bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postsurgical Complications following Distal Radius Volar Plating in a Diabetic Population at Short-Term Follow-up
Authors: Koehler Daniel M. , Gao Yubo , Guan Justin J. , Lawler Ericka A. , Adams Brian D. , Shah Apurva S.
Published: June 2015

Background

Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of complications following operative treatment of lower extremity fractures. There is little published data establishing the impact of diabetes following surgical treatment of upper extremity fractures. This investigation aimed to compare the incidence of short-term postsurgical complications following volar locked plating of distal radius fractures in patients with and without diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective matched cohort investigation of 33 diabetics matched 1:2 to 66 non-diabetics was performed, accounting for age, gender, fracture type, and smoking status. Electronic medical records and radiographs were reviewed for all major and minor postsurgical complications. Demographic characteristics, postoperative radiographic parameters, and final range of motion were also compared. Mean follow-up was 5.3±8.2 and 5.5±7.8 months for diabetics and non-diabetics, respectively.

Results

The diabetic cohort had a significantly higher overall complication rate with 24 postsurgical complications affecting 12 patients (36 %) compared to 16 complications affecting 12 patients (18 %) in the non-diabetic cohort. There was no difference in the incidence of major complications requiring operative intervention. Minor complications were significantly more common in the diabetic group and were largely accounted for by peripheral neuritis with an incidence of 30 %. Final radiographic outcomes and range of motion were similar.

Conclusions

Diabetics experienced a greater incidence of minor postsurgical complications following volar locked plating of distal radius fractures when compared to a matched, control population. The difference in outcomes is largely accounted for by the increased incidence of peripheral neuritis among diabetics. Diabetic patients should be counseled preoperatively regarding their elevated risk profile.
Epidemiological Paradox or Immigrant Vulnerability? Obesity Among Young Children of Immigrants
Authors: Baker Elizabeth H. , Rendall Michael S. , Weden Margaret M.
Published: June 2015

According to the “immigrant epidemiological paradox,” immigrants and their children enjoy health advantages over their U.S.-born peers—advantages that diminish with greater acculturation. We investigated child obesity as a potentially significant deviation from this paradox for second-generation immigrant children. We evaluated two alternate measures of mother’s acculturation: age at arrival in the United States and English language proficiency. To obtain sufficient numbers of second-generation immigrant children, we pooled samples across two related, nationally representative surveys. Each included measured (not parent-reported) height and weight of kindergartners. We also estimated models that alternately included and excluded mother’s pre-pregnancy weight status as a predictor. Our findings are opposite to those predicted by the immigrant epidemiological paradox: children of U.S.-born mothers were less likely to be obese than otherwise similar children of foreign-born mothers; and the children of the least-acculturated immigrant mothers, as measured by low English language proficiency, were the most likely to be obese. Foreign-born mothers had lower (healthier) pre-pregnancy weight than U.S.-born mothers, and this was protective against their second-generation children’s obesity. This protection, however, was not sufficiently strong to outweigh factors associated or correlated with the mothers’ linguistic isolation and marginal status as immigrants.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: Where there is unmet need
Authors: Bupathi Manojkumar , Kaseb Ahmed , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Naing Aung
Published: June 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex and heterogeneous tumor most commonly associated with underlying chronic liver disease, especially hepatitis. It is a growing problem in the United States and worldwide. There are two potential ways to prevent HCC. Primary prevention which is based on vaccination or secondary prevention involving agents that slow down carcinogenesis. Several pathways have been thought to play a role in the development of HCC; specifically, those involving vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐mediated angiogenesis, WNT, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), and c‐MET. Currently, there are only a limited number of drugs which have been proven as effective treatment options for HCC and several clinical trials are testing drugs which target aberrations in the pathways mentioned above. In this review, we discuss currently approved therapies, monotherapies and combination therapy for the treatment of HCC.
Longitudinal Trends in All Healthcare-Associated Infections through Comprehensive Hospital-wide Surveillance and Infection Control Measures over the Past 12 Years: Substantial Burden of Healthcare-Associated Infections Outside of Intensive Care Units and “Other” Types of Infection
Authors: Kanamori Hajime , Weber David J. , DiBiase Lauren M. , Sickbert-Bennett Emily E. , Brooks Rebecca , Teal Lisa , Williams David , Walters Elizabeth M. , Rutala William A.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

Targeted surveillance has focused on device-associated infections and surgical site infections (SSIs) and is often limited to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in high-risk areas. Longitudinal trends in all HAIs, including other types of HAIs, and HAIs outside of intensive care units (ICUs) remain unclear. We examined the incidences of all HAIs using comprehensive hospital-wide surveillance over a 12-year period (2001–2012).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was conducted at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals, a tertiary care academic facility. All HAIs, including 5 major infections with 14 specific infection sites as defined using CDC criteria, were ascertained through comprehensive hospital-wide surveillance. Generalized linear models were used to examine the incidence rate difference by infection type over time.

RESULTS

A total of 16,579 HAIs included 6,397 cases in ICUs and 10,182 cases outside ICUs. The incidence of overall HAIs decreased significantly hospital-wide (−3.4 infections per 1,000 patient days), in ICUs (−8.4 infections per 1,000 patient days), and in non-ICU settings (−1.9 infections per 1,000 patient days). The incidences of bloodstream infection, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia in hospital-wide settings decreased significantly, but the incidences of SSI and lower respiratory tract infection remained unchanged. The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) increased remarkably. The outcomes were estimated to include 700 overall HAIs prevented, 40 lives saved, and cost savings in excess of $10 million.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated success in reducing overall HAIs over a 12-year period. Our data underscore the necessity for surveillance and infection prevention interventions outside of the ICUs, for non–device-associated HAIs, and for CDI.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(10):1139–1147
Ring formation on an inclined surface
Authors: Du Xiyu , Deegan R. D.
Published: June 2015

A drop dried on a solid surface will typically leave a narrow band of solute deposited along the contact line. Here we examine variations of this deposit due to the inclination of the substrate using numerical simulations of a two-dimensional drop, equivalent to a strip-like drop. An asymptotic analysis of the contact line region predicts that the upslope deposit will grow faster at early times, but the growth of this deposit ends sooner because the upper contact line depins first. From our simulations we find that the deposit can be larger at either the upper or lower contact line depending on the initial drop volume and substrate inclination. For larger drops and steeper inclinations, the early lead in deposited mass at the upper contact line is wiped out by the earlier depinning of the upper contact line and subsequent continued growth at the lower contact line. Conversely, for smaller drops and shallower inclinations, the early lead of the upper contact line is insurmountable despite its earlier termination in growth. Our results show that it is difficult to reconstructa posteriorithe inclination of the substrate based solely on the shape of the deposit.
Republican Personality Cults in Wartime China: Contradistinction and Collaboration
Authors: Taylor Jeremy E.
Published: June 2015

This paper explores the development of the Wang Jingwei personality cult during the Japanese occupation of China (1937–1945). It examines how the collaborationist Chinese state led by Wang sought to distinguish its figurehead from the person he had replaced, Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek. Drawing on visual, archival, and published sources, it traces the development of the Wang cult from the early years of the war, and argues that the unusual context in which the cult evolved ultimately undermined its coherence. The case of Wang Jingwei illustrates how the Chinese case more broadly can enhance our understandings of personality cults that develop under occupation. To this end, I compare the Wang regime with various European “collaborationist” governments that sought to promote their leaders in similar ways.
Performativity, Performance, and Indigenous Activism in Ecuador and the Andes
Authors: Huarcaya Sergio Miguel
Published: June 2015

To explain causality between ethnic consciousness and indigenous political activism in the Andes, scholars have proposed two perspectives. Some argue that ethnic consciousness was pre-existing; others claim that it was the product of political organizational processes. In this study, I demonstrate that the ethnic consciousness of Ecuadorian indigenous Andeans has been a dialogical work-in-progress that has hinged significantly on the emergence of self-conscious cultural performance. I analyze the trajectory from submission to assertiveness of Ecuadorian indigenous Andeans and compare it with the Peruvian and Bolivian cases, focusing on the ways in which performance and performativity have constructed indigeneity as a social reality. Performance implies a bounded act done by a subject who consciously performs, whereas performativity refers to the construction of the subject by the reiteration of norms. The research investigates three interrelated fields that are crucial in the constitution of indigeneity: the performativity of racial and ethnic hierarchies, the performance of indigenous culture during protest, and the performance of indigenous festivities. Considering that social hierarchies are iteratively constructed and that cultural performance is part and parcel of the political redress of cultural difference, I argue that through cultural performance Ecuadorian and Bolivian indigenous Andeans have been able to undermine the ways in which performativity has constituted them as subaltern subjects. This transformation has not happened in the Peru, where indigenous Andeans still feel that indigeneity is a stigmatized condition.
Spatial genetic structure ofManilkara maxima(Sapotaceae), a tree species from the Brazilian Atlantic forest
Authors: Ganzhorn S. M. , Thomas W. W. , Gaiotto F. A. , Lewis J. D.
Published: June 2015

Habitat fragmentation may lead to spatial genetic structuring of plant populations, but the magnitude of this effect differs among species. In this study, the effects of fragmentation on spatial genetic structure ofManilkara maxima, an ecologically important tree species endemic to the Atlantic forest of southern Bahia, Brazil, were examined. To address this issue, 222 individuals were sampled across two large-forest sites (200 and 400 ha) and one site comprising eight small fragments (5, 10 and 25 ha) roughly 35 y old. Five microsatellite loci were used. In general,M. maximaexhibited limited genetic structuring within and across the sites examined. At the landscape scale, genetic structure was not shaped by isolation by distance. Within individual sites, weak to moderate genetic structure was observed for both adults and saplings, which represented pre- and post-fragmentation, respectively. Sapling genetic structure did not clearly vary among the study sites, suggesting fragmentation has not affected spatial genetic structure. High levels of migration were observed, which would help maintain genetic connectivity. Taken together, these results suggestM. maxima, a long-lived tree that naturally occurs in low densities, may have limited spatial genetic structuring both within and across forest patches.
Early life history traits ofTrematomus scottiin the Bransfield Strait
Authors: La Mesa Mario , Catalano Barbara , Jones Christopher D.
Published: June 2015

Early life history traits of the blackfin notothen,Trematomus scotti, were investigated through otolith microincrement pattern and stomach content analyses. Post-larval specimens of 12–20 mm standard length (SL) were collected in the Bransfield Strait and adjacent waters during the 2010–11 summer. Catches were unevenly distributed across the surveyed area, yielding a relative abundance of 0.3–3.6 specimens per 1000 m3of filtered sea water. Age estimates ranged from 34 to 67 days, with good consistency and no apparent bias between readings. Based on an exponential model fitted to the age-length dataset, the growth rate was 0.17 mm day-1, corresponding to a daily percentage increment in size of 1.07% SL. In agreement with previous studies, larval hatching occurred at a mean size of 9.0 mm and was spread over a relatively short period, lasting from late December to late January. Prey composition consisted exclusively of copepods, mainly larval stages of copepodites. Feeding intensity ranged from 1–14 prey items per stomach, being positively correlated with larval fish size. In summary,T. scottishares a common early life history strategy with several other notothenioids, consisting of small larvae hatching in summer and overwintering as pelagic early juveniles until the following summer season.
Patient Factors that Impact upon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis: Therapists’ Perspectives
Authors: Currell Siobhan , Christodoulides Thomas , Siitarinen Jonna , Dudley Robert
Published: June 2015

Background: Randomized controlled trials have established that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in helping people with psychosis, though there is enormous variability in outcome. It is not clear what patient factors contribute to good outcomes. In fact, most studies considering client factors have excluded people with psychosis. It is clinicians who are deciding who is likely to benefit from CBT for psychosis (CBTp), though little is understood in terms of their views on who benefits from CBTp. Aims: This study investigated clinicians’ views on client characteristics that influence outcome in CBTp. Method: A Q-set of 61 client characteristics was developed from a literature search and interviews with clinicians experienced in working with CBT and/or psychosis. Twenty-one participants (familiar with psychosis and CBT through education, profession, practice or knowledge) rated the items based on their importance in effecting a positive outcome, on a forced normal distribution. Results: 21 completed Q-sorts yielded four factors, named as: acceptance and application of the cognitive model; attending to the present; secure base; meaningful active collaboration. Conclusions: Items regarding therapeutic alliance were highly endorsed throughout all factors. Some empirically-based items were not endorsed, although overall, clinician responses were consistent with prior research.
Solid State Reaction Mechanism and Microstructure Evolution of Ni-Al Powders during High Energy Ball Milling Revisited by TEM
Authors: Fan Guohua , Geng Lin , Feng Yicheng , Cui Xiping , Yan Xudong
Published: June 2015

Microstructure evolution during the formation of B2–NiAl by high energy ball milling of equiatomic elemental mixtures was studied by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The crystallite size, lattice defects and ordering of the B2–NiAl were monitored via TEM as function of milling time. The diffusion reaction, Ni+Al→NiAl3or/and Ni2Al3, occurred during high energy ball milling, and to a certain extent offered the stored energy for the explosive exothermic reaction, Ni+Al→B2–NiAl. The fine microstructure of newly formed B2–NiAl after 5 h milling involved high density defects, e.g. antiphase boundary, long range ordering domains, vacancies, and dislocations.
Postmastectomy internal mammary node radiation in women with breast cancer: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Yadav Budhi S. , Sharma Suresh C. , Ghoshal Sushmita , Kapoor Rakesh K. , Kumar Narendra
Published: June 2015

Background

To observe the impact of internal mammary node irradiation (IMNI) on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in postmastectomy women with breast cancer.

Materials and methods

Between 1978 and 1996, 153 women with stage II–III breast cancer were treated with postmastectomy radiation therapy (RT) with IMNI. Their clinical, pathological and treatment characteristics were matched with 166 patients without IMNI. The RT dose was 35 Gy to the chest wall and 40 Gy to the supraclavicular fossa and IMN in 15 fractions over 3 weeks with photons. All patients were planned with two-dimensional technique. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 41% and endocrine therapy to 52% of the patients. Symptomatic patients were further assessed for late pulmonary and late cardiac effects.

Results

The median follow-up period was 203 months (range, 182–224), and the median age was 44 years (range 20–73 years). The IMNI group had significantly more right-sided and inner/central quadrant tumours. Other characteristics were comparable between both the groups. DFS at 15 years with and without IMNI was 64 and 49%, respectively (p=0·0001). On multivariate analysis, IMNI was an independent, positive predictor of DFS [hazard ratio (HR), 2·89;p=0·0001]. Benefit of IMNI on DFS was more apparent in inner/central tumours [HR, 1·48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1·02–2·88], N2–N3 patients (HR, 1·44; 95% CI, 1·09–2·10) and in those who received chemotherapy (HR, 1·70; 95% CI, 1·07–2·71). OS at 15 years with and without IMNI was 68 and 54%, respectively (p=0·0001). Late pulmonary toxicity was 1·5 versus 1% with and without IMNI, respectively. Late cardiac toxicity was 2·6 versus 1·8% with and without IMNI, respectively.

Conclusions

IMNI significantly improved DFS and OS in postmastectomy breast cancer patients. Benefit of IMNI was seen in patients with central/inner tumours and N2–N3 disease. Late cardiopulmonary toxicities were comparable between the two groups.
Adoption of modern beekeeping and its impact on honey production in the former Mwingi District of Kenya: assessment using theory-based impact evaluation approach
Authors: Affognon Hippolyte D. , Kingori W.S. , Omondi A.I. , Diiro M.G. , Muriithi B.W. , Makau S. , Raina S.K.
Published: June 2015

This study used the theory-based impact evaluation approach to understand as to how promotion of beekeeping by the Commercial Insects Programme (CIP) of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has had an impact on honey production in the former Mwingi District of Kenya (now merged into Kitui County). We examined the adoption of modern hives promoted byicipeand applied data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess the technical efficiency (TE) of participants in CIP. CIP participants had an average TE of 0.56, which was significantly higher than that of non-participants in the former Kitui District (average TE of 0.26). Those who adopted modern hives achieved the highest average levels of TE (0.59). The study fits a Probit model to identify the drivers of adoption and a Tobit model to assess the intensity of adoption of modern hives. The propensity score matching approach was used to evaluate the impact of modern hives on honey production. Results indicate that perceptions about the yield and quality of honey obtained from modern hives significantly increased beekeepers' adoption decisions. The intensity of adoption expressed as the proportion of modern hives owned by beekeepers was significantly high among farmers who participated in CIP. A positive and significant relationship was observed between the adoption of modern hives and the quantity of honey produced. The present study indicates, through the average TE, that considerable room still exists for the improvement of beekeeping and provides strong evidence for scaling up the dissemination of modern hives in areas of Kenya with high potential.
First record of albinism in salema, Sarpa salpa (Perciformes: Sparidae), in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Terry Marta I. , Mallona Izaskun
Published: June 2015

The first record of albinism in salema (Sarpa salpa(Linnaeus, 1758)) observed in Cabo de Palos, Western Mediterranean, is reported here. The adult specimen showed an overall lack of pigmentation, presented normally coloured eyes and a further local dyspigmentation, being, therefore, classifiable as a partial albino. No noticeable changes in size nor morphology were detected.
G–Cubed: Building on 15 Years of Publishing Process–Level Science
Authors: Becker Thorsten
Published: June 2015

The new G–Cubed editorial team welcomes submissions of articles, suggestions for new themes, and other feedback.
Glycation of vitronectin inhibits VEGF-induced angiogenesis by uncoupling VEGF receptor-2–αvβ3 integrin cross-talk
Authors: Wang L , Zhang X , Pang N , Xiao L , Li Y , Chen N , Ren M , Deng X , Wu J
Published: June 2015

Glycation of vessel wall proteins is thought to have an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications in diabetes mellitus. However, no previous study has implicated glycated vitronectin (VN) in the control of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. To explore whether the glycation of VN affects angiogenic signaling and to understand the molecular mechanisms involved, we synthesized glycated VN by incubating VN with methylglyoxal (MGO) in vitro and identified the formation of glycated VN by an LC–ESI–MS/MS-based method. We tested the hypothesis that glycation of VN downregulates VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) activation by uncoupling the interaction between VEGFR-2 and αvβ3. Unmodified and MGO-glycated VN were used as substrates for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The effects of glycated VN on VEGF signaling in HUVECs were investigated. The glycation of VN inhibited VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 and the intracellular signaling pathway downstream of VEGFR-2. Glycated VN inhibited the binding of VEGFR-2 to β3 integrin and inhibited the phosphorylation of β3 integrin. Furthermore, glycation of VN significantly decreased VEGF-induced migration of HUVECs in vitro and vessel outgrowth in an ex vivo angiogenesis model. Collectively, these data indicate that the glycation of VN inhibits VEGF-induced VEGFR-2 activation by uncoupling VEGFR-2–αvβ3 integrin cross-talk. The glycation of VN causes a reduction in the migration of endothelial cells and vessel outgrowth. This may provide a mechanism for the failure of collateral sprouting in diabetic microangiopathy.
IL-1 receptor antagonist-deficient mice develop autoimmune arthritis due to intrinsic activation of IL-17-producing CCR2+Vγ6+γδ T cells
Authors: Akitsu Aoi , Ishigame Harumichi , Kakuta Shigeru , Chung Soo-hyun , Ikeda Satoshi , Shimizu Kenji , Kubo Sachiko , Liu Yang , Umemura Masayuki , Matsuzaki Goro , Yoshikai Yasunobu , Saijo Shinobu , Iwakura Yoichiro
Published: June 2015

Interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing γδ T (γδ17) cells have been implicated in inflammatory diseases, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that both CD4+ and γδ17 cells are required for the development of autoimmune arthritis in IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra)-deficient mice. Specifically, activated CD4+ T cells direct γδ T-cell infiltration by inducing CCL2 expression in joints. Furthermore, IL-17 reporter mice reveal that the Vγ6+ subset of CCR2+ γδ T cells preferentially produces IL-17 in inflamed joints. Importantly, because IL-1Ra normally suppresses IL-1R expression on γδ T cells, IL-1Ra-deficient mice exhibit elevated IL-1R expression on Vγ6+ cells, which play a critical role in inducing them to produce IL-17. Our findings demonstrate a pathogenic mechanism in which adaptive and innate immunity induce an autoimmune disease in a coordinated manner.
Caenorhabditis elegans is a useful model for anthelmintic discovery
Authors: Burns Andrew R. , Luciani Genna M. , Musso Gabriel , Bagg Rachel , Yeo May , Zhang Yuqian , Rajendran Luckshika , Glavin John , Hunter Robert , Redman Elizabeth , Stasiuk Susan , Schertzberg Michael , Angus McQuibban G. , Caffrey Conor R. , Cutler Sean R. , Tyers Mike , Giaever Guri , Nislow Corey , Fraser Andy G. , MacRae Calum A. , Gilleard John , Roy Peter J.
Published: June 2015

Parasitic nematodes infect one quarter of the world’s population and impact all humans through widespread infection of crops and livestock. Resistance to current anthelmintics has prompted the search for new drugs. Traditional screens that rely on parasitic worms are costly and labour intensive and target-based approaches have failed to yield novel anthelmintics. Here, we present our screen of 67,012 compounds to identify those that kill the non-parasitic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We then rescreen our hits in two parasitic nematode species and two vertebrate models (HEK293 cells and zebrafish), and identify 30 structurally distinct anthelmintic lead molecules. Genetic screens of 19 million C. elegans mutants reveal those nematicides for which the generation of resistance is and is not likely. We identify the target of one lead with nematode specificity and nanomolar potency as complex II of the electron transport chain. This work establishes C. elegans as an effective and cost-efficient model system for anthelmintic discovery.
A plastic relationship between vinculin-mediated tension and adhesion complex area defines adhesion size and lifetime
Authors: Hernández-Varas Pablo , Berge Ulrich , Lock John G. , Strömblad Staffan
Published: June 2015

Cell-matrix adhesions are central mediators of mechanotransduction, yet the interplay between force and adhesion regulation remains unclear. Here we use live cell imaging to map time-dependent cross-correlations between vinculin-mediated tension and adhesion complex area, revealing a plastic, context-dependent relationship. Interestingly, while an expected positive cross-correlation dominated in mid-sized adhesions, small and large adhesions display negative cross-correlation. Furthermore, although large changes in adhesion complex area follow vinculin-mediated tension alterations, small increases in area precede vinculin-mediated tension dynamics. Modelling based on this mapping of the vinculin-mediated tension-adhesion complex area relationship confirms its biological validity, and indicates that this relationship explains adhesion size and lifetime limits, keeping adhesions focal and transient. We also identify a subpopulation of steady-state adhesions whose size and vinculin-mediated tension become stabilized, and whose disassembly may be selectively microtubule-mediated. In conclusion, we define a plastic relationship between vinculin-mediated tension and adhesion complex area that controls fundamental cell-matrix adhesion properties.
Cell migration and antigen capture are antagonistic processes coupled by myosin II in dendritic cells
Authors: Chabaud Mélanie , Heuzé Mélina L. , Bretou Marine , Vargas Pablo , Maiuri Paolo , Solanes Paola , Maurin Mathieu , Terriac Emmanuel , Le Berre Maël , Lankar Danielle , Piolot Tristan , Adelstein Robert S. , Zhang Yingfan , Sixt Michael , Jacobelli Jordan , Bénichou Olivier , Voituriez Raphaël , Piel Matthieu , Lennon-Duménil Ana-Maria
Published: June 2015

The immune response relies on the migration of leukocytes and on their ability to stop in precise anatomical locations to fulfil their task. How leukocyte migration and function are coordinated is unknown. Here we show that in immature dendritic cells, which patrol their environment by engulfing extracellular material, cell migration and antigen capture are antagonistic. This antagonism results from transient enrichment of myosin IIA at the cell front, which disrupts the back-to-front gradient of the motor protein, slowing down locomotion but promoting antigen capture. We further highlight that myosin IIA enrichment at the cell front requires the MHC class II-associated invariant chain (Ii). Thus, by controlling myosin IIA localization, Ii imposes on dendritic cells an intermittent antigen capture behaviour that might facilitate environment patrolling. We propose that the requirement for myosin II in both cell migration and specific cell functions may provide a general mechanism for their coordination in time and space.
Lifetime Reduction and Enhanced Emission of Single Photon Color Centers in Nanodiamond via Surrounding Refractive Index Modification
Authors: Khalid Asma , Chung Kelvin , Rajasekharan Ranjith , Lau Desmond W.M. , Karle Timothy J. , Gibson Brant C. , Tomljenovic-Hanic Snjezana
Published: June 2015

The negatively-charged nitrogen vacancy (NV−) center in diamond is of great interest for quantum information processing and quantum key distribution applications due to its highly desirable long coherence times at room temperature. One of the challenges for their use in these applications involves the requirement to further optimize the lifetime and emission properties of the centers. Our results demonstrate the reduction of the lifetime of NV− centers and hence an increase in the emission rate, achieved by modifying the refractive index of the environment surrounding the nanodiamond (ND). By coating the NDs in a polymer film, experimental results and numerical calculations show an average of 63% reduction in the lifetime and an average enhancement in the emission rate by a factor of 1.6. This strategy is also applicable for emitters other than diamond color centers where the particle refractive index is greater than the refractive index of the surrounding media.
Individual Differences in Newborn Visual Attention Associate with Temperament and Behavioral Difficulties in Later Childhood
Authors: Papageorgiou Kostas A. , Farroni Teresa , Johnson Mark H. , Smith Tim J. , Ronald Angelica
Published: June 2015

Recently it was shown that individual differences in attention style in infants are associated with childhood effortful control, surgency and hyperactivity-inattention. Here we investigated whether effortful control, surgency and behavioral problems in childhood can be predicted even earlier, from individual differences in newborns’ average duration of gaze to stimuli. Eighty newborns participated in visual preference and habituation studies. Parents completed questionnaires at follow up (mean age = 7.5 years, SD = 1.0 year). Newborns’ average dwell time was negatively associated with childhood surgency (β = −.25, R2 = .04, p = .02) and total behavioral difficulties (β = −.28, R2 = .05, p = .04) but not with effortful control (β = .03, R2 = .001, p = .76). Individual differences in newborn visual attention significantly associated with individual variation in childhood surgency and behavioral problems, showing that some of the factors responsible for this variation are present at birth.
Considerably Unfolded Transthyretin Monomers Preceed and Exchange with Dynamically Structured Amyloid Protofibrils
Authors: Groenning Minna , Campos Raul I. , Hirschberg Daniel , Hammarström Per , Vestergaard Bente
Published: June 2015

Despite numerous studies, a detailed description of the transthyretin (TTR) self-assembly mechanism and fibril structure in TTR amyloidoses remains unresolved. Here, using a combination of primarily small -angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry (HXMS) analysis, we describe an unexpectedly dynamic TTR protofibril structure which exchanges protomers with highly unfolded monomers in solution. The protofibrils only grow to an approximate final size of 2,900 kDa and a length of 70 nm and a comparative HXMS analysis of native and aggregated samples revealed a much higher average solvent exposure of TTR upon fibrillation. With SAXS, we reveal the continuous presence of a considerably unfolded TTR monomer throughout the fibrillation process and show that a considerable fraction of the fibrillating protein remains in solution even at a late maturation state. Together, these data reveal that the fibrillar state interchanges with the solution state. Accordingly, we suggest that TTR fibrillation proceeds via addition of considerably unfolded monomers and the continuous presence of amyloidogenic structures near the protofibril surface offers a plausible explanation for secondary nucleation. We argue that the presence of such dynamic structural equilibria must impact future therapeutic development strategies.
Synthesis, characterization and apoptotic activity of quinazolinone Schiff base derivatives toward MCF-7 cells via intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways
Authors: Zahedifard Maryam , Lafta Faraj Fadhil , Paydar Mohammadjavad , Yeng Looi Chung , Hajrezaei Maryam , Hasanpourghadi Mohadeseh , Kamalidehghan Behnam , Abdul Majid Nazia , Mohd Ali Hapipah , Ameen Abdulla Mahmood
Published: June 2015

The current study investigated the cytotoxic effect of 3-(5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-41(H)-one (A) and 3-(5-nitro-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-2-(5-nitro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one (B) on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MCF-10A and WRL-68 cells. The mechanism involved in apoptosis was assessed to evaluate the possible pathways induced by compound A and B. MTT assay results using A and B showed significant inhibition of MCF-7 cell viability, with IC50 values of 3. 27 ± 0.171 and 4.36 ± 0.219 μg/mL, respectively, after a 72 hour treatment period. Compound A and B did not demonstrate significant cytotoxic effects towards MDA-MB-231, WRL-68 and MCF-10A cells. Acute toxicity tests also revealed an absence of toxic effects on mice. Fluorescent microscopic studies confirmed distinct morphological changes (membrane blebbing and chromosome condensation) corresponding to typical apoptotic features in treated MCF-7 cells. Using Cellomics High Content Screening (HCS), we found that compound A and B could trigger the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytosol. The release of cytochrome c activated the expression of caspases-9 and then stimulated downstream executioner caspase-3/7. In addition, caspase-8 showed remarkable activity, followed by inhibition of NF-κB activation in A-and B-treated MCF-7 cells. The results indicated that A and B could induce apoptosis via a mechanism that involves either extrinsic or intrinsic pathways.
GDC 2: Compression of large collections of genomes
Authors: Deorowicz Sebastian , Danek Agnieszka , Niemiec Marcin
Published: June 2015

The fall of prices of the high-throughput genome sequencing changes the landscape of modern genomics. A number of large scale projects aimed at sequencing many human genomes are in progress. Genome sequencing also becomes an important aid in the personalized medicine. One of the significant side effects of this change is a necessity of storage and transfer of huge amounts of genomic data. In this paper we deal with the problem of compression of large collections of complete genomic sequences. We propose an algorithm that is able to compress the collection of 1092 human diploid genomes about 9,500 times. This result is about 4 times better than what is offered by the other existing compressors. Moreover, our algorithm is very fast as it processes the data with speed 200 MB/s on a modern workstation. In a consequence the proposed algorithm allows storing the complete genomic collections at low cost, e.g., the examined collection of 1092 human genomes needs only about 700 MB when compressed, what can be compared to about 6.7 TB of uncompressed FASTA files. The source code is available at http://sun.aei.polsl.pl/REFRESH/index.php?page=projects&project=gdc&subpage=about.
Identification of cytokine-induced modulation of microRNA expression and secretion as measured by a novel microRNA specific qPCR assay
Authors: Benes Vladimir , Collier Paul , Kordes Claus , Stolte Jens , Rausch Tobias , Muckentaler Martina U. , Häussinger Dieter , Castoldi Mirco
Published: June 2015

microRNAs are an abundant class of small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression post-transcriptionally. Importantly, microRNA activity participates in the regulation of cellular processes and is a potentially valuable source of biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of human diseases. Here we introduce miQPCR, an innovative method to quantify microRNAs expression by using Real-Time PCR. miQPCR exploits T4 RNA ligase activities to extend uniformly microRNAs’ 3′-ends by addition of a linker-adapter. The adapter is then used as ‘anchor’ to prime cDNA synthesis and throughout qPCR to amplify specifically target amplicons. miQPCR is an open, adaptable and cost-effective procedure, which offers the following advantages; i) universal elongation and reverse transcription of all microRNAs; ii) Tm-adjustment of microRNA-specific primers; iii) high sensitivity and specificity in discriminating among closely related sequences and; iv) suitable for the analysis of cellular and cell-free circulating microRNAs. Analysis of cellular and cell-free circulating microRNAs secreted by rat primary hepatocytes stimulated with cytokines and growth factors identifies for the first time a widespread modulation of both microRNAs expression and secretion. Altogether, our findings suggest that the pleiotropic activity of humoral factors on microRNAs may extensively affect liver function in response to injury and regeneration.
A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles
Authors: Kurosawa Yuko , Nirengi Shinsuke , Homma Toshiyuki , Esaki Kazuki , Ohta Mitsuhiro , Clark Joseph F. , Hamaoka Takafumi
Published: June 2015

Our aim was to determine the quantitative effects of a single-dose of Nattokinase (NK) administration on coagulation/fibrinolysis parameters comprehensively in healthy male subjects. A double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over NK intervention study was carried out in 12 healthy young males. Following the baseline blood draw, each subject was randomized to receive either a single-dose of 2,000 FU NK (NSK-SD, Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co., Ltd) or placebo with subsequent cross-over of the groups. Subjects donated blood samples at 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours following administration for analysis of coagulation/fibrinolysis parameters. As a result, D-dimer concentrations at 6 and 8 hours and blood fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products at 4 hours after NK administration elevated significantly (p < 0.05, respectively). Factor VIII activity declined at 4 and 6 hours (p < 0.05, respectively), blood antithrombin concentration was higher at 2 and 4 hours (p < 0.05, respectively) and the activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged significantly at 2 and 4 hours following NK administration (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). All the changes, however, were within the normal range. In conclusion, thus, a single-dose of NK administration appears enhancing fibrinolysis and anti-coagulation via several different pathways simultaneously.
Hierarchical Assembly of SnO2/ZnO Nanostructures for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Zhu Liangliang , Hong Minghui , Wei Ho Ghim
Published: June 2015

SnO2/ZnO hierarchical heterostructures have been successfully synthesized by combining electrospinning technique and hydrothermal method. Various morphologies of the secondary ZnO nanostructures including nanorods (NRs) and nanosheets (NSs) can be tailored by adding surfactants. Photocatalytic performance of the heterostructures was investigated and obvious enhancement was demonstrated in degradation of the organic pollutant, compared to the primary SnO2-based nanofibers (NFs) and bare ZnO. Furthermore, it was found that the H2 evolution from water splitting was achieved by photocatalysis of heterostructured nanocomposites after sulfurization treatment. This synthetic methodology described herein promises to be an effective approach for fabricating variety of nanostructures for enhanced catalytic applications. The heterostructured nanomaterials have considerable potential to address the environmental and energy issues via degradation of pollutant and generation of clean H2 fuel.
Warmer temperature accelerates methane emissions from the Zoige wetland on the Tibetan Plateau without changing methanogenic community composition
Authors: Cui Mengmeng , Ma Anzhou , Qi Hongyan , Zhuang Xuliang , Zhuang Guoqiang , Zhao Guohui
Published: June 2015

Zoige wetland, locating on the Tibet Plateau, accounts for 6.2% of organic carbon storage in China. However, the fate of the organic carbon storage in the Zoige wetland remains poorly understood despite the Tibetan Plateau is very sensitive to global climate change. As methane is an important greenhouse gas and methanogenesis is the terminal step in the decomposition of organic matter, understanding how methane emissions from the Zoige wetland is fundamental to elucidate the carbon cycle in alpine wetlands responding to global warming. In this study, microcosms were performed to investigate the effects of temperature and vegetation on methane emissions and microbial processes in the Zoige wetland soil. A positive correlation was observed between temperature and methane emissions. However, temperature had no effect on the main methanogenic pathway—acetotrophic methanogenesis. Moreover, methanogenic community composition was not related to temperature, but was associated with vegetation, which was also involved in methane emissions. Taken together, these results indicate temperature increases methane emissions in alpine wetlands, while vegetation contributes significantly to methanogenic community composition and is associated with methane emissions. These findings suggest that in alpine wetlands temperature and vegetation act together to affect methane emissions, which furthers a global warming feedback loop.
Phytotoxic Mechanism of Nanoparticles: Destruction of Chloroplasts and Vascular Bundles and Alteration of Nutrient Absorption
Authors: Nhan Le Van , Ma Chuanxin , Rui Yukui , Liu Shutong , Li Xuguang , Xing Baoshan , Liu Liming
Published: June 2015

This study focused on determining the phytotoxic mechanism of CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs): destroying chloroplasts and vascular bundles and altering absorption of nutrients on conventional and Bt-transgenic cottons. Experiments were designed with three concentrations of CeO2 NPs including: 0, 100 and 500 mg·L−1 and each treatment was three replications. Results indicate that absorbed CeO2 nanoparticles significantly reduced the Zn, Mg, Fe and P levels in xylem sap compared with the control group and decreased indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations in the roots of conventional cotton. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that CeO2 NPs were absorbed into the roots and subsequently transported to the stems and leaves of both conventional and Bt-transgenic cotton plants via xylem sap. In addition, the majority of aggregated CeO2 NPs were attached to the external surface of chloroplasts, which were swollen and ruptured, especially in Bt-transgenic cotton. The vascular bundles were destroyed by CeO2 nanoparticles and more damage was observed in transgenic cotton than conventional cotton.
Competition-cooperation relationship networks characterize the competition and cooperation between proteins
Authors: Li Hong , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Ziding
Published: June 2015

By analyzing protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, one can find that a protein may have multiple binding partners. However, it is difficult to determine whether the interactions with these partners occur simultaneously from binary PPIs alone. Here, we construct the yeast and human competition-cooperation relationship networks (CCRNs) based on protein structural interactomes to clearly exhibit the relationship (competition or cooperation) between two partners of the same protein. If two partners compete for the same interaction interface, they would be connected by a competitive edge; otherwise, they would be connected by a cooperative edge. The properties of three kinds of hubs (i.e., competitive, modest and cooperative hubs) are analyzed in the CCRNs. Our results show that competitive hubs have higher clustering coefficients and form clusters in the human CCRN, but these tendencies are not observed in the yeast CCRN. We find that the human-specific proteins contribute significantly to these differences. Subsequently, we conduct a series of computational experiments to investigate the regulatory mechanisms that avoid competition between proteins. Our comprehensive analyses reveal that for most yeast and human protein competitors, transcriptional regulation plays an important role. Moreover, the human-specific proteins have a particular preference for other regulatory mechanisms, such as alternative splicing.
Influence of carbapenem resistance on mortality of patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Li Xiaoqing , Li Wenzhang , Du Xinmiao , He Jian-Qing , Tao Chuanmin , Feng Yulin
Published: June 2015

Treatment of infectious diseases caused by the carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is becoming more challenging with each passing year. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the impact of carbapenem resistance on mortality of patients with P. aeruginosa infection. We searched PUBMED, Web of science, EMBASE, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library up to December 25, 2014, to identify published cohort or case-control studies. 17 studies, including 6660 patients carrying P. aeruginosa, were identified. The pooling analysis indicated that patients infected with CRPA had significantly higher mortality than those infected with carbapenem-susceptible P. aeruginosa (CSPA) (crude OR = 1.64; 95%CI = 1.40, 1.93; adjusted OR = 2.38; 95%CI = 1.53, 3.69). The elevated risk of mortality in patients with CRPA infection was not lessened when stratified by study design, sites of infection, or type of carbapenem, except that the estimate effect vanished in CRPA high-incidence region, South America (crude OR = 1.12; 95%CI = 0.64, 1.99). Begg’s (z = 0.95, p = 0.34) and Egger’s test (t = 1.23, p = 0.24) showed no evidence of publication bias. Our results suggest that carbapenem resistance may increase the mortality of patients with P. aeruginosa infection, whether under univariate or multivariate analysis.
New insights into the kinetic target-guided synthesis of protein ligands
Authors: Oueis Emilia , Sabot Cyrille , Renard Pierre-Yves
Published: June 2015

This review describes the recent applications of the kinetic target guided synthesis and highlights the new advances of this strategy.
The reactions of TiCl3, and of UF4with TiCl3in liquid ammonia: unusual coordination spheres in [Ti(NH3)8]Cl3·6NH3and [UF(NH3)8]Cl3·3.5NH3
Authors: Woidy Patrick , Karttunen Antti J. , Rudel Stefan S. , Kraus Florian
Published: June 2015

TiCl3and NH3form octaammine titanium(iii) chloride ammonia (1/6), [Ti(NH3)8]Cl3·6NH3, which is the first structurally characterized octaammine complex of a transition metal.
Depth probing of the hydride formation process in thin Pd films by combined electrochemistry and fiber optics-based in situ UV/vis spectroscopy
Authors: Wickman Björn , Fredriksson Mattias , Feng Ligang , Lindahl Niklas , Hagberg Johan , Langhammer Christoph
Published: June 2015

Combined electrochemistry and fiber optics-basedin situUV/vis spectroscopy to study depth evolution of electrochemical hydride formation in Palladium.