bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Myxoma: A Rare Case Series of 3 Patients and a Literature Review
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Li Quan , Xue Minghua , Zhao Pengzhan , Cui Jing
Published: May 2017

Myxoma is the most common tumor in the heart. A typical myxoma is relatively straightforward to diagnose. However, certain cardiac myxomas have rare features. We report three extremely rare cases of cardiac myxoma. One case involved a myxoma that originated from the annulus of the tricuspid after valvuloplasty, one case involved myxomas associated with left atrial thrombus and severe mitral stenosis, and the third case involved myxoma combined with severe calcification. All three cases were diagnosed by echocardiography and pathology. We also review clinical presentations and diagnostic characteristics of cardiac myxomas.
Musculoskeletal structure and function in response to the combined effect of an obesogenic diet and age in male C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Bott Kirsten N. , Gittings William , Fajardo Val Andrew , Baranowski Bradley J. , Vandenboom Rene , LeBlanc Paul J. , Ward Wendy E. , Peters Sandra J.
Published: May 2017

Scope

The effects of a long‐term high fat and sucrose diet (HFS) superimposed with aging on bone and muscle structure and/or function.

Methods and results

Male C57BL/6J mice (20 weeks of age) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: baseline (BSL, n = 12), or assigned to a control (AGE, n = 12) or HFS (HFS‐AGE, n = 11) diet for 13 weeks. Trabecular bone structure, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and body composition, were measured longitudinally at 20, 24, and 32 weeks of age. In vitro contractile measures were performed on isolated soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles for each group. Both AGE and HFS‐AGE had similar declines in trabecular bone structure, while HFS‐AGE resulted in increased soleus cross‐sectional area (CSA) compared to AGE, but this did not translate to greater twitch or tetanic peak force. The ratio of outcomes of bone to muscle declined in both AGE and HFS‐AGE compared to BSL as a result of greater declines in trabecular bone structure than muscle function.

Conclusion

Consumption of a 13‐week HFS diet at 20 weeks of age did not exacerbate age‐related declines in bone or muscle, but these tissues do not decline in a coordinate manner with greater declines in bone than muscle.
Incidence of nonamyloidogenic mutations in the transthyretin gene in patients with autonomic and small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Levine Todd D. , Bland Ruth J.
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Mutations of the transthyretin (TTR) gene have been associated with polyneuropathy; the protein product has a tendency to form amyloid deposits in the peripheral nervous system. Methods: Patients with small fiber neuropathy (SFN) with or without autonomic symptoms were given skin biopsies to assess nerve fiber density. Any patient with autonomic symptoms was assessed for autonomic neuropathy (AN). If testing revealed no clear cause of neuropathy, the TTR gene was sequenced. Results: Thirty‐six percent of patients were found to harbor at least 1 mutation in the TTR gene sequence (variants of unknown significance [VUS]). Of 24 patients diagnosed with SFN, 8% of patients had a point mutation (c76G>A). Of those patients who were diagnosed with both SFN and AN, 68% of patients had a VUS within the TTR gene (c76G>A, c337‐18G>C). Conclusions: The results suggest an association between presumed nonamyloidogenic mutations in the TTR gene and the development of AN and SFN. Muscle Nerve 57: 140–142, 2017
Acute nutritional axonal neuropathy
Authors: Hamel Johanna , Logigian Eric L.
Published: May 2017

Introduction: This study describes clinical, laboratory, and electrodiagnostic features of a severe acute axonal polyneuropathy common to patients with acute nutritional deficiency in the setting of alcoholism, bariatric surgery (BS), or anorexia. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical, electrodiagnostic, and laboratory data of patients with acute axonal neuropathy. Results: Thirteen patients were identified with a severe, painful, sensory or sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy that developed over 2–12 weeks with sensory ataxia, areflexia, variable muscle weakness, poor nutritional status, and weight loss, often with prolonged vomiting and normal cerebrospinal fluid protein. Vitamin B6 was low in half and thiamine was low in all patients when obtained before supplementation. Patients improved with weight gain and vitamin supplementation, with motor greater than sensory recovery. Discussion: We suggest that acute or subacute axonal neuropathy in patients with weight loss or vomiting associated with alcohol abuse, BS, or dietary deficiency is one syndrome, caused by micronutrient deficiencies. Muscle Nerve 57: 33–39, 2018
Motor milestone assessment of infants with spinal muscular atrophy using the hammersmith infant neurological Exam—Part 2: Experience from a nusinersen clinical study
Authors: Bishop Kathie M. , Montes Jacqueline , Finkel Richard S.
Published: May 2017

Introduction:In this study we examined the feasibility of assessing motor milestone performance of infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Exam—Part 2 (HINE‐2) in a phase 2 study of nusinersen.Methods:Nineteen SMA infants were assessed using the HINE‐2 at baseline (≤7 months of age), and periodically up to 39 months of age. We evaluated whether the HINE‐2 was feasible, reliable, and sensitive to change.Results:Motor milestone assessments in SMA infants were feasible using the HINE‐2. Baseline test–retest reliability was excellent (R= 0.987;P< 0.0001). SMA infants were extremely low functioning at baseline and the HINE‐2 was able to detect changes over time in 16 of 19 infants within all 8 domains. HINE‐2 improvements were correlated with changes in other neuromuscular outcome measures.Conclusion:Results support the use of the HINE‐2 motor milestone assessment in clinical trials of SMA infants.Muscle Nerve57: 143–146, 2017
Ultrasonography in neuralgic amyotrophy: Sensitivity, spectrum of findings, and clinical correlations
Authors: ArÁnyi Zsuzsanna , Csillik Anita , DéVay Katalin , Rosero Maja , Barsi PéTer , BÖhm Josef , Schelle Thomas
Published: May 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the value of ultrasonography in neuralgic amyotrophy.

Methods

Fifty‐three patients with 70 affected nerves were examined with high‐resolution ultrasound.

Results

The most commonly affected nerve was the anterior interosseous (23%). Ultrasonographic abnormalities in the affected nerves, rather than in the brachial plexus, were observed, with an overall sensitivity of 74%. Findings included the swelling of the nerve/fascicle with or without incomplete/complete constriction and rotational phenomena (nerve torsion and fascicular entwinement). A significant difference was found among the categories of ultrasonographic findings with respect to clinical outcome (P = 0.01). In nerves with complete constriction and rotational phenomena, reinnervation was absent or negligible, indicating surgery was warranted.

Discussion

Ultrasonography may be used as a diagnostic aid in neuralgic amyotrophy, which was hitherto a clinical and electrophysiological diagnosis, and may also help in identifying potential surgical candidates. Muscle Nerve 56: 1054–1062, 2017
A new method for coarsening tetrahedral meshes
Authors: Liu Jianfei , Shang Feifei , Song Ting
Published: May 2017

To coarsen a mesh, we usually remove a set of selected nodes one by one. Currently, the basic operation used to remove a node is edge collapsing, which does not perform well when applied to handling narrow regions in a tetrahedron mesh and could produce low‐quality elements or even fail to give valid results. To overcome the drawbacks of edge collapsing, we present a new node‐removal operator created by revising a topological transformation called small polyhedron reconnection. This new operator can guarantee success if the cavity that forms after a node is removed is meshable, and it produces higher‐quality results and keeps the nodes unmoved, which is preferred for applications such as multigrid hierarchies.

In addition, 2 other aspects of mesh coarsening that determine whether a node should be removed and the sequence in which to remove the selected nodes are also studied. Our strategy consists of constructing a coarse node set using the sphere‐packing method and removing the nodes in a reversed kd‐tree sequence. The excellent performance of the new method is demonstrated by applying it to examples of adaptive meshing and multigrid hierarchy creation and comparing the results with those of the edge collapsing method.
Comparative Effectiveness of Oral Antiplatelet Agents in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Kim Kibum , Lee Todd A. , Ardati Amer K. , DiDomenico Robert J. , Touchette Daniel R. , Walton Surrey M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

In randomized controlled trials, prasugrel and ticagrelor reduced cardiovascular complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared with clopidogrel. However, limited head‐to‐head comparisons have been conducted across the three antiplatelet agents using real‐world data. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of three strategies during a 1‐year period after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Rates of all‐cause and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) hospitalizations were compared retrospectively using an insurance claims database. Patients who filled a prescription for an oral antiplatelet agent between September 2011 and December 2013 for post ACS‐PCI care were identified. Time to all‐cause and AMI hospitalization for a 365‐day postdischarge period was compared using Cox proportional hazard models controlling for potential confounders within a propensity score matched cohort.

Results

A matched cohort of 9504 clopidogrel, 7128 prasugrel, and 2376 ticagrelor patients was analyzed. The 1‐year hazard ratio (HR) for the two newer agents versus clopidogrel was 0.84 (0.78–0.91). The HR for the newer agents versus clopidogrel of admission with AMI as the primary diagnosis was 0.78 (0.61–1.03), and for AMI as any diagnosis during a hospitalization was 0.88 (0.77–1.00). The HR of all‐cause admission for ticagrelor versus prasugrel was 0.97 (0.84–1.13), and the HRs of AMI‐related admission were not statistically significant between the two agents. Robustness checks across statistical methods to control for potential confounders did not influence the conclusion.

Conclusion

This real‐world study demonstrated that use of the newer agents following PCI was associated with a decrease in all‐cause and AMI‐related hospitalizations. However, no significant difference was found in the rate of admission between ticagrelor versus prasugrel. Due to concerns regarding statistical power, future studies should examine larger cohorts to obtain more precise estimates for AMI hospitalization for ticagrelor and prasugrel.
Lixisenatide, a Once‐Daily Prandial Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Trujillo Jennifer M. , Goldman Jennifer
Published: May 2017

Lixisenatide, a short‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA), has been available in Europe since 2013 and was recently approved in the United States for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) as an adjunct to diet and exercise. The objective of this systematic review is to describe the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of lixisenatide in patients with T2D. We conducted a search of the EMBASE database, limited to human studies with abstracts available in English. Published conference abstracts, limited to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meetings in 2015, as well as abstracts presented at the ADA meeting in 2016, were also screened. The abstracts retrieved were assessed for relevance; review articles and meta‐analyses focusing on GLP‐1 RAs as a class were excluded. Lixisenatide induced mean reductions of 0.46–0.99% in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), 55.86–143.43 mg/dl in 2‐hour postprandial glucose (PPG) levels, and 56.58–127.75 mg/dl in mealtime glucose level variations. Changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and weight ranged from −21.98 to +5.41 mg/dl and from −2.96 to +0.3 kg, respectively, in patients with T2D enrolled in the GetGoal clinical program (a program of clinical trials that established the efficacy and safety profile of lixisenatide 20 μg once/day across patients with T2D with differing background therapies). Lixisenatide was well tolerated, demonstrating rates of symptomatic hypoglycemia of 0.8–42.9% and a very low rate of severe hypoglycemia (< 1.5%) as well as no increased risk of cardiovascular events. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal in nature, mainly transient nausea and vomiting of mild‐to‐moderate severity. Lixisenatide effectively lowers HbA1c levels in patients with T2D through a mechanism of action complementary to that of agents that mainly target FPG, with the additional benefit of weight loss. Its once‐daily administration schedule and effect on PPG levels make it an attractive option as add‐on treatment to basal insulin therapy or oral antidiabetic agents.
Microproteomics with microfluidic‐based cell sorting: Application to 1000 and 100 immune cells
Authors: Kasuga Kie , Katoh Yasutake , Nagase Keisuke , Igarashi Kazuhiko
Published: May 2017

Ultimately, cell biology seeks to define molecular mechanisms underlying cellular functions. However, heterogeneity within cell populations must be considered for optimal assay design and data interpretation. Although single‐cell analyses are desirable for addressing this issue, practical considerations, including assay sensitivity, limit their broad application. Therefore, omics studies on small numbers of cells in defined subpopulations represent a viable alternative for elucidating cell functions at the molecular level. MS‐based proteomics allows in‐depth proteome exploration, although analyses of small numbers of cells have not been pursued due to loss during the multistep procedure involved. Thus, optimization of the proteomics workflow to facilitate the analysis of rare cells would be useful. Here, we report a microproteomics workflow for limited numbers of immune cells using non‐damaging, microfluidic chip‐based cell sorting and MS‐based proteomics. Samples of 1000 or 100 THP‐1 cells were sorted, and after enzymatic digestion, peptide mixtures were subjected to nano‐LC‐MS analysis. We achieved reasonable proteome coverage from as few as 100‐sorted cells, and the data obtained from 1000‐sorted cells were as comprehensive as those obtained using 1 μg of whole cell lysate. With further refinement, our approach could be useful for studying cell subpopulations or limited samples, such as clinical specimens.
Translocation of cell‐penetrating peptides into Candida fungal pathogens
Authors: Gong Zifan , Karlsson Amy J.
Published: May 2017

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) are small peptides capable of crossing cellular membranes while carrying molecular cargo. Although they have been widely studied for their ability to translocate nucleic acids, small molecules, and proteins into mammalian cells, studies of their interaction with fungal cells are limited. In this work, we evaluated the translocation of eleven fluorescently labeled peptides into the important human fungal pathogens Candida albicans and C. glabrata and explored the mechanisms of translocation. Seven of these peptides (cecropin B, penetratin, pVEC, MAP, SynB, (KFF)3K, and MPG) exhibited substantial translocation (>80% of cells) into both species in a concentration‐dependent manner, and an additional peptide (TP‐10) exhibiting strong translocation into only C. glabrata. Vacuoles were involved in translocation and intracellular trafficking of the peptides in the fungal cells and, for some peptides, escape from the vacuoles and localization in the cytosol were correlated to toxicity toward the fungal cells. Endocytosis was involved in the translocation of cecropin B, MAP, SynB, MPG, (KFF)3K, and TP‐10, and cecropin B, penetratin, pVEC, and MAP caused membrane permeabilization during translocation. These results indicate the involvement of multiple translocation mechanisms for some CPPs. Although high levels of translocation were typically associated with toxicity of the peptides toward the fungal cells, SynB was translocated efficiently into Candida cells at concentrations that led to minimal toxicity. Our work highlights the potential of CPPs in delivering antifungal molecules and other bioactive cargo to Candida pathogens.
Effects of aligned α‐helix peptide dipoles on experimental electrostatic potentials
Authors: Wang Jimin , Videla Pablo E. , Batista Victor S.
Published: May 2017

Aligned protein α‐helix dipoles have been implicated in protein function and structure. The recent breakthroughs in high‐resolution electron microscopy (EM) of macromolecules makes it possible to explore fundamental aspects of structural biology at the detailed molecular level. The electrostatic potential (ESP) generated by aligned protein α‐helix dipole should be observable in high‐resolution EM maps despite the fact that the effect may be partially screened by induced electric fields. Here, we show that aligned backbone dipoles in protein α‐helices account for long‐range features in the protein ESP functions. Our results are consistent with experimental EM maps and density functional theory calculations, including direct Fourier summation for proper calculation of the ESP due to the nonlocal nature of the ESP function from aligned dipoles and other partial atomic charges.
Insecticidal activities of their components derived from the essential oils of Cinnamomum sp. barks and against Ricania sp. (Homoptera: Ricaniidae), a newly recorded pest
Authors: Jeon Ye‐Jin , Lee Sang‐Guei , Yang Young‐Cheol , Lee Hoi‐Seon
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Insecticidal activities of Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum oils and their components are not known against Ricania sp. Insecticidal activities of major components derived from C. cassia and C. zeylanicum oils were examined in spray and leaf‐dipping bioassays against Ricania sp. nymphs and adults.

RESULTS

The LC50 value of C. cassia and C. zeylanicum oils was 37.66 and 72.62 mg L–1, respectively, in leaf‐dipping bioassays against Ricania sp. nymphs, and 77.38 and 134.86 mg L–1 in spray bioassays against Ricania sp. adults. The insecticidal activity of C. cassia oil was 1.74–1.93 times greater than that of C. zeylanicum oil. When examined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, the cinnamaldehyde content of C. cassia and C. zeylanicum oils was 80.20% and 46.32%, respectively. Based on the LC50 values of cinnamaldehyde, hydrocinnamaldehyde and 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycinnamaldehyde against Ricania sp. nymphs and adults, cinnamaldehyde (LC50, 31.25 and 62.43 mg L–1) demonstrated the most potent insecticidal activity, followed by 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycinnamaldehyde (172.19 and 212.77 mg L–1) and hydrocinnamaldehyde (275.05 and 318.63 mg L–1).

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that C. cassia oil, C. zeylanicum oil and cinnamaldehyde have potential value in the management of Ricania sp. and could be valuable as effective insecticides. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of peroxidative stress of cancer cells in vitro by real‐time quantification of volatile aldehydes in culture headspace
Authors: Shestivska Violetta , Rutter Abigail V. , Sulé‐Suso Josep , Smith David , Španěl Patrik
Published: May 2017

Rationale

Peroxidation of lipids in cellular membranes results in the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including saturated aldehydes. The real‐time quantification of trace VOCs produced by cancer cells during peroxidative stress presents a new challenge to non‐invasive clinical diagnostics, which as described here, we have met with some success.

Methods

A combination of selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS), a technique that allows rapid, reliable quantification of VOCs in humid air and liquid headspace, and electrochemistry to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro has been used. Thus, VOCs present in the headspace of CALU‐1 cancer cell line cultures exposed to ROS have been monitored and quantified in real time using SIFT‐MS.

Results

The CALU‐1 lung cancer cells were cultured in 3D collagen to mimic in vivo tissue. Real‐time SIFT‐MS analyses focused on the volatile aldehydes: propanal, butanal, pentanal, hexanal, heptanal and malondialdehyde (propanedial), that are expected to be products of cellular membrane peroxidation. All six aldehydes were identified in the culture headspace, each reaching peak concentrations during the time of exposure to ROS and eventually reducing as the reactants were depleted in the culture. Pentanal and hexanal were the most abundant, reaching concentrations of a few hundred parts‐per‐billion by volume, ppbv, in the culture headspace.

Conclusions

The results of these experiments demonstrate that peroxidation of cancer cells in vitro can be monitored and evaluated by direct real‐time analysis of the volatile aldehydes produced. The combination of adopted methodology potentially has value for the study of other types of VOCs that may be produced by cellular damage.
Pitfall in Free‐Energy Simulations on Simplest Systems
Authors: Wong Kin‐Yiu , Xu Yuqing , Xu Liang
Published: June 2017

Free‐energy simulation (FES) is widely used in science and engineering. Unconstrained FES (UFES, e. g., umbrella sampling with histogram binning) and constrained FES (CFES, e. g., blue‐moon sampling with mean‐force/thermodynamic integration) are two different types of FES. People prefer UFES to CFES, e. g., people correct constrained free‐energy profile (CFEP) to unconstrained FEP (UFEP), not the other way around. But remarkably, herein we show for a 1D free body subject to zero force, from an UFEP we find an infinitely‐high energy barrier. By contrast, we find no energy barrier from any CFEP. Besides, by providing in‐depth comparisons between UFEP and CFEP from the perspective of Jacobian scale factor, this work may also partially address recent issues on FES: (1) UFEP is preferred, but why do three recent papers conclude we should use CFEP for the transition‐state theory and why are these three papers not fully consistent with one another? (2) For relating UFEP to CFEP, why are there two different versions of Fixman term associated with velocity and momentum constraints, respectively? (3) How to normalize CFEP, for which the equation seems to be even unavailable?
Empirical dynamic modeling for beginners
Authors: Chang Chun‐Wei , Ushio Masayuki , Hsieh Chih‐hao
Published: May 2017

Natural systems are often complex and dynamic (i.e. nonlinear), making them difficult to understand using linear statistical approaches. Linear approaches are fundamentally based on correlation. Thus, they are ill‐posed for dynamical systems, where correlation can occur without causation, and causation may also occur in the absence of correlation. “Mirage correlation” (i.e., the sign and magnitude of the correlation change with time) is a hallmark of nonlinear systems that results from state dependency. State dependency means that the relationships among interacting variables change with different states of the system. In recent decades, nonlinear methods that acknowledge state dependence have been developed. These nonlinear statistical methods are rooted in state space reconstruction, i.e. lagged coordinate embedding of time series data. These methods do not assume any set of equations governing the system but recover the dynamics from time series data, thus called empirical dynamic modeling (EDM). EDM bears a variety of utilities to investigating dynamical systems. Here, we provide a step‐by‐step tutorial for EDM applications with rEDM, a free software package written in the R language. Using model examples, we aim to guide users through several basic applications of EDM, including (1) determining the complexity (dimensionality) of a system, (2) distinguishing nonlinear dynamical systems from linear stochastic systems, and quantifying the nonlinearity (i.e. state dependence), (3) determining causal variables, (4) forecasting, (5) tracking the strength and sign of interaction, and (6) exploring the scenario of external perturbation. These methods and applications can be used to provide a mechanistic understanding of dynamical systems.
Stearic Acid Modified Stearyl Alcohol Oleogel: Analysis of the Thermal, Mechanical and Drug Release Properties
Authors: Yadav Indu , Kasiviswanathan Uvanesh , Soni Chandan , Paul Suprio R. , Nayak Suraj K. , Sagiri Sai S. , Anis Arfat , Pal Kunal
Published: May 2017

The present study delineates the effect of stearic acid on the properties of stearyl alcohol oleogel. Herein, a series of oleogels were prepared by mixing different proportions of fatty alcohol (Stearyl alcohol; gelator) and fatty acid (stearic acid; co‐gelator). The characterization of the oleogels was done by thermal, macro‐scale stress relaxation, drug release, and antimicrobial studies. The oleogels were formed by the self‐assembly of stearyl alcohol/stearic acid. Thermal studies indicated that the stearic acid alters the crystal morphology, polymorphic transition and rate of crystallization of stearyl alcohol. The firmness of the oleogels with higher stearic proportion was better, which was due to the formation of a rigid network structure of stearyl alcohol in the presence of stearic acid. The release of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, model drug, from the oleogels was better from the oleogels with higher stearic acid content. The release of the drug from the oleogels was Fickian diffusion‐mediated; except the oleogel with the highest stearic acid proportion. The antimicrobial study showed that the drug loaded oleogels were able to resist the growth of Escherichia coli, model microbe.
Species specific PCR based detection of Escherichia coli from Indian foods
Authors: Godambe Lipika Pansare , Bandekar Jayant , Shashidhar Ravindranath
Published: June 2017

Escherichia coli is a faecal indicator and certain virotypes are known as pathogens. Therefore, detection and prevention of E. coli in food is very important. The existing rapid methods concentrate on detecting the pathogenic E. coli instead of total E. coli population. Present study evaluates the use of two molecular markers (uidA and flanking region of uspA) specific for the E. coli in combination with microbiological method for confirmation. Majority of the isolates (77%) were positive for both the genes tested. However, 22% of the E. coli isolates were positive for any one of the two primer sets [uidA (9%) and flanking region of uspA (13%)]. High levels of E. coli incidences (92% samples) were observed in beef while low occurrence (19% samples) was found in sprouts. Low percentage (7.3%) of E. coli isolates was positive for virulence genes tested (lt, ipaH, aggR, eaeA, stx1 and stx2). Two isolates were positive for stx genes. However, none of the isolates including stx positive isolates were E. coli 0157:H7. Maximum number of the E. coli (44%) isolates was characterized under phylogenetic group B2. This phylogenetic group comprises of extra intestinal and virulent E. coli strains.
Ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring devices for evaluating transient loss of consciousness or other related symptoms
Authors: Kohno Ritsuko , Abe Haruhiko , Benditt David G.
Published: June 2017

Capturing electrocardiograms (ECGs) during spontaneous events is the most powerful available tool to identify or exclude an arrhythmic cause of symptoms, and often can elucidate the definite diagnosis for different conditions, such as transient loss of consciousness (T‐LOC), lightheadedness, or palpitations. Current ambulatory ECG monitoring technologies include 24‐hour Holter, wearable event recorder, external loop recorder (ELR), and insertable cardiac monitoring (ICM). Of them, Holter ECG is most frequently used in daily practice in Japan, while ELR and ICM are less frequently used. However, the appropriate monitor choice should be based on the expected frequency of symptoms. Frequent events may be adequately detected by Holter ECG, but less frequent symptoms are more effectively assessed by longer‐term monitoring (i.e., ELR or ICM). In this report, based on our clinical experience, we review the usefulness of ambulatory ECG monitoring devices, especially of ELR, for evaluating T‐LOC and other potentially arrhythmia‐related symptoms. Specifically, we focus on the use of ELR and ICM for evaluating Japanese patients with T‐LOC.
A monographic revision of Retrophyllum (Podocarpaceae)
Authors: Mill Robert R.
Published: June 2017

In the revision of Retrophyllum published in a previous issue of the Edinburgh Journal of Botany, the barcode for the specimen designated on page 208 line 10 as lectotype of Retrophyllum minus (Carrière) C.N. Page was incorrectly given as P00118110 instead of P00188110.
Damage-induced neuronal endopeptidase (DINE) enhances axonal regeneration potential of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury
Authors: Kaneko Aoi , Kiryu-Seo Sumiko , Matsumoto Sakiko , Kiyama Hiroshi
Published: June 2017

Damage-induced neuronal endopeptidase (DINE)/endothelin-converting enzyme-like 1 (ECEL1) is a membrane-bound metalloprotease that we identified as a nerve regeneration-associated molecule. The expression of DINE is upregulated in response to nerve injury in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, while its transcription is regulated by the activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), a potent hub-transcription factor for nerve regeneration. Despite its unique hallmark of injury-induced upregulation, the physiological relevance of DINE in injured neurons has been unclear. In this study, we have demonstrated that the expression of DINE is upregulated in injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in a coordinated manner with that of ATF3 after optic nerve injury, whereas DINE and ATF3 are not observed in any normal retinal cells. Recently, we have generated a mature DINE-deficient (KOTg) mouse, in which exogenous DINE is overexpressed specifically in embryonic motor neurons to avoid aberrant arborization of motor nerves and lethality after birth that occurs in the conventional DINE KO mouse. The DINE KOTg mice did not show any difference in retinal structure and the projection to brain from that of wild–type (wild type) mice under normal conditions. However, injured RGCs of DINE KOTg mice failed to regenerate even after the zymosan treatment, which is a well-known regeneration-promoting reagent. Furthermore, a DINE KOTg mouse crossed with a Atf3:BAC Tg mouse, in which green fluorescent protein (GFP) is visualized specifically in injured RGCs and optic nerves, has verified that DINE deficiency leads to regeneration failure. These findings suggest that injury-induced DINE is a crucial endopeptidase for injured RGCs to promote axonal regeneration after optic nerve injury. Thus, a DINE-mediated proteolytic mechanism would provide us with a new therapeutic strategy for nerve regeneration.
Historical and Projected Surface Temperature over India during the 20th and 21st century
Authors: Basha Ghouse , Kishore P. , Ratnam M. Venkat , Jayaraman A. , Agha Kouchak Amir , Ouarda Taha B. M. J. , Velicogna Isabella
Published: June 2017

Surface Temperature (ST) over India has increased by ~0.055 K/decade during 1860–2005 and follows the global warming trend. Here, the natural and external forcings (e.g., natural and anthropogenic) responsible for ST variability are studied from Coupled Model Inter-comparison phase 5 (CMIP5) models during the 20th century and projections during the 21st century along with seasonal variability. Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and Land Use (LU) are the major factors that gave rise to warming during the 20th century. Anthropogenic Aerosols (AA) have slowed down the warming rate. The CMIP5 projection over India shows a sharp increase in ST under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 8.5 where it reaches a maximum of 5 K by the end of the 21st century. Under RCP2.6 emission scenarios, ST increases up to the year 2050 and decreases afterwards. The seasonal variability of ST during the 21st century shows significant increase during summer. Analysis of rare heat and cold events for 2080–2099 relative to a base period of 1986–2006 under RCP8.5 scenarios reveals that both are likely to increase substantially. However, by controlling the regional AA and LU change in India, a reduction in further warming over India region might be achieved.
Distinct Biological Potential of Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis Revealed by Comparative Genome Analysis
Authors: Zheng Wenning , Tan Mui Fern , Old Lesley A. , Paterson Ian C. , Jakubovics Nicholas S. , Choo Siew Woh
Published: June 2017

Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis are pioneer colonizers of dental plaque and important agents of bacterial infective endocarditis (IE). To gain a greater understanding of these two closely related species, we performed comparative analyses on 14 new S. gordonii and 5 S. sanguinis strains using various bioinformatics approaches. We revealed S. gordonii and S. sanguinis harbor open pan-genomes and share generally high sequence homology and number of core genes including virulence genes. However, we observed subtle differences in genomic islands and prophages between the species. Comparative pathogenomics analysis identified S. sanguinis strains have genes encoding IgA proteases, mitogenic factor deoxyribonucleases, nickel/cobalt uptake and cobalamin biosynthesis. On the contrary, genomic islands of S. gordonii strains contain additional copies of comCDE quorum-sensing system components involved in genetic competence. Two distinct polysaccharide locus architectures were identified, one of which was exclusively present in S. gordonii strains. The first evidence of genes encoding the CylA and CylB system by the α-haemolytic S. gordonii is presented. This study provides new insights into the genetic distinctions between S. gordonii and S. sanguinis, which yields understanding of tooth surfaces colonization and contributions to dental plaque formation, as well as their potential roles in the pathogenesis of IE.
SNX10 gene mutation leading to osteopetrosis with dysfunctional osteoclasts
Authors: Stattin Eva-Lena , Henning Petra , Klar Joakim , McDermott Emma , Stecksen-Blicks Christina , Sandström Per-Erik , Kellgren Therese G. , Rydén Patrik , Hallmans Göran , Lönnerholm Torsten , Ameur Adam , Helfrich Miep H. , Coxon Fraser P. , Dahl Niklas , Wikström Johan , Lerner Ulf H.
Published: June 2017

Autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO) is a heterogeneous disorder, characterized by defective osteoclastic resorption of bone that results in increased bone density. We have studied nine individuals with an intermediate form of ARO, from the county of Västerbotten in Northern Sweden. All afflicted individuals had an onset in early infancy with optic atrophy, and in four patients anemia was present at diagnosis. Tonsillar herniation, foramen magnum stenosis, and severe osteomyelitis of the jaw were common clinical features. Whole exome sequencing, verified by Sanger sequencing, identified a splice site mutation c.212 + 1 G > T in the SNX10 gene encoding sorting nexin 10. Sequence analysis of the SNX10 transcript in patients revealed activation of a cryptic splice site in intron 4 resulting in a frame shift and a premature stop (p.S66Nfs * 15). Haplotype analysis showed that all cases originated from a single mutational event, and the age of the mutation was estimated to be approximately 950 years. Functional analysis of osteoclast progenitors isolated from peripheral blood of patients revealed that stimulation with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) resulted in a robust formation of large, multinucleated osteoclasts which generated sealing zones; however these osteoclasts exhibited defective ruffled borders and were unable to resorb bone in vitro.
Evaluating the impact of vitreomacular adhesion on anti-VEGF therapy for retinal vein occlusion using machine learning
Authors: Waldstein Sebastian M. , Montuoro Alessio , Podkowinski Dominika , Philip Ana-Maria , Gerendas Bianca S. , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula
Published: June 2017

Vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) represents a prognostic biomarker in the management of exudative macular disease using anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. However, manual evaluation of VMA in 3D optical coherence tomography (OCT) is laborious and data on its impact on therapy of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) are limited. The aim of this study was to (1) develop a fully automated segmentation algorithm for the posterior vitreous boundary and (2) to study the effect of VMA on anti-VEGF therapy for RVO. A combined machine learning/graph cut segmentation algorithm for the posterior vitreous boundary was designed and evaluated. 391 patients with central/branch RVO under standardized ranibizumab treatment for 6/12 months were included in a systematic post-hoc analysis. VMA (70%) was automatically differentiated from non-VMA (30%) using the developed method combined with unsupervised clustering. In this proof-of-principle study, eyes with VMA showed larger BCVA gains than non-VMA eyes (BRVO: 15 ± 12 vs. 11 ± 11 letters, p = 0.02; CRVO: 18 ± 14 vs. 9 ± 13 letters, p < 0.01) and received a similar number of retreatments. However, this association diminished after adjustment for baseline BCVA, also when using more fine-grained VMA classes. Our study illustrates that machine learning represents a promising path to assess imaging biomarkers in OCT.
Development of a 3D angiogenesis model to study tumour – endothelial cell interactions and the effects of anti-angiogenic drugs
Authors: Amann Arno , Zwierzina Marit , Koeck Stefan , Gamerith Gabriele , Pechriggl Elisabeth , Huber Julia M. , Lorenz Edith , Kelm Jens M. , Hilbe Wolfgang , Zwierzina Heinz , Kern Johann
Published: June 2017

The tumour microenvironment and tumour angiogenesis play a critical role in the development and therapy of many cancers, but in vitro models reflecting these circumstances are rare. In this study, we describe the development of a novel tri-culture model, using non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (A549 and Colo699) in combination with a fibroblast cell line (SV 80) and two different endothelial cell lines in a hanging drop technology. Endothelial cells aggregated either in small colonies in Colo699 containing microtissues or in tube like structures mainly in the stromal compartment of microtissues containing A549. An up-regulation of hypoxia and vimentin, ASMA and a downregulation of E-cadherin were observed in co- and tri-cultures compared to monocultures. Furthermore, a morphological alteration of A549 tumour cells resembling “signet ring cells” was observed in tri-cultures. The secretion of proangiogenic growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured in supernatants. Inhibition of these proangiogenic factors by using antiangiogenic drugs (bevacizumab and nindetanib) led to a significant decrease in migration of endothelial cells into microtissues. We demonstrate that our method is a promising tool for the generation of multicellular tumour microtissues and reflects in vivo conditions closer than 2D cell culture.
Variation in growth rates of branching corals along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Anderson Kristen D. , Cantin Neal E. , Heron Scott F. , Pisapia Chiara , Pratchett Morgan S.
Published: June 2017

Coral growth is an important component of reef health and resilience. However, few studies have investigated temporal and/or spatial variation in growth of branching corals, which are important contributors to the structure and function of reef habitats. This study assessed growth (linear extension, density, and calcification) of three branching coral species (Acropora muricata, Pocillopora damicornis and Isopora palifera) at three distinct locations (Lizard Island, Davies/Trunk Reef, and Heron Island) along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Annual growth rates of all species were highest at Lizard Island and declined with increasing latitude, corresponding with differences in temperature. Within locations, however, seasonal variation in growth did not directly correlate with temperature. Between October 2012 and October 2014, the highest growth of A. muricata was in the 2013–14 summer at Lizard Island, which was unusually cool and ~0.5 °C less than the long-term summer average temperature. At locations where temperatures reached or exceeded the long-term summer maxima, coral growth during summer periods was equal to, if not lower than, winter periods. This study shows that temperature has a significant influence on spatiotemporal patterns of branching coral growth, and high summer temperatures in the northern GBR may already be constraining coral growth and reef resilience.
The shape and size of hydroxyapatite particles dictate inflammatory responses following implantation
Authors: Lebre Filipa , Sridharan Rukmani , Sawkins Michael J. , Kelly Daniel J. , O’Brien Fergal J. , Lavelle Ed C.
Published: June 2017

The extent of regeneration following biomaterial implantation is dependent on the microenvironment surrounding the implant. Since implant composition can have a profound effect on inflammation, it is essential to understand this process as a non-resolving inflammatory response can lead to fibrous encapsulation and insufficient integration. Incorporation of particulates into implants confers structural and functional benefits, thus optimizing particulate characteristics to enhance immune mediated efficacy is important. We investigated the relationship between the nature of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles and the innate immune response, focusing on how particle size (0.1 µm, 5 µm, 20 µm, 100 µm) and morphology (needle-shaped/spherical; smooth/rough surface) modulates inflammatory responses. We observed a shape and size-dependent activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β secretion; while needle-shaped and smaller HA particles significantly enhanced cytokine secretion, larger particles did not. Moreover, HA particle characteristics profoundly influenced patterns of innate immune cell recruitment and cytokine production following injection. While small, needle-shaped particles induced a strong inflammatory response, this was not observed with smooth, spherical particles of comparable size or with larger particles. These findings indicate that hydroxyapatite particle characteristics dictate immune cell recruitment and the ensuing inflammatory response, providing an opportunity to tailor HA particle characteristics to regulate immune responses induced after biomaterial implantation.
Comparison of the active and resident community of a coastal microbial mat
Authors: Cardoso Daniela Clara , Sandionigi Anna , Cretoiu Mariana Silvia , Casiraghi Maurizio , Stal Lucas , Bolhuis Henk
Published: June 2017

Coastal microbial mats form a nearly closed micro-scale ecosystem harboring a complex microbial community. Previous DNA based analysis did not necessarily provide information about the active fraction of the microbial community because it includes dormant, inactive cells as well as a potential stable pool of extracellular DNA. Here we focused on the active microbial community by comparing 16S rRNA sequences obtained from the ribosomal RNA pool with gene sequences obtained from the DNA fraction. In addition, we aimed to establish an optimal and feasible sampling protocol that takes potential spatial and temporal heterogeneity into account. The coastal microbial mat investigated here was sampled randomly and at regular time points during one 24-h period. DNA and RNA was extracted and after conversion of the RNA fraction to cDNA, the V1-V3 and the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were targeted for high-throughput amplicon sequencing. We show that the community composition varies little in time and space whereas two amplified 16S regions gave significant different results. The largest differences were found when comparing the “resident community” (DNA) with the “active community” (cDNA/RNA); in the latter, Cyanobacteria dominated for almost 95% while they represented 60% of the resident fraction.
TGF-β-induced hepatocyte lincRNA-p21 contributes to liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Tu Xiaolong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zheng Xiuxiu , Deng Jia , Li Huanan , Kang Zhiqian , Cao Zhipeng , Huang Zhen , Ding Zhi , Dong Lei , Chen Jiangning , Zang Yuhui , Zhang Junfeng
Published: June 2017

Hepatocyte death, as well as the following inflammatory and fibrogenic signaling cascades, is the key trigger of liver fibrosis. Here, we isolated hepatocytes from CCl4-induced fibrotic liver and found that hepatocyte lincRNA-p21 significantly increased during liver fibrosis. The increase of hepatocyte lincRNA-p21 was associated with the loss of miR-30, which can inhibit TGF-β signaling by targeting KLF11. We revealed that lincRNA-p21 modulated miR-30 availability by acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). The physiological significance of this interaction is highlighted by the feedback loop, in which lincRNA-p21 works as a downstream effector of the TGF-β signaling to strengthen TGF-β signaling and mediate its role in promoting liver fibrosis by interacting with miR-30. In vivo results showed that knockdown of hepatocyte lincRNA-p21 greatly reduced CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and inflammation, whereas ectopic expression of miR-30 in hepatocyte exhibited the similar results. Mechanistic studies further revealed that inhibition of miR-30 impaired the effects of lincRNA-p21 on liver fibrosis. Additionally, lincRNA-p21 promoted hepatocyte apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, whereas the proliferation rate of hepatocyte was suppressed by lincRNA-p21. The pleiotropic roles of hepatocyte lincRNA-p21 suggest that it may represent an unknown paradigm in liver fibrosis and serve as a potential target for therapy.
Soil Respiration of the Dahurian Larch (Larix gmelinii) Forest and the Response to Fire Disturbance in Da Xing’an Mountains, China
Authors: Hu Tongxin , Sun Long , Hu Haiqing , Weise David R. , Guo Futao
Published: June 2017

Despite the high frequency of wildfire disturbances in boreal forests in China, the effects of wildfires on soil respiration are not yet well understood. We examined the effects of fire severity on the soil respiration rate (Rs) and its component change in a Dahurian Larch (Larix gmelinii) in Northeast China. The results showed that Rs decreased with fire burning severity. Compared with the control plots, Rs in the low burning severity plots decreased by 19%, while it decreased by 28% in the high burning severity plots. The Rs decrease was mainly due to a decreased autotrophic respiration rate (Ra). The temperature sensitivity (Q10) of Rs increased after the low severity fire disturbances, but it decreased after the high severity fire disturbance. The Rs were triggered by the soil temperature, which may explain most of the Rs variability in this area. Our study, for the first time, provides the data-based foundation to demonstrate the importance of assessing CO2 fluxes considering both fire severity and environmental factors post-fire in boreal forests of China.