bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The bHLH proteins BEE and BIM positively modulate the shade avoidance syndrome in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Cifuentes‐Esquivel Nicolás , Bou‐Torrent Jordi , Galstyan Anahit , Gallemí Marçal , Sessa Giovanna , Salla Martret Mercè , Roig‐Villanova Irma , Ruberti Ida , Martínez‐García Jaime F.
Published: June 2013

The shade avoidance syndrome (SAS) refers to a set of plant responses initiated after perception by the phytochromes of light with a reduced red to far‐red ratio, indicative of vegetation proximity or shade. These responses, including elongation growth, anticipate eventual shading from potential competitor vegetation by overgrowing neighboring plants or flowering to ensure production of viable seeds for the next generation. In Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, the SAS includes dramatic changes in gene expression, such as induction of PHYTOCHROME RAPIDLY REGULATED 1 (PAR1), encoding an atypical basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) protein that acts as a transcriptional co‐factor to repress hypocotyl elongation. Indeed, PAR1 has been proposed to act fundamentally as a dominant negative antagonist of conventional bHLH transcription factors by forming heterodimers with them to prevent their binding to DNA or other transcription factors. Here we report the identification of PAR1‐interacting factors, including the brassinosteroid signaling components BR‐ENHANCED EXPRESSION (BEE) and BES1‐INTERACTING MYC‐LIKE (BIM), and characterize their role as networked positive regulators of SAS hypocotyl responses. We provide genetic evidence that these bHLH transcriptional regulators not only control plant growth and development under shade and non‐shade conditions, but are also redundant in the control of plant viability. Our results suggest that SAS responses are initiated as a consequence of a new balance of transcriptional regulators within the pre‐existing bHLH network triggered by plant proximity, eventually causing hypocotyls to elongate.
Intravitreal cidofovir injection for the management of chronic glaucoma in dogs
Authors: Low Martha C. , Landis Mary L. , Peiffer Robert L.
Published: June 2013

Objective

The objective of this retrospective study was to determine whether an intravitreal injection of 562.5 ug of cidofovir was effective in lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) in chronically glaucomatous avisual canine eyes.

Patients

This study reviews the medical records of 167 canine patients diagnosed with chronic glaucoma between 2006 and 2011. The criteria for study inclusion were patients with irreversibly avisual eyes that were refractory to medical management, without evidence of endophthalmitis or intraocular neoplasia as determined by historical, clinical, and/or ultrasonographic examination, who were treated with an intravitreal injection of cidofovir.

Procedure

Using only topical anesthesia for most patients, aqueouscentesis was followed by an intravitreal injection of 562.5 ug of cidofovir and 1 mg of subconjunctival triamcinolone. An initial recheck was performed 14 days following the injection.

Results

The mean IOP immediately prior to injection was 46 ± 13 mm Hg with a median of 47 mm Hg. At the initial recheck, the mean IOP was 10 ± 11 mm Hg with a median of 6 mm Hg. A common postinjection finding was mild intraocular inflammation, which was controlled in all cases with topical neopolydex solution. Post injection complications included corneal ulceration (2.4%) and endophthalmitis (2.4%). Phthisis bulbi was a common sequalae (70%). One injection of cidofovir was successful in lowering the IOP in 85% of cases (P < 0.0001); multiple injections raised the success rate to 97%.

Conclusions

An intravitreal injection of cidofovir was found to be an effective method of lowering intraocular pressure to <20 mm Hg. While the common side effect of phthisis bulbi resulted in a less than optimal cosmetic result, patients subjectively benefited from enhanced comfort warranting consideration of this approach in the management of chronically glaucomatous avisual canine eyes.
Eosinophilic keratitis in 46 eyes of 27 horses in theMid‐AtlanticUnitedStates (2008–2012)
Authors: Lassaline‐Utter Mary , Miller Chelsey , Wotman Kathryn L.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To review the signalment, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of equineEKcases in theMid‐AtlanticUnitedStates; to evaluate the effects of topical or systemic corticosteroid treatment, oral cetirizine treatment and secondary corneal infection on disease duration; and to evaluate the association between corticosteroid and cetirizine treatment and likelihood of recurrence.

Animals

Twenty‐seven horses (47 eyes) diagnosed withEKfrom 2008 to 2012.

Procedure

Retrospective medical record review followed by phone interview to obtain recurrence data.

Results

Average age of affected horses was 8.2 years,SD5.8 years. Eleven of 27 horses (41%) were diagnosed withEKin July. Twelve horses (44%) had been affected in previous years. Time to resolution averaged 3.7 months,SD2.3 months. Ten horses (18 eyes) were treated with systemic dexamethasone, with a significantly shorter time to resolution,P = 0.03, averaging 2.23 months,SD1.13 months, relative to horses not so treated, averaging 4.20 months,SD1.47 months. Secondary infection led to a significant increase in time to resolution,P = 0.03, average 4.1 months,SD1.7 months, relative to horses without secondary infection, average 3.0 months,SD1.5 months. All eyes were visual at resolution. Horses treated with cetirizine were less likely to have recurrence during the follow‐up period (1/13, or 8%) relative to horses not so treated (8/14, or 57%).

Conclusions

Eosinophilic keratitis has a seasonal occurrence in summer in theMid‐AtlanticUnitedStates. Systemic but not topical corticosteroid treatment may decrease therapy duration. Treatment with cetirizine may be associated with a decreased risk of recurrence.
Hepatitis E virus in Scottish blood donors
Authors: Cleland A. , Smith L. , Crossan C. , Blatchford O. , Dalton H. R. , Scobie L. , Petrik J.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

Published prevalence figures for hepatitis E virus (HEV) reveal significant regional differences. Several studies have reported virus transmission via blood transfusion. The aim of this study was to establish HEV seroprevalence and investigate a potential HEV RNA presence in Scottish blood donors.

Materials and Methods

IgG and IgM were determined in individual serum samples. HEV RNA was investigated in plasma mini‐pools corresponding to 43 560 individual donations using nested PCR. Samples amenable to reamplification with primers from a different region were considered confirmed positives, sequenced and analysed.

Results

A total of 73 of 1559 tested individual sera (4·7%) were IgG positive, none tested positive for IgM. Plasma mini‐pool testing revealed an HEV RNA frequency of 1 in 14 520 donations. Three confirmed positives belonged, as expected to genotype 3.

Conclusions

HEV IgG and RNA figures in Scottish blood donors are lower than those published for the rest of the UK, but sufficiently high to prompt further studies on potential transmission rates and effects of HEV infection, especially for immunosuppressed individuals.
A UK single‐centre survey of red cell antibodies in adult patients undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Mushkbar M. , Watkins E. , Doughty H.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

Red cell antibodies may complicate blood provision and liver transplantation outcome. The aim of this survey was to document red cell antibodies in adults undergoing liver transplantation and make recommendations for clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

We completed a 10‐year retrospective review of adults undergoing liver transplant, in a single UK centre using 4‐ to 6‐weekly red cell antibody screening.

Results

Seven hundred and thirty seven patients were reviewed: 58 (7·9%) had antibodies. In 50 (6·8%) patients, the antibodies were clinically significant, and the commonest were Rhesus (49·5%) and Kell (11%). 33 patients had a single antibody, and the rest had multiple antibodies (range 2–5). Two‐thirds of patients (38) had antibodies at presentation; 22% of these developed additional antibodies while on the waiting list or postoperatively.

Conclusion

Consideration should be given to the proactive use of Rh‐ and K‐typed blood in end‐stage liver disease in order to reduce alloimmunization. In addition, regular antibody screening would enable staff to identify those with atypical antibodies and plan their transfusion support.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF SMALL BOWEL METASTASIS FROM CANINE MAMMARY CARCINOMA
Authors: Domínguez Elisabet , Anadón Eduard , Espada Yvonne , Grau‐Roma Llorenç , Majó Natàlia , Novellas Rosa
Published: June 2013

A 10‐year‐old entire female Beagle dog was evaluated for an acute history of lethargy, anorexia, and diarrhea. Mammary tumors were detected during physical examination. Ultrasonographic scanning revealed the presence of a unique pattern of multiple, well‐defined and well‐marginated hypoechoic nodules in the muscularis layer of the jejunum. These nodules were not associated with changes in the rest of the normal intestinal layering and were not causing signs of intestinal obstruction. Mammary carcinoma metastases to the intestinal muscularis layer were diagnosed based on histopathological examination.
ULTRASOUND CRITERIA AND GUIDED FINE‐NEEDLE ASPIRATION DIAGNOSTIC YIELDS IN SMALL ANIMAL PERITONEAL, MESENTERIC AND OMENTAL DISEASE
Authors: Feeney Daniel A. , Ober Christopher P. , Snyder Laura A. , Hill Sara A. , Jessen Carl R.
Published: June 2013

Peritoneal, mesenteric, and omental diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals, although information in the veterinary literature is limited. The purposes of this retrospective study were to determine whether objectively applied ultrasound interpretive criteria are statistically useful in differentiating among cytologically defined normal, inflammatory, and neoplastic peritoneal conditions in dogs and cats. A second goal was to determine the cytologically interpretable yield on ultrasound‐guided, fine‐needle sampling of peritoneal, mesenteric, or omental structures. Sonographic criteria agreed upon by the authors were retrospectively and independently applied by two radiologists to the available ultrasound images without knowledge of the cytologic diagnosis and statistically compared to the ultrasound‐guided, fine‐needle aspiration cytologic interpretations. A total of 72 dogs and 49 cats with abdominal peritoneal, mesenteric, or omental (peritoneal) surface or effusive disease and 17 dogs and 3 cats with no cytologic evidence of inflammation or neoplasia were included. The optimized, ultrasound criteria‐based statistical model created independently for each radiologist yielded an equation‐based diagnostic category placement accuracy of 63.2–69.9% across the two involved radiologists. Regional organ‐associated masses or nodules as well as aggregated bowel and peritoneal thickening were more associated with peritoneal neoplasia whereas localized, severely complex fluid collections were more associated with inflammatory peritoneal disease. The cytologically interpretable yield for ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle sampling was 72.3% with no difference between species, making this a worthwhile clinical procedure.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS: MULTIPLE CARTILAGINOUS EXOSTOSES AND CALCINOSIS CIRCUMSCRIPTA OCCURRING SIMULTANEOUSLY IN THE CERVICAL SPINE OF A DOG
Authors: Engel Stephanie , Randall Elissa K. , Cuddon Paul A. , Webb Brett T. , Aboellail Tawfik A.
Published: June 2013

An 8‐month‐old femaleSaintBernard dog was presented with gait abnormalities consistent with a left‐lateralizing cervical myelopathy. Imaging revealed a large, irregular soft tissue and mineral mass at the level ofC1 andC2. The lesion was successfully excised, and histopathology was performed, revealing evidence of both multiple cartilaginous exostoses and calcinosis circumscripta. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report comparing features using magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and radiography. Additionally, multiple cartilaginous exostoses have not previously been reported to occur in combination with calcinosis circumscripta.
Identification and expression pattern of a glutathione S‐transferase in Echinochloa crus‐galli
Authors: Li G , Wu S G , Yu R X , Cang T , Chen L P , Zhao X P , Cai L M , Wu C X
Published: June 2013

Plant glutathione S‐transferase (GST) forms a major part of the herbicide detoxification enzyme network in plants. A GST cDNA was isolated from Echinochloa crus‐galli and characterised. The gene, designated EcGST1 (E. crus‐galli GeneBank no: JX518596), has a 684 bp open reading frame predicted to encode a 25 kD protein. Sequence alignment showed that EcGST1 is a GST homologue. Its expression in response to quinclorac treatment was monitored in seedlings (leaves and roots) and adult plants (leaves, roots, stems and seeds) of quinclorac‐resistant (R) and susceptible (S) biotypes of E. crus‐galli. EcGST1 expression was 1.5–3 times greater in the R plants than in the S plants. However, after exposure to quinclorac, the difference in the expression levels of EcGST1 in R plants, compared with S plants, increased to a ratio of 6–10. Enhanced EcGST1 levels should enable greater quinclorac detoxification following quinclorac stimulation in R plants. GST‐based metabolism may be partially responsible for resistance to quinclorac in E. crus‐galli. The results suggest a new resistance mechanism for this R biotype in Chinese rice fields.
Morphological variation of Solanum elaeagnifolium in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Zhu X C , Wu H W , Stanton R , Burrows G E , Lemerle D , Raman H
Published: June 2013

Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade) is an invasive perennial weed in Australia, with aerial growth commencing in spring from either the perennial root system or the soil seedbank, with senescence occurring in autumn. A total of 642 S. elaeagnifolium individuals were collected at flowering from 92 locations in south‐eastern Australia to study morphological variation and its implications for management. Large morphological variation was found between individuals from different locations. Leaf length, width and area ranged from 1.44 to 10.6 cm, 0.39 to 4.09 cm and 0.41 to 25.8 cm2 respectively. Plants from higher rainfall regions were significantly taller and had larger leaves, suggesting a possible correlation between rainfall and morphology. Scanning electron microscopy comparison of leaf surfaces showed lower trichome and stomatal densities on the adaxial surface (67.0 ± 3.3 trichomes mm−2 and 603.4 ± 29.2 stomata mm−2 respectively) than on the abaxial surface (131.9 ± 7.2 trichomes mm−2 and 813.7 ± 30.5 stomata mm−2 respectively). The morphological plasticity of S. elaeagnifolium highlighted in this study could probably contribute to its adaptability and partly explain its establishment and continuing expansion in Australia.
Temporal predictability as a grouping cue in the perception of auditory streams
Authors: Rajendran Vani G. , Harper Nicol S. , Willmore Benjamin D. , Hartmann William M. , Schnupp Jan W. H.
Published: June 2013

This study reports a role of temporal regularity on the perception of auditory streams. Listeners were presented with two-tone sequences in an A-B-A-B rhythm that was either regular or had a controlled amount of temporal jitter added independently to each of the B tones. Subjects were asked to report whether they perceived one or two streams. The percentage of trials in which two streams were reported substantially and significantly increased with increasing amounts of temporal jitter. This suggests that temporal predictability may serve as a binding cue during auditory scene analysis.
Ice-Shelf Melting Around Antarctica
Authors: Rignot E. , Jacobs S. , Mouginot J. , Scheuchl B.
Published: June 2013

Major Meltdown

The ice shelves and floating ice tongues that surround Antarctica cover more than 1.5 million square kilometers—approximately the size of the entire Greenland Ice Sheet. Conventional wisdom has held that ice shelves around Antarctica lose mass mostly by iceberg calving, but recently it has become increasingly clear that melting by a warming ocean may also be important.

Rignot
et al.

(p.
266
, published 13 June) present detailed glaciological estimates of ice-shelf melting around the entire continent of Antarctica, which show that basal melting accounts for as much mass loss as does calving.
Fossil Musculature of the Most Primitive Jawed Vertebrates
Authors: Trinajstic Kate , Sanchez Sophie , Dupret Vincent , Tafforeau Paul , Long John , Young Gavin , Senden Tim , Boisvert Catherine , Power Nicola , Ahlberg Per Erik
Published: June 2013

From Jawless to Jawed

The earliest vertebrates were jawless. Past reconstructions have assumed that the primitive jawed condition was much like that found in sharks.

Trinajstic
et al.

(p.
160
, published online 13 June; see the Perspective by

Kuratani

) describe fossil musculature from the early jawed placoderms (an extinct class of armored prehistoric fish) that show that the basal structure was distinct from that found in sharks, having a notable dermal joint between the skull and shoulder girdle.
Genome-Wide Comparison of Medieval and Modern
Mycobacterium leprae
Authors: Schuenemann Verena J. , Singh Pushpendra , Mendum Thomas A. , Krause-Kyora Ben , Jäger Günter , Bos Kirsten I. , Herbig Alexander , Economou Christos , Benjak Andrej , Busso Philippe , Nebel Almut , Boldsen Jesper L. , Kjellström Anna , Wu Huihai , Stewart Graham R. , Taylor G. Michael , Bauer Peter , Lee Oona Y.-C. , Wu Houdini H.T. , Minnikin David E. , Besra Gurdyal S. , Tucker Katie , Roffey Simon , Sow Samba O. , Cole Stewart T. , Nieselt Kay , Krause Johannes
Published: June 2013

Leprosy: Ancient and Modern

In medieval Europe, leprosy was greatly feared: Sufferers had to wear bells and were shunned and kept isolated from society. Although leprosy largely disappeared from Europe in the 16th century, elsewhere in the world almost a quarter of a million cases are still reported annually, despite the availability of effective drugs.

Schuenemann
et al.

(p.
179
, published online 13 June; see the 14 June News story by
Gibbons
, p.
1278
) probed the origins of leprosy bacilli by using a genomic capture-based approach on DNA obtained from skeletal remains from the 10th to 14th centuries. Because the unique mycolic acids of this mycobacterium protect its DNA, for one Danish sample over 100-fold, coverage of the genome was possible. Sequencing suggests a link between the middle-eastern and medieval European strains, which falls in line with social historical expectations that the returning expeditionary forces of antiquity originally spread the pathogen. Subsequently, Europeans took the bacterium westward to the Americas. Overall, ancient and modern strains remain remarkably similar, with no apparent loss of virulence genes, indicating it was most probably improvements in social conditions that led to leprosy's demise in Europe.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Neofusicoccum parvum
Isolate UCR-NP2, a Fungal Vascular Pathogen Associated with Grapevine Cankers
Authors: Blanco-Ulate Barbara , Rolshausen Philippe , Cantu Dario
Published: June 2013

Neofusicoccum parvum
, a member of the
Botryosphaeriaceae
family, is a vascular pathogen that causes severe decline and dieback symptoms in grapevines worldwide. The draft genome of the grapevine isolate
N. parvum
UCR-NP2 provides a first glimpse into the complex set of putative virulence factors that this pathogen may use to rapidly colonize plants.
First Complete Genome Sequence of a Genogroup II Genotype 18 Porcine Norovirus, Strain QW125
Authors: Oka Tomoichiro , Saif Linda J. , Wang Qiuhong
Published: June 2013

Noroviruses, members of the family
Caliciviridae
, are genetically diverse. We report the first complete genome sequence of a genogroup II genotype 18 porcine norovirus, strain QW125. A protein BLAST search revealed that identity scores of this strain compared to other norovirus strains were highest in the predicted protease region.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bhargavaea cecembensis Strain DSE10
T
, Isolated from a Deep-Sea Sediment Sample Collected at a Depth of 5,904 m from the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge System in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Shivaji Sisinthy , Ara Sreenivas , Begum Zareena , Ruth Manorama , Singh Aditya , Kumar Pinnaka Anil
Published: June 2013

Here, we report the 3.2-Mbp draft genome sequence of
Bhargavaea cecembensis
strain DSE10
T
, isolated from a sediment sample collected from the Chagos-Laccadive ridge system in the Indian Ocean at a depth of 5,904 m.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma putrefaciens Strain 9231, One of the Agents of Contagious Agalactia in Goats
Authors: Dupuy Virginie , Sirand-Pugnet Pascal , Baranowski Eric , Barré Aurélien , Breton Marc , Couture Carole , Dordet-Frisoni Emilie , Gaurivaud Patrice , Jacob Daniel , Lemaitre Claire , Manso-Silván Lucía , Nikolski Macha , Nouvel Laurent-Xavier , Poumarat François , Tardy Florence , Thébault Patricia , Theil Sébastien , Citti Christine , Blanchard Alain , Thiaucourt François
Published: June 2013

Mycoplasma putrefaciens
is one of the etiologic agents of contagious agalactia in goats. We report herein the complete genome sequence of
Mycoplasma putrefaciens
strain 9231.
Antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-positive pulmonary-renal syndrome in a patient with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis
Authors: Tonneijck Lennart , Tanna Anisha , Pusey Charles D
Published: June 2013

A 72-year-old male patient with known diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc) presented with severe haemoptysis and blood and protein in the urine. In light of his known interstitial lung disease, he had been repeatedly treated for recurrent community-acquired pneumonia. Immunological testing demonstrated a strongly positive perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody with a high titre antimyeloperoxidase antibody. The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary-renal syndrome as a consequence of antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitis. He started immediate plasmapheresis in combination with methylprednisolone, followed by cyclophosphamide and rituximab, with good clinical outcome.
Acute myelitis associated with HCV infection
Authors: Suzuki Kentaro , Takao Masaki , Katayama Yasuo , Mihara Ban
Published: June 2013

We report a case of acute myelitis associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A Japanese woman developed left calf pain and weakness, but this quickly generalised to paraplegia. We diagnosed acute myelitis based on the results of clinical manifestations, an MRI examination and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. The clinical condition and spinal cord lesions improved following intravenous administration of methylprednisolone. The patient had been diagnosed with HCV infection 11 years before the onset. We detected HCV RNA in the CSF, supporting the strong association of our patient's myelitis. However, it is difficult to conclude whether the neurological condition was caused directly by the viral load or indirectly by the immune response. We suggest that testing for HCV infection is important in patients with myelitis. In particular, anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA should be measured in the patients’ serum as well as CSF.
Severe hyponatremia and MRI point to diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in the Southwest USA
Authors: Benson Stephanie Michelle , Narasimhamurthy Rashmi
Published: June 2013

A 21-year-old woman presented to the hospital with 3 days of headache, fever, mood disturbance and nausea. She had recently emigrated from India, and was noted to have a positive screening purified protein derivative  tuberculosis  skin test with normal chest x-ray. Meningeal signs were noted prompting lumbar puncture and initiation of presumptive treatment for bacterial meningitis. While tuberculous meningitis (TM) was entertained at admission, diagnosis was clouded by the rapid onset of symptoms and recent major psychosocial stressors. She developed severe hyponatremia. Brain MRI revealed tuberculomas, and she was started on treatment for TM, a diagnosis confirmed by culture. On review, several lessons were learned: (1) globalisation of society makes uncommon diagnoses present in unlikely locations, (2) hyponatremia is a common complication of TM, (3) MRI can aid in diagnosis of TM and (4) cognitive and mood changes can be prodromal symptoms of TM.
Horner's syndrome following a subtotal thyroidectomy for a benign nodular goitre
Authors: Aslankurt Murat , Aslan Lokman , Çolak Mustafa , Aksoy Adnan
Published: June 2013

We present a case of Horner's syndrome occurring as a complication of thyroidectomy. A 42-year-old female patient presented with eyelid drop which developed immediately after thyroidectomy for goitre. Ophthalmic examination revealed eyelid ptosis, miosis and anhidrosis. Preoperative ultrasonography showed multiple isohyperechogenic solid nodules in each lobe, consistent with multinodular goitre. Therefore, the patient underwent subtotal thyroidectomy. The ophthalmic findings did not improve at the end of 6 months follow-up. Similar cases have been reported related to neck tumours or their surgery, mediastinum-located goitre and retropharyngeal abscess surgeries, but not after benign nodular goitre surgery. Several possible mechanisms have been proposed to explain this phenomenon; anatomical variations making the patient susceptible to damage to the sympathetic chain seem to be most likely in our patient.
Massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage in a teenager caused byCampylobacterenteritis
Authors: Patel Ramnik , Kumar Hemant , More Bharat , Sinha C
Published: June 2013

A 14-year-old boy presented with a very unusual complication of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding mimicking bleeding from Meckel's diverticulum who needed blood transfusions and required mini-exploration. He was found to haveCampylobacter enteritiswith bleeding from multiple mucosal ulcers in the ileocaecal region, which is presented with a review of the literature.
Maxillary adenomatoid odontogenic tumour
Authors: Barodiya Animesh , Banda Naveen Reddy , Banda Vanaja Reddy , Vyawahare Saket
Published: June 2013

Retracted due to duplicate publication.
Herpes zoster
Authors: Mohan Ravi Prakash Sasankoti , Verma Sankalp , Singh Udita , Agarwal Neha
Published: June 2013

Herpes zoster (HZ) or ‘shingles’ is a painful vesicular rash resulting from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that also causes chickenpox. The incidence of HZ infection (HZI) increases with age and the degree of immunosuppresssion. Post herpetic neuralgia, the most common complication of HZ, occurs after the zoster rash has resolved. Conventional therapies include antivirals, corticosteroids and analgesics, both oral and topical. Here we report a case of HZ in an 80-year-old woman involving maxillary nerve and the article also reviews various treatment modalities available for the management of HZI.
An observational method to code concussions in the National Hockey League (NHL): the heads-up checklist
Authors: Hutchison Michael G , Comper Paul , Meeuwisse Willem H , Echemendia Ruben J
Published: June 2013

Background

Development of effective strategies for preventing concussions is a priority in all sports, including ice hockey. Digital video records of sports events contain a rich source of valuable information, and are therefore a promising resource for analysing situational factors and injury mechanisms related to concussion.

Aim

To determine whether independent raters reliably agreed on the antecedent events and mechanisms of injury when using a standardised observational tool known as the heads-up checklist (HUC) to code digital video records of concussions in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Methods

The study occurred in two phases. In phase 1, four raters (2 naïve and 2 expert) independently viewed and completed HUCs for 25 video records of NHL concussions randomly chosen from the pool of concussion events from the 2006–2007 regular season. Following initial analysis, three additional factors were added to the HUC, resulting in a total of 17 factors of interest. Two expert raters then viewed the remaining concussion events from the 2006–2007 season, as well as all digital video records of concussion events up to 31 December 2009 (n=174).

Results

For phase 1, the majority of the factors had a κ value of 0.6 or higher (8 of 15 factors for naïve raters; 11 of 15 factors for expert raters). For phase 2, all the factors had a total percent agreement value greater than 0.8 and κ values of >0.65 for the expert raters.

Conclusions

HUC is an objective, reliable tool for coding the antecedent events and mechanisms of concussions in the NHL.
A systematic video analysis of National Hockey League (NHL) concussions, part I: who, when, where and what?
Authors: Hutchison Michael G , Comper Paul , Meeuwisse Willem H , Echemendia Ruben J
Published: June 2013

Background

Although there is a growing understanding of the consequences of concussions in hockey, very little is known about the precipitating factors associated with this type of injury.

Aim

To describe player characteristics and situational factors associated with concussions in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Methods

Case series of medically diagnosed concussions for regular season games over a 3.5-year period during the 2006–2010 seasons using an inclusive cohort of professional hockey players. Digital video records were coded and analysed using the Heads Up Checklist.

Results

Of 197 medically diagnosed concussions, 88% involved contact with an opponent. Forwards accounted for more concussions than expected compared with on-ice proportional representation (95% CI 60 to 73; p=0.04). Significantly more concussions occurred in the first period (47%) compared with the second and third periods (p=0.047), with the majority of concussions occurring in the defensive zone (45%). Approximately 47% of the concussions occurred in open ice, 53% occurred in the perimeter. Finally, 37% of the concussions involved injured players’ heads contacting the boards or glass.

Conclusions

This study describes several specific factors associated with concussions in the NHL, including period of the game, player position, body size, and specific locations on the ice and particular situations based on a player's position.
CVD risk among men participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2010: differences by sexual minority status
Authors: Farmer Grant W , Bucholz Kathleen K , Flick Louise H , Burroughs Thomas E , Bowen Deborah J
Published: June 2013

Background

Recent research indicates that sexual minority women are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with heterosexual women; however, few studies of CVD risk exist for sexual minority men (SMM). This study aimed to determine whether disparities in CVD risk exist for SMM and if CVD risk is consistent across subgroups of SMM.

Methods

This study utilised publicly available data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), pooled from 2001 to 2010. CVD risk was calculated using the Framingham General CVD Risk Score and operationalised as the ratio of a participant's vascular and chronological age. Differences in this ratio were examined between heterosexual and SMM as a whole, and within subgroups of SMM.

Results

SMM had vascular systems that were, on average, 4% (95% CI −7.5% to −0.4%) younger than their heterosexual counterparts; however, adjustment for education and history of hard drug use rendered this difference statistically insignificant. Analysis of SMM subgroups revealed increased CVD risk for bisexual men and decreased CVD risk for both gay and homosexually experienced heterosexual men when compared with heterosexual men. Differences in CVD risk persisted for only bisexual and homosexually experienced heterosexual men after adjustment for education and history of hard drug use.

Conclusions

Subgroups of SMM are at increased risk for CVD compared with heterosexual men, and this increased risk cannot be completely attributed to differences in demographic characteristics or negative health behaviours.
Aetosauria: a clade of armoured pseudosuchians from the Upper Triassic continental beds
Authors: Desojo Julia B. , Heckert Andrew B. , Martz Jeffrey W. , Parker William G. , Schoch Rainer R. , Small Bryan J. , Sulej Tomasz
Published: June 2013

Aetosauria is a clade of obligately quadrupedal, heavily armoured pseudosuchians known from Upper Triassic (late Carnian–Rhaetian) strata on every modern continent except Australia and Antarctica. As many as 22 genera and 26 species ranging from 1 to 6 m in length, and with a body mass ranging from less than 10 to more than 500 kg, are known.
Aetosauroides scagliai
was recently recovered as the most basal aetosaur, placed outside of Stagonolepididae (the last common ancestor of
Desmatosuchus
and
Aetosaurus
). Interrelationships among the basal aetosaurs are not well understood but two clades with relatively apomorphic armour – the spinose Desmatosuchinae and the generally wide-bodied Typothoracisinae – are consistently recognized. Paramedian and lateral osteoderms are often distinctive at the generic level but variation within the carapace is not well understood in many taxa, warranting caution in assigning isolated osteoderms to specific taxa. The aetosaur skull and dentition varies across taxa, and there is increasing evidence that at least some aetosaurs relied on invertebrates and/or small vertebrates as a food source. Histological evidence indicates that, after an initial period of rapid growth, lines of arrested growth (LAGs) are common and later growth was relatively slow. The common and widespread Late Triassic ichnogenus
Brachychirotherium
probably represents the track of an aetosaur.
A reconstruction of the thigh musculature of the extinct pseudosuchian
Prestosuchus chiniquensis
from the
Dinodontosaurus
Assemblage Zone (Middle Triassic Epoch), Santa Maria 1 Sequence, southern Brazil
Authors: Liparini Alexandre , Schultz Cesar L.
Published: June 2013

Prestosuchus chiniquensis
is an extinct species of terrestrial archosaur from the Middle Triassic Epoch restricted to southern Brazil. In this paper the thigh musculature of
P
.
chiniquensis
is reconstructed based on a well-preserved specimen and on myological descriptions of extant birds and crocodylians. Among the 16 analysed muscular groups, 13 were recognized as present and homologous to both extant groups of archosaurs, and two only to the crocodylian line of archosaurs, so that 15 muscular groups were reconstructed in the fossil specimen. Morphological particularities of the pelvic girdle and the hindlimbs of
P
.
chiniquensis
gave a distinct arrangement for the muscular origin and insertion sites, leading to different lines of action and functions when compared with extant archosaurs. The comparison between extinct and extant archosaurs showed a basal condition sustained in some aspects, such as the morphology of the femur and the flexion of the knee, although other aspects were considered as derived, such as the morphology of the pubis and ischium, and their associated muscle origin locations.
Scratching of Patterned Composite Surfaces by Pad Asperities in Chemical-Mechanical Polishing
Authors: Kim Sanha , Saka Nannaji , Chun Jung-Hoon
Published: June 2013

In chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), as the rough polymer pad slides over patterned structures of metal interconnects and dielectrics the pad asperities themselves, though soft, may scratch the relatively hard layers. Generally, the fully-plastically deformed pad asperities with high interfacial friction are the sources of pad scratching. In this study, accordingly, scratching of Cu/dielectric line structures by soft asperities was investigated. First the scratching criteria and the scratch-regime maps previously constructed for monolithic layers were adapted for the patterned layers. Then sliding experiments were conducted on patterned Cu/dielectric layers of various linewidths using polymer pins loaded into the fully-plastically deformed state. Specifically, the role of the width of Cu and dielectric lines, in comparison with the contact diameter, was examined. The theoretical models predict that the scratch criteria for patterns with wide lines are the same as those for monolithic layers, whereas patterns with extremely narrow lines behave as composite layers with effective properties, which can be readily estimated by the rule-of-mixtures (ROM). Experimental results validate the scratch criteria based on contact mechanics.
Localised SKP Studies of Cathodic Disbondment on Chromium/Chromium Oxide Coated Steel
Authors: Warren David John , McMurray Hamilton Neil , de Vooys Arnoud C. A.
Published: June 2013

Organically coated thin (submicron) chromium PVD coatings have been studied as a means of protecting low carbon sheet steel from localised corrosive attack in the presence of aqueous chloride electrolyte. Novel coating wedges have been utilised to characterise the influence of coating and oxide thickness of chromium coated steel on cathodic disbondment of an applied organic coatings. SKP was used to characterise the delamination kinetics over the wedge and thus identifying optimum coating thicknesses to reduce or even prevent disbondment. It has been demonstrated that the thickness of the metallic coating offered limited influence in altering the disbondment rate with disbondment being limited by cation diffusion. However, through increasing the amount of oxide on the surface it is possible to not only change the limiting mechanism from cation diffusion to electron transfer but also stop the disbondment occurring altogether. Through these experiments it has been demonstrated that the use of wedge coatings and SKP it is possible to quantify optimum coating thicknesses in one single experiment.
ZnS Films Deposited by ALD for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Erkaya Yunus , Nminibapiel David , Aryal Krishna , Hegde Nitin , Rajan Grace , Boland Pat , Zhang Kai , Baumgart Helmut , Marsillac Sylvain
Published: June 2013

Alternative deposition methods and materials are of interest for the fabrication of thin film solar cells since they offer potential enhancements for either low cost, high speed or high efficiency but also because they can help in better understanding the underlying physical and chemical processes that could lead to the next generation of solar cells. In this study, we will present new results on the deposition of ZnS by atomic layer deposition (ALD) as an alternate to CdS deposited by chemical bath deposition. More specifically, in-situ real time and ex-situ measurements by spectroscopic ellipsometry will be performed, allowing for the analysis of the growth processes as a function of deposition parameters. These measurements also allow for a parameterization of the dielectric functions of ZnS and the evolution of its grain size and band gap as a function of thickness. These measurements will then be correlated with ex-situ measurements, such as XRD, AFM and T&R, which is expected to validate the model used for spectroscopic ellipsometry data analysis.
The Effect of a Heating Rate on the Properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Films Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Kee Doo , Seo Se Won , Lee Doh-Kwon , Kim Honggon , Ko Min Jae , Kim BongSoo , Kim Dong Hwan , Kim Jin Young
Published: June 2013

The effect of the heating rate during the sulfurization process on the properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cells was investigated. A moderate heating rate of ~10 oC/min was found to result in a modest solar cell performance (2 %), whereas the higher heating rates resulted in worse performances. In the CZTS thin films annealed with the highest heating rate, the segregation of Cu atoms towards the outer surface of the films, which is believed to lead to shunting of the solar cells.
Defective canalicular transport and toxicity of dietary ursodeoxycholic acid in theabcb11−/−mouse: transport and gene expression studies
Authors: Wang Renxue , Liu Lin , Sheps Jonathan A. , Forrest Dana , Hofmann Alan F. , Hagey Lee R. , Ling Victor
Published: June 2013

The bile salt export pump (BSEP), encoded by the abcb11 gene, is the major canalicular transporter of bile acids from the hepatocyte. BSEP malfunction in humans causes bile acid retention and progressive liver injury, ultimately leading to end-stage liver failure. The natural, hydrophilic, bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is efficacious in the treatment of cholestatic conditions, such as primary biliary cirrhosis and cholestasis of pregnancy. The beneficial effects of UDCA include promoting bile flow, reducing hepatic inflammation, preventing apoptosis, and maintaining mitochondrial integrity in hepatocytes. However, the role of BSEP in mediating UDCA efficacy is not known. Here, we used abcb11 knockout mice ( abcb11−/−) to test the effects of acute and chronic UDCA administration on biliary secretion, bile acid composition, liver histology, and liver gene expression. Acutely infused UDCA, or its taurine conjugate (TUDC), was taken up by the liver but retained, with negligible biliary output, in abcb11−/−mice. Feeding UDCA to abcb11−/−mice led to weight loss, retention of bile acids, elevated liver enzymes, and histological damage to the liver. Semiquantitative RT-PCR showed that genes encoding Mdr1a and Mdr1b (canalicular) as well as Mrp4 (basolateral) transporters were upregulated in abcb11−/−mice. We concluded that infusion of UDCA and TUDC failed to induce bile flow in abcb11−/−mice. UDCA fed to abcb11−/−mice caused liver damage and the appearance of biliary tetra- and penta-hydroxy bile acids. Supplementation with UDCA in the absence of Bsep caused adverse effects in abcb11−/−mice.
The Na+/H+exchanger isoform 3 is required for active paracellular and transcellular Ca2+transport across murine cecum
Authors: Rievaj Juraj , Pan Wanling , Cordat Emmanuelle , Todd Alexander R.
Published: June 2013

Intestinal calcium (Ca2+) absorption occurs via paracellular and transcellular pathways. Although the transcellular route has been extensively studied, mechanisms mediating paracellular absorption are largely unexplored. Unlike passive diffusion, secondarily active paracellular Ca2+uptake occurs against an electrochemical gradient with water flux providing the driving force. Water movement is dictated by concentration differences that are largely determined by Na+fluxes. Consequently, we hypothesized that Na+absorption mediates Ca2+flux. NHE3 is central to intestinal Na+absorption. NHE3 knockout mice (NHE3−/−) display impaired intestinal Na+, water, and Ca2+absorption. However, the mechanism mediating this latter abnormality is not clear. To investigate this, we used Ussing chambers to measure net Ca2+absorption across different segments of wild-type mouse intestine. The cecum was the only segment with net Ca2+absorption. Quantitative RT-PCR measurements revealed cecal expression of all genes implicated in intestinal Ca2+absorption, including NHE3. We therefore employed this segment for further studies. Inhibition of NHE3 with 100 μM 5-( N-ethyl- N-isopropyl) amiloride decreased luminal-to-serosal and increased serosal-to-luminal Ca2+flux. NHE3−/−mice had a >60% decrease in luminal-to-serosal Ca2+flux. Ussing chambers experiments under altered voltage clamps (−25, 0, +25 mV) showed decreased transcellular and secondarily active paracellular Ca2+absorption in NHE3−/−mice relative to wild-type animals. Consistent with this, cecal Trpv6 expression was diminished in NHE3−/−mice. Together these results implicate NHE3 in intestinal Ca2+absorption and support the theory that this is, at least partially, due to the role of NHE3 in Na+and water absorption.
Preconditioning with soluble guanylate cyclase activation prevents postischemic inflammation and reduces nitrate tolerance in heme oxygenase-1 knockout mice
Authors: Wang Walter Z. , Jones Allan W. , Wang Meifang , Durante William , Korthuis Ronald J.
Published: June 2013

Previously we have shown that, unlike wild-type mice (WT), heme oxygenase-1 knockout (HO-1−/−) mice developed nitrate tolerance and were not protected from inflammation caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) when preconditioned with a H2S donor. We hypothesized that stimulation (with BAY 41-2272) or activation (with BAY 60-2770) of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) would precondition HO-1−/− mice against an inflammatory effect of I/R and increase arterial nitrate responses. Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize leukocyte rolling and adhesion to postcapillary venules of the small intestine in anesthetized mice. Relaxation to ACh and BAY compounds was measured on superior mesenteric arteries isolated after I/R protocols. Preconditioning with either BAY compound 10 min (early phase) or 24 h (late phase) before I/R reduced postischemic leukocyte rolling and adhesion to sham control levels and increased superior mesenteric artery responses to ACh, sodium nitroprusside, and BAY 41-2272 in WT and HO-1−/− mice. Late-phase preconditioning with BAY 60-2770 was maintained in HO-1−/− and endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mice pretreated with an inhibitor (dl-propargylglycine) of enzymatically produced H2S. Pretreatment with BAY compounds also prevented the I/R increase in small intestinal TNF-α. We speculate that increasing sGC activity and related PKG acts downstream to H2S and disrupts signaling processes triggered by I/R in part by maintaining low cellular Ca2+. In addition, BAY preconditioning did not increase sGC levels, yet increased the response to agents that act on reduced heme-containing sGC. Collectively these actions would contribute to increased nitrate sensitivity and vascular function.
Manganoporphyrins Increase Ascorbate-Induced Cytotoxicity by Enhancing H2O2 Generation
Authors: Rawal Malvika , Schroeder Samuel R. , Wagner Brett A. , Cushing Cameron M. , Welsh Jessemae L. , Button Anna M. , Du Juan , Sibenaller Zita A. , Buettner Garry R. , Cullen Joseph J.
Published: June 2013

Renewed interest in using pharmacological ascorbate (AscH−) to treat cancer has prompted interest in leveraging its cytotoxic mechanism of action. A central feature of AscH− action in cancer cells is its ability to act as an electron donor to O2 for generating H2O2. We hypothesized that catalytic manganoporphyrins (MnP) would increase AscH− oxidation rates, thereby increasing H2O2 fluxes and cytotoxicity. Three different MnPs were tested (MnTBAP, MnT2EPyP, and MnT4MPyP), exhibiting a range of physicochemical and thermodynamic properties. Of the MnPs tested, MnT4MPyP exerted the greatest effect on increasing the rate of AscH− oxidation as determined by the concentration of ascorbate radical [Asc•−] and the rate of oxygen consumption. At concentrations that had minimal effects alone, combining MnPs and AscH− synergized to decrease clonogenic survival in human pancreatic cancer cells. This cytotoxic effect was reversed by catalase, but not superoxide dismutase, consistent with a mechanism mediated by H2O2. MnPs increased steady-state concentrations of Asc•− upon ex vivo addition to whole blood obtained either from mice infused with AscH− or patients treated with pharmacologic AscH−. Finally, tumor growth in vivo was inhibited more effectively by combining MnT4MPyP with AscH−. We concluded that MnPs increase the rate of oxidation of AscH− to leverage H2O2 flux and ascorbate-induced cytotoxicity. Cancer Res; 73(16); 5232–41. ©2013 AACR.