bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of miR‐146a and miR‐142‐3p as Potential Markers of Freshly Isolated or In Vitro‐Expanded Human Treg cells
Authors: Holmstrøm K. , Pedersen A. E. , Gad M.
Published: December 2016

Regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs) are pivotal for prevention of autoimmunity. The use of Tregs is therefore of increasing interest in in vitro drug screening assays as well as for a cytotherapy per se against autoimmune disorders. For both purposes, in vitro expansion of peripheral blood Tregs is necessary and there is an increasing need to identify novel markers that can discriminate natural thymic‐derived Tregs (tTregs) from other T cell subsets, and ideally, such markers should be stably expressed during in vitro expansion procedures. We screened for novel miRNAs differentially expressed in tTregs and identified miR‐146a and 142‐3p as possible candidates. We analysed freshly isolated naïve and activated tTregs and non‐Treg subsets after or prior to in vitro expansion. We observed a tTreg‐specific profile of these miRNAs together with FOXP3 and Helios in freshly isolated tTregs, but observed a decline in the same markers in activated tTregs as opposed to naïve tTregs. In vitro‐expanded Tregs could be identified based on FOXP3 expression, but with loss of a discriminate profile for miRNA candidates and a decline in FOXP3 when activated tTregs were expanded. Our data demonstrate miR‐146a and 142‐3p as potential miRNA markers for discrimination between non‐Treg cells and tTregs, but these miRNAs are not stable markers for in vitro‐expanded Treg cells. In addition, the loss of FOXP3 in expansion of activated tTregs has implication for in vitro use of this cell subset in immunopharmacological assays and cytotherapy as FOXP3 is pivotal for suppressive function.
Expression of Toll‐Like Receptors in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Karlsen M. , Jakobsen K. , Jonsson R. , Hammenfors D. , Hansen T. , Appel S.
Published: December 2016

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors important for the detection of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns. They are localized on cellular membranes, on either the cell surface or the endosomes. Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic rheumatic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltrations in exocrine glands resulting in dryness in eyes and mouth. In a majority of patients, autoantibodies against Ro/SSA and/or La/SSB are present. Here we analysed mRNA levels of TLR1‐10 and protein expression levels of most of them in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 20 patients with pSS and 20 healthy controls. Patients with pSS showed significantly higher mRNA levels of TLR8 than controls, while transcript levels of TLR9 were significantly lower. At the protein level, patients with pSS expressed significantly less TLR5 and significantly more TLR7 compared with healthy controls. TLR7 and 8 are encoded by genes localized on the X chromosome, which is especially interesting regarding the gender imbalance of pSS. The differential expression of various TLR in PBMC of patients with pSS might contribute to an altered recognition of nucleic acids, eventually resulting in the development of autoimmune disease.
Risk factors for the development of Clostridium difficile infection in adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A single‐center study in Québec, Canada
Authors: Lavallée Christian , Labbé Annie‐Claude , Talbot Jean‐Daniel , Alonso Carolyn D. , Marr Kieren A. , Cohen Sandra , Laverdière Michel , Dufresne Simon Frédéric
Published: December 2016

Background

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Our primary objective was to determine risk factors for the development of CDI during the first year following allo‐HSCT.

Methods

A matched case–control study nested in a cohort of allo‐HSCT at a single hospital in Montréal, Québec, Canada, was conducted from 2002 through 2011.

Results

Sixty‐five of 760 patients who underwent allo‐HSCT between 2002 and 2011 developed CDI, representing an incidence of 8.6%. We selected 123 controls matched for year of transplant for risk factor analyses. In the multivariable analysis, receipt of trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) prior to transplantation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02‐0.27), mucositis (aOR 5.90, 95% CI 2.08‐16.72), and reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) (aOR 6.17, 95% CI 2.17‐17.57) and of other Herpesviridae viruses (aOR 3.04, 95% CI 1.13‐8.16) were the variables that remained statistically associated with CDI. High‐risk antibiotic use in the late post‐transplant period (aOR 7.63, 95% CI 2.14‐27.22) was associated with development of late CDI.

Conclusion

This study revealed reactivation of CMV and other Herpesviridae viruses as novel risk factors for CDI. Administration of TMP‐SMX prior to transplantation was independently associated with a decreased risk of CDI. Early and late CDI after HSCT may have distinct risk factors.
Risk factors and epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients during the peritransplant period
Authors: Aldrete Sol del Mar , Kraft Colleen S. , Magee Matthew J. , Chan Austin , Hutcherson Don , Langston Amelia A. , Greenwell Brian I. , Burd Eileen M. , Friedman‐Moraco Rachel
Published: December 2016

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients represent a high‐risk group for developing Clostridium difficile (CD) infection (CDI). We aimed to identify specific risk factors for CDI in an HSCT patient population during the peritransplant period.

Methods

We performed a case–control study within a cohort of HSCT patients who received a transplant from November 2010 to March 2013. Cases had a clinical presentation compatible with CDI and a positive stool sample Xpert® C. difficile test. Controls were CDI negative and matched on age, gender, and transplant type. Peritransplant period was defined as −30 days or time of stem cell mobilization maneuver to 30 days post transplant in autologous SCT or 90 days post transplant in allogeneic SCT.

Results

Of 781 HSCTs performed during the study period, 650 (83.2%) had a stool sample submitted for CD testing. Eight‐six (13.2%) cases with CDI were identified. Most of the cases were diagnosed within a week after transplantation (median of 5 days). In adjusted analysis, prior hospitalization (odds ratio [OR]: 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2‐3.36), prior cephalosporin administration (OR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.54‐4.83), and prior chemotherapy (OR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.92‐5.5) were significantly associated with CDI.

Conclusions

Hospitalization, and prior antibiotic and chemotherapy use are risk factors that are not easily modifiable, which emphasizes the need to start investigating preventive or prophylactic strategies in this high‐risk population.
The mitochondrial complexome of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Senkler Jennifer , Senkler Michael , Eubel Holger , Hildebrandt Tatjana , Lengwenus Christian , Schertl Peter , Schwarzländer Markus , Wagner Stephan , Wittig Ilka , Braun Hans‐Peter
Published: December 2016

Mitochondria are central to cellular metabolism and energy conversion. In plants they also enable photosynthesis through additional components and functional flexibility. A majority of those processes relies on the assembly of individual proteins to larger protein complexes, some of which operate as large molecular machines. There has been a strong interest in the makeup and function of mitochondrial protein complexes and protein–protein interactions in plants, but the experimental approaches used typically suffer from selectivity or bias. Here, we present a complexome profiling analysis for leaf mitochondria of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana for the systematic characterization of protein assemblies. Purified organelle extracts were separated by 1D Blue native (BN) PAGE, a resulting gel lane was dissected into 70 slices (complexome fractions) and proteins in each slice were identified by label free quantitative shot‐gun proteomics. Overall, 1359 unique proteins were identified, which were, on average, present in 17 complexome fractions each. Quantitative profiles of proteins along the BN gel lane were aligned by similarity, allowing us to visualize protein assemblies. The data allow re‐annotating the subunit compositions of OXPHOS complexes, identifying assembly intermediates of OXPHOS complexes and assemblies of alternative respiratory oxidoreductases. Several protein complexes were discovered that have not yet been reported in plants, such as a 530 kDa Tat complex, 460 and 1000 kDa SAM complexes, a calcium ion uniporter complex (150 kDa) and several PPR protein complexes. We have set up a tailored online resource (https://complexomemap.de/at_mito_leaves) to deposit the data and to allow straightforward access and custom data analyses.
Maintaining the factory: the roles of the unfolded protein response in cellular homeostasis in plants
Authors: Angelos Evan , Ruberti Cristina , Kim Sang‐Jin , Brandizzi Federica
Published: December 2016

Much like a factory, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) assembles simple cellular building blocks into complex molecular machines known as proteins. In order to protect the delicate protein folding process and ensure the proper cellular delivery of protein products under environmental stresses, eukaryotes have evolved a set of signaling mechanisms known as the unfolded protein response (UPR) to increase the folding capacity of the ER. This process is particularly important in plants, because their sessile nature commands adaptation for survival rather than escape from stress. As such, plants make special use of the UPR, and evidence indicates that the master regulators and downstream effectors of the UPR have distinct roles in mediating cellular processes that affect organism growth and development as well as stress responses. In this review we outline recent developments in this field that support a strong relevance of the UPR to many areas of plant life.
Seed dormancy and soil seedbank of the invasive weed Chenopodium hybridum in north‐western China
Authors: Hu X W , Pan J , Min D D , Fan Y , Ding X Y , Fan S G , Baskin C C , Baskin J M
Published: December 2016

Seed dormancy and persistence in the soil seedbank play a key role in timing of germination and seedling emergence of weeds; thus, knowledge of these traits is required for effective weed management. We investigated seed dormancy and seed persistence on/in soil of Chenopodium hybridum, an annual invasive weed in north‐western China. Fresh seeds are physiologically dormant. Sulphuric acid scarification, mechanical scarification and cold stratification significantly increased germination percentages, whereas dry storage and treatments with plant growth regulators or nitrate had no effect. Dormancy was alleviated by piercing the seed coat but not the pericarp. Pre‐treatment of seeds collected in 2012 and 2013 with sulphuric acid for 30 min increased germination from 0% to 66% and 62% respectively. Effect of cold stratification on seed germination varied with soil moisture content (MC) and duration of treatment; seeds stratified in soil with 12% MC for 2 months germinated to 39%. Burial duration, burial depth and their interaction had significant effects on seed dormancy and seed viability. Dormancy in fresh seeds was released from October to February, and seeds re‐entered dormancy in April. Seed viability decreased with time for seeds on the soil surface and for those buried at a depth of 5 cm, and 39% and 10%, respectively, were viable after 22 months. Thus, C. hybridum can form at least a short‐lived persistent soil seedbank.
Monkey vocal tracts are speech-ready
Authors: Fitch W. Tecumseh , de Boer Bart , Mathur Neil , Ghazanfar Asif A.
Published: December 2016

X-ray analyses of macaque vocal tract movements show that monkeys’ inability to speak is not due to limitations of peripheral anatomy.
Modeling Stochastic Variability in the Numbers of Surviving Salmonella enterica, Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes Cells at the Single-Cell Level in a Desiccated Environment
Authors: Koyama Kento , Hokunan Hidekazu , Hasegawa Mayumi , Kawamura Shuso , Koseki Shigenobu
Published: December 2016

Despite effective inactivation procedures, small numbers of bacterial cells may still remain in food samples. The risk that bacteria will survive these procedures has not been estimated precisely because deterministic models cannot be used to describe the uncertain behavior of bacterial populations. We used the Poisson distribution as a representative probability distribution to estimate the variability in bacterial numbers during the inactivation process. Strains of four serotypes of
Salmonella enterica
, three serotypes of enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
, and one serotype of
Listeria monocytogenes
were evaluated for survival. We prepared bacterial cell numbers following a Poisson distribution (indicated by the parameter λ, which was equal to 2) and plated the cells in 96-well microplates, which were stored in a desiccated environment at 10% to 20% relative humidity and at 5, 15, and 25°C. The survival or death of the bacterial cells in each well was confirmed by adding tryptic soy broth as an enrichment culture. Changes in the Poisson distribution parameter during the inactivation process, which represent the variability in the numbers of surviving bacteria, were described by nonlinear regression with an exponential function based on a Weibull distribution. We also examined random changes in the number of surviving bacteria using a random number generator and computer simulations to determine whether the number of surviving bacteria followed a Poisson distribution during the bacterial death process by use of the Poisson process. For small initial cell numbers, more than 80% of the simulated distributions (λ = 2 or 10) followed a Poisson distribution. The results demonstrate that variability in the number of surviving bacteria can be described as a Poisson distribution by use of the model developed by use of the Poisson process.

IMPORTANCE
We developed a model to enable the quantitative assessment of bacterial survivors of inactivation procedures because the presence of even one bacterium can cause foodborne disease. The results demonstrate that the variability in the numbers of surviving bacteria was described as a Poisson distribution by use of the model developed by use of the Poisson process. Description of the number of surviving bacteria as a probability distribution rather than as the point estimates used in a deterministic approach can provide a more realistic estimation of risk. The probability model should be useful for estimating the quantitative risk of bacterial survival during inactivation.
Association between meteorological factors and bacillary dysentery incidence in Chaoyang city, China: an ecological study
Authors: Zhao Yang , Zhu Yaxin , Zhu Zhiwei , Qu Bo
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To quantify the relationship between meteorological factors and bacillary dysentery incidence.

Design

Ecological study.

Setting

We collected bacillary dysentery incidences and meteorological data of Chaoyang city from the year 1981 to 2010. The climate in this city was a typical northern temperate continental monsoon. All meteorological factors in this study were divided into 4 latent factors: temperature, humidity, sunshine and airflow. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the relationship between meteorological factors and the incidence of bacillary dysentery.

Material

Incidences of bacillary dysentery were obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Chaoyang city, and meteorological data were collected from the Bureau of Meteorology in Chaoyang city.

Primary outcome measures

The indexes including χ2, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), comparative fit index (CFI), standardised root mean square residual (SRMR) and goodness-of-fit index (GFI) were used to evaluate the goodness-of-fit of the theoretical model to the data. The factor loads were used to explore quantitative relationship between bacillary dysentery incidences and meteorological factors.

Results

The goodness-of-fit results of the model showing that RMSEA=0.08, GFI=0.84, CFI=0.88, SRMR=0.06 and the χ2value is 231.95 (p=0.0) with 15 degrees of freedom. Temperature and humidity factors had positive correlations with incidence of bacillary dysentery, with the factor load of 0.59 and 0.78, respectively. Sunshine had a negative correlation with bacillary dysentery incidence, with a factor load of −0.15.

Conclusions

Humidity and temperature should be given greater consideration in bacillary dysentery prevention measures for northern temperate continental monsoon climates, such as that of Chaoyang.
Effectiveness of medicines authentication technology to detect counterfeit, recalled and expired medicines: a two-stage quantitative secondary care study
Authors: Naughton Bernard , Roberts Lindsey , Dopson Sue , Chapman Stephen , Brindley David
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To identify the authentication and detection rate of serialised medicines using medicines authentication technology.

Design and intervention

4192 serialised medicines were entered into a hospital dispensary over two separate 8-week stages in 2015. Medicines were authenticated using secure external database cross-checking, triggered by the scanning of a two-dimensional data matrix with a unit specific 12-digit serial code. 4% of medicines included were preprogrammed with a message to identify the product as either expired, pack recalled, product recalled or counterfeit.

Setting

A site within a large UK National Health Service teaching hospital trust.

Participants

Accredited checking staff, pharmacists and dispensers in a pharmacy department.

Primary outcome measures

Authentication and detection rate of counterfeit expired and recalled medicines.

Results

The operational detection rate of counterfeit, recalled and expired medicines scanned as a combined group was 81.4% (stage 1 (S1)) and 87% (stage 2 (S2)). The technology's technical detection rate (TDR) was 100%; however, not all medicines were scanned and of those that were scanned not all that generated a warning message were quarantined. Owing to an operational authentication rate (OAR) of 66.3% (over both stages), only 31.8% of counterfeit medicines, 58% of recalled drugs and 64% of expired medicines were detected as a proportion of those entered into the study. Response times (RTs) of 152 ms (S1) and 165 ms (S2) were recorded, meeting the falsified medicines directive-mandated 300 ms limit.

Conclusions

TDRs and RTs were not a limiting factor in this study. The suboptimal OAR poses significant quality and safety issues with this detection approach. Authentication at the checking stage, however, demonstrated higher OARs. There is a need for further qualitative research to establish the reasons for less than absolute authentication and detection rates in the hospital environment to improve this technology in preparation for the incumbent European Union regulative deadline.
Ultrasonographic reference values for peripheral nerves and nerve roots in the normal population of children and adolescents: study protocol for an observational-prospective trial
Authors: Rasenack Maria , Décard Bernhard F , Schädelin Sabine , Grimm Alexander , Fischer Dirk , Hafner Patricia
Published: December 2016

Background

High-resolution ultrasonography is a new and promising technique to evaluate peripheral and spinal nerves. Its validity as a diagnostic tool in neurological diseases has been demonstrated in adults. Up to now no reference values have been published in children and adolescents although this technique would be ideal in this population as it is fast and non-invasive.

Methods/design

Our aim is to generate ultrasonographic reference values for several peripheral nerves (median, ulnar, radial, tibial, sural, peroneal and tibial nerve) as well as for the spinal nerves C5 and C6 and the vagus nerve in children and adolescents. In an observational prospective study, we will recruit 205 children and adolescents aged between ≥2 and ≤18 years without neuromuscular symptoms/signs and without a history of neuromuscular disease. After the collection of demographic and anthropometric data (height, weight, body mass index, age, gender and handedness) and a neurologic examination, a high-resolution ultrasonography of peripheral and spinal nerves at several anatomic landmarks will be performed. These data will be used to estimate age-dependent percentile curves and to evaluate inter-rater, intrarater and interequipment reliability of the measurements.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the local ethics committee (EKNZ 2015-210). The findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT02570802, pre-results publication.
Identifying indicators for quality abortion care: a systematic literature review
Authors: Dennis Amanda , Blanchard Kelly , Bessenaar Tshego
Published: December 2016

A systematic review was conducted of 13 peer-reviewed articles and eight reports focused on indicators of quality abortion care. A total of 75 indicators of quality abortion were identified; these indicators address a variety of issues including policy, health systems, trained-provider availability, women's decision making, and morbidity and mortality. There is little agreement about indicators for measuring quality abortion care; more work is needed to ensure efforts to assess quality are informed and coordinated.
Genetic polymorphisms ofUTS2rs2890565 Ser89Asn in cardiac hypertrophy in Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhao Jing , Jiang Jie , Wang Jie , Liu Lin , Han Xiao-Ning , Chu Song-Yun , Xue Lin , Ding Wen-Hui
Published: December 2016

Objective

Cardiac hypertrophy is the heart’s response to a variety of extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli, some of which might finally lead up to a maladaptive state. Clinical evidence, in vitro and in vivo studies have implicated urotensin II (U-II/UTS2) in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, contributing to the (patho)-physiological regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis in humans. Several genes are associated with left ventricular hypertrophy; considering these, our objective was to evaluate the possible role of UTS2 gene polymorphisms (Thr21Met and Ser89Asn) in the genetic susceptibility to cardiac hypertrophy in a Chinese population.

Methods

A case-control study was designed to compare the distribution of alleles and genotypes between three groups: case group 1 (subjects with hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy, n=265), case group 2 (subjects with hypertension, without cardiac hypertrophy, n=768), and the control group (subjects neither with hypertension nor with cardiac hypertrophy, n=416). The detection of UTS2 gene polymorphisms was achieved with the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism technique.

Results

We did not identify statistically significant differences between the three groups, neither with regard to the frequency of genotype/variant at the Ser89Asn locus nor at the Thr21Met locus. When stratified by sex, differences in genotype distribution of polymorphism Ser89Asn were only seen in female subjects in both the additive tested inheritance model (OR=0.507, 95% CI 0.249 to 1.032, p=0.032) and the recessive tested inheritance model (OR=0.475, 95% CI 0.239 to 0.945, p=0.034) between case group 2 (subjects with hypertension, without cardiac hypertrophy) and the control group (subjects neither with hypertension nor with cardiac hypertrophy). When stratified by sex, for female subjects with cardiac hypertrophy, we identified statistically significant differences in left ventricular posterior wall thickness for variant genotypes at the Ser89Asn locus (AA vs GG: 1.2500 (1.2000, 1.3750) vs 1.2500 (1.2000, 1.3750), p=0.03) and (AG+AA vs GG: 1.2000 (1.2000, 1.3000) vs 1.2000 (1.1000, 1.2000), p=0.01).

Conclusions

Ser89Asn (S89N) polymorphisms of the UTS2 gene were associated with hypertension in a Chinese female population. Additionally, we demonstrated that genotype Asn89Asn was associated with left ventricular posterior wall thickness for subjects with hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy in a Chinese female population.
High HIV incidence among young black men who have sex with men: constructing a retrospective cohort from a community health programme
Authors: Friedman M Reuel , Feliz Nayck B , Netto Jess , Adams Brian J , Matthews Derrick D , Stall Ron D , Ho Ken S , Krier Sarah E , Silvestre Anthony J
Published: December 2016

Objectives

We sought to calculate HIV incidence in a retrospective cohort of young (13–29 years old) black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) accessing repeated HIV-antibody testing in a mid-size city in the USA.

Methods

We aggregated site-specific HIV-antibody testing results from the project's inception among YBMSM who received an initial negative result and accessed at least one additional HIV-antibody test. From these data, we assessed number of seroconversions and person-years and calculated HIV incidence using a mid-P exact test to estimate 95% CIs.

Results

Five seroconversions were documented over 42.3 person-years (the mean age at first onsite test: 19.7 years), resulting in an HIV incidence rate of 11.8% (95% CI 4.3% to 26.2%). The mean age at seroconversion was 20.4 (±3.0) years.

Conclusions

Even in mid-size cities with low HIV prevalence rates in the general population, HIV incidence among YBMSM may be high. Community-based HIV-antibody testing organisations serving YBMSM should be encouraged and trained to track repeated HIV testing and calculate HIV incidence rates. Increased resources should be deployed to develop and encourage regular HIV testing in community health sites serving YBMSM.
Rheological properties of loose sands subjected to upward flow
Authors: Kang Hyo Sub , Kim Yun Tae
Published: December 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the rheological properties of loose sands subjected to upward flow by using a vane-type rheometer that controlled upward flow in the loose sand specimens. Various hydraulic gradients (i.e., i = 0–2.0) were applied to loose sands. The rheological properties of the loose sands, such as yield stress and viscosity, were determined based on the Bingham and Herschel–Bulkley models. The experimental results showed that the flow behavior of loose sand samples exhibited a shear thickening when the Herschel–Bulkley model was applied (i.e., nondimensional flow index n > 1) and exhibited a Bingham-like within a limited shear rate range (i.e., 1∼30 1/s). The latter is clearly shown for a relatively high shear rate. As the hydraulic gradient was increased, the flow characteristics were close to the Bingham fluid. Yield stress showed a tendency to decrease linearly as hydraulic gradient was increased. However, the viscosity of the loose sands maintained a constant value irrespective of hydraulic gradient. The test results indicated that the pore fluid pressure resulting from upward flow in a soil sample affects yield stress, which contributes to the initiation of debris flow mobilization. As a result, it was possible to estimate the rheological properties of soil at the condition of liquefaction (critical hydraulic gradient), or initial occurrence of debris flow.
Performance assessment of peat rail subgrade before and after mass stabilization
Authors: Wheeler Lisa N. , Take W. Andy , Hoult Neil A.
Published: December 2016

Railway tracks over peat subgrades can experience large ground deformations, increased pore-water pressures, formation of pumping holes, and pumping of fines during the passage of trains, which can lead to accelerated track deterioration and risk of derailment. One approach to mitigate these issues is to improve the subgrade stiffness using mass stabilization, which involves mixing a binding agent, such as cement, into a soil to improve its physical properties. This paper describes the development and use of a method to calculate trackbed modulus to quantify the improvement due to mass stabilization at a site with peat subgrade. Track modulus was calculated using in-service freight trains by measuring track displacements using digital image correlation and wheel loads from a nearby wheel impact load detector. Because of the voids that existed between the rail, sleepers, and ballast it was found that using displacements of the ballast crib to calculate the trackbed modulus, instead of the overall track modulus using rail or sleeper displacements, provided a way to quantify the improvement of the subgrade that was not affected by the presence of voids. The results indicate the post-rehabilitation trackbed modulus was double the original baseline value for the track section, indicating that mass stabilization can be an effective rehabilitation strategy to improve the stiffness of problematic peat subgrades.
Coastal retreat rates and sediment input to the Minas Basin, Nova Scotia
Authors: Wilson Erin K. , Hill Paul S. , van Proosdij Danika , Ruhl Monique
Published: December 2016

The strong tidal currents of the Minas Passage in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, have made this area an important site for testing and development of tidal power technologies. Understanding sediment processes in this area is essential for determining the impacts that large-scale tidal power extraction would have on the system. Previous estimates of sediment input to the Basin suggest that much more sediment enters the Basin than accumulates within it; therefore, the bottom sediment texture should be in hydrodynamic equilibrium with bottom currents. A recent study, however, showed that sediment texture is generally finer that what was expected based on current speeds. This paper uses geographic information systems methods to provide updated and more highly resolved measurements of the amount of sediment entering the Minas Basin from the dominant source, which is coastal erosion. Volumetric input from coastal erosion is 1.1 × 106 m3·a−1, which is more than two times smaller than previous estimates. This updated value makes input rates comparable to accumulation rates, and agrees with the hypothesis that bottom sediment texture is not in equilibrium with current speeds. Grain-size distributions also support the hypothesis that the Minas Basin acts as a sediment trap.
Cytogenetic study and stripe rust response of the derivatives from a wheat – Thinopyrum intermedium – Psathyrostachys huashanica trigeneric hybrid
Authors: Kang Hou-Yang , Tang Lin , Li Dai-Yan , Diao Cheng-Dou , Zhu Wei , Tang Yao , Wang Yi , Fan Xing , Xu Li-Li , Zeng Jian , Sha Li-Na , Yu Xiao-Fang , Zhang Hai-Qin , Zhou Yong-Hong
Published: December 2016

To transfer multiple desirable alien genes into common wheat, we previously reported a new trigeneric hybrid synthesized by crossing a wheat – Thinopyrum intermedium partial amphiploid with wheat – Psathyrostachys huashanica amphiploid. Here, the meiotic behavior, chromosome constitution, and stripe rust resistance of F5 derivatives from the wheat – Th. intermedium – P. huashanica trigeneric hybrid were studied. Cytological analysis indicated the F5 progenies had chromosome numbers of 42–50 (average 44.96). The mean meiotic configuration was 1.28 univalents, 21.74 bivalents, 0.04 trivalents, and 0.02 tetravalents per pollen mother cell. In 2n = 42 lines, the average pairing configuration was 0.05 I + 19.91 II (ring) + 1.06 II (rod) + 0.003 IV, suggesting these lines were cytologically stable. Most lines with 2n = 43, 44, 46, 48, or 50, bearing a high frequency of univalents or multivalents, showed abnormal meiotic behavior. Genomic in situ hybridization karyotyping results revealed that 25 lines contained 1–7 Th. intermedium chromosomes, but no P. huashanica chromosomes were found among the 27 self-pollinated progenies. At meiosis, univalents (1–5) possessing Th. intermedium hybridization signals were detected in 19 lines. Bivalents (1–3) expressing fluorescence signals were observed in 12 lines. Importantly, 21 lines harbored wheat – Th. intermedium chromosomal translocations with various alien translocation types. Additionally, two homozygous lines, K13-668-10 and K13-682-12, possessed a pair of wheat – Th. intermedium small fragmental translocations. Compared with the recurrent parent Zhong 3, most lines showed high resistance to the stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) pathogens prevalent in China, including race V26/Gui22. This paper reports a highly efficient technical method for inducing alien translocation between wheat and Th. intermedium by trigeneric hybridization. These lines might be potentially valuable germplasm resources for further wheat improvement.
Glucose regulates the intrinsic inflammatory response of the heart to surgically induced hypothermic ischemic arrest and reperfusion
Authors: Bux Ahmed S. , Lindsey Merry L. , Vasquez Hernan G. , Taegtmeyer Heinrich , Harmancey Romain
Published: December 2016

We investigated the isolated working rat heart as a model to study early transcriptional remodeling induced in the setting of open heart surgery and stress hyperglycemia. Hearts of male Sprague Dawley rats were cold-arrested in Krebs-Henseleit buffer and subjected to 60 min normothermic reperfusion in the working mode with buffer supplemented with noncarbohydrate substrates plus glucose (25 mM) or mannitol (25 mM; osmotic control). Gene expression profiles were determined by microarray analysis and compared with those of nonperfused hearts. Perfused hearts displayed a transcriptional signature independent from the presence of glucose showing a more than twofold increase in expression of 71 genes connected to inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. These transcriptional alterations were very similar to the ones taking place in the hearts of open heart surgery patients. Prominent among those alterations was the upregulation of the three master regulators of metabolic reprogramming, MYC, NR4A1, and NR4A2. Targeted pathway analysis revealed an upregulation of metabolic processes associated with the proliferation and activation of macrophages and fibroblasts. Glucose potentiated the upregulation of a subset of genes associated with polarization of tissue reparative M2-like macrophages, an effect that was lost in perfused hearts from rats rendered insulin resistant by high-sucrose feeding. The results expose the heart as a significant source of proinflammatory mediators released in response to stress associated with cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and suggest a major role for glucose as a signal in the determination of resident cardiac macrophage polarization.
Experience in Perioperative Management of Patients Undergoing Posterior Spine Fusion for Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Authors: Pesenti Sébastien , Blondel Benjamin , Peltier Emilie , Launay Franck , Fuentes Stéphane , Bollini Gérard , Viehweger Elke , Jouve Jean-Luc
Published: December 2016

The objective of this investigation was to determine the outcome of spine fusion for neuromuscular (NM) scoliosis, using Unit Rod technique, with emphasis on complications related to preoperative general health. Between 1997 and 2007, 96 consecutive patients with neuromuscular scoliosis operated on with Unit Rod instrumentation were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were diagnosis of NM scoliosis due to cerebral palsy (CP) and muscular dystrophy (DMD). Patient’s preoperative general health, weight, and nutrition were collected. Different radiographic and clinical parameters were evaluated. There were 66 CP patients (59 nonwalking) and 30 DMD patients (24 nonwalking). Mean age at surgery was 16.5 years and 13.9 years, respectively. All radiographic measurements improved significantly. Wound infection rate was 16.7% (11% of reoperation rate in CP; 10% in DMD; 3 hardware removal cases). No pelvic fracture due to rod irritation was observed. Unit Rod technique provides good radiographic and clinical outcomes even if this surgery is associated with a high complication rate. It is a quick, simple, and reliable technique. Perioperative management strategy should decrease postoperative complications and increases outcome. A standardized preoperative patient evaluation and preparation including respiratory capacity and nutritional, digestive, and musculoskeletal status are mandatory prior to surgery.
Antiobesity Effects of Hydroethanolic Extract of Jacaranda decurrens Leaves
Authors: Antunes Kátia Avila , Baldivia Débora da Silva , da Rocha Paola dos Santos , Casagrande Junior Cesar , Argandoña Eliana Janet Sanjinez , Vieira Maria do Carmo , Cardoso Cláudia Andrea Lima , dos Santos Edson Lucas , de Picoli Souza Kely
Published: December 2016

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that reduces life expectancy; therefore, the search for new alternative and effective treatments is ongoing. The aim of the present investigation was to identify the chemical compounds in the hydroethanolic extract of leaves of Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata and to evaluate their toxicity and antiobesity effects. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to identify the chemical constituents, and acute toxicity was evaluated in rats treated with doses of 2 and 5 g·kg−1 body mass. The antiobesity effect was determined in rats with hypercaloric diet‐induced obesity. Our results revealed the presence of compounds, such as jacaric, ursolic, and oleic acids, as well as luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol, in the extract. The acute toxicity tests revealed that rats treated with elevated doses of the extract showed no signs of toxicity. The extract induced reduction in total body mass and the white adipose tissue depots. The obese rats treated with the extract showed an increased fluid intake and feces excretion while their serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased compared to those in the controls, without any hematological changes. Taken together, the results showed that the constituents of J. decurrens extracts included phenolic compounds and exhibited antiobesity effects with no toxicity.
Enamel Based Composite Layers Deposited on Titanium Substrate with Antifungal Activity
Authors: Iconaru S. L. , Prodan A. M. , Turculet C. S. , Beuran M. , Ghita R. V. , Costescu A. , Groza A. , Chifiriuc M. C. , Chapon P. , Gaiaschi S. , Hristu R. , Stanciu G. A. , Trusca R. , Ganciu M. , Raita S. M. , Vineticu N. , Ciobanu C. S.
Published: December 2016

The goal of this paper was to investigate the antifungal activity of Enamel layers deposited on titanium substrate (Ti-Enamel) and Enamel layers deposited on titanium substrate previously coated with a vinyl polydimethylsiloxane layer (Ti-PDMS-Enamel). The physicochemical properties were also investigated. TheCandida albicansbiofilm development on the obtained layers was examined after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after ethidium bromide staining. A significant inhibition of the fungal adherence and biofilm development was observed on Ti-Enamel layers. The antifungal results demonstrated that the use of new Ti-Enamel composite layers could represent a promising perspective for the prevention of fungal biofilms associated implant infections.
Primary Osteosarcoma of the Bone with Rhabdoid Features: A Rare, Previously Undescribed Primary Malignant Tumor of Bone
Authors: Seiter Max , Al Maaieh Motasem , Rosenberg Andrew , Conway Sheila
Published: December 2016

Primary osteosarcoma of the bone with rhabdoid features is a rare malignant tumor of bone, not previously described in the literature. Here we report a 69-year-old female who originally presented with a right femur pathologic fracture. Radiographs of the injury showed an aggressive-appearing lesion of the distal femur. Initial biopsy was done, which was not diagnostic; additional advanced imaging studies were performed, which failed to show any other site within the body with detectable disease process. Accordingly, the patient underwent radical resection of the distal femur and reconstruction with endoprosthesis. Histopathology obtained from the operative specimen showed osteosarcoma with rhabdoid features. Two months after surgery, the patient is symptom-free and doing well; she is currently pending adjuvant chemotherapy. Although rhabdoid features have been described in extraskeletal osteosarcoma, this appears to be the first mention of osteosarcoma of bone with rhabdoid features in the literature.
Therapists’ Perspective on Virtual Reality Training in Patients after Stroke: A Qualitative Study Reporting Focus Group Results from Three Hospitals
Authors: Schmid Ludwig , Glässel Andrea , Schuster-Amft Corina
Published: December 2016

Background. During the past decade, virtual reality (VR) has become a new component in the treatment of patients after stroke. Therefore aims of the study were (a) to get an insight into experiences and expectations of physiotherapists and occupational therapists in using a VR training system and (b) to investigate relevant facilitators, barriers, and risks for implementing VR training in clinical practice.Methods. Three focus groups were conducted with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, specialised in rehabilitation of patients after stroke. All data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The study was analysed based on a phenomenological approach using qualitative content analysis.Results. After code refinements, a total number of 1289 codes emerged out of 1626 statements. Intercoder reliability increased from 53% to 91% until the last focus group. The final coding scheme included categories on a four-level hierarchy: first-level categories are (a) therapists and VR, (b) VR device, (c) patients and VR, and (d) future prospects and potential of VR developments.Conclusions. Results indicate that interprofessional collaboration is needed to develop future VR technology and to devise VR implementation strategies in clinical practice. In principal, VR technology devices were seen as supportive for a general health service model.
More Frequent Clinic Visits Are Associated with Improved Outcomes for Children with NAFLD
Authors: Lam Carol , Bandsma Robert , Ling Simon , Mouzaki Marialena
Published: December 2016

Objective. Adult data suggest that frequent monitoring of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may be associated with improved outcomes. The optimal frequency of outpatient visits for the management of pediatric NAFLD remains unknown. Study Design. In this retrospective study, two cohorts of patients with NAFLD, one followed on a yearly basis and one followed on 3-month intervals, were included. Both received similar advice regarding lifestyle changes. Primary outcome was change in BMI z-scores over a year. Secondary outcomes were the change in serum transaminases and markers of metabolic dysregulation. Results. Fifty-six patients were included (28 per group). The majority (71%) were male with a mean (±SD) age of 12.2 (±2.7) years. At baseline, there were no differences in BMI z-scores (2.8 versus 2.9; p=0.72) and ALT levels (101 versus 100 U/L; p=0.95) between the groups (yearly versus three-month, resp.). Twelve months later, those followed on a 3-month basis demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI (net BMI z-score change = −0.06; p=0.37), accompanied by a significant improvement in serum ALT (−25 U/L; p<0.01) and AST (−13 U/L; p=0.03) levels. There were no differences in fasting lipid profiles. Conclusion. Frequent clinic visits are associated with improved outcomes in pediatric NAFLD.
Preparation of a Specific ssDNA Aptamer for Brevetoxin-2 Using SELEX
Authors: Tian Rui-Yun , Lin Chao , Yu Shi-Yu , Gong Sheng , Hu Pan , Li Yan-Song , Wu Zong-Cheng , Gao Yang , Zhou Yu , Liu Zeng-Shan , Ren Hong-Lin , Lu Shi-Ying
Published: December 2016

The existing assays for detecting brevetoxin (BTX) depend on expensive equipment with a professional operator or on an antibody with limited stability, which requires complex processes, a high cost, and a considerable amount of time. The development of an alternative detection probe is another promising research direction. This paper reports the use of aptamers binding to BTX-2 in an analytical assay using the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). After 12 rounds of selection, the secondary structures of 25 sequences were predicted. Compared to other aptamers, Bap5 has relatively high affinity with the lowest dissociation constant of 4.83 μM, and IC50is 73.81 ng mL−1. A good linear regression formula ofy=30.688x-7.329with a coefficient correlation ofR2= 0.9798 was obtained using a biotin-avidin ELISA. Moreover, there is no cross-reaction with the detected marine toxins, except for BTX-2. Thus, Bap5 has potential to detect BTX-2 in shellfish in the future as a substitute for the recognition probe.
Acute Stroke due to Electrocution: Uncommon or Unrecognized?
Authors: Kokatnur Laxmi , Rudrappa Mohan
Published: December 2016

The growing dependence on electricity in our daily lives has increased the incidence of electrocution injuries. Although several neurological injuries have been described previously, acute stroke due to electrocution is rare. Our patient, a previously healthy man, was electrocuted after he grabbed a “live” high-voltage wire. Although he was hemodynamically stable, he remained confused with language defects. MRI of the brain showed acute stroke in the bilateral anterior cerebral artery territory and watershed regions of the left middle cerebral artery territory. MR angiogram incidentally showed A1 segment aplasia of the right anterior cerebral artery. Electrocution is known to cause vasospasm leading to end-organ damage similar to that seen in stroke. In our patient, vasospasm of the left anterior circulation likely led to watershed infarcts in the left parietal lobe and bilateral frontal lobes. Due to aplasia of the A1 segment on the right side, perfusion to both frontal lobes was solely from the left anterior cerebral artery.
Efficacy of PD-1 Blockade Is Potentiated by Metformin-Induced Reduction of Tumor Hypoxia
Authors: Scharping Nicole E. , Menk Ashley V. , Whetstone Ryan D. , Zeng Xue , Delgoffe Greg M.
Published: December 2016

Blockade of the coinhibitory checkpoint molecule PD-1 has emerged as an effective treatment for many cancers, resulting in remarkable responses. However, despite successes in the clinic, most patients do not respond to PD-1 blockade. Metabolic dysregulation is a common phenotype in cancer, but both patients and tumors are metabolically heterogeneous. We hypothesized that the deregulated oxidative energetics of tumor cells present a metabolic barrier to antitumor immunity through the generation of a hypoxic microenvironment and that normalization of tumor hypoxia might improve response to immunotherapy. We show that the murine tumor lines B16 and MC38 differed in their ability to consume oxygen and produce hypoxic environments, which correlated with their sensitivity to checkpoint blockade. Metformin, a broadly prescribed type II diabetes treatment, inhibited oxygen consumption in tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, resulting in reduced intratumoral hypoxia. Although metformin monotherapy had little therapeutic benefit in highly aggressive tumors, combination of metformin with PD-1 blockade resulted in improved intratumoral T-cell function and tumor clearance. Our data suggest tumor hypoxia acts as a barrier to immunotherapy and that remodeling the hypoxic tumor microenvironment has potential to convert patients resistant to immunotherapy into those that receive clinical benefit. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(1); 9–16. ©2016 AACR.