bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired peripheral insulin sensitivity in non‐obese Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and fatty liver
Authors: Furukawa Yasuhiko , Tamura Yoshifumi , Takeno Kageumi , Funayama Takashi , Kaga Hideyoshi , Suzuki Ruriko , Watanabe Takahiro , Kakehi Saori , Kanazawa Akio , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka
Published: August 2017

Aims/Introduction

Type two diabetes mellitus and fatty liver (FL) are not uncommon in Asians with normal body mass index. Previous studies reported a link between FL and insulin resistance. Thus, FL could coexist with insulin resistance in Asian type two diabetes mellitus patients with a normal body mass index. However, the clinical and metabolic features of such patients have not been characterized yet.

Materials and Methods

We recruited 29 non‐obese (body mass index <25 kg/m2) Japanese patients with early type two diabetes mellitus. Based on intrahepatic lipid level measured by H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the participants were divided into the FL (intrahepatic lipid ≥5%, n = 7) and non‐FL groups (intrahepatic lipid <5%, n = 22).

Results

Peripheral insulin sensitivity measured by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was ~25% lower in the FL group than in the non‐FL group, whereas hepatic insulin sensitivity was comparable between the two groups. The subcutaneous fat area was larger, free fatty acid level was higher, C‐reactive protein was higher and high molecular weight adiponectin was lower in the FL group than the non‐FL group.

Conclusions

The present study showed that the metabolic features of non‐obese Japanese type two diabetes patients with FL include impaired peripheral (mainly muscle) insulin sensitivity, fat accumulation and related metabolic disorders, such as elevated free fatty acid, low high molecular weight adiponectin and low‐grade inflammation.
Blood–brain barrier breakdown and myeloperoxidase activity in silver catfish experimentally infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Baldissera M D , Souza C F , Santos R C V , Baldisserotto B
Published: August 2017

Central nervous system (CNS) infections continue to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality, and microbial invasion of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is considered a prerequisite for CNS infections, which contribute to behavioural abnormalities and disease pathogenesis. Based on this information, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes disruption of the BBB, and to investigate the involvement of cerebral myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in this process in experimentally infected silver catfish. The permeability of the BBB to Evans blue dye increased in the infected animals on days three and six post‐infection (PI) compared to the control group. Moreover, cerebral MPO activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels also increased in the infected animals on days three and six PI compared to the control group. Based on this evidence, we concluded that P. aaeruginosa causes a disruption of the BBB, which may contribute to disease pathogenesis in the CNS. Moreover, the increase in cerebral MPO activity and ROS levels may be considered a pathway involved in BBB breakdown, allowing the passage of bacteria to the CNS.
Association Between Spousal Caregiver Well‐Being and Care Recipient Healthcare Expenditures
Authors: Ankuda Claire K. , Maust Donovan T. , Kabeto Mohammed U. , McCammon Ryan J. , Langa Kenneth M. , Levine Deborah A.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To measure the association between spousal depression, general health, fatigue and sleep, and future care recipient healthcare expenditures and emergency department (ED) use.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Health and Retirement Study.

Participants

Home‐dwelling spousal dyads in which one individual (care recipient) was aged 65 and older and had one or more activity of daily living or instrumental activity of daily living disabilities and was enrolled in Medicare Part B (N = 3,101).

Exposure

Caregiver sleep (Jenkins Sleep Scale), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression‐8 Scale), and self‐reported general health measures.

Measurements

Primary outcome was care recipient Medicare expenditures. Secondary outcome was care recipient ED use. Follow‐up was 6 months.

Results

Caregiver depressive symptoms score and six of 17 caregiver well‐being measures were prospectively associated with higher care recipient expenditures after minimal adjustment (P < .05). Higher care recipient expenditures remained significantly associated with caregiver fatigue (cost increase, $1,937, 95% confidence interval (CI) = $770–3,105) and caregiver sadness (cost increase, $1,323, 95% CI = $228–2,419) after full adjustment. Four of 17 caregiver well‐being measures, including severe fatigue, were significantly associated with care recipient ED use after minimal adjustment (P < .05). Greater odds of care recipient ED use remained significantly associated with caregiver fatigue (odds ratio (OR) = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01–1.52) and caregiver fair to poor health (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04–1.45) after full adjustment. Caregiver total sleep score was not associated with care recipient outcomes.

Conclusion

Poor caregiver well‐being, particularly severe fatigue, is independently and prospectively associated with higher care recipient Medicare expenditures and ED use.
Variation in floral characters, particularly floral scent, in sapromyophilous Stemona species
Authors: Chen Gao , Gong Wei‐Chang , Ge Jia , Schinnerl Johann , Wang Bin , Sun Wei‐Bang
Published: August 2017

Flowers or inflorescences often deploy various signals, including visual, olfactory, and gustatory cues, that can be detected by their pollinators. In many plants, these cues and their functions are poorly understood. Deciphering the interactions between floral cues and pollinators is crucial for analyzing the reproductive success of flowering plants. In this study, we examined the composition of the fetid floral scents produced by several Stemona species, including nine S. tuberosa populations from across China, using dynamic headspace adsorption, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry techniques. We compared variations in floral phenotype, including floral longevity, nectar rewards, pollinator behavior, and flower length and color among the Stemona species. Of the 54 scent compounds identified, the major compounds include fetid dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, 1‐pyrroline, butyric acid, p‐cresol, isoamyl alcohol, and indole. We detected striking differentiation in floral scent at both the species and population level, and even within a population of plants with different colored flowers. Floral characteristics related to sapromyophily and deceptive pollination, including flower color mimicking livor mortis and a lack of nectar, were found in five Stemona species, indicating that Stemona is a typical sapromyophilous taxon. Species of this monocot genus might employ evolutionary tactics to exploit saprophilous flies for pollination.
Suspension rates of students with autism or intellectual disabilities in Maryland from 2004 to 2015
Authors: Krezmien M. P. , Travers J. C. , Camacho K.
Published: August 2017

Background

Little research exists on suspension of students with autism or intellectual disabilities. We examined suspension rates of students with autism or intellectual disability in Maryland from 2004 to 2015 to understand whether race and disability status predicted the odds of being suspended.

Method

We used school enrollment data and school suspension data in Maryland for analysis. Descriptive statistics by race and disability category were calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine differences in odds of suspension by race and by disability (ID and autism) each year.

Results

Suspension rates in Maryland decreased overall from 2004 to 2015, but African American students with intellectual disability or no disability were significantly more likely to be suspended. White students with autism and White students with intellectual disability had significantly higher odds of suspension than White students without a disability.

Conclusions

Overall risk for suspension in Maryland decreased over time. African American students with autism or intellectual disability, as well as white students with autism or intellectual disability, experienced significantly higher odds of suspension when compared to their White students without a disability. This relatively unexplored issue commands attention from researchers and policymakers alike.
Cryptic diversity of marine gastropod Monodonta labio (Trochidae): did the early Pleistocene glacial isolation and sea surface temperature gradient jointly drive diversification of sister species and/or subspecies in the Northwestern Pacific?
Authors: Zhao Dan , Li Qi , Kong Lingfeng , Yu Hong
Published: August 2017

Formation of glacial refugia during the Pleistocene climatic oscillations has been put forward to elucidate the diversification of marine organisms in the north‐western Pacific. The marine gastropod Monodonta labio is one of the most common species in the Northwestern Pacific and possibly possesses cryptic diversity. Here, we investigate the phylogeographic pattern of this species to test the potential mechanisms driving its diversification in the Northwestern Pacific. Genetic information for two mitochondrial genes (Cytochrome oxidase subunit I and 16S rDNA) and one nuclear gene (internal transcribed spacer 1) was acquired to detect genetic structuring and to reconstruct the gastropod's phylogenetic history. Our results revealed that M. labio is comprised of five main clades, and divergence time estimates place their cladogenesis as corresponding to the initiation (c. 2.5 mya) and intensification (c. 0.9 mya) of large‐scale Northern Hemisphere ice sheets. The early and middle Pleistocene divergence times are consistent with the emergence times of the Dongshan land bridge, which would seperate the ancient East China Sea and the ancient South China Sea forming two potential refugia. In addition, the deep trough in the Qiongzhou Strait would possibly act as another potential refugium with the uplift of the Qiongzhou Strait at mid‐Pleistocene. This study suggests that the current genetic architecture of M. labio is probably correlated with glacial isolation and sea surface temperature gradient. We also put forward the possibility that these factors were probably an important driver for the diversification of sister species or subspecies of other taxa in the Northwestern Pacific.
Functional diversity of fish and invertebrates in coral and rocky reefs of the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Authors: Ramírez‐Ortiz Georgina , Calderon‐Aguilera Luis E. , Reyes‐Bonilla Hector , Ayala‐Bocos Arturo , Hernández Luis , Fernández Rivera‐Melo Francisco , López‐Pérez Andres , Dominici‐Arosamena Arturo
Published: August 2017

To define the functional groups of fish and macroinvertebrates in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP), visual censuses were performed in 18 areas of four biogeographic provinces: Cortés, Mexican, Panamic and Oceanic Islands. A total of 257 fish and macroinvertebrate species were recorded, and from them, 27 morpho‐functional groups (MFGs) were constructed on the basis of trophic level, maximum size, taxonomy and morphology. Biomass, richness, diversity and evenness of MFGs were calculated for each province and compared statistically; a regression analysis between taxonomic and functional diversity was conducted to observe the relationship between these two indicators. There were significant differences in all ecological indices (p < .002), highlighting the high biomass and richness of MFGs in the Cortés and Oceanic Islands provinces (>400 g/m2), associated with the influence of cold currents in the northernmost region and less fishing pressure in protected areas. A decreasing pattern of MFG richness towards the tropics was observed, which demonstrates that in the ETP, the relationship between habitat heterogeneity and species diversity has been translated into functional complexity. The Mexican province was the most functionally diverse (biomass well distributed in the MFG; H′ = 0.46 ± 0.009). Related to this, it is predicted that biomass is biased towards certain functional groups (i.e., large carnivores), which shows that the H′ index of the MFG is not a good indicator of the conservation status of ETP reefs. Finally, regression analysis suggests that functional diversity increases at low species diversity but eventually reaches an asymptote (almost all possible functions are represented).
Trophic structure of mesopelagic fishes in the Gulf of Mexico revealed by gut content and stable isotope analyses
Authors: McClain‐Counts Jennifer P. , Demopoulos Amanda W. J. , Ross Steve W.
Published: August 2017

Mesopelagic fishes represent an important component of the marine food web due to their global distributions, high abundances and ability to transport organic material throughout a large part of the water column. This study combined stable isotope (SIAs) and gut content analyses (GCAs) to characterize the trophic structure of mesopelagic fishes in the North‐Central Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, this study examined whether mesopelagic fishes utilized chemosynthetic energy from cold seeps. Specimens were collected (9–25 August 2007) over three deep (>1,000 m) cold seeps at discrete depths (surface to 1,503 m) over the diurnal cycle. GCA classified 31 species (five families) of mesopelagic fishes into five feeding guilds: piscivores, large crustacean consumers, copepod consumers, generalists and mixed zooplanktivores. However, these guilds were less clearly defined based on stable isotope mixing model (MixSIAR) results, suggesting diets may be more mixed over longer time periods (weeks–months) and across co‐occurring species. Copepods were likely important for the majority of mesopelagic fishes, consistent with GCA (this study) and previous literature. MixSIAR results also identified non‐crustacean prey items, including salps and pteropods, as potentially important prey items for mesopelagic fishes, including those fishes not analysed in GCA (Sternoptyx spp. and Melamphaidae). Salps and other soft‐bodied species are often missed in GCAs. Mesopelagic fishes had δ13C results consistent with particulate organic matter serving as the baseline organic carbon source, fueling up to three trophic levels. Fishes that undergo diel vertical migration were depleted in 15N relative to weak migrators, consistent with depth‐specific isotope trends in sources and consumers, and assimilation of 15N‐depleted organic matter in surface waters. Linear correlations between fish size and δ15N values suggested ontogenetic changes in fish diets for several species. While there was no direct measure of mesopelagic fishes assimilating chemosynthetic material, detection of infrequent consumption of this food resource may be hindered by the assimilation of isotopically enriched photosynthetic organic matter. By utilizing multiple dietary metrics (e.g. GCA, δ13C, δ15N, MixSIAR), this study better defined the trophic structure of mesopelagic fishes and allowed for insights on feeding, ultimately providing useful baseline information from which to track mesopelagic trophodynamics over time and space.
Tidal effects on phytoplankton assemblages in a near‐pristine estuary: a trait‐based approach for the case of a shallow tropical ecosystem in Brazil
Authors: Moser Gleyci A. O. , Piedras Fernanda Reinhardt , Oaquim Anna Beatriz J. , Souza Daiana S. , Leles Suzana G. , de Lima Domênica T. , Ramos Ana Beatriz A. , Farias Cássia de O. , Fernandes Alexandre M.
Published: August 2017

The study of near‐pristine estuaries can be used as a tool for mitigation projects of harmful effects in anthropogenic eutrophic systems, since one can analyze the effect of temporal and spatial variations generated mainly by natural forces. Phytoplankton taxonomy has been used as a classical indicator to assess changes in transitional water communities, however alternative methods based on morphological, behavioral and physiological traits offer the opportunity to compare sites or moments with different taxonomic compositions. Our goal, in this context, is to evaluate phytoplankton community short‐term and seasonal variability in a near‐pristine estuary, Barra Grande estuary (Ilha Grande, RJ, Brazil), through species functional traits and thus community functional diversity. Samplings were carried out in a mooring in complete tidal cycles, seasonally during 2012. Our results showed a diverse phytoplankton community with 38 frequent and abundant taxa, marked by density variation (1.2 × 10.4–2 × 10.7 cell L−1) in depth, with abundance inversely related to tidal currents. The functional structure of the phytoplankton community measured by functional diversity (FD), varied seasonally in and across a gradient of tidal energy. A core community, mainly represented by flagellates and dinoflagellates, occurred in all observations and was highly functional (high FD), exploiting a variety of habitats. The chain‐forming diatoms were associated with high tidal energy, and occurred in higher densities during summer. Phytoplankton cell size, cell shape, and the ability to form colonies are extremely plastic traits that can be regulated by the environment, however, isolated tychopelagic diatoms were present in the study area across all seasons, with higher contributions in autumn and winter, reflecting the shallow characteristic of this system. During the winter, an exposed sandbar was formed, and the lack of connection with the ocean resulted in an abundance of riverine and brackish water taxa. In this near‐pristine estuary the densities and occurrences of HAB phytoplankton are low. Trait‐based analyses add information about community structure, which can be impacted by anthropogenic actions in urbanized coastal systems. Thus the information provided by this study regarding phytoplankton functional diversity and its relation to nutrients and hydrography in Barra Grande Estuary can be applied as a baseline model for the development of public policies.
Epidemiology and prognosis of candidaemia in elderly patients
Authors: Ramos‐Martínez Antonio , Vicente‐López Natalia , Sánchez‐Romero Isabel , Padilla Belén , Merino‐Amador Paloma , Garnacho‐Montero José , Ruiz‐Camps Isabel , Montejo Miguel , Salavert Miguel , Mensa José , Cuenca‐Estrella Manuel ,   the Members of the CANDIPOP Project from GEIH‐GEMICOMED (SEIMC) and REIPI
Published: August 2017

The aim of the study was to analyse the epidemiology and prognosis of candidaemia in elderly patients. We performed a comparison of clinical presentation of candidaemia according to age and a study of hazard factors within a prospective programme performed in 29 hospitals. One hundred and seventy‐six episodes occurred in elderly patients (>75 years), 227 episodes in middle‐aged patients (61‐75 years) and 232 episodes in younger patients (16‐60 years). Central venous catheter, parenteral nutrition, neutropenia, immunosuppressive therapy and candidaemia caused by Candida parapsilosis were less frequent in elderly patients. These patients received inadequate antifungal therapy (57.3%) more frequently than middle‐aged and younger patients (40.5% P < .001). Mortality during the first week (20%) and 30 days (42%) was higher in elderly patients. The variables independently associated with mortality in elderly patients during the first 7 days were acute renal failure (OR: 2.64), Pitt score (OR: 1.57) and appropriate antifungal therapy (OR: 0.132). Primary candidaemia (OR: 2.93), acute renal failure (OR: 3.68), Pitt score (OR: 1.38), appropriate antifungal therapy (OR: 0.3) and early removal of the central catheter (OR: 0.47) were independently associated with 30‐day mortality.In conclussion, inadequate antifungal treatment is frequently prescribed to elderly patients with candidaemia and is related with early and late mortality.
An inquiry into the concept of infancy care based on the perspective of Islam
Authors: Jafari‐Mianaei Soheila , Alimohammadi Nasrollah , Banki‐poorfard Amir‐Hossein , Hasanpour Marzieh
Published: August 2017

All schools of thought believe that infancy is crucial to the formation and development of the human character. Nevertheless, a search of literature revealed the lack of a clear definition of the concept of ‘infancy care based on an Islamic perspective’ in nursing texts. As the lack of a clear definition of a concept conveys the inapplicability of that concept to its relevant field and community, this study was conducted to explore and determine the characteristic features of the concept of infancy care based on the perspective of Islam. Walker and Avant's (Strategies for theory construction in nursing. Prentice Hall, Boston, 2011) literary concept synthesis as the manner of concept development approach was conducted. Islamic documents were surveyed without any time limitation. Findings involved the extraction of six main concepts, including God as the Merciful Nurturer, mother as the symbol of the Creativity and Divinity of God, infant as a person with dignity and potential for excellence, parents as the nurture way paver, basic principles of nurturing, and holistic lifelong health promotion. The theoretical definition of each concept was presented. From the perspective of Islam, infant care is the nurturing of a human who has been conceived with dignity, certain rights, identity, and the capacity for development and excellence.
Quantification and neurochemical coding of the myenteric plexus in humans: No regional variation between the distal colon and rectum
Authors: Ng K.‐S. , Montes‐Adrian N. A. , Mahns D. A. , Gladman M. A.
Published: August 2017

Background

It remains unclear whether regional variation exists in the human enteric nervous system (ENS) ie, whether intrinsic innervation varies along the gut. Recent classification of gastrointestinal neuropathies has highlighted inadequacies in the quantification of the human ENS. This study used paired wholemounts to accurately quantify and neurochemically code the hindgut myenteric plexus, comparing human distal colon and rectum.

Methods

Paired human descending colonic/rectal specimens were procured from 15 patients undergoing anterior resection. Wholemounts of myenteric plexi were triple‐immunostained with anti‐Hu/NOS/ChAT antibodies. Images were acquired by motorized epifluorescence microscopy, allowing assessment of ganglionic density/size, ganglionic area density, and neuronal density. ‘Stretch‐corrected’ values were calculated using stretched/relaxed tissue dimensions.

Key Results

Tile‐stitching created a collage with average area 99 300 000 μm2. Stretch‐corrected ganglionic densities were similar (colon: median 510 ganglia/100 mm2 [range 386‐1170], rectum: 585 [307‐923]; P = .99), as were average ganglionic sizes (colon: 57 593 μm2 [40 301‐126 579], rectum: 54 901 [38 701‐90 211], P = .36). Ganglionic area density (colon: 11.92 mm2 per 100 mm2 [7.53‐18.64], rectum: 9.84 [5.80‐17.19], P = .10) and stretch‐corrected neuronal densities (colon: 189 neurons/mm2 [117‐388], rectum: 182 [89‐361], P = .31) were also similar, as were the neurochemical profiles of myenteric ganglia, with comparable proportions of NOS+ and ChAT+ neurons (P > .10).

Conclusions and Inferences

This study has revealed similar neuronal and ganglionic densities and neurochemical profiles in human distal colon and rectum. Further investigation of other components of the ENS, incorporating additional immunohistochemical markers are required to confirm that there is no regional variation in the human hindgut ENS.
Incidence and costs of achalasia in The Netherlands
Authors: van Hoeij F. B. , Ponds F. A. , Smout A. J. , Bredenoord A. J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Recent reports show increasing incidence of achalasia in some populations. The aim of this study was to estimate incidence, prevalence, and healthcare costs of achalasia in a large cohort in The Netherlands.

Methods

Data were obtained from the largest Dutch healthcare insurance company (±4.4 million insured). Adult achalasia patients were identified between 2006 and 2014 when having an achalasia diagnosis code registered. A total of 907 achalasia patients were identified and included in our database, along with 9068 control patients (non‐achalasia patients), matched by age and gender.

Key Results

The mean incidence over the 9‐year period was 2.2 per 100 000 persons and the mean prevalence was 15.3 per 100 000 persons. Mean age of achalasia patients was 54 (range 18‐98) years. Male to female ratio was 1:1. Socio‐economic status distribution was similar in achalasia patients and controls. Prior to the diagnosis, 74% of achalasia patients received proton pump inhibitors and 26% received anti‐emetic medication. The first year after diagnosis median total direct medical costs of achalasia patients were €2283 (IQR 969‐3044) per year. Patients above the 90th percentile of €4717 were significantly older than other patients below the 90th percentile (mean age 63 vs 57); P = .005.

Conclusion & Inferences

In this large study that used a database comprising about 25% of all inhabitants of The Netherlands, it is confirmed that achalasia affects individuals of both genders and all ages. The costs associated with diagnosis and treatment of new cases of achalasia increase with increasing age.
Use of antidepressants in dentistry: A systematic review
Authors: Lino PA , Martins CC , Miranda GFPC , de Souza e Silva ME , de Abreu MHNG
Published: August 2017

Objective

Previous research has suggested that antidepressants can be used in oral health care. The aim of this systematic review was to search for scientific evidence of the efficacy of the use of antidepressants in dentistry.

Materials and Methods

The clinical question was as follows (PICO question): dentistry patients (Patients); antidepressants (Intervention); no use or placebo or other drug (Comparison); and efficacy in oral health problems (Outcome). An electronic search was conducted in seven databases, as well as a manual search without restriction regarding language and date of publication. Two independent reviewers selected studies based on eligibility criteria, extracted data and assessed methodological quality based on the PEDro scale. The PROSPERO record is number CRD42016037442.

Results

A total of 15 randomized controlled trials were associated with the use of antidepressants to control chronic or acute pain in dentistry, among other conditions such as bruxism and burning mouth syndrome. The most commonly used drug in clinical trials was amitriptyline (more than 50% of studies).

Conclusions

Antidepressants may be effective in dentistry for acute and chronic pain, but there is a large amount of methodological heterogeneity among the evaluated studies. In summary, there is rationality for the indication of this class of medicine in dentistry in specific clinical situations.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with Griscelli syndrome: A single‐center experience
Authors: Kuskonmaz Baris , Ayvaz Deniz , Gokce Muge , Ozgur Tuba Turul , Okur Fatma V. , Cetin Mualla , Tezcan Ilhan , Uckan Cetinkaya Duygu
Published: August 2017

GS2 is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by hypopigmentation, variable immunodeficiency with HLH. HSCT is the only curative treatment for GS2. We analyzed the outcome of 10 children with GS2 who underwent HSCT at our center between October 1997 and September 2013. The median age of the patients at transplant was 13.5 months (range, 6‐58 months). All of the patients developed HLH before HSCT and received HLH 94 or HLH 2004 protocols. Donors were HLA‐identical relatives in 8 patients, HLA‐mismatched relatives in 2 patients. Engraftment was achieved in all except one patient. None of the patients developed acute GVHD. Chronic GVHD occurred in one and veno‐occlusive disease occurred in four patients. Eight of the patients are under remission without any neurologic sequelae—median time of disease‐free survival is 92.4 months. The present study shows successful transplant outcome without long‐term neurologic sequelae in patients with GS2 who underwent HSCT from HLA‐related donors.
Clonal integration facilitates spread of Paspalum paspaloides from terrestrial to cadmium‐contaminated aquatic habitats
Authors: Luo F.‐L. , Xing Y.‐P. , Wei G.‐W. , Li C.‐Y. , Yu F.‐H.
Published: August 2017

Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous environmental pollutant with high toxicity to plants, which has been detected in many wetlands. Clonal integration (resource translocation) between connected ramets of clonal plants can increase their tolerance to stress. We hypothesised that clonal integration facilitates spread of amphibious clonal plants from terrestrial to Cd‐contaminated aquatic habitats.

The spread of an amphibious grass Paspalum paspaloides was simulated by growing basal older ramets in uncontaminated soil connected (allowing integration) or not connected (preventing integration) to apical younger ramets of the same fragments in Cd‐contaminated water.

Cd contamination of apical ramets of P. paspaloides markedly decreased growth and photosynthetic capacity of the apical ramets without connection to the basal ramets, but did not decrease these properties with connection. Cd contamination did not affect growth of the basal ramets without connection to the apical ramets, but Cd contamination of 4 and 12 mg·l−1 significantly increased growth with connection. Consequently, clonal integration increased growth of the apical ramets, basal ramets and whole clones when the apical ramets were grown in Cd‐contaminated water of 4 and 12 mg·l−1. Cd was detected in the basal ramets with connection to the apical ramets, suggesting Cd could be translocated due to clonal integration. Clonal integration, most likely through translocation of photosynthates, can support P. paspaloides to spread from terrestrial to Cd‐contaminated aquatic habitats.

Amphibious clonal plants with a high ability for clonal integration are particularly useful for re‐vegetation of degraded aquatic habitats caused by Cd contamination.
White matter fiber integrity of the saccadic eye movement network differs between schizophrenia and healthy groups
Authors: Schaeffer David J. , Rodrigue Amanda L. , Burton Courtney R. , Pierce Jordan E. , Murphy Megan N. , Clementz Brett A. , McDowell Jennifer E.
Published: August 2017

Recent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies suggest that altered white matter fiber integrity is a pathophysiological feature of schizophrenia. Lower white matter integrity is associated with poor cognitive control, a characteristic of schizophrenia that can be measured using antisaccade tasks. Although the functional neural correlates of poor antisaccade performance have been well documented, fewer studies have investigated the extent to which white matter fibers connecting the functional nodes of this network contribute to antisaccade performance. The aim of the present study was to assess the white matter structural integrity of fibers connecting two functional nodes (putamen and medial frontal eye fields) of the saccadic eye movement network implicated in poor antisaccade performance in schizophrenia. To evaluate white matter integrity, DTI was acquired on subjects with schizophrenia and two comparison groups: (a) behaviorally matched healthy comparison subjects with low levels of cognitive control (LCC group), and (b) healthy subjects with high levels of cognitive control (HCC group). White matter fibers were tracked between functional regions of interest generated from antisaccade fMRI activation maps, and measures of diffusivity were quantified. The results demonstrated lower white matter integrity in the schizophrenia group than in the HCC group, but not the LCC group who showed similarly poor cognitive control performance. Overall, the results suggest that these alterations are not specific to the disease process of schizophrenia, but may rather be a function of uncontrolled cognitive factors that are concomitant with the disease but also observed in some healthy people.
Comparison of human umbilical cord blood processing with or without hydroxyethyl starch
Authors: Souri Milad , Nikougoftar Zarif Mahin , Rasouli Mahboobeh , Golzadeh Khadijeh , Nakhlestani Hagh Mozhdeh , Ezzati Nasim , Atarodi Kamran
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) processing with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is the most common protocol in the cord blood banks. The quality of UCB volume reduction was guaranteed by minimum manipulation of cord blood samples in the closed system. This study aimed to analyze and compare cell recovery and viability of UCB processed using the Sepax automated system in the presence and absence of HES.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty UCB bags with a total nucleated cell (TNC) count of more than 2.5 × 109 were divided in two bags with equal volume. HES solution was added to one bag and another was intact. Both bags were processed with the Sepax. To determine cell recovery, viability, and potential of colony‐forming cells (CFCs), preprocessing, postprocessing, and thawing samples were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean TNC recovery after processing and after thaw was significantly better with the HES method (p < 0.01 for the postprocessing step and p < 0.05 for the postthaw step). There were no significant differences to mononucleated cells (MNCs) and CD34+ cell recovery between the two methods after processing and after thaw. TNC and MNC viability was significantly higher without HES after processing and after thaw (p < 0.01). The results of the CFC assay were similar for both methods after processing and after thaw.

CONCLUSION

These results showed that processing of UCB using the Sepax system with the without‐HES protocol due to the lower manipulation of samples could be used as an eligible protocol to reduce the volume of UCB.
The MNS glycophorin variant GP.Mur affects differential erythroid expression of Rh/RhAG transcripts
Authors: Hsu K. , Kuo M.‐S. , Yao C.‐C. , Cheng H.‐C. , Lin H.‐J. , Chan Y.‐S. , Lin M.
Published: August 2017

Background

The band 3 macrocomplex (also known as the ankyrin‐associated complex) on the red cell membrane comprises two interacting subcomplexes: a band 3/glycophorin A subcomplex, and a Rh/RhAG subcomplex. Glycophorin B (GPB) is a component of the Rh/RhAG subcomplex that is also structurally associated with glycophorin A (GPA). Expression of glycophorin B‐A‐B hybrid GP.Mur enhances band 3 expression and is associated with lower levels of Rh‐associated glycoprotein (RhAG) and Rh polypeptides. The goal of this study was to determine whether GP.Mur influenced erythroid Rh/RhAG expression at the transcript level.

Materials and Methods

GP.Mur was serologically determined in healthy participants from Taitung County, Taiwan. RNA was extracted from the reticulocyte‐enriched fraction of peripheral blood, followed by reverse transcription and quantitative PCR for RhAG, RhD and RhCcEe.

Results

Quantification by real‐time PCR revealed significantly fewer RhAG and RhCcEe transcripts in the reticulocytes from subjects with homozygous GYP*Mur. Independent from GYP.Mur, both RhAG and RhD transcript levels were threefold or higher than that of RhCcEe. Also, in GYP.Mur and the control samples alike, direct quantitative associations were observed between the transcript levels of RhAG and RhD, but not between that of RhAG and RhCcEe.

Conclusion

Erythroid RhD and RhCcEe were differentially expressed at the transcript levels, which could be related to their different degrees of interaction or sensitivity to RhAG. Further, the reduction or absence of glycophorin B in GYP.Mur erythroid cells affected transcript expressions of RhAG and RhCcEe. Thus, GPB and GP.Mur differentially influenced Rh/RhAG expressions prior to protein translation.
Prevalence of antibiotic and heavy metal resistance in Gram negative bacteria isolated from rivers in northern Pakistan
Authors: Sair Ali Tahir , Khan Zeeshan Ali
Published: August 2017

Antibiotic and metal resistance is a global occurring phenomenon and a universal threat. The release of antibiotics and metals into the environment like natural water bodies stimulates resistant microbes that could become a reservoir for a resistant gene pool for other pathogenic bacteria. The aim of the study was to determine microbial diversity, distribution of antibiotic and metal resistance bacteria from five rivers. The resistance of 168 Gram negative isolates was tested against 10 antibiotics and five metals. The study revealed a high incidence of bacterial isolates resistant to ampicillin (44.7%), streptomycin (37.3%) and chloramphenicol (33.9%). The highest level of antibiotic resistance was detected in the River Ravi. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of the five rivers ranged from <0.2 to 0.6. Isolates displayed tolerance to different concentrations of heavy metals. High antibiotic and metal‐resistances in samples from the Rivers Ravi and Soan suggest co‐resistance amongst the bacterial populations.
Soldados de Mosconi. Memoria, militarización y mundo del trabajo en la Gobernación Militar de Comodoro Rivadavia, 1944-1955
Authors: Carrizo Gabriel
Published: August 2017

En 1944, el gobierno de la autodenominada «Revolución de Junio» instaló una Zona Militar en la cuenca del Golfo San Jorge (Argentina). El objetivo era militarizar la Patagonia central, dado que su inmensa y siempre apetecible riqueza petrolífera la convertía en un territorio que debía ser resguardado. La Gobernación Militar (GM) provocará una serie de importantes transformaciones, y una de ellas la veremos a partir del análisis del mundo del trabajo en Comodoro Rivadavia. Este artículo mostrará que, durante la GM, los trabajadores reivindicaron los valores del nacionalismo petrolero impulsado por el general Enrique Mosconi en los Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (YPF), entre 1922 y 1930.
Nucleation speed limit on remote fluid-induced earthquakes
Authors: Parsons Tom , Malagnini Luca , Akinci Aybige
Published: August 2017

Larger earthquakes unlocked by fluids are seen globally to take a predictably longer time to begin.
Combined Action of Human Commensal Bacteria and Amorphous Silica Nanoparticles on the Viability and Immune Responses of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Malachin Giulia , Lubian Elisa , Mancin Fabrizio , Papini Emanuele , Tavano Regina
Published: August 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs) regulate the host-microbe balance in the gut and skin, tissues likely exposed to nanoparticles (NPs) present in drugs, food, and cosmetics. We analyzed the viability and the activation of DCs incubated with extracellular media (EMs) obtained from cultures of commensal bacteria (
Escherichia coli
,
Staphylococcus epidermidis
) or pathogenic bacteria (
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Staphylococcus aureus
) in the presence of amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiO
2
NPs). EMs and NPs synergistically increased the levels of cytotoxicity and cytokine production, with different nanoparticle dose-response characteristics being found, depending on the bacterial species.
E. coli
and
S. epidermidis
EMs plus NPs at nontoxic doses stimulated the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-12, IL-10, and IL-6, while
E. coli
and
S. epidermidis
EMs plus NPs at toxic doses stimulated the secretion of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-4, and IL-5. On the contrary,
S. aureus
and
P. aeruginosa
EMs induced cytokines only when they were combined with NPs at toxic concentrations. The induction of maturation markers (CD86, CD80, CD83, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and major histocompatibility complex class II) by commensal bacteria but not by pathogenic ones was improved in the presence of noncytotoxic SiO
2
NP doses. DCs consistently supported the proliferation and differentiation of CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-17A. The synergistic induction of CD86 was due to nonprotein molecules present in the EMs from all bacteria tested. At variance with this finding, the synergistic induction of IL-1β was prevalently mediated by proteins in the case of
E. coli
EMs and by nonproteins in the case of
S. epidermidis
EMs. A bacterial costimulus did not act on DCs after adsorption on SiO
2
NPs but rather acted as an independent agonist. The inflammatory and immune actions of DCs stimulated by commensal bacterial agonists might be altered by the simultaneous exposure to engineered or environmental NPs.
Towards a Universal Molecular Microbiological Test
Authors: Allcock Richard J. N. , Jennison Amy V. , Warrilow David
Published: August 2017

The standard paradigm for microbiological testing is dependent on the presentation of a patient to a clinician. Tests are then requested based on differential diagnoses using the patient's symptoms as a guide. The era of high-throughput genomic methods has the potential to replace this model for the first time with what could be referred to as “hypothesis-free testing.” This approach utilizes one of a variety of methodologies to obtain a sequence from potentially any nucleic acid in a clinical sample, without prior knowledge of its content. We discuss the advantages of such an approach and the challenges in making this a reality.
ZIC2 Is Essential for Maintenance of Latency and Is a Target of an Immediate Early Protein during Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lytic Reactivation
Authors: Lyu Yuanzhi , Nakano Kazushi , Davis Ryan R. , Tepper Clifford G. , Campbell Mel , Izumiya Yoshihiro
Published: August 2017

Bivalent histone modifications are defined as repressive and activating epigenetic marks that simultaneously decorate the same genomic region. The H3K27me3 mark silences gene expression, while the H3K4me3 mark prevents the region from becoming permanently silenced and prepares the domain for activation when needed. Specific regions of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) latent episomes are poised to be activated by the KSHV replication and transcription activator (K-Rta). How KSHV episomes are prepared such that they maintain latent infection and switch to lytic replication by K-Rta remains unclear. K-Rta transactivation activity requires a protein degradation function; thus, we hypothesized that identification of cellular substrates of K-Rta may provide insight into the maintenance of KSHV latent infection and the switch to lytic replication. Here we show that a zinc finger protein, ZIC2, a key regulator for central nervous system development, is a substrate of K-Rta and is responsible for maintaining latency. K-Rta directly interacted with ZIC2 and functioned as an E3 ligase to ubiquitinate ZIC2. ZIC2 localized at immediate early and early gene cluster regions of the KSHV genome and contributed to tethering of polycomb repressive complex 2 through physical interaction, thus maintaining H3K27me3 marks at the K-Rta promoter. Accordingly, depletion of ZIC2 shifted the balance of bivalent histone modifications toward more active forms and induced KSHV reactivation in naturally infected cells. We suggest that ZIC2 turnover by K-Rta is a strategy employed by KSHV to favor the transition from latency to lytic replication.

IMPORTANCE
Posttranslational histone modifications regulate the accessibility of transcriptional factors to DNA; thus, they have profound effects on gene expression (e.g., viral reactivation). KSHV episomes are known to possess bivalent chromatin domains. How such KSHV chromatin domains are maintained to be reactivatable by K-Rta remains unclear. We found that ZIC2, a transcriptional factor essential for stem cell pluripotency, plays a role in maintaining KSHV latent infection in naturally infected cells. We found that ZIC2 degradation by K-Rta shifts bivalent histone marks to a more active configuration, leading to KSHV reactivation. ZIC2 interacts with and maintains polycomb repressor complex 2 at the K-Rta promoter. Our findings uncover (i) a mechanism utilized by KSHV to maintain latent infection, (ii) a latency-lytic cycle switch operated by K-Rta, and (iii) a molecular mechanism of ZIC2-mediated local histone modification.
Expression and Subcellular Localization of the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus K15P Protein during Latency and Lytic Reactivation in Primary Effusion Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Smith Caitlin G. , Kharkwal Himanshu , Wilson Duncan W.
Published: August 2017

The K15P membrane protein of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) interacts with multiple cellular signaling pathways and is thought to play key roles in KSHV-associated endothelial cell angiogenesis, regulation of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, and the survival, activation, and proliferation of BCR-negative primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells. Although full-length K15P is ∼45 kDa, numerous lower-molecular-weight forms of the protein exist as a result of differential splicing and poorly characterized posttranslational processing. K15P has been reported to localize to numerous subcellular organelles in heterologous expression studies, but there are limited data concerning the sorting of K15P in KSHV-infected cells. The relationships between the various molecular weight forms of K15P, their subcellular distribution, and how these may differ in latent and lytic KSHV infections are poorly understood. Here we report that a cDNA encoding a full-length, ∼45-kDa K15P reporter protein is expressed as an ∼23- to 24-kDa species that colocalizes with the
trans
-Golgi network (TGN) marker TGN46 in KSHV-infected PEL cells. Following lytic reactivation by sodium butyrate, the levels of the ∼23- to 24-kDa protein diminish, and the full-length, ∼45-kDa K15P protein accumulates. This is accompanied by apparent fragmentation of the TGN and redistribution of K15P to a dispersed peripheral location. Similar results were seen when lytic reactivation was stimulated by the KSHV protein replication and transcription activator (RTA) and during spontaneous reactivation. We speculate that expression of different molecular weight forms of K15P in distinct cellular locations reflects the alternative demands placed upon the protein in the latent and lytic phases.

IMPORTANCE
The K15P protein of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is thought to play key roles in disease, including KSHV-associated angiogenesis and the survival and growth of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells. The protein exists in multiple molecular weight forms, and its intracellular trafficking is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that the molecular weight form of a reporter K15P molecule and its intracellular distribution change when KSHV switches from its latent (quiescent) phase to the lytic, infectious state. We speculate that expression of different molecular weight forms of K15P in distinct cellular locations reflects the alternative demands placed upon the protein in the viral latent and lytic stages.