meng , Liu Li-Rong , Zhang Xiao , Wang Xue , Geng Huai-Ze , Zhao Xin , Li Bao-Xin
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Abnormal QT prolongation is the most prominent cardiac electrical disturbance in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is well known that the human ether-ago-go-related gene (hERG) controls the rapid delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) in cardiac cells. The expression of the hERG channel is severely down-regulated in diabetic hearts, and this down-regulation is a critical contributor to the slowing of repolarization and QT prolongation. However, the intracellular mechanisms underlying the diabetes-induced hERG deficiency remain unknown. Methods: The expression of the hERG channel was assessed via western blot analysis, and the hERG current was detected with a patch-clamp technique. Results: The results of our study revealed that the expression of the hERG protein and the hERG current were substantially decreased in high-glucose-treated hERG-HEK cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that the high-glucose-mediated damage to the hERG channel depended on the down-regulation of protein levels but not the alteration of channel kinetics. These discoveries indicated that high glucose likely disrupted hERG channel trafficking. From the western blot and immunoprecipitation analyses, we found that high glucose induced trafficking inhibition through an effect on the expression of Hsp90 and its interaction with hERG. Furthermore, the high-glucose-induced inhibition of hERG channel trafficking could activate the unfolded protein response (UPR) by up-regulating the expression levels of activating transcription factor-6 (ATF-6) and the ER chaperone protein calnexin. In addition, we demonstrated that 100 nM insulin up-regulated the expression of the hERG channel and rescued the hERG channel repression caused by high glucose. Conclusion: The results of our study provide the first evidence of a high-glucose-induced hERG channel deficiency resulting from the inhibition of channel trafficking. Furthermore, insulin promotes the expression of the hERG channel and ameliorates the high-glucose-induced inhibition of the hERG channel.
Regulation of Large Conductance Voltage-and Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels by the Janus Kinase JAK3
Authors: Warsi Jamshed , Singh Yogesh , Elvira Bernat , Hosseinzadeh Zohreh , Lang Florian
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), a tyrosine kinase contributing to the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis of lymphocytes and tumour cells, has been shown to modify the expression and function of several ion channels and transport proteins. Channels involved in the regulation of cell proliferation include the large conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ channel BK. The present study explored whether JAK3 modifies BK channel protein abundance and current. Methods: cRNA encoding Ca2+-insensitive BK channel (BKM513I+Δ899-903) was injected into Xenopus oocytes with or without additional injection of cRNA encoding wild-type JAK3, constitutively active A568VJAK3, or inactive K851AJAK3. Voltage gated K+ channel activity was measured utilizing dual electrode voltage clamp. Moreover, BK channel protein abundance was determined utilizing flow cytometry in CD19+ B lymphocyte cell membranes from mice lacking functional JAK3 (jak3-/-) and corresponding wild-type mice (jak3+/+). Results: BK activity in BKM513I+Δ899-903 expressing oocytes was slightly but significantly decreased by coexpression of wild-type JAK3 and of A568VJAK3, but not by coexpression of K851AJAK3. The BK channel protein abundance in the cell membrane was significantly higher in jak3-/- than in jak3+/+ B lymphocytes. The decline of conductance in BK and JAK3 coexpressing oocytes following inhibition of channel protein insertion by brefeldin A (5 µM) was similar in oocytes expressing BK with JAK3 and oocytes expressing BK alone, indicating that JAK3 might slow channel protein insertion into rather than accelerating channel protein retrieval from the cell membrane. Conclusion: JAK3 is a weak negative regulator of membrane BK protein abundance and activity.
Removal of Potential Phosphorylation Sites does not Alter Creatine Transporter Response to PKC or Substrate Availability
Authors: Santacruz Lucia , Darrabie Marcus D. , Mishra Rajashree , Jacobs Danny O.
Published: August 2015

Background: Creatine, Phosphocreatine, and creatine kinases, constitute an energy shuttle that links ATP production in mitochondria with cellular consumption sites. Myocytes and neurons cannot synthesize creatine and depend on uptake across the cell membrane by a specialized transporter to maintain intracellular creatine levels. Although recent studies have improved our understanding of creatine transport in cardiomyocytes, the structural elements underlying the creatine transporter protein regulation and the relevant intracellular signaling processes are unknown. Methods: The effects of pharmacological activation of kinases or phosphatases on creatine transport in cardiomyocytes in culture were evaluated. Putative phosphorylation sites in the creatine transporter protein were identified by bioinformatics analyses, and ablated using site-directed mutagenesis. Mutant transporter function and their responses to pharmacological PKC activation or changes in creatine availability in the extracellular environment, were evaluated. Results: PKC activation decreases creatine transport in cardiomyocytes in culture. Elimination of high probability potential phosphorylation sites did not abrogate responses to PKC activation or substrate availability. Conclusion: Modulation of creatine transport in cardiomyocytes is a complex process where phosphorylation at predicted sites in the creatine transporter protein does not significantly alter activity. Instead, non-classical structural elements in the creatine transporter and/or interactions with regulatory subunits may modulate its activity.
Up-Regulation of MiR-452 Inhibits Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating BMI1
Authors: He Zhicheng , Xia Yang , Pan Chunfeng , Ma Teng , Liu Bin , Wang Juejin , Chen Liang , Chen Yijiang
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been regarded as a new class of regulators in cellular processes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the relationship between miR-452 and the development of NSCLC remains unclear. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-452 and its target gene in NSCLC samples (n=60). The transwell assay was used to test the cell invasion capability. The regulation mechanism was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and western blot assay. Results: In the current study, a relatively lower miR-452 and higher BMI1 expression levels were confirmed to be associated with advanced tumor stage and more extent of lymph nodes metastasis. In vitro, down-regulated miR-452 could enhance cell invasion capability. Furthermore, miR-452 modulated BMI1 expression by binding to its 3ʹ-UTR. The enhancement of cell invasion capability induced by down-regulated miR-452 was eliminated by repression of BMI1. Conclusions: Our results suggest that miR-452 plays a vital role in development of NSCLC, and this miR-452-BMI1 pathway might generate a novel insight into the treatment of NSCLC.
Chorein Sensitive Arrangement of Cytoskeletal Architecture
Authors: Honisch Sabina , Gu Shuchen , vom Hagen Jennifer Müller , Alkahtani Saad , Al Kahtane Abdullah A. , Tsapara Anna , Hermann Andreas , Storch Alexander , Schöls Ludger , Lang Florian , Stournaras Christos
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Chorein is a protein expressed in various cell types. Loss of function mutations of the chorein encoding gene VPS13A lead to chorea-acanthocytosis, an autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by movement disorder and behavioral abnormalities. Recent observations revealed that chorein is a powerful regulator of actin cytoskeleton in erythrocytes, platelets, K562 and endothelial HUVEC cells. Methods: In the present study we have used Western blotting to study actin polymerization dynamics, laser scanning microscopy to evaluate in detail the role of chorein in microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments cytoskeleton architecture and RT-PCR to assess gene transcription of the cytoskeletal proteins. Results: We report here powerful depolymerization of actin microfilaments both, in erythrocytes and fibroblasts isolated from chorea-acanthocytosis patients. Along those lines, morphological analysis of fibroblasts from chorea-acanthocytosis patients showed disarranged microtubular network, when compared to fibroblasts from healthy donors. Similarly, the intermediate filament networks of desmin and cytokeratins showed significantly disordered organization with clearly diminished staining in patient's fibroblasts. In line with this, RT-PCR analysis revealed significant downregulation of desmin and cytokeratin gene transcripts. Conclusion: Our results provide for the first time evidence that defective chorein is accompanied by significant structural disorganization of all cytoskeletal structures in human fibroblasts from chorea-acanthocytosis patients.
Predictive Value of Free β-hCG Multiple of the Median for Women with Preeclampsia
Authors: Liu Hui-Qiang , Wang Yong-Hong , Wang Lan-Lan , Hao Min
Published: August 2015

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is relatively common and is unpredictable in its onset and progression. Aims: We investigated the clinical value of using the multiple of the median (MoM) of free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) concentrations in women with normal pregnancy and PE. Methods: This study was based on a dataset available from published studies, and the relevant studies were retrieved from multiple electronic databases. Data were extracted from case-control studies; a random-effects model was employed, and standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Twelve case-control studies (eleven English-based articles and one Chinese-based article) were analyzed in the current meta-analysis and included 702 patients with PE and 8,233 women with normal pregnancies. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a higher MoM of β-hCG serum levels in patients with PE. Ethnicity subgroup analysis showed that the MoM of serum β-hCG levels was significantly higher in women with PE in both Asian and Caucasian populations. Conclusion: The MoM of β-hCG serum levels was significantly increased in women with PE compared to women with normal pregnancies. Screening for serum β-hCG MoM levels will be helpful in the early identification of pregnancies at risk of developing PE.
Pulse Wave Velocity: A Valuable Predictor for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease and Death in PD Patients
Authors: Xu Tian , Xie Jingyuan , Zong Xue , Wang Weiming , Ren Hong , Chen Nan
Published: August 2015

Aims: To evaluate the value of pulse wave velocity (PWV) to predict cardio-cerebrovascular (CVD) and death in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: In all, 59 maintenance PD patients from January 2012 to December 2012 were enrolled. Patients were classified as group A (>9 m/s) and group B (≤9 m/s), based on the results of carotid-femoral PWV (CF-PWV). Results: CF-PWV was positively correlated with age (r = 0.71, p < 0.01), left atrial diameter (r = 0.58, p < 0.01), left ventricular mass index (r = 0.59, p < 0.01) and 24H average systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.57, p < 0.01). Age (relative risk (RR) 1.086, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.024-1.153, p < 0.01) and 24H average SBP (RR 1.047, 95% CI 1.013-1.082, p < 0.01) were risk factors of higher CF-PWV. The cumulative and new CVD free survival rates of group A significantly decreased. Elder (RR 1.114, 95% CI 1.013-1.224, p = 0.026) and higher PWV (RR 1.482, 95% CI 1.01-2.176, p = 0.044) were risk factors of CVD in PD patients. Conclusion: PWV is a valuable predictor of CVD and death in PD patients.
Improved Alertness Is Associated with Early Increase in Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Antidepressant Treatment Outcome in Major Depression
Authors: Mikoteit Thorsten , Hemmeter Ulrich , Eckert Anne , Brand Serge , Bischof Roland , Delini-Stula Alexandra , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith , Beck Johannes
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: In major depression cognitive impairment is common and may persist despite improvement in psychopathology. So far it is unclear how closely related improvement in cognitive functioning is to the clinical course of depression. Further, it is unclear whether recovery from cognitive impairment is linked to changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (sBDNF). The objectives of this study were (1) to explore the predictive value of cognitive impairment for therapeutic outcome, and (2) to assess the association between cognitive performance and sBDNF levels over a 6-week course of antidepressant treatment. Methods: Twenty-five adult patients suffering from major depression underwent standardized treatment with duloxetine. Both severity of depression as assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and sBDNF levels were measured at baseline, and after 1, 2 and 6 weeks of treatment. Cognitive performance, i.e. alertness, working memory, and divided attention, was assessed at baseline, after 1 week, and at the end of treatment after 6 weeks. Results: Higher performance in alertness and divided attention at baseline correlated with less severe depression at week 6. During the first week of treatment, a greater increase in sBDNF was associated with a greater improvement in alertness at week 6. Conclusion: Greater alertness at baseline was a predictor of favorable antidepressive treatment outcome. Moreover, the early increase in sBDNF correlated with improvement in attention functioning. Thus, recovery from cognitive impairment and an early increase in sBDNF seem to be associated.
A New Understanding of Psychopathy: The Contribution of Phenomenological Psychopathology
Authors: Englebert Jérôme
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study is to present a theoretical paper about a clinical issue. Our aim is to propose some clinical and semiological considerations for a psychopathological conception of psychopathy. We will discuss several major theoretical works dedicated to this nosographic entity (mainly those of Schneider [Psychopathic Personalities (1923). London, Cassell, 1950], Cleckley [The Mask of Sanity. St. Louis, Mosby, 1941] and Hare [The Hare Psychopathy Checklist - Revised Manual, ed 2. Toronto, Multi-Health Systems, 2003]). We will also examine a significant issue raised by Cooke et al. [Psychol Assess 2001;13:171-188; J Person Disord 2004;18:337-357; Br J Psychiatry Suppl 2007;49:s39-s50; Int J Forensic Ment Health 2012;11:242-252], namely whether psychopathic functioning is consistently related to antisocial behavior. This theoretical essay is informed by clinical situations (involving psychopaths who were interviewed in prison or in forensic centers). The method applied a phenomenological psychopathology analysis to the clinical material. We first compare Binswanger's conception of mania with psychopathic functioning. Patient behavior is similar, but there is a difference related to the dialectic between the ego and the alter ego. A patient with mania has a fundamental crisis of the ego, which a psychopath does not have. A second finding of our investigations concerns emotions and the adaptive dimension of the psychopathic disorder. An epistemological discussion of the concept of emotions reveals that psychopaths are competent in the management of emotional stimuli, which confers a psychological advantage upon them.
Positive Predictive Value of French Hospitalization Discharge Codes for Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Giroud Maurice , Hommel Marc , Benzenine Eric , Fauconnier Jérôme , Béjot Yannick , Quantin Catherine ,   on the behalf of the FRESCO Study
Published: August 2015

Background: We aimed at measuring the positive predictive value (PPV) of data in the French Hospital Medical Information Database (FHD). Summary: This retrospective multicenter study included 31 hospitals from where 56 hospital stays were randomly selected among all hospitalizations for the years 2009 and 2010 with at least 1 principal diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Three algorithms were evaluated. Algorithm 1 selected discharge abstracts with at least 1 principal diagnosis identified by one of the relevant International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes. Algorithm 2 selected stays with 1 principal diagnosis of the whole stay, but without the dates of the stay. Algorithm 3 took into account the kind of medical wards. The PPV of each algorithm was calculated using medical records as the reference. We found 1,669 discharge abstracts with a diagnosis of stroke among the 1,680 that were randomly selected. The neurologist's review revealed 196 false-positive cases providing a global PPV of 88.26% for algorithm 1, 89.96% for algorithm 2 and 92.74% for algorithm 3. Key Messages: It was possible to build an algorithm to optimize the FHD for stroke and TIA reporting, with a PPV at 90%. The FHD could be a good tool to measure the burden of stroke in France.
Sildenafil for the Treatment of Congenital Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
Authors: Assadi Farahnak , Ghane Sharbaf Fatemeh
Published: August 2015

Background: Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is characterized by massive polyuria and polydipsia due to defects in the vasopressin-sensitive signaling system expression of the acuaporin-2 (AQP2) water channel of the kidney collecting duct principal cells. Current conventional treatment regimen including hydration, diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can only partially reduce polyuria. Recent experimental studies have suggested that treatment with sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, may enhance cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated apical trafficking of AQP2 and may be effective in increasing water reabsorption in patients with congenital NDI. Patient and Methods: A 4-year old boy with X-linked NDI resistant to conventional therapy was treated with sildenafil for 10 days after a 2-day washout period between the 2 treatment regimens. Aliquots of the 24-hour urine collections before and after treatment were analyzed for urine volume, osmolality, cGMP and AQP2 determinations. Blood samples were also obtained for sodium and osmolality measurements. The primary endpoint was 24-hour urine volume after 10 days of sildenafil and conventional treatments. Results: Compared to conventional therapy, treatment with sildenafil resulted in substantial reduction in 24-hour urine volume (1,764 vs. 950 ml) and serum sodium (148 vs. 139) mEq/l, and increased urine osmolality (104 vs. 215 mOsm/l), and AQP2 excretion (5 vs. 26 fmol/mg creatinine). The patient tolerated sildenafil well and experienced no adverse effects. Conclusions: Sildenafil citrate should be considered an alternative agent in the treatment of X-linked NDI resistant to conventional therapy.
Family history of venous thromboembolism as a risk factor and genetic research tool
Authors: Li Xinjun , Ohlsson Henrik , Ji Jianguang , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Zöller Bengt
Published: August 2015

Familial clustering of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was described as far back as 1905 by Briggs. Although Egeberg discovered inherited deficiency of antithrombin in 1965, it was not until Dahlback discovered resistance to activated protein C in 1993 that it became clear that genetic factors are common risk factors of VTE. Several genes have been linked to familial aggregation of VTE and genome-wide association studies have found several novel gene loci. Still, it has been estimated that much of the heritability for VTE remains to be discovered. Family history (FH) of VTE is therefore still important to determine whether a patient has an increased genetic risk of VTE. FH has the potential to represent the sum of effects and interactions between environmental and genetic factors. In this article the design, methodology, results, clinical and genetic implications of FH studies of VTE are reviewed. FH in first-degree relatives (siblings and/or parents) is associated with a 2–3 times increased familial relative risk (FRR). However, the FRR is dependent on age, number of affected relatives, and presentation of VTE (provoked/unprovoked). Especially high familial risks are observed in individuals with two or more affected siblings (FFR> 50). However, the familial risk for recurrent VTE is much lower or non-significant. Moreover, FH of VTE appears mainly to be important for venous diseases (i. e. VTE and varicose veins). The familial associations with other diseases are weaker. In conclusion, FH of VTE is an important research tool and a clinically potential useful risk factor for VTE.
Granito Encantada: registro de uma intrusão peraluminosa na Província Rondoniana - San Ignácio, no SW do Cráton Amazônico - MT
Authors: Nascimento Brena Verginassi do , Silva Carlos Humberto Da , Costa Ana Cláudia Dantas da
Published: August 2015

O Granito Encantada ocorre no extremo sudoeste do estado de Mato Grosso, SW do Cráton Amazônico, nas proximidades da fronteira Brasil – Bolívia. Corresponde a um corpo orientado segundo direção NNW, que intrudiu rochas metassedimentares e metavulcânicas. Consiste de leucogranitos de composição monzo a sienogranitica, marcado por uma xistosidade proeminente. Apresenta textura equigranular a inequigranular porfirítica, sendo composto por: quartzo, K-feldspato, plagioclásio, muscovita e biotita com granada, zircão, allanita, e minerais opacos. Clorita e epidoto são os minerais secundários mais comuns. O estudo geoquímico permite classificar o magmatismo como de caráter ácido, subalcalino, do tipo cálcio-alcalino de alto potássio a shoshonítico. São rochas com índice de saturação de alumina superior a 1, com coríndon normativo, sendo por isso classificado como um granito peraluminoso. Como reflexo do excesso de alumínio, apresenta diversas fases aluminosas, destacando-se muscovita e biotita, além de granada. Apresentam padrão típico de rochas cálcio alcalinas ricas em potássio com enriquecimento de ETR leves sobre pesados. Os dados coletados permitem considerar que as rochas do Granito Encantada foram geradas a partir da fusão parcial de rochas crustais de composição pelítica.
Modelagem numérica da deformação em carbonatos e implicações na formação de carste
Authors: Rabelo Juliana Gomes , Silva Aline Theophilo , Bezerra Francisco Hilário Rego , Moraes Anderson
Published: August 2015

O efeito da presença de fraturas sobre o fluxo de fluidos em reservatório é hoje tema de interesse fundamental para a indústria do petróleo. Tratando-se de rochas carbonáticas, o estudo da contribuição das fraturas sobre a eficiência dos reservatórios se complexifica em função da natureza reativa dessas rochas aos fluidos circulantes e a alta tendência à formação de carste. As fraturas atuam como agentes focalizadores da percolação de fluidos e exercem controle estrutural sobre a formação do carste. Para a indústria do petróleo, esse cenário pode ser favorável pelo aumento da porosidade e permeabilidade secundárias das fraturas, mas também oferece riscos à operação. O presente estudo investiga, sob o ponto de vista geomecânico, como a presença de fraturas influencia o desenvolvimento do carste observado em rochas carbonáticas. A Formação Jandaíra foi selecionada como geomaterial análogo a reservatórios carbonáticos fraturados em bacias marginais do Brasil. A metodologia adotada para esse estudo incluiu: (i) a utilização de imagens de satélite e de VANT; (ii) modelagem numérica do efeito das tensões atuais sobre as estruturas do lajedo. Comparados os resultados dos modelos numéricos ao mapeamento realizado nas imagens, verificou-se que as regiões dos modelos numéricos onde ocorrem os maiores valores de dilatância coincidiram com regiões locais no terreno (terminações de falhas e cruzamento de fraturas), onde ocorrem concentração de dissolução e formação de carste. Assim, este trabalho estabeleceu que existe uma relação possível entre a concentração de tensão e a dissolução ao longo da trama estrutural observada nos lajedos fraturados e carstificados e evidenciou que o processo de dilatância provavelmente é responsável pela ocorrência de dissolução preferencial controlada por fraturas em rochas carbonáticas.
Molecular Mapping of Sinoatrial Node HCN Channel Expression in the Human Heart
Authors: Li Ning , Csepe Thomas A. , Hansen Brian J. , Dobrzynski Halina , Higgins Robert S.D. , Kilic Ahmet , Mohler Peter J. , Janssen Paul M.L. , Rosen Michael R. , Biesiadecki Brandon J. , Fedorov Vadim V.
Published: August 2015

Background—

The hyperpolarization-activated current,
I
f
, plays an important role in sinoatrial node (SAN) pacemaking. Surprisingly, the distribution of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in human SAN has only been investigated at the mRNA level. Our aim was to define the expression pattern of HCN proteins in human SAN and different atrial regions.

Methods and Results—

Entire SAN complexes were isolated from failing (n=5) and nonfailing (n=9) human hearts cardioplegically arrested in the operating room. Three-dimensional intramural SAN structure was identified as the fibrotic compact region around the SAN artery with Connexin 43–negative pacemaker cardiomyocytes visualized in Masson’s trichrome and immunostained cryosections. SAN protein was precisely isolated from the adjacent frozen SAN tissue blocks using a 16G biopsy needle. The purity of the SAN protein was confirmed by Connexin 43 immunoblot. All 3 HCN isoform proteins were detected in SAN. HCN1 was predominantly distributed in the human SAN with a 125.1±40.2 (n=12) expression ratio of SAN to right atrium. HCN2 and HCN4 expression levels were higher in SAN than in atria, with SAN to right atrium ratios of 6.1±0.9 and 4.6±0.6 (n=12), respectively.

Conclusions—

This is the first study to conduct precise 3D molecular mapping of the human SAN by isolating pure pacemaker SAN tissue. All 3 cardiac HCN isoforms had higher expression in the SAN than in the atria. HCN1 was almost exclusively expressed in SAN, emphasizing its utility as a new specific molecular marker of the human SAN and as a potential target of specific treatments intended to modify sinus rhythm.
Coronary Heart Disease Mortality Declines in the United States From 1979 Through 2011
Authors: Wilmot Kobina A. , O’Flaherty Martin , Capewell Simon , Ford Earl S. , Vaccarino Viola
Published: August 2015

Background—

Coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rates have fallen dramatically over the past 4 decades in the Western world. However, recent data from the United States and elsewhere suggest a plateauing of CHD incidence and mortality among young women. We therefore examined recent trends in CHD mortality rates in the United States according to age and sex.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed mortality data between 1979 and 2011 for US adults ≥25 years of age. We calculated age-specific CHD mortality rates and compared estimated annual percentage changes during 3 approximate decades of data (1979–1989, 1990–1999, and 2000–2011). We then used Joinpoint regression modeling to assess changes in trends over time on the basis of inflection points of the mortality rates. Adults ≥65 years of age showed consistent mortality declines, which became even steeper after 2000 (women, −5.0%; men, −4.4%). In contrast, young men and women (<55 years of age) initially showed a clear decline in CHD mortality from 1979 until 1989 (estimated annual percentage change, −5.5% in men and −4.6% in women). However, the 2 subsequent decades saw stagnation with minimal improvement. Notably, young women demonstrated no improvements between 1990 and 1999 (estimated annual percentage change, 0.1%) and only −1% estimated annual percentage change since 2000. Joinpoint analyses provided consistent results.

Conclusions—

The dramatic decline in CHD mortality since 1979 conceals major heterogeneities. CHD death rates in older groups are now falling steeply. However, young adults have experienced frustratingly small decreases in CHD mortality rates since 1990. The drivers of these major differences in CHD mortality trends by age and sex merit urgent study.
Inhibition of Kinin B1 Receptors Attenuates Pulmonary Hypertension and Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Murugesan Priya , Hildebrandt Tobias , Bernlöhr Christian , Lee Dongwon , Khang Gilson , Doods Henri , Wu Dongmei
Published: August 2015

This study examined whether the kinin B1 receptor is involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, and whether its inhibition could reduce inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, vascular remodeling, and right heart dysfunction. Male Wistar rats underwent left pneumonectomy. Seven days later, the rats were injected subcutaneously with monocrotaline (60 mg/kg). The rats were then randomly assigned to receive treatment with vehicle or with BI113823 (a selective B1 receptor antagonist, 30 mg/kg, twice per day) via oral gavage from the day of monocrotaline injection to day 28. By day 28, BI113823-treated rats had significantly lower mean pulmonary artery pressure, less right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary arterial neointimal formation than that of the vehicle-treated rats. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that there was a significant increase in mRNA expression of B1 receptors in the lungs of monocrotaline-challenged pneumonectomized rats. Treatment with BI113823 significantly reduced macrophage recruitment, as measured via bronchoalveolar lavage. It also markedly reduced CD-68 positive macrophages and proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive cells in the perivascular areas, reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9, and B1 receptors compared with measurements in vehicle-treated rats. These findings demonstrate that kinin B1 receptors represent a novel therapeutic target for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Deficiency of Angiotensinogen in Hepatocytes Markedly Decreases Blood Pressure in Lean and Obese Male Mice
Authors: Yiannikouris Frederique , Wang Yu , Shoemaker Robin , Larian Nika , Thompson Joel , English Victoria L. , Charnigo Richard , Su Wen , Gong Ming , Cassis Lisa A.
Published: August 2015

We recently demonstrated that adipocyte deficiency of angiotensinogen (AGT) ablated high-fat diet–induced elevations in plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) concentrations and obesity-hypertension in male mice. Hepatocytes are the predominant source of systemic AGT. Therefore, in this study, we defined the contribution of hepatocyte-derived AGT to obesity-induced elevations in plasma AGT concentrations and hypertension. Male
Agt

fl/fl

mice expressing albumin-driven Cre recombinase were bred to female
Agt

fl/fl

mice to generate
Agt

fl/fl

or hepatocyte AGT–deficient male mice (
Agt

Alb

). Mice were fed a low-fat or high-fat diet for 16 weeks. Hepatocyte AGT deficiency had no significant effect on body weight. Plasma AGT concentrations were increased in obese
Agt

fl/fl

mice. Hepatocyte AGT deficiency markedly reduced plasma AGT and Ang II concentrations in lean and obese mice. Moreover, hepatocyte AGT deficiency reduced the content and release of AGT from adipose explants. Systolic blood pressure was markedly decreased in lean (by 18 mm Hg) and obese
Agt

Alb

mice (by 54 mm Hg) compared with
Agt

fl/fl

controls. To define mechanisms, we quantified effects of Ang II on mRNA abundance of megalin, an AGT uptake transporter, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Ang II stimulated adipocyte megalin mRNA abundance and decreased media AGT concentrations. These results demonstrate that hepatocytes are the predominant source of systemic AGT in both lean and obese mice. Moreover, reductions in plasma angiotensin concentrations in obese hepatocyte AGT–deficient mice may have limited megalin-dependent uptake of AGT into adipocytes for the production of Ang II in the development of obesity-hypertension.
Adiciones a la flora liquénica foliícola de Argentina, Paraguay Oriental y regiones limítrofes de Brasil

Authors: Ferraro Lidia Itati , Lücking Robert
Published: August 2015

In the present paper the authors update the taxonomic and floristic knowledge of foliicolous lichenized fungi in northern Argentina and adjacent areas in Paraguay and southern Brazil. Twenty-seven taxa are reported for the first time, and the genera Phyllobathelium and Psorotheciopsis are recorded for the first time in Argentina. Furthermore, the new combination Gyalectidium catenulatum [ºTauromyces catenulatus] is proposed.
Oxidation reactions are required to produce atranorin from acetate by alginate-immobilized cells of Cladonia verticillaris.

Authors: B. Sebastián , B. Fontaniella , C. Pereira E. , C. Vicente
Published: August 2015

Atranorin, a p-depside of the b-orcinol series, is produced by several Cladonia species. Immobilized cells of Cladonia verticillaris in calcium alginate are able to produce atranorin when they are supplied with 1.0 mM acetate as a precursor. Production of the depside is enhanced by adding an oxidant agent (NAD+ or FMN) to the incubation media and its secretion to these media is facilitated by permeabilizing the immobilized cells with 2 % iso-propanol.
Las Lejeuneaceae (Hepaticae) de Misiones, Argentina VI. Lejeunea y Taxilejeunea

Authors: Reiner-Drehwald M. Elena
Published: August 2015

Fifteen species of Lejeunea and three species of Taxilejeunea (Lejeuneaceae, subfam. Lejeuneoideae) occurring in Misiones, Argentina are described and illustrated: Lejeunea cancellata Nees & Mont., L. filipes Spruce, L. flava (Sw.) Nees, L. geophila Spruce, L. grossitexta (Steph.) E.Reiner & Goda, L. laetevirens Nees & Mont., L. lepida Lindenb. & Gottsche, L. monimiae (Steph.) Steph., L. phyllobola Nees & Mont., L. ptosimophylla C.Massal., L. puiggariana Steph., L. quinqueumbonata Spruce, L. setiloba Spruce, L. tapajosensis Spruce, L. trinitensis Lindenb., Taxilejeunea obtusangula (Spruce) A.Evans, T. pterigonia (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Schiffn. and T. terricola (Spruce) Steph. Five new synonyms (Lejeunea flava (Sw.) Nees [syn. nov.: L. symphoreta Spruce], L. lepida Lindenb. & Gottsche [syn. nov.: L. cladobola Spruce] and L. phyllobola Nees & Mont. [syn. nov.: L. cephalandra Spruce, L. polycephala Spruce and L. brittoniae (A.Evans) Grolle]) and four lectotypifications (L. lepida Lindenb. & Gottsche, L. monimiae (Steph.) Steph., L. phyllobola Nees & Mont. and L. quinqueumbonata Spruce) are proposed. Keys for identification of the species are also provided.
Studies on some Australian pottiaceous mosses, including several nomina nuda

Authors: Sollman Philip
Published: August 2015

Barbula propingua C. Muell. is Tortula antarctica (Hampe) Wils. in Hook. f.; Barbula vesiculosa C. Muell. is Tortula papillosa Wils.; Tortula chlorotricha Broth. & Geheeb is Barbula crinita K. F. Schultz; Barbula chrysopus C. Muell. is Didymodon torquatus (Tayl.) Catcheside. Furthermore, comments are given on several nomina nuda.
Studies on Barbula consanguinea (Thw. & Mitt.) Jaeg. sensu Eddy, a pan-tropical species

Authors: Sollman Philip
Published: August 2015

Barbula consanguinea (Thw. & Mitt.) Jaeg. sensu Eddy is considered as a pan-tropical species. This taxon is reported new for several central African countries, the Arabian peninsula, and Middle America. This variable species is shortly discussed and compared with (most) related taxa. Hymenostylium crispulum Broth. & Par. and Barbula obscura Sull. (= Barbula wrightii Sauerb.) are considered as synonyms of Barbula consanguinea.
Some mosses (Pottiales) new or rarely collected in tropical Asia
Authors: Sollman Philip
Published: August 2015

Barbula zennoskeana Tan is reported new for Malaysia. Didymodon maschalogena (Ren. & Card.) Broth. (replaces Didymodon michiganensis (Steere) K. Saito) is reported new for the Philippines. Barbula murina C. Muell. nom. nud. is considered as synonymous with Barbula indica (Hook.) Spreng.
Hypnodontopsis confertus comb. nov. from Baltic amber
Authors: Frahm Jan-Peter
Published: August 2015

The first record of a sporophyte of Muscites confertus Goeppert & Berendt described as fossil species from Baltic amber revealed that this species can be attributed to the genus Hypnodontopsis. It is very similar to the extant H. mexicana known from only two collections in Mexico and Uganda, but seems to differ in the absence of pluripapillose laminal cells. Therefore Muscites confertus is combined as new to the genus Hypnodontopsis.
Ecology of bryophytes along altitudinal and latitudinal gradients in New Zealand. Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 15.

Authors: Frahm Jan-Peter , Ohlemüller Ralf
Published: August 2015

Six altitudinal transects through temperate rain forests were studied at different latitudes in the South and North Island of New Zealand with respect to species numbers of bryophytes, cover and phytomass of epiphytic bryophytes, composition of life forms and ratio liverworts : mosses. Phytodiversity of bryophytes is almost constant from the lowlands to the high montane belt but decreases in the subalpine belt. Similarly, phytomass and cover increase with elevation but decrease in the subalpine belt. The percentage of liverworts increases accordingly and can reach maxima of 80-90%. The most significant life forms are tails and wefts characteristic for hyperhygric conditions, pendents for cloud belts and cushions for subalpine belts. The altitudinal gradient is much stronger then the latitudinal gradient, that means the differences between the elevations within a transect are more important than the differences between the transects. They are attributed to the humidity. The temperate rain forests of New Zealand have similar bryological characteristics as the tropical rain forests in equatorial latitudes in 2000 – 3000 m altitude but differ in the drier subalpine belt and higher phytomass.
Contribution to the Bryoflora of Kenya
Authors: Chuah-Petiot Min S.
Published: August 2015

109 species of bryophytes are presented from various localities in Kenya, among which are thirteen new records (marked with **) for the country.
Revision of the species of the Merodon nanus group (Diptera: Syrphidae) including three new species
Authors: Vujić Ante , Radenković Snežana , Ačanski Jelena , Grković ANA , Taylor Mike , Şenol Serdar Gökhan , Hayat RÜSTEM
Published: August 2015

The nanus group of the genus Merodon Meigen (Diptera, Syrphidae) is revised, yielding an illustrated key, a discussion of taxonomic characters and morphological diagnosis for the five species of this group. Three new cryptic species are described, Merodon kopensis Vujić et Hayat sp. n., M. neonanus Vujić et Taylor sp. n. and M. rasicus Vujić et Radenković sp. n. New diagnostic characters are given for M. nanus Sack and M. telmateia Hurkmans. In addition, environmental profiles for each investigated species have been defined and compared, and maps of distribution and richness created. Niche dissimilarity was found for each species. Eastern Anatolia and the southern Aegean region of Turkey are reported as the most species rich regions for the nanus group.
Cladocera of Hainan Island, China
Authors: SINEV ARTEM Y. , GU YANGLIANG , HAN BO-PING
Published: August 2015

The cladoceran fauna of Hainan Island (China) was investigated. Samples were collected in January 2013 and in April 2014 from over hundred water bodies, including large and small reservoirs, ponds and pools, rivers, streams, and paddy fields. There are no large natural lakes on the island. We found 53 species of Cladocera: 9 species of Sididae; 5 Daphniidae; 2 Moinidae; 2 Macrothricidae; 2 Ilyocryptidae; 3 Bosminidae; and 30 Chydoridae. Planktonic communities were dominated by Diaphanosoma dubium Manuilova, 1964, D. excisum Sars, 1885, D. sarsi Richard, 1894, Moina micrura Kurz, 1874 and Bosminopsis deitersi (Richard, 1895). Six Chydoridae species are first records for China. The fauna consists mostly of Oriental and Pantropical species, but, also includes non-tropical Palaearctic species and East Asian endemics. For these species, Hainan Island is the southernmost record. The number of species is rather small, compared to adjacent areas. This may reflect a low intensity of sampling, but more likely a lack of natural lakes. Communities in reservoirs suffer from water level fluctuations, and the absence of permanent macrophyte stands, a preferred habitat of littoral cladocera.
A Spatiotemporal Stochastic Model for Tropical Precipitation and Water Vapor Dynamics
Authors: Hottovy Scott , Stechmann Samuel N.
Published: August 2015

A linear stochastic model is presented for the dynamics of water vapor and tropical convection. Despite its linear formulation, the model reproduces a wide variety of observational statistics from disparate perspectives, including (i) a cloud cluster area distribution with an approximate power law; (ii) a power spectrum of spatiotemporal red noise, as in the “background spectrum” of tropical convection; and (iii) a suite of statistics that resemble the statistical physics concepts of critical phenomena and phase transitions. The physical processes of the model are precipitation, evaporation, and turbulent advection–diffusion of water vapor, and they are represented in idealized form as eddy diffusion, damping, and stochastic forcing. Consequently, the form of the model is a damped version of the two-dimensional stochastic heat equation. Exact analytical solutions are available for many statistics, and numerical realizations can be generated for minimal computational cost and for any desired time step. Given the simple form of the model, the results suggest that tropical convection may behave in a relatively simple, random way. Finally, relationships are also drawn with the Ising model, the Edwards–Wilkinson model, the Gaussian free field, and the Schramm–Loewner evolution and its possible connection with cloud cluster statistics. Potential applications of the model include several situations where realistic cloud fields must be generated for minimal cost, such as cloud parameterizations for climate models or radiative transfer models.
Clouds and Water Vapor in the Tropical Tropopause Transition Layer over Mesoscale Convective Systems
Authors: Virts Katrina S. , Houze Robert A.
Published: August 2015

Observations from A-Train satellites and other datasets show that mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) affect the water vapor and ice content of the tropical tropopause transition layer (TTL). The largest MCSs with radar reflectivity characteristics consistent with the presence of large stratiform and anvil regions have the greatest impact. Most MCSs are associated with clouds in the TTL. Composites in MCS-relative coordinates indicate enhanced cloudiness and ice water content (IWC) extending toward the cold-point tropopause (CPT), particularly in large and connected MCSs. Widespread anvils in the lower TTL are evident in the peak cloudiness diverging outward at those levels. Upper-tropospheric water vapor concentrations are enhanced near MCSs. Close to the centers of MCSs, water vapor is suppressed at TTL base, likely because of the combined effects of reduced moistening or dehydration at the higher TTL relative humidities and subsidence above cloud top. Weak moistening is observed near the CPT, consistent with sublimation of ice crystals at the tops of the deepest MCSs. In the outflow region, moistening is observed in the lower TTL near the largest MCSs. Enhanced water vapor in the upper troposphere and lower TTL extends beyond the area of substantially enhanced cloudiness and IWC, in agreement with the observed radial outflow, indicating that MCSs are injecting water vapor into the environment and consistent with the possibility that MCS development may be favored by a premoistened environment.
Wintertime North Pacific Teleconnection Patterns: Seasonal and Interannual Variability
Authors: Yuan Jiacan , Tan Benkui , Feldstein Steven B. , Lee Sukyoung
Published: August 2015

The teleconnections of the wintertime North Pacific are examined from the continuum perspective with self-organizing map (SOM) analysis. Daily ERA-Interim data for the 1979–2011 period are used. It is found that most of the North Pacific teleconnections can be grouped into several Pacific–North American (PNA)-like, western Pacific (WP)-like, and east Pacific (EP)-like SOM patterns. Each of the SOM patterns has an e-folding time scale of 7–10 days.

The WP-like SOM patterns undergo a decline in their frequency from early to late winter, and vice versa for the EP-like SOM patterns, corresponding to an eastward seasonal shift of the North Pacific teleconnections. This seasonal shift is observed for both phases of the WP and EP patterns, and is only weakly sensitive to the phase of El Niño–Southern Oscillation. It is shown that the interannual variability of the PNA, WP, and EP can be interpreted as arising from interannual changes in the frequency of the corresponding SOM patterns. The WP- and EP-like SOM patterns are found to be associated with statistically significant sea ice cover anomalies over the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea. The low-level wind and temperature anomalies associated with these patterns are consistent with the changes in sea ice arising from both wind-driven sea ice motion and freezing and/or melting of sea ice due to horizontal temperature advection. Furthermore, widespread precipitation anomalies over the North Pacific are found for all three patterns.
Hydrometeorological Analysis of Tropical Storm Hermine and Central Texas Flash Flooding, September 2010
Authors: Furl Chad , Sharif Hatim O. , El Hassan Almoutaz , Mazari Newfel , Burtch Daniel , Mullendore Gretchen L.
Published: August 2015

Heavy rainfall and flooding associated with Tropical Storm Hermine occurred on 7–8 September 2010 across central Texas, resulting in several flood-related fatalities and extensive property damage. The largest rainfall totals were received near Austin, Texas, and immediately north, with 24-h accumulations at several locations reaching a 500-yr recurrence interval. Among the most heavily impacted drainage basins was the Bull Creek watershed (58 km2) in Austin, where peak flows exceeded 500 m3 s−1. Storm cells were trained over the small watershed for approximately 6 h because of the combination of a quasi-stationary synoptic feature slowing the storm, orographic enhancement from the Balcones Escarpment, and moist air masses from the Gulf of Mexico sustaining the storm. Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations with and without the Balcones Escarpment terrain indicate that orographic enhancement affected rainfall. The basin received nearly 300 mm of precipitation, with maximum sustained intensities of 50 mm h−1. The Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA) model was used to simulate streamflow from the event and to analyze the flood hydrology. Model simulations indicate that the spatial organization of the storm during intense rainfall periods coupled with surface conditions and characteristics mediate stream response.