bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant DNA methylation of pregnane X receptor underlies metabolic gene alterations in the diabetic kidney
Authors: Watanabe Atsushi , Marumo Takeshi , Kawarazaki Wakako , Nishimoto Mitsuhiro , Ayuzawa Nobuhiro , Ueda Kohei , Hirohama Daigoro , Tanaka Toshiya , Yagi Shintaro , Ota Satoshi , Nagae Genta , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Kumagai Hiroo , Fujita Toshiro
Published: December 2017

Epigenetic abnormalities have been suggested to mediate metabolic memory observed in diabetic complications. We have shown that epigenetic alterations may induce persistent phenotypic changes in the proximal tubules of the diabetic kidneys. In this study, we show that pregnane X receptor (PXR), a xenobiotic nuclear receptor, is epigenetically altered and upregulated and may have a possible function in the diabetic kidney. PXR has been shown to play a critical role in metabolic changes in obesity and diabetes; however, its distribution and function in the kidney are unknown. In the normal kidney, Pxr was selectively expressed in the proximal tubular cells with demethylation in the promoter DNA. In db/db mice, significant increases in Pxr mRNA, further demethylation of DNA, and stimulatory histone marks in the promoter were observed. Epigenetic changes are likely to play a causative role in PXR induction, since a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor increased PXR mRNA in cultured human proximal tubular cells. Administration of a PXR agonist increased mRNA levels of solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 2B1 ( Slco2b1), a xenobiotic transporter; response gene to complement 32 ( Rgc32), a molecule known to exert fibrotic effects in the kidney; and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 ( Pck1), a gluconeogenic enzyme in the kidney. The expressions of these genes were inhibited by PXR small interfering RNA in cultured proximal tubular cells. Increased mRNA levels of Slco2b1, Rgc32, and Pck1 were also observed in the kidney of db/db mice. These data indicate that PXR is upregulated in the diabetic kidney with aberrant epigenetic modifications and may modulate the course of diabetic kidney disease through the activation of these genes.
Measuring rat kidney glomerular number and size in vivo with MRI
Authors: Baldelomar Edwin J. , Charlton Jennifer R. , Beeman Scott C. , Bennett Kevin M.
Published: December 2017

Nephron number is highly variable in humans and is thought to play an important role in renal health. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the result of too few nephrons to maintain homeostasis. Currently, nephron number can only be determined invasively or as a terminal assessment. Due to a lack of tools to measure and track nephron number in the living, the early stages of CKD often go unrecognized, preventing early intervention that might halt the progression of CKD. In this work, we present a technique to directly measure glomerular number ( Nglom) and volume in vivo in the rat kidney ( n = 8) using MRI enhanced with the novel contrast agent cationized ferritin (CFE-MRI). Adult male rats were administered intravenous cationized ferritin (CF) and imaged in vivo with MRI. Glomerular number was measured and each glomerulus was spatially mapped in 3D in the image. Mean apparent glomerular volume (a Vglom) and intrarenal distribution of the individual glomerular volume (IGV), were also measured. These metrics were compared between images of the same kidneys scanned in vivo and ex vivo with CFE-MRI. In vivo Nglom and a Vglom correlated to ex vivo metrics within the same kidneys and were within 10% of Nglom and a Vglom previously validated by stereologic methods. This is the first report of direct in vivo measurements of Nglom and a Vglom, introducing an opportunity to investigate mechanisms of renal disease progression and therapeutic response over time.
Intrarenal activation of endothelin type B receptors improves kidney oxygenation in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Franzén Stephanie , Pihl Liselotte , Fasching Angelica , Palm Fredrik
Published: December 2017

About one-third of patients with type 1 diabetes develops kidney disease. The mechanism is largely unknown, but intrarenal hypoxia has been proposed as a unifying mechanism for chronic kidney disease, including diabetic nephropathy. The endothelin system has recently been demonstrated to regulate oxygen availability in the diabetic kidney via a pathway involving endothelin type A receptors (ETA-R). These receptors mainly mediate vasoconstriction and tubular sodium retention, and inhibition of ETA-R improves intrarenal oxygenation in the diabetic kidney. Endothelin type B receptors (ETB-R) can induce vasodilation of the renal vasculature and also regulate tubular sodium handling. However, the role of ETB-R in kidney oxygen homeostasis is unknown. The effects of acute intrarenal ETB-R activation (sarafotoxin 6c for 30–40 min; 0.78 pmol/h directly into the renal artery) on kidney function and oxygen metabolism were investigated in normoglycemic controls and insulinopenic male Sprague-Dawley rats administered streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) 2 wk before the acute experiments. Intrarenal activation of ETB-R improved oxygenation in the hypoxic diabetic kidney. However, the effects on diabetes-induced increased kidney oxygen consumption could not explain the improved oxygenation. Rather, the improved kidney oxygenation was due to hemodynamic effects increasing oxygen delivery without increasing glomerular filtration or tubular sodium load. In conclusion, increased ETB-R signaling in the diabetic kidney improves intrarenal tissue oxygenation due to increased oxygen delivery secondary to increased renal blood flow.
The influence of vertical disparity gradient and cue conflict on EEG omega complexity in Panum’s limiting case
Authors: Li Huayun , Jia Huibin , Yu Dongchuan
Published: December 2017

Using behavioral measures and ERP technique, researchers discovered at least two factors could influence the final perception of depth in Panum’s limiting case, which are the vertical disparity gradient and the degree of cue conflict between two- and three-dimensional shapes. Although certain event-related potential components have been proved to be sensitive to the different levels of these two factors, some methodological limitations existed in this technique. In this study, we proposed that the omega complexity of EEG signal may serve as an important supplement of the traditional event-related potential technique. We found that the trials with lower vertical gradient disparity have lower omega complexity (i.e., higher global functional connectivity) of the occipital region, especially that of the right-occipital hemisphere. Moreover, for occipital omega complexity, the trials with low-cue conflict have significantly larger omega complexity than those with medium- and high-cue conflict. It is also found that the electrodes located in the middle line of the occipital region (i.e., POz and Oz) are more crucial to the impact of different levels of cue conflict on omega complexity than the other electrodes located in the left- and right-occipital hemispheres. These evidences demonstrated that the EEG omega complexity could reflect distinct neural activities evoked by Panum’s limiting case configurations, with different levels of vertical disparity gradient and cue conflict. Besides, the influence of vertical disparity gradient and cue conflict on omega complexity may be regional dependent.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The EEG omega complexity could reflect distinct neural activities evoked by Panum’s limiting case configurations with different levels of vertical disparity gradient and cue conflict. The influence of vertical disparity gradient and cue conflict on omega complexity is regional dependent. The omega complexity of EEG signal can serve as an important supplement of the traditional ERP technique.
Phasic and tonic cell types in the zebra finch auditory caudal mesopallium
Authors: Chen Andrew N. , Meliza C. Daniel
Published: December 2017

The caudal mesopallium (CM) is a cortical-level area in the songbird auditory pathway where selective, invariant responses to familiar songs emerge. To characterize the cell types that perform this computation, we made whole cell recordings from brain slices in juvenile zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata) of both sexes. We found three groups of putatively excitatory neurons with distinct firing patterns. Tonic cells produced sustained responses to depolarizing step currents, phasic cells produced only a few spikes at the onset, and an intermediate group was also phasic but responded for up to a few hundred milliseconds. Phasic cells had smaller dendritic fields, higher resting potentials, and strong low-threshold outward rectification. Pharmacological treatment with voltage-gated potassium channel antagonists 4-aminopyridine and α-dendrotoxin converted phasic to tonic firing. When stimulated with broadband currents, phasic cells fired coherently with frequencies up to 20–30 Hz, whereas tonic neurons were more responsive to frequencies around 0–10 Hz. The distribution of peak coherence frequencies was similar to the distribution of temporal modulation rates in zebra finch song. We reproduced these observations in a single-compartment biophysical model by varying cell size and the magnitude of a slowly inactivating, low-threshold potassium current ( ILT). These data suggest that intrinsic dynamics in CM are matched to the temporal statistics of conspecific song.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In songbirds, the caudal mesopallium is a key brain area involved in recognizing the songs of other individuals. This study identifies three cell types in this area with distinct firing patterns (tonic, phasic, and intermediate) that reflect differences in cell size and a low-threshold potassium current. The phasic-firing neurons, which do not have a counterpart in mammalian auditory cortex, are better able to follow rapid modulations at the frequencies found in song.
BOLD temporal variability differentiates wakefulness from anesthesia-induced unconsciousness
Authors: Baria Alexis T. , Centeno Maria V. , Ghantous Mariam E. , Chang Pei C. , Procissi Daniele , Apkarian A. Vania
Published: December 2017

Even though a number of findings, based on information content or information integration, are shown to define neural underpinnings characteristic of a conscious experience, the neurophysiological mechanism of consciousness is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the brain activity and functional connectivity changes that occur in the isoflurane-anesthetized unconscious state in contrast to the awake state in rats (awake and/or anesthetized, n = 68 rats). We examined nine information measures previously shown to distinguish between conscious states: blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) variability, functional connectivity strength, modularity, weighted modularity, efficiency, clustering coefficient, small-worldness, and spatial and temporal Lempel-Ziv complexity measure. We also identified modular membership, seed-based network connectivity, and absolute and normalized power spectrums to assess the integrity of the BOLD functional networks between awake and anesthesia. fMRI BOLD variability and related absolute power were the only information measures significantly higher during the awake state compared with isoflurane anesthesia across animals, and with varying levels of anesthesia, after correcting for motion and respiration confounds. Thus, we conclude that, at least under the specific conditions examined here, global measures of information integration/sharing do not properly distinguish the anesthetized state from wakefulness, and heightened overall, global and local, BOLD variability is the most reliable determinant of conscious brain activity relative to isoflurane anesthesia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Multiple metrics previously suggested to be able to distinguish between states of consciousness were compared, within and across rats in awake and isoflurane anesthesia-induced unconsciousness. All measures tested showed sensitivity to confounds, correcting for motion and for respiration changes due to anesthesia. Resting state local BOLD variability and the related absolute power were the only information measures that robustly differentiated wakefulness states. These results caution against the general applicability of global information measures in identifying levels of consciousness, thus challenging the popular concept that these measures reflect states of consciousness, and also pointing to local signal variability as a more reliable indicator of states of wakefulness.
Robust mixture modeling reveals category-free selectivity in reward region neuronal ensembles
Authors: Blanchard Tommy C. , Piantadosi Steven T. , Hayden Benjamin Y.
Published: December 2017

Classification of neurons into clusters based on their response properties is an important tool for gaining insight into neural computations. However, it remains unclear to what extent neurons fall naturally into discrete functional categories. We developed a Bayesian method that models the tuning properties of neural populations as a mixture of multiple types of task-relevant response patterns. We applied this method to data from several cortical and striatal regions in economic choice tasks. In all cases, neurons fell into only two clusters: one multiple-selectivity cluster containing all cells driven by task variables of interest and another of no selectivity for those variables. The single cluster of task-sensitive cells argues against robust categorical tuning in these areas. The no-selectivity cluster was unanticipated and raises important questions about what distinguishes these neurons and what role they play. Moreover, the ability to formally identify these nonselective cells allows for more accurate measurement of ensemble effects by excluding or appropriately down-weighting them in analysis. Our findings provide a valuable tool for analysis of neural data, challenge simple categorization schemes previously proposed for these regions, and place useful constraints on neurocomputational models of economic choice and control.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present a Bayesian method for formally detecting whether a population of neurons can be naturally classified into clusters based on their response tuning properties. We then examine several data sets of reward system neurons for variables and find in all cases that neurons can be classified into only two categories: a functional class and a non-task-driven class. These results provide important constraints for neural models of the reward system.
The Underlying Genetics ofDrosophilaCircadian Behaviors
Authors: Franco D. Lorena , Frenkel Lia , Ceriani M. Fernanda
Published: December 2017

Life is shaped by circadian clocks. This review focuses on how behavioral genetics in the fruit fly unveiled what is known today about circadian physiology. We will briefly summarize basic properties of the clock and focus on some clock-controlled behaviors to highlight how communication between central and peripheral oscillators defines their properties.
Endothelial transcriptomics reveals activation of fibrosis-related pathways in hypertension
Authors: Nelson Jonathan W. , Ferdaus Mohammed Z. , McCormick James A. , Minnier Jessica , Kaul Sanjiv , Ellison David H. , Barnes Anthony P.
Published: December 2017

Hypertension poses a significant challenge to vasculature homeostasis and stands as the most common cardiovascular disease in the world. Its effects are especially profound on endothelial cells that form the inner lining of the vasculature and are directly exposed to the effects of excess pressure. Here, we characterize the in vivo transcriptomic response of cardiac endothelial cells to hypertension by rapidly isolating these cells from the spontaneous hypertension mouse model BPH/2J and its normotensive BPN/3J control strain and performing and RNA sequencing on both. Comparison of transcriptional differences between these groups reveals statistically significant changes in cellular pathways consistent with cardiac fibrosis found in hypertensive animals. Importantly, many of the fibrosis-linked genes identified also differ significantly between juvenile prehypertensive and adult hypertensive BPH/2J mice, suggesting that these transcriptional differences are hypertension related. We examined the dynamic nature of these transcriptional changes by testing whether blood pressure normalization using either a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) or a angiotensin II receptor blocker (losartan) is able to reverse these expression patterns associated with hypertension. We find that blood pressure reduction is capable of reversing some gene-expression patterns, while other transcripts are recalcitrant to therapeutic intervention. This illuminates the possibility that unmanaged hypertension may irreversibly alter some endothelial transcriptional patterns despite later intervention. This study quantifies how endothelial cells are remodeled at the molecular level in cardiovascular pathology and advances our understanding of the transcriptional events associated with endothelial response to hypertensive challenge.
The Arp2/3 Regulatory System and Its Deregulation in Cancer
Authors: Molinie Nicolas , Gautreau Alexis
Published: December 2017

The Arp2/3 complex is an evolutionary conserved molecular machine that generates branched actin networks. When activated, the Arp2/3 complex contributes the actin branched junction and thus cross-links the polymerizing actin filaments in a network that exerts a pushing force. The different activators initiate branched actin networks at the cytosolic surface of different cellular membranes to promote their protrusion, movement, or scission in cell migration and membrane traffic. Here we review the structure, function, and regulation of all the direct regulators of the Arp2/3 complex that induce or inhibit the initiation of a branched actin network and that controls the stability of its branched junctions. Our goal is to present recent findings concerning novel inhibitory proteins or the regulation of the actin branched junction and place these in the context of what was previously known to provide a global overview of how the Arp2/3 complex is regulated in human cells. We focus on the human set of Arp2/3 regulators to compare normal Arp2/3 regulation in untransformed cells to the deregulation of the Arp2/3 system observed in patients affected by various cancers. In many cases, these deregulations promote cancer progression and have a direct impact on patient survival.
The Identification of Key Genes and Pathways in Glioma by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Liu Mingfa , Xu Zhennan , Du Zepeng , Wu Bingli , Jin Tao , Xu Ke , Xu Liyan , Li Enmin , Xu Haixiong
Published: December 2017

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system. This study aims to explore the potential mechanism and identify gene signatures of glioma. The glioma gene expression profile GSE4290 was analyzed for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were applied for the enriched pathways. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to find the hub genes. Survival analysis was conducted to screen and validate critical genes. In this study, 775 downregulated DEGs were identified. GO analysis demonstrated that the DEGs were enriched in cellular protein modification, regulation of cell communication, and regulation of signaling. KEGG analysis indicated that the DEGs were enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, endocytosis, oxytocin signaling, and calcium signaling. PPI network and module analysis found 12 hub genes, which were enriched in synaptic vesicle cycling rheumatoid arthritis and collecting duct acid secretion. The four key genes CDK17, GNA13, PHF21A, and MTHFD2 were identified in both generation (GSE4412) and validation (GSE4271) dataset, respectively. Regression analysis showed that CDK13, PHF21A, and MTHFD2 were independent predictors. The results suggested that CDK17, GNA13, PHF21A, and MTHFD2 might play important roles and potentially be valuable in the prognosis and treatment of glioma.
A Self‐Tuning Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative‐Based Temperature Control Method for Draw‐Texturing‐Yarn Machine
Authors: Song Rong , Chen Shuting
Published: December 2017

Owing to the fast time‐varying characteristics, the temperature control for draw‐texturing‐yarn (DTY) machine has higher technical difficulties and results in challenges for system energy optimization. To address the matter, a self‐tuning proportional‐integral‐derivative‐ (ST‐PID‐) based temperature control method is proposed. Referring to the technical procedures of DTY machine, a thermodynamic model is set up. Then, a ST‐PID minimum phase control system is constructed by the pole‐point placement method. Subsequently, an artificial neural network based forgetting factor searching (ANN‐FFS) algorithm is developed to optimize the system parameter identification. The numerical cases show that the proposed ANN‐FFS algorithm can improve the parameter identification process, and the average identifying efficiency (K > 15) can increase by more than 50%; compared with the fuzzy PID controller, the proposed ST‐PID method can increase the control accuracy nearly 3 times for the static temperature ascending. The experimental results prove that the proposed ST‐PID method has better abilities of characteristics tracing and anti‐interference and can restrain the temperature fluctuation caused by objective switching and the factual control accuracy reaches 3 times that of fuzzy PID method.
Use of Western Medicine and Traditional Korean Medicine for Joint Disorders: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis Based on Korean Nationwide Insurance Data
Authors: Jung Boyoung , Bae Sukjin , Kim Soyoon
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to compare the usage of Western medicine and traditional Korean medicine for treating joint disorders in Korea. Data of claims from all medical institutions with billing statements filed to HIRA from 2011 to 2014 for the four most frequent joint disorders were used for the analysis. Data from a total of 1,100,018 patients who received medical services from 2011 to 2014 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics are presented as type of care and hospital type. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS for Windows version 21. Of the 1,100,018 patients with joint disorders, 456,642 (41.5%) were males and 643,376 (58.5%) were females. Per diem costs of hospitalization in Western medicine clinics and traditional Korean medicine clinics were approximately 160,000 KRW and 50,000 KRW, respectively. Among costs associated with Western medicine, physiotherapy cost had the largest proportion (28.78%). Among costs associated with traditional Korean medicine, procedural costs and treatment accounted for more than 70%, followed by doctors’ fees (21.54%). There were distinct differences in patterns of medical care use and cost of joint disorders at the national level in Korea. This study is expected to contribute to management decisions for musculoskeletal disease involving joint disorders.
Effect of Microwave Heating on the Dielectric Properties and Components of Iron-Fortified Milk
Authors: Tang Xiao-shu , Fan Da-ming , Hang Feng , Yan Bo-wen , Zhao Jian-xin , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2017

With the iron-fortified milk as research object, this paper makes a research on the influence of iron on the dielectric properties and wave absorption properties and effect of nutritional components, such as casein and whey protein in milk, and thermostability in the process of microwave heating, and rapid heat transfer method in ferrous gluconate–milk and ferrous chloride–milk, respectively. The results show that the iron of ionic form has greater influence to convert microwave to heat energy and the effect of microwave absorption properties was greater for ferrous chloride than for ferrous gluconate at high concentration. The effect of different forms of iron on the composition of milk was different, and the composition of milk systems was more stable by microwave heating, but the rapid heat transfer method is superior in the aim of increasing the nutritional value of milk. The ferrous gluconate–milk system has a better thermal stability than ferrous chloride–milk system. From the aspect of dielectric induction, the paper discovers the response rules of iron and evaluates the microwave thermal safety of the traditional and the iron-fortified products by microwave heating.
Development of the Visual System in a Burrow-Nesting Seabird: Leach's Storm Petrel
Authors: Mitkus Mindaugas , Nevitt Gabrielle A. , Kelber Almut
Published: December 2017

Little is known about the development of vision in wild birds. It is unknown, for example, whether the ability to see can be predicted by the level of prenatal growth or whether the eyes are open at hatching in a particular species. In this study, we investigated the growth of eyes, the formation of retinal ganglion cell topography, and the appearance of simple, visually guided behaviours in chicks of a small procellariiform seabird, Leach's storm petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa). This semi-precocial species, which has a well-developed sense of smell, nests in underground burrows where adults provision chicks for 6-8 weeks in the dark before fledging. Retinal ganglion cell topographic maps revealed that fine-tuning of cell distribution does not happen early in development, but rather that the ganglion cell layer continues to mature throughout provisioning and probably even after fledging. While the olfactory bulbs reached adult size around 7 weeks after hatching, the eyes and telencephalon continued to grow. Optokinetic head response and artificial burrow finding experiments indicated that chicks in the 2nd week after hatching lack even the most basic visually guided behaviours and are probably blind. Thus, vision in Leach's storm petrel chicks starts to function sometime around the 3rd week after hatching, well after the eyes have opened and the olfactory system is functional.
Evaluation of the Expression of Genes Associated with Inflammation and Apoptosis in Androgenetic Alopecia by Targeted RNA-Seq
Authors: Martinez-Jacobo Lizeth , Ancer-Arellano Claudia I. , Ortiz-Lopez Rocio , Salinas-Santander Mauricio , Villarreal-Villarreal Cesar Daniel , Ancer-Rodriguez Jesus , Camacho-Zamora Bianka , Zomosa-Signoret Viviana , Medina-De la Garza Carlos E. , Ocampo-Candiani Jorge , Rojas-Martinez Augusto
Published: December 2017

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss in humans. Despite being a very frequent dermatological entity, molecular pathophysiology remains unclear. Several authors relate the presentation of AGA with a premature apoptotic process during the anagen phase and with an inflammatory microenvironment in the hair follicle. We evaluated a panel of 30 genes associated with inflammation and apoptosis in 5 AGA patients by targeted RNA-Seq. WNT7A gene was highly expressed in patients in stages 3V to 5 on the Hamilton-Norwood scale compared to patients with 5A stage. CASP7 and TNF genes were overexpressed in stages 3V and 4 compared to stages 5 and 5A. Overexpression of these genes detected only at early stages of AGA proves the role of WNT pathway, apoptosis, and inflammation in the development of this disorder.
Comparative Analyses of Transport Proteins Encoded within the Genomes of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 and Bdellovibrio exovorus JSS
Authors: Heidari Tajabadi Fereshteh , Medrano-Soto Arturo , Ahmadzadeh Masoud , Salehi Jouzani Gholamreza , Saier Jr. Milton H.
Published: December 2017

Bdellovibrio, δ-proteobacteria, including B. bacteriovorus (Bba) and B. exovorus (Bex), are obligate predators of other Gram-negative bacteria. While Bba grows in the periplasm of the prey cell, Bex grows externally. We have analyzed and compared the transport proteins of these 2 organisms based on the current contents of the Transporter Classification Database (TCDB; www.tcdb.org). Bba has 103 transporters more than Bex, 50% more secondary carriers, and 3 times as many MFS carriers. Bba has far more metabolite transporters than Bex as expected from its larger genome, but there are 2 times more carbohydrate uptake and drug efflux systems, and 3 times more lipid transporters. Bba also has polyamine and carboxylate transporters lacking in Bex. Bba has more than twice as many members of the Mot-Exb family of energizers, but both may have energizers for gliding motility. They use entirely different types of systems for iron acquisition. Both contain unexpectedly large numbers of pseudogenes and incomplete systems, suggesting that they are undergoing genome size reduction. Interestingly, all 5 outer-membrane receptors in Bba are lacking in Bex. The 2 organisms have similar numbers and types of peptide and amino acid uptake systems as well as protein and carbohydrate secretion systems. The differences observed correlate with and may account, in part, for the different lifestyles of these 2 bacterial predators.
Echinochrome A Release by Red Spherule Cells Is an Iron-Withholding Strategy of Sea Urchin Innate Immunity
Authors: Coates Christopher J. , McCulloch Claire , Betts Joshua , Whalley Tim
Published: December 2017

Cellular immune defences in sea urchins are shared amongst the coelomocytes - a heterogeneous population of cells residing in the coelomic fluid (blood equivalent) and tissues. The most iconic coelomocyte morphotype is the red spherule cell (or amebocyte), so named due to the abundance of cytoplasmic vesicles containing the naphthoquinone pigment echinochrome A. Despite their identification over a century ago, and evidence of antiseptic properties, little progress has been made in characterising the immunocompetence of these cells. Upon exposure of red spherule cells from sea urchins, i.e., Paracentrotus lividus and Psammechinus miliaris, to microbial ligands, intact microbes, and damage signals, we observed cellular degranulation and increased detection of cell-free echinochrome in the coelomic fluid ex vivo. Treatment of the cells with ionomycin, a calcium-specific ionophore, confirmed that an increase in intracellular levels of Ca2+ is a trigger of echinochrome release. Incubating Gram-positive/negative bacteria as well as yeast with lysates of red spherule cells led to significant reductions in colony-forming units. Such antimicrobial properties were counteracted by the addition of ferric iron (Fe3+), suggesting that echinochrome acts as a primitive iron chelator in echinoid biological defences.
Knowledge and Sociodemographic Determinants of Emergency Management of Dental Avulsion among Parents in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alyahya Lolwa , Alkandari Sarah A. , Alajmi Saitah , Alyahya Asma
Published: December 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of first aid measures for a permanent tooth avulsion among parents in Kuwait and to assess the effect of different sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 554 parents who visited 5 dental specialty centers in Kuwait. Parent sociodemographic data and responses to avulsion management questions were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were used for data analysis. Results: In the 554 responses from patients, gaps were identified in the following areas: replantation (199, 35.9%), cleaning of the tooth (182, 32.9%), and transport media (84, 15.2%). Most parents demonstrated satisfactory knowledge levels regarding the urgency to seek professional help (391, 70.6%) and the first place of contact after the injury (525, 94.8%). Having previous information on emergency management of dental avulsion was a significant predictor of good knowledge (OR 2.138, 95% CI 1.347-3.395, p = 0.001). Of the 544 parents, 99 (17.8%) had received information on dental avulsion management: 30 (30.3%) from the Internet, 19 (19.2%) from books, 12 (12.1%) from television, 6 (6%) from smart phone applications, 2 (2%) from newspapers, and 30 (30.3%) from other sources. Conclusion: In this study, parents in Kuwait did not have adequate knowledge of emergency management for dental avulsion. Future educational campaigns on dental avulsion are urgently needed to educate parents.
Factors Associated With Focal Computed Tomographic Perfusion Abnormalities in Supratentorial Transient Ischemic Attacks
Authors: Meyer Ivo A. , Cereda Carlo W. , Correia Pamela N. , Zerlauth Jean-Baptiste , Puccinelli Francesco , Rotzinger David C. , Amiguet Michael , Maeder Philippe , Meuli Reto A. , Michel Patrik
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose—

Computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) is useful in diagnosis of patients with transient focal neurological symptoms. In acute imaging of patients with a suspected transient ischemic attack (TIA), it remains unclear which patients develop focal perfusion abnormalities (FPA), that is, hypoperfusion or hyperperfusion. We aimed at determining independent factors associated with FPA in patients with supratentorial TIAs.

Methods—

We prospectively collected consecutive patients with supratentorial TIAs defined by the traditional time-based definition who underwent CTP within 24 hours of symptom onset. We recorded demographics, risk factors, clinical features, severity, and timing from onset. We documented the Age, Blood Pressure, Clinical Features, Duration, and Diabetes (ABCD2) scores, vascular territories, and presence of relevant arterial pathology. Variables were tested for an association with FPA with univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results—

A hundred and ten of 265 patients (42%) with supratentorial TIAs had FPA on CTP. Acute noncontrast computed tomography showed early ischemic lesions in 6%, and acute/subacute magnetic resonance imaging was pathological in 52 of the 109 cases (47.7%) where it was performed. Clinical factors associated with FPA were high-admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (odds ratio [OR], 1.22), right hemispheric TIA (OR, 3.09), and cardioembolic mechanism (OR, 2.19). Persistence of symptoms during CTP (OR, 2.59), shorter duration of TIA (OR, 0.93), major intracranial arterial pathology (OR, 12.5), and extracranial arterial occlusion (OR, 7.44) were also associated with FPA.

Conclusions—

Supratentorial TIAs are often associated with FPA in CTP, even after symptom resolution. FPAs are frequent in severe TIAs and those associated with cardioembolism or specific arterial pathologies. These findings can help clinicians in accurate diagnosis of TIA and its underlying mechanisms.
Stroke Incidence by Major Pathological Type and Ischemic Subtypes in the Auckland Regional Community Stroke Studies
Authors: Krishnamurthi Rita V. , Barker-Collo Suzanne , Parag Varsha , Parmar Priyakumari , Witt Emma , Jones Amy , Mahon Susan , Anderson Craig S. , Barber P. Alan , Feigin Valery L.
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose—

Major pathological stroke types (ischemic stroke [IS], primary intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH], and subarachnoid hemorrhage) and IS subtypes, have differing risk factors, management, and prognosis. We report changes in major stroke types and IS subtypes incidence during 10 years using data from the ARCOS (Auckland Regional Community Stroke Study) III performed during 12 months in 2002 to 2003 and the fourth ARCOS study (ARCOS-IV) performed in 2011 to 2012.

Methods—

ARCOS-III and ARCOS-IV were population-based registers of all new strokes in the greater Auckland region (population aged >15 years, 1 119 192). Strokes were classified into major pathological types (IS, ICH, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and undetermined type). Crude annual age-, sex-, and ethnic-specific stroke incidence with 95% confidence intervals was calculated. ISs were subclassified using TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria into 5 etiologic groups. Rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for differences in age-standardized rates between the 2 studies.

Results—

In ARCOS-IV, there were 1329 (81%) ISs, 211 (13%) ICHs, 79 (5%) subarachnoid hemorrhages, and 24 (1%) undetermined type strokes. The proportional distribution of IS subtypes was 29% cardioembolism, 21% small-vessel occlusion, 15% large-artery atherosclerosis, 5% other determined etiology, and 31% undetermined type. Between 2002 and 2011, age-standardized incidence decreased for subarachnoid hemorrhage (rate ratios, 0.73; 95% confidence intervals, 0.54–0.99) and undetermined type (rate ratios, 0.14; 95% confidence intervals, 0.09–0.22). Rates were stable for IS and ICH. Among IS subtypes, large-artery atherosclerosis and small-vessel occlusion rates increased significantly. The frequency of all risk factors increased in IS. Ethnic differences were observed for both stroke subtype rates and their risk factor frequencies.

Conclusions—

A lack of change in IS and ICH incidence may reflect a trend toward increased incidence of younger strokes. Increased rates of large-artery atherosclerosis and small-vessel occlusion are associated with increased smoking and high blood pressure. Ethnic differences in the proportional distribution of pathological stroke subtypes suggest differential exposure and susceptibility to risk factors.
Hearing Shapes: Event-related Potentials Reveal the Time Course of Auditory–Visual Sensory Substitution
Authors: Graulty Christian , Papaioannou Orestis , Bauer Phoebe , Pitts Michael A. , Canseco-Gonzalez Enriqueta
Published: December 2017

In auditory–visual sensory substitution, visual information (e.g., shape) can be extracted through strictly auditory input (e.g., soundscapes). Previous studies have shown that image-to-sound conversions that follow simple rules [such as the Meijer algorithm; Meijer, P. B. L. An experimental system for auditory image representation. Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 39, 111–121, 1992] are highly intuitive and rapidly learned by both blind and sighted individuals. A number of recent fMRI studies have begun to explore the neuroplastic changes that result from sensory substitution training. However, the time course of cross-sensory information transfer in sensory substitution is largely unexplored and may offer insights into the underlying neural mechanisms. In this study, we recorded ERPs to soundscapes before and after sighted participants were trained with the Meijer algorithm. We compared these posttraining versus pretraining ERP differences with those of a control group who received the same set of 80 auditory/visual stimuli but with arbitrary pairings during training. Our behavioral results confirmed the rapid acquisition of cross-sensory mappings, and the group trained with the Meijer algorithm was able to generalize their learning to novel soundscapes at impressive levels of accuracy. The ERP results revealed an early cross-sensory learning effect (150–210 msec) that was significantly enhanced in the algorithm-trained group compared with the control group as well as a later difference (420–480 msec) that was unique to the algorithm-trained group. These ERP modulations are consistent with previous fMRI results and provide additional insight into the time course of cross-sensory information transfer in sensory substitution.
Bursaphelenchus decraemerae n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in packaging wood from the USA
Authors: Wang Xuan , Gu Jianfeng , Maria Munawar , Fang Yiwu , Li Hongmei
Published: December 2017

Bursaphelenchus decraemeraen. sp., isolated in Ningbo, China, from packaging wood made ofPinussp. imported from the USA, is described. It is characterised by the lateral field with three lines, a stylet 10-12 μm long with small basal swellings, excretory pore located 4-12 μm posterior to median bulb, spicule small, ventrally arcuate with lamina gradually tapering to distal tip, rostrum triangular pointed to conical, condylus elongated with bluntly rounded tip, and cucullus minute, barely visible. There are seven caudal papillae arranged as a single ventral precloacal papilla, one adcloacal pair and two postcloacal pairs. The bursal flap is narrow and oval. A small vulval flap is present in lateral view of the female and the tail is conical, strongly ventrally curved with the terminus finely pointed and sometimes appearing like a mucron. The new species is characterised by morphological and molecular analysis and is close toB. gerberaeandB. sakishimanus.
Phylogeny and evolution of the genus Ctenocolum Kingsolver & Whitehead (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae), with the description of three new species
Authors: Manfio Daiara , Jorge Isaac Reis , Kergoat Gael J. , Ribeiro-Costa Cibele Stramare
Published: December 2017

The seed beetle genus Ctenocolum Kingsolver & Whitehead is peculiar because its preferred host Lonchocharpus Kunth (Fabaceae) is not preyed upon by other bruchine species. This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships and evolution of this genus and of its species groups, while providing the description of three new species and of the male of C. biolleyi Kingsolver & Whitehead. To infer phylogenetic relationships, a character matrix of 40 morphological characters was assembled and analysed using both parsimony and Bayesian inference. Ancestral state estimations of host plant use and biogeography analyses were also performed. A total of 22 species were examined: 16 Ctenocolum species (including the three new ones) and six outgroup bruchine species (from genera Caryedes Hummel, Meibomeus Bridwell, Pygiopachymerus Pic and Pachymerus Thunberg). All resulting trees support the monophyly of the genus Ctenocolum. Three synapomorphies characterize the genus: (i) head with frontal carina enlarged at base, (ii) male pygidium truncated apically, and (iii) lateral lobes of tegmen with dorsal process. The two known species groups are also recovered monophyletic in the parsimony analyses. The following three species are described: Ctenocolum inmaculatus Manfio & Ribeiro-Costa sp. nov. (Type locality: Venezuela, Guarico), which belongs to the group tuberculatum; Ctenocolum nigronotus Manfio & Ribeiro-Costa sp. nov. (Type locality: Porto Rico, Mayaguez) and C. pallidus Manfio & Ribeiro-Costa sp. nov. (Type locality: Republic of Guyana), which belong to the group podagricus. Finally, we present colored illustrations of dorsal patterns and male genitalia for these three new species and C. biolleyi in addition to an updated key for the genus Ctenocolum.
Review of the sulcacitus group of Euschistus (Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Carpocorini) with description of the internal female genitalia and a new species
Authors: BIANCHI FILIPE MICHELS , BARÃO KIM RIBEIRO , GRAZIA JOCELIA
Published: December 2017

Euschistus Dallas is comprised of 66 species in three subgenera. Species of the nominate subgenus occur mainly in Central and North America. Some groups of species have been proposed to Euschistus (Euschistus) based on general external and male genitalic morphologies. Here, we review the sulcacitus group providing illustrations and descriptions of the internal and external genitalia of both sexes, illustrating females for the first time. A new species, Euschistus (Euschistus) tacitus sp. nov. Bianchi & Grazia, from Mexico and Costa Rica is described. We also provide an identification key to species of the group.
The genus Tyrinthia Bates, 1866 in Ecuador (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Hemilophini)
Authors: GALILEO MARIA HELENA M. , MCCLARIN JIM , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: December 2017

Tyrinthia frontalis (Guérin-Méneville, 1855) is redescribed, formally recorded from Ecuador, and its type locality is questioned. Tyrinthia napoensis sp. nov. is described from Ecuador. Tyrinthia paraba Martins & Galileo, 1991, and T. turuna Martins & Galileo, 1993 are new country records for Ecuador. A key to species of Tyrinthia from Ecuador is provided.
Regime Change Behavior during Asian Monsoon Onset
Authors: Geen Ruth , Lambert F. H. , Vallis G. K.
Published: December 2017

As the ITCZ moves off the equator on an aquaplanet, the Hadley circulation transitions from an equinoctial regime with two near-symmetric, significantly eddy-driven cells to a monsoon-like regime with a strong, thermally direct cross-equatorial cell, intense low-latitude precipitation, and a weak summer hemisphere cell. Dynamical feedbacks appear to accelerate the transition. This study investigates the relevance of this behavior to monsoon onset by using primitive equation model simulations ranging from aquaplanets to more realistic configurations with Earth’s continents and topography. A change in the relationship between ITCZ latitude and overturning strength is identified once the ITCZ moves poleward of approximately 7°. Monsoon onset is associated with off-equatorial ascent in regions of nonnegligible planetary vorticity, and this is found to generate a vortex stretching tendency that reduces upper-level absolute vorticity. In an aquaplanet, this causes a transition to the cross-equatorial, thermally direct regime, intensifying the overturning circulation. Analysis of the zonal momentum budget suggests that a stationary wave, driven by topography and land–sea contrast, can trigger a similar transition in the more realistic model configuration, with the wave extending the ascent region of the Southern Hemisphere Hadley cell northward, and enhanced overturning then developing to the south. These two elements of the circulation resemble the East and South Asian monsoons.
Impact of Ice Cloud Microphysics on Satellite Cloud Retrievals and Broadband Flux Radiative Transfer Model Calculations
Authors: Loeb Norman G. , Yang Ping , Rose Fred G. , Hong Gang , Sun-Mack Sunny , Minnis Patrick , Kato Seiji , Ham Seung-Hee , Smith William L. , Hioki Souichiro , Tang Guanglin
Published: December 2017

Ice cloud particles exhibit a range of shapes and sizes affecting a cloud’s single-scattering properties. Because they cannot be inferred from passive visible/infrared imager measurements, assumptions about the bulk single-scattering properties of ice clouds are fundamental to satellite cloud retrievals and broadband radiative flux calculations. To examine the sensitivity to ice particle model assumptions, three sets of models are used in satellite imager retrievals of ice cloud fraction, thermodynamic phase, optical depth, effective height, and particle size, and in top-of-atmosphere (TOA) and surface broadband radiative flux calculations. The three ice particle models include smooth hexagonal ice columns (SMOOTH), roughened hexagonal ice columns, and a two-habit model (THM) comprising an ensemble of hexagonal columns and 20-element aggregates. While the choice of ice particle model has a negligible impact on daytime cloud fraction and thermodynamic phase, the global mean ice cloud optical depth retrieved from THM is smaller than from SMOOTH by 2.3 (28%), and the regional root-mean-square difference (RMSD) is 2.8 (32%). Effective radii derived from THM are 3.9 μm (16%) smaller than SMOOTH values and the RMSD is 5.2 μm (21%). In contrast, the regional RMSD in TOA and surface flux between THM and SMOOTH is only 1% in the shortwave and 0.3% in the longwave when a consistent ice particle model is assumed in the cloud property retrievals and forward radiative transfer model calculations. Consequently, radiative fluxes derived using a consistent ice particle model assumption throughout provide a more robust reference for climate model evaluation compared to ice cloud property retrievals.