bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusion of a rest period in diaphragmatic breathing increases high frequency heart rate variability: Implications for behavioral therapy
Authors: Russell Matthew E. B. , Scott April B. , Boggero Ian A. , Carlson Charles R.
Published: December 2016

Heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with positive physiological and psychological effects. HRV is affected by breathing parameters, yet debate remains regarding the best breathing interventions for strengthening HRV. The objective of the current study was to test whether the inclusion of a postexhalation rest period was effective at increasing HRV, while controlling for breathing rate. A within‐subject crossover design was used with 40 participants who were assigned randomly to a breathing pattern including a postexhalation rest period or a breathing pattern that omitted the postexhalation rest period. Participants completed training on each breathing pattern, practiced for 6 min, and sat quietly during a 5‐min washout period between practices. Participants were given instructions for diaphragmatic breathing at a pace of six breaths/minute with or without a postexhalation rest period. Recordings of heart rate, breathing rate, HF‐HRV, RMSSD, LF‐HRV, and SDNN were collected before and during each of the breathing trials. HRV indices were derived from Lead 1 ECG recordings. Pairwise contrasts showed that inclusion of a postexhalation rest period significantly decreased heart rate (p < .001) and increased HF‐HRV (p < .05). No differences were found for breathing rates (p > .05), RMSSD (p > .05), and SDNN (p > .05). Results indicated that omission of the postexhalation rest period resulted in higher LF‐HRV (p < .05). A postexhalation rest period improves HF‐HRV, commonly associated with self‐regulatory control, yet the importance of a postexhalation rest period requires further exploration.
Extracellular matrix in epitheliochorial, endotheliochorial and haemochorial placentation and its potential application for regenerative medicine
Authors: da Anunciação ARA , Mess AM , Orechio D , Aguiar BA , Favaron PO , Miglino MA
Published: December 2016

Contents

A placenta is defined as structural approximation of maternal and foetal tissues to perform physiological exchange. Associated processes of differentiation and the establishment of its cells take place within the extracellular matrix (ECM) that provides a rich environment of collagens, fibronectins, cytokines and other components. Placental ECM is promising for tissue regeneration purposes, because it has immune tolerance capacities that may cause only minimal rejections of transplants with immunological differences between donor and recipient. However, specific characteristics of ECM during evolution of the structurally very diverse mammalian placenta are not yet revealed. We here address the major aspects of placental types, that is non‐invasive (epitheliochorial), medium (endotheliochorial)‐to‐high (haemochorial) invasive nature of the interhemal barrier between the foetal and maternal blood system as well as their main components of ECM with special reference to species that are commonly used as animal models for human placentation and in the potential applications for regenerative medicine.
Closed reduction and fluoroscopic‐assisted percutaneous pinning of 42 physeal fractures in 37 dogs and 4 cats*
Authors: Boekhout‐Ta Christina L. , Kim Stanley E. , Cross Alan R. , Evans Richard , Pozzi Antonio
Published: December 2016

Objective

To report complications and clinical outcome of dogs and cats that underwent fluoroscopic‐assisted percutaneous pinning (FAPP) of physeal fractures.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 37) and cats (n = 4).

Materials and Methods

Records (August 2007‐August 2014) of physeal fractures treated with FAPP in 3 hospitals were evaluated. Data collected included signalment, fracture characteristics (etiology, location, duration, Salter‐Harris classification, preoperative and postoperative displacement), surgical information (implant size, surgical duration), and outcome assessment information (functional outcome, radiographic outcome, and complications).

Results

The majority of animals (92%) were classified as full functional outcome. No significant predictors of functional outcome were identified. The overall complication rate was 15% (n = 6). Elective pin removal rate was 41% (n = 17). Goniometry and limb circumference measurements of the affected and contralateral limbs were not significantly different in dogs for which measurements were obtained. Seventeen of 18 animals (16 dogs, 2 cats) measured had bone length changes on follow‐up radiographs.

Conclusion

FAPP is associated with an excellent functional outcome in a narrow selection of fracture configurations, specifically those with minimal displacement and for which anatomical alignment can be achieved with closed reduction.
Vertebral Subluxation Repair in a Pet Goat
Authors: Nannarone Sara , Bellezza Enrico , Moens Yves P. , Larenza Menzies Paula
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To describe the perioperative management, including surgery, anesthesia, metabolic derangements, and physiotherapy, in a goat referred for paraparesis secondary to a road traffic accident.

Study Design

Case report.

Animals

2‐year‐old mixed breed dwarf 44 kg female pet goat.

Methods

Clinical examination showed symptoms of early compensatory stages of shock, paraparesis with hyperextension of the thoracic limbs, pain on palpation of the thoracolumbar spine, increased patellar reflexes of both pelvic limbs without superficial sensitivity, but preserved deep pain sensation. These signs suggested a spinal cord injury with upper motor neuron syndrome and an anatomic localization between the third thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Radiographic examination revealed a thoracolumbar vertebral subluxation. Vertebral stabilization was achieved with the application of pins in the vertebral bodies stabilized by an interconnecting bridge of polymethylmethacrylate, a technique commonly adopted in companion animals.

Results

Surgery and recovery from anesthesia were uneventful, but 3 days later ruminal atony and subsequent bloating occurred. This was associated with metabolic derangements (metabolic alkalosis), decreased mentation, and marked tachypnea that responded to medical treatment. From day 3 post‐surgery, the goat underwent physiotherapy with manual and active exercises during the rehabilitation period of 21 days duration.

Conclusion

The injury in this goat was successfully managed using vertebral stabilization similar to that used in dogs and cats. Extensive postoperative physiotherapeutic support contributed to the complete recovery of the animal.
Implementation of Portland's Minimum Wage Ordinance: Need for a Community Based Organization Approach?
Authors: Havlin Michael
Published: December 2016

There is a gap between what the city government of Portland Maine perceives and defines as successful minimum wage enforcement and what is actually occurring in workplaces. The city is taking an onerously complaint‐driven approach to enforcement that disregards the potential for a disconnect between violations occurring and violations being reported. Workplaces are fraught with institutional barriers like confusion, intimidation, and misinformation that prevent workers from knowing or exercising their rights. Outreach conducted collaboratively with the Southern Maine Workers Center has shown that these barriers have caused a number of violations of Portland's minimum wage ordinance that are going unreported.
Unravelling Secondary Students’ Challenges in Digital Literacy: a Gender Perspective
Authors: Argelagós Esther , Pifarré Manoli
Published: December 2016

The use of the Internet to learn involves complex cognitive activities. Educational researchers claim more attention in studying the nature of students’ challenges when using digital information for learning purposes. Our research investigated in depth the challenges that secondary students face when solving web information-problem tasks. We thoroughly analysed how forty secondary students (18 girls and 22 boys) solved a scholar task using web information. The students’ actions on the computer screen were logged. Findings showed specific difficulties in solving digital tasks due to when (1) typing appropriate search terms, and when (2) selecting reliable and useful results from a “search engine results page”, which hinders the correct finding and understanding of web information needed to solve the digital task. In addition, the participants had a lack of reflection regarding the different actions to solve the digital task. Furthermore, our findings revealed that gender was not associated with differences in digital attainment.
Nonlinearity of Finite-Amplitude Sloshing in Rectangular Containers
Authors: Daqaq Mohammed F. , Xu Yawen , Lacarbonara Walter
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the influence exerted by small surface tension on the nonlinear normal sloshing modes of a two-dimensional irrotational, incompressible fluid in a rectangular container. To this end, the influence of surface tension on the modal frequencies is investigated by assuming pure slipping at the contact line and a 90 deg contact angle between the fluid surface and the walls. The regions of possible nonlinear internal resonances up to the fifth mode are highlighted. Away from the highlighted regions, the influence of surface tension on the effective nonlinearity of the lowest four modes is studied and used to shed light onto its effect on the softening/hardening behavior of the uncoupled nonlinear modes. Subsequently, the response of the sloshing waves near two-to-one internal resonances is studied. It is shown that, in the vicinity of such internal resonance, the steady-state sloshing response can either contain a contribution from the two interacting modes (coupled-mode response) or only the high-frequency mode (high-frequency uncoupled mode response). The regions where the coupled mode uniquely exists are shown to depend on the surface tension. Moreover, it is demonstrated that such regions may be underestimated considerably when neglecting the influence of the cubic nonlinearities.
Development and Evaluation of a Mechanical Stance-Controlled Orthotic Knee Joint With Stance Flexion
Authors: Andrysek Jan , Leineweber Matthew J. , Lee Hankyu
Published: December 2016

Stance-control orthotic knee joints stabilize the knee joint during the weight-bearing portion of gait without restricting swing-phase flexion, thus achieving a more normal gait for individuals with quadriceps muscle weakness. These devices must be designed around well-defined stance-control strategies that enable or hinder joint motion at specific events during the gait cycle. This paper presents a new type of stance-control strategy and a novel stance-controller design. Pilot clinical testing was performed on a prototype, demonstrating feasibility of this approach for providing reliable knee stability while facilitating swing-phase flexion. In particular, 44 deg of swing-phase flexion and 15 deg of stance-phase flexion were achieved during level walking. Further testing is needed in situ to provide additional validation and assess other mobility conditions.
Nonlinear Energy Sink for Whole-Spacecraft Vibration Reduction
Authors: Yang Kai , Zhang Ye-Wei , Ding Hu , Yang Tian-Zhi , Li Yang , Chen Li-Qun
Published: December 2016

A nonlinear energy sink (NES) approach is proposed for whole-spacecraft vibration reduction. Frequency sweeping tests are conducted on a scaled whole-spacecraft structure without or with a NES attached. The experimental transmissibility results demonstrate the significant reduction of the whole-spacecraft structure vibration over a broad spectrum of excitation frequency. The NES attachment hardly changes the natural frequencies of the structure. A finite element model is developed, and the model is verified by the experimental results. A two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) equivalent model of the scaled whole-spacecraft is proposed with the two same natural frequencies as those obtained via the finite element model. The experiment, the finite element model, and the equivalent model predict the same trends that the NES vibration reduction performance becomes better for the increasing NES mass, the increasing NES viscous damping, and the decreasing nonlinear stiffness. The energy absorption measure and the energy transition measure calculated based on the equivalent model reveals that an appropriately designed NES can efficiently absorb and dissipate broadband-frequency energy via nonlinear beats, irreversible targeted energy transfer (TET), or both for different parameters.
Structural Acoustics of a Rectangular Panel Backed by a Cavity: An Analytical Matrix Approach
Authors: Jain Nitin K. , Sonti Venkata R.
Published: December 2016

The coupling matrix in structural-acoustic systems carries the entire information about the coupled resonances. We have found an elegant way of presenting this matrix and computing its determinant analytically (in a closed-form) for light fluid loading cases. The determinant gets factorized into a product. This form can be used to gain an insight into the new order of the coupled resonances. The specific example of a rectangular panel backed by a cavity is taken to demonstrate the method. This being the primary objective of the work, secondarily, the form of the matrix so derived is used to compute the new coupled resonances using a simple iterative scheme requiring a starting guess. Numerical values are compared with those given in the literature and also using the commercial package virtual lab.
Pressure spectra in turbulent flows in the inertial and the dissipation ranges
Authors: Zhao Sipei , Cheng Eva , Qiu Xiaojun , Burnett Ian , Liu Jacob Chia-chun
Published: December 2016

Based on existing studies that provide the pressure spectra in turbulent flows from the asymptotic pressure structure function in the inertial range, this paper extends the pressure spectrum to the dissipation range by proposing a pressure structure function model that incorporates both the inertial and dissipation ranges. Existing experiment results were used to validate the proposed pressure structure function model first, and then the obtained pressure spectrum was compared with the simulation and measurement data in the literature and the wind-induced noise measured outdoors. All comparisons demonstrate that the pressure spectrum obtained from the proposed pressure structure function model can be used to estimate the pressure spectra in both the inertial and dissipation ranges in turbulent flows with a sufficiently large Reynolds number.
The role of stress and word size in Spanish speech segmentation
Authors: LaCross Amy , Liss Julie , Barragan Beatriz , Adams Ashley , Berisha Visar , McAuliffe Megan , Fromont Robert
Published: December 2016

In English, the predominance of stressed syllables as word onsets aids lexical segmentation in degraded listening conditions. Yet it is unlikely that these findings would readily transfer to languages with differing rhythmic structure. In the current study, the authors seek to examine whether listeners exploit both common word size (syllable number) and stress cues to aid lexical segmentation in Spanish. Forty-seven Spanish-speaking listeners transcribed two-word Spanish phrases in noise. As predicted by the statistical probabilities of Spanish, error analysis revealed that listeners preferred two- and three-syllable words with penultimate stress in their attempts to parse the degraded speech signal. These findings provide insight into the importance of stress in tandem with word size in the segmentation of Spanish words and suggest testable hypotheses for cross-linguistic studies that examine the effects of degraded acoustic cues on lexical segmentation.
Emerging therapies for inherited retinal degeneration
Authors: Scholl Hendrik P. N. , Strauss Rupert W. , Singh Mandeep S. , Dalkara Deniz , Roska Botond , Picaud Serge , Sahel José-Alain
Published: December 2016

This Review discusses current and emerging therapies for treating inherited retinal degeneration.
AZD3759, a BBB-penetrating EGFR inhibitor for the treatment of EGFR mutant NSCLC with CNS metastases
Authors: Yang Zhenfan , Guo Qiuli , Wang Yingchun , Chen Kan , Zhang Lin , Cheng Ziqiang , Xu Yanping , Yin Xiaolu , Bai Yu , Rabbie Sarit , Kim Dong-Wan , Ahn Myung-Ju , Yang James Chih-Hsin , Zhang Xiaolin
Published: December 2016

AZD3759 can penetrate the blood-brain barrier to treat EGFR mutant non–small-cell lung cancer with CNS metastases.
Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier regulates autophagy, inflammation, and neurodegeneration in experimental models of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ghosh Anamitra , Tyson Trevor , George Sonia , Hildebrandt Erin N. , Steiner Jennifer A. , Madaj Zachary , Schulz Emily , Machiela Emily , McDonald William G. , Escobar Galvis Martha L. , Kordower Jeffrey H. , Van Raamsdonk Jeremy M. , Colca Jerry R. , Brundin Patrik
Published: December 2016

Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier may be a therapeutic target in Parkinson’s disease.
β-amyloid can’t go with the flow
Authors: Lucey Brendan P.
Published: December 2016

Reduced perivascular localization of aquaporin-4 channels is associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
LDL cholesterol hitches a ride
Authors: Rayner Katey J.
Published: December 2016

A new lipid-binding protein transports low-density lipoprotein across the blood vessel endothelium and might promote atherosclerosis.
An EXITS strategy for decreasing cancer risk in women
Authors: Wood Kris C.
Published: December 2016

A large-scale analysis identifies putative tumor suppressor genes that protect women from cancer through escape from X-inactivation.
High-Resolution pH Imaging of Living Bacterial Cells To Detect Local pH Differences
Authors: Morimoto Yusuke V. , Kami-ike Nobunori , Miyata Tomoko , Kawamoto Akihiro , Kato Takayuki , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru
Published: December 2016

Protons are utilized for various biological activities such as energy transduction and cell signaling. For construction of the bacterial flagellum, a type III export apparatus utilizes ATP and proton motive force to drive flagellar protein export, but the energy transduction mechanism remains unclear. Here, we have developed a high-resolution pH imaging system to measure local pH differences within living
Salmonella enterica
cells, especially in close proximity to the cytoplasmic membrane and the export apparatus. The local pH near the membrane was ca. 0.2 pH unit higher than the bulk cytoplasmic pH. However, the local pH near the export apparatus was ca. 0.1 pH unit lower than that near the membrane. This drop of local pH depended on the activities of both transmembrane export components and FliI ATPase. We propose that the export apparatus acts as an H
+
/protein antiporter to couple ATP hydrolysis with H
+
flow to drive protein export.

IMPORTANCE
The flagellar type III export apparatus is required for construction of the bacterial flagellum beyond the cellular membranes. The export apparatus consists of a transmembrane export gate and a cytoplasmic ATPase complex. The export apparatus utilizes ATP and proton motive force as the energy source for efficient and rapid protein export during flagellar assembly, but it remains unknown how. In this study, we have developed an
in vivo
pH imaging system with high spatial and pH resolutions with a pH indicator probe to measure local pH near the export apparatus. We provide direct evidence suggesting that ATP hydrolysis by the ATPase complex and the following rapid protein translocation by the export gate are both linked to efficient proton translocation through the gate.
Attenuation of the Type IV Pilus Retraction Motor Influences Neisseria gonorrhoeae Social and Infection Behavior
Authors: Hockenberry Alyson M. , Hutchens Danielle M. , Agellon Al , So Magdalene
Published: December 2016

Retraction of the type IV pilus (Tfp) mediates DNA uptake, motility, and social and infection behavior in a wide variety of prokaryotes. To date, investigations into Tfp retraction-dependent activities have used a mutant deleted of PilT, the ATPase motor protein that causes the pilus fiber to retract. Δ
pilT
cells are nontransformable, nonmotile, and cannot aggregate into microcolonies. We tested the hypothesis that these retraction-dependent activities are sensitive to the strength of PilT enzymatic activity by using the pathogen
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
as a model. We constructed an
N. gonorrhoeae
mutant with an amino acid substitution in the PilT Walker B box (a substitution of cysteine for leucine at position 201, encoded by
pilT
L201C
). Purified PilT
L201C
forms a native hexamer, but mutant hexamers hydrolyze ATP at half the maximal rate.
N. gonorrhoeae
pilT
L201C
cells produce Tfp fibers, crawl at the same speed as the wild-type (wt) parent, and are equally transformable. However, the social behavior of
pilT
L201C
cells is intermediate between the behaviors of wt and Δ
pilT
cells. The infection behavior of
pilT
L201C
is also defective, due to its failure to activate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) pathway. Our study indicates that pilus retraction,
per se
, is not sufficient for
N. gonorrhoeae
microcolony formation or infectivity; rather, these activities are sensitive to the strength of PilT enzymatic activity. We discuss the implications of these findings for
Neisseria
pathogenesis in the context of mechanobiology.

IMPORTANCE
Type IV pili are fibers expressed on the surface of many bacteria.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
cells crawl, take up DNA, and communicate with each other and with human cells by retracting these fibers. Here, we show that an
N. gonorrhoeae
mutant expressing an enzymatically weakened type IV pilus retraction motor still crawls and takes up DNA normally. However, mutant cells exhibit abnormal social behavior, and they are less infective because they fail to activate the epidermal growth factor receptor. Our study shows that
N. gonorrhoeae
social and infection behaviors are sensitive to the strength of the retraction motor enzyme.
Biliary Secretion of Quasi-Enveloped Human Hepatitis A Virus
Authors: Hirai-Yuki Asuka , Hensley Lucinda , Whitmire Jason K. , Lemon Stanley M.
Published: December 2016

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an unusual picornavirus that is released from cells cloaked in host-derived membranes. These quasi-enveloped virions (eHAV) are the only particle type circulating in blood during infection, whereas only nonenveloped virions are shed in feces. The reason for this is uncertain. Hepatocytes, the only cell type known to support HAV replicationin vivo, are highly polarized epithelial cells with basolateral membranes facing onto hepatic (blood) sinusoids and apical membranes abutting biliary canaliculi from which bile is secreted to the gut. To assess whether eHAV and nonenveloped virus egress from cells via vectorially distinct pathways, we studied infected polarized cultures of Caco-2 and HepG2-N6 cells. Most (>99%) progeny virions were released apically from Caco-2 cells, whereas basolateral (64%) versus apical (36%) release was more balanced with HepG2-N6 cells. Both apically and basolaterally released virions were predominantly enveloped, with no suggestion of differential vectorial release of eHAV versus naked virions. Basolateral to apical transcytosis of either particle type was minimal (<0.02%/h) in HepG2-N6 cells, arguing against this as a mechanism for differences in membrane envelopment of serum versus fecal virus. High concentrations of human bile acids converted eHAV to nonenveloped virions, whereas virus present in bile from HAV-infectedIfnar1−/−Ifngr1−/−andMavs−/−mice banded over a range of densities extending from that of eHAV to that of nonenveloped virions. We conclude that nonenveloped virions shed in feces are derived from eHAV released across the canalicular membrane and stripped of membranes by the detergent action of bile acids within the proximal biliary canaliculus.

IMPORTANCEHAV is a hepatotropic, fecally/orally transmitted picornavirus that can cause severe hepatitis in humans. Recent work reveals that it has an unusual life cycle. Virus is found in cell culture supernatant fluids in two mature, infectious forms: one wrapped in membranes (quasi-enveloped) and another that is nonenveloped. Membrane-wrapped virions circulate in blood during acute infection and are resistant to neutralizing antibodies, likely facilitating HAV dissemination within the liver. On the other hand, virus shed in feces is nonenveloped and highly stable, facilitating epidemic spread and transmission to naive hosts. Factors controlling the biogenesis of these two distinct forms of the virus in infected humans are not understood. Here we characterize vectorial release of quasi-enveloped virions from polarized epithelial cell cultures and provide evidence that bile acids strip membranes from eHAV following its secretion into the biliary tract. These results enhance our understanding of the life cycle of this unusual picornavirus.
Reduced Activity of Mutant Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 Is Compensated in Plasmodium falciparum through the Action of Protein Kinase G
Authors: Bansal Abhisheka , Ojo Kayode K. , Mu Jianbing , Maly Dustin J. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Miller Louis H.
Published: December 2016

We used a sensitization approach that involves replacement of the gatekeeper residue in a protein kinase with one with a different side chain. The activity of the enzyme with a bulky gatekeeper residue, such as methionine, cannot be inhibited using bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs). Here, we have used this approach to study
Plasmodium falciparum
calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (
Pf
CDPK1). The methionine gatekeeper substitution, T145M, although it led to a 47% reduction in transphosphorylation, was successfully introduced into the CDPK1 locus using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9. As methionine is a bulky residue, BKI 1294 had a 10-fold-greater effect
in vitro
on the wild-type enzyme than on the methionine mutant. However, in contrast to
in vitro
data with recombinant enzymes, BKI 1294 had a slightly greater inhibition of the growth of CDPK1 T145M parasites than the wild type. Moreover, the CDPK1 T145M parasites were more sensitive to the action of compound 2 (C2), a specific inhibitor of protein kinase G (PKG). These results suggest that a reduction in the activity of CDPK1 due to methionine substitution at the gatekeeper position is compensated through the direct action of PKG or of another kinase under the regulation of PKG. The transcript levels of CDPK5 and CDPK6 were significantly upregulated in the CDPK1 T145M parasites. The increase in CDPK6 or some other kinase may compensate for decrease in CDPK1 activity during invasion. This study suggests that targeting two kinases may be more effective in chemotherapy to treat malaria so as not to select for mutations in one of the enzymes.

IMPORTANCE
Protein kinases of
Plasmodium falciparum
are being actively pursued as drug targets to treat malaria. However, compensatory mechanisms may reverse the drug activity against a kinase. In this study, we show that replacement of the wild-type threonine gatekeeper residue with methionine reduces the transphosphorylation activity of CDPK1. Mutant parasites with methionine gatekeeper residue compensate the reduced activity of CDPK1 through the action of PKG possibly by upregulation of CDPK6 or some other kinase. This study highlights that targeting one enzyme may lead to changes in transcript expression of other kinases that compensate for its function and may select for mutants that are less dependent on the target enzyme activity. Thus, inhibiting two kinases is a better strategy to protect the antimalarial activity of each, similar to artemisinin combination therapy or malarone (atovaquone and proguanil).
Global Analysis and Comparison of the Transcriptomes and Proteomes of Group A
Streptococcus
Biofilms
Authors: Freiberg Jeffrey A. , Le Breton Yoann , Tran Bao Q. , Scott Alison J. , Harro Janette M. , Ernst Robert K. , Goo Young Ah , Mongodin Emmanuel F. , Goodlett David R. , McIver Kevin S. , Shirtliff Mark E.
Published: December 2016

Prokaryotes are thought to regulate their proteomes largely at the level of transcription. However, the results from this first set of global transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of paired microbial samples presented here show that this assumption is false for the majority of genes and their products in
S. pyogenes
. In addition, the tenuousness of the link between transcription and translation becomes even more pronounced when microbes exist in a biofilm or a stationary planktonic state. Since the transcriptome level does not usually equal the proteome level, the validity attributed to gene expression studies as well as proteomic studies in microbial analyses must be brought into question. Therefore, the results attained by either approach, whether RNA-seq or shotgun proteomics, must be taken in context and evaluated with particular care since they are by no means interchangeable.
Pancytopenia associated with levetiracetam in an epileptic woman
Authors: García Carretero Rafael , Romero Brugera Marta , Olid-Velilla Monica , Salamanca-Ramirez Inmaculada
Published: December 2016

Haematological toxicity due to antiepileptic drugs is uncommon, but the increased risk of aplastic anaemia has been reported. Few case reports have been published regarding pancytopenia associated with levetiracetam treatment, and its intrinsic pathogenesis is still unknown. We describe the case of a woman aged 77 years who presented with abdominal pain and loss of appetite. She had been taking valproic acid, due to a previous episode of epileptic seizures, and presented with drowsiness and dizziness. Valproate was discontinued and therapy with levetiracetam was initiated. 2 days later, we observed severe anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, which were attributed to levetiracetam. Although she recovered soon after the treatment was discontinued, it took 2 weeks for cell counts to return to normal.
Adrenocortical carcinoma, an unusual cause of secondary hypertension
Authors: Veron Esquivel Daniel , Batiz Fernando , Farias Vega Alfonso , Carrillo Gonzalez Perla A
Published: December 2016

We present the case of a female patient aged 39 years who was admitted to our hospital due to hypertension, severe hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis; physical examination was remarkable for plethoric moon face, centripetal obesity and bilateral lower extremity oedema. She was admitted for intravenous potassium replacement and further assessment of hypertension and associated clinical findings. Laboratory testing showed increased levels of aldosterone, renin, cortisol, testosterone and androstenedione. An abdominal CT revealed a large mass in the right adrenal gland with hepatic involvement. The patient was started on antihypertensive medications and underwent laparoscopic surgery for mass and liver biopsy. The pathological diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma with liver metastasis. Hyperaldosteronism is a cause of secondary hypertension and its diagnosis is usually benign. Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare condition and aldosterone secreting tumours are even rarer; associated hypertension usually improves after tumour resection, but with the presence of metastasis, blood pressure control is difficult.
Self-rated health and mental health of lone fathers compared with lone mothers and partnered fathers: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Chiu Maria , Rahman Farah , Kurdyak Paul , Cairney John , Jembere Nathaniel , Vigod Simone
Published: December 2016

Background

Lone parenthood is associated with poorer health; however, the vast majority of previous studies have examined lone mothers and only a few have focused on lone fathers. We aimed to examine the self-rated health and mental health status among a large population-based cross-sectional sample of Canadian lone fathers compared with both partnered fathers and lone mothers.

Methods

We investigated differences in self-rated health and mental health among 1058 lone fathers compared with 20 692 partnered fathers and 5725 lone mothers using the Ontario component of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2001–2013). Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the odds of poor/fair self-rated health and mental health between the study groups while adjusting for a comprehensive list of sociodemographic factors, stressors and lifestyle factors.

Results

Lone fathers and lone mothers showed similar prevalence of poor/fair self-rated health (11.6% and 12.5%, respectively) and mental health (6.2% and 8.4%, respectively); the odds were similar even after multivariable adjustment. Lone fathers showed higher odds of poor/fair self-rated health (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.17) and mental health (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.46) than partnered fathers after adjustment for sociodemographic factors; however, these differences were no longer significant after accounting for stressors, including low income and unemployment.

Conclusions

In this large population-based study, lone fathers had worse self-rated health and mental health than partnered fathers and similarly poor self-rated health and mental health as lone mothers. Interventions, supports and social policies designed for single parents should also recognise the needs of lone fathers.
Mapping boreal peatland ecosystem types from multitemporal radar and optical satellite imagery
Authors: Bourgeau-Chavez L.L. , Endres S. , Powell R. , Battaglia M.J. , Benscoter B. , Turetsky M. , Kasischke E.S. , Banda E.
Published: December 2016

The ability to distinguish peatland types at the landscape scale has implications for inventory, conservation, estimation of carbon storage, fuel loading, and postfire carbon emissions, among others. This paper presents a multisensor, multiseason remote sensing approach to delineate boreal peatland types (wooded bog, open fen, shrubby fen, treed fen) using a combination of multiple dates of L-band (24 cm) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) from ALOS PALSAR, C-band (∼5.6 cm) from ERS-1 or ERS-2, and Landsat 5 TM optical remote sensing data. Imagery was first evaluated over a small test area of boreal Alberta, Canada, to determine the feasibility of using multisensor SAR and optical data to discriminate peatland types. Then object-based and (or) machine-learning classification algorithms were applied to 3.4 million ha of peatland-rich subregions of Alberta, Canada, and the 4.24 million ha region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where peatlands are less dominant. Accuracy assessments based on field-sampled sites show high overall map accuracies (93%–94% for Alberta and Michigan), which exceed those of previous mapping efforts.
Bianchi type-V cosmology with magnetized anisotropic dark energy
Authors: Shamir M. Farasat , Ali Asad
Published: December 2016

We study anisotropic universe in the presence of magnetized dark energy. Bianchi type-V cosmological model is considered for this purpose. The energy–momentum tensor consists of anisotropic fluid with uniform magnetic field of energy density ρB. Exact solutions to the field equations are obtained without using conventional assumptions like constant deceleration parameter. In particular, a general solution is obtained that further provides different classes of solutions. Only three cases have been discussed for the present analysis: linear, quadratic, and exponential. Graphical analyses of the solutions are done for all the three classes. The behavior of the model using some important physical parameters is discussed in the presence of magnetic field.
Phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated saline soils using halophytes: current progress and future perspectives
Authors: Liang Lichen , Liu Weitao , Sun Yuebing , Huo Xiaohui , Li Song , Zhou Qixing
Published: December 2016

Soil salinity is a destructive environmental stressor that greatly reduces plant growth and productivity. In recent years, large tracts of farmland in arid and semiarid regions have been simultaneously affected by salinity and heavy metal pollution, arousing widespread environmental concern. Phytoremediation, defined as the use of plants to remove pollutants from the environment and (or) to render them harmless, is a low cost, environmentally friendly, and effective method for the decontamination of soils polluted by heavy metals. Halophytes, which can survive and reproduce in high-salt environments, are potentially ideal candidates for phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated saline soils. In this review, we discuss the current progress on the use of halophytes, their tolerance mechanisms to salt and heavy metal toxicity, and their potential for phytoremediation in heavy metal contaminated saline soils. The relative mechanisms are discussed and the future perspectives are proposed.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Authors: Bertino Elisa , Choo Kim-Kwang Raymond , Georgakopolous Dimitrios , Nepal Surya
Published: December 2016

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the latest Internet evolution that incorporates a diverse range of things such as sensors, actuators, and services deployed by different organizations and individuals to support a variety of applications. The information captured by IoT present an unprecedented opportunity to solve large-scale problems in those application domains to deliver services; example applications include precision agriculture, environment monitoring, smart health, smart manufacturing, and smart cities. Like all other Internet based services in the past, IoT-based services are also being developed and deployed without security consideration. By nature, IoT devices and services are vulnerable to malicious cyber threats as they cannot be given the same protection that is received by enterprise services within an enterprise perimeter. While IoT services will play an important role in our daily life resulting in improved productivity and quality of life, the trend has also “encouraged” cyber-exploitation and evolution and diversification of malicious cyber threats. Hence, there is a need for coordinated efforts from the research community to address resulting concerns, such as those presented in this special section. Several potential research topics are also identified in this special section.
Genetic determination of the vascular reactions in humans in response to the diving reflex
Authors: Baranova Tatiana I. , Berlov Dmitrii N. , Glotov Oleg S. , Korf Ekaterina A. , Minigalin Alexey D. , Mitrofanova Alla V. , Ahmetov Ildus I. , Glotov Andrey S.
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic mechanisms of the defense vascular reactions in response to the diving reflex in humans with polymorphisms in the genes ADBR2, ACE, AGTR1, BDKRB2, and REN. We hypothesized that protective vascular reactions, in response to the diving reflex, are genetically determined and are distinguished in humans with gene polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin and kinin-bradykinin system. A total of 80 subjects (19 ± 1.4 yr) participated in the study. The intensity of the vascular response was estimated using photoplethysmogram. The I/D polymorphism (rs4340) of ACE was analyzed by PCR. REN (G/A, rs2368564), AGTR1 (A/C, rs5186), BDKRB2 (T/C, rs1799722), and ADBR2 (A/G, rs1042713) polymorphisms were examined using the two-step multiplex PCR followed by carrying allele hybridization on the biochip. Subjects with the BDKRB2 (C/C), ACE (D/D), and ADBR2 (G/G, G/A) genotypes exhibited the strongest peripheral vasoconstriction in response to diving. In subjects with a combination of the BDKRB2 (C/C) plus ACE (D/D) genotypes, we observed the lowest pulse wave amplitude and pulse transit time values and the highest arterial blood pressure during face immersion compared with the heterozygous individuals, suggesting that these subjects are more susceptible to diving hypoxia. This study observed that humans with gene polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin and kinin-bradykinin systems demonstrate various expressions of protective vascular reactions in response to the diving reflex. The obtained results might be used in estimation of resistance to hypoxia of any origin in human beings or in a medical practice.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study demonstrates that the vascular reactions in response to the diving reflex are genetically determined and depend on gene polymorphisms of the kinin-bradykinin and the renin-angiotensin systems.
The fate of sulfate in chronic heart failure
Authors: Koning Anne M. , Meijers Wouter C. , Minović Isidor , Post Adrian , Feelisch Martin , Pasch Andreas , Leuvenink Henri G. D. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , van Goor Harry
Published: December 2016

New leads to advance our understanding of heart failure (HF) pathophysiology are urgently needed. Previous studies have linked urinary sulfate excretion to a favorable cardiovascular risk profile. Sulfate is not only the end product of hydrogen sulfide metabolism but is also directly involved in various (patho)physiological processes, provoking scientific interest in its renal handling. This study investigates sulfate clearance in chronic HF (CHF) patients and healthy individuals and considers its relationship with disease outcome. Parameters related to renal sulfate handling were determined in and compared between 96 previously characterized CHF patients and sex-matched healthy individuals. Among patients, sulfate clearance was analyzed for associations with clinical and outcome parameters. In CHF patients, plasma sulfate concentrations are significantly higher, whereas 24-h urinary excretion, fractional excretion, and clearance of sulfate are significantly lower, compared with healthy individuals. Among patients, sulfate clearance is independently associated with diuretics use, creatinine clearance and 24-h urinary sodium excretion. Sulfate clearance is associated with favorable disease outcome [hazard ratio per SD increase 0.38 (95% confidence interval 0.23–0.63), P < 0.001]. Although significance was lost after adjustment for creatinine clearance, the decrease of sulfate clearance in patients is independent of this parameter, indicating that sulfate clearance is not merely a reflection of renal function. This exploratory study reveals aberrant sulfate clearance as a potential contributor to CHF pathophysiology, with reduced levels in patients and a positive association with favorable disease outcome. Further research is needed to unravel the nature of its involvement and to determine its potential as a biomarker and target for therapy.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sulfate clearance is decreased in chronic heart failure patients compared with healthy individuals. Among patients, sulfate clearance is positively associated with favorable disease outcome, i.e., a decreased rehospitalization rate and increased patient survival. Hence, decreased sulfate clearance may be involved in the pathophysiology of heart failure.
Aerobic exercise in anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: a systematic review of current evidence and future directions
Authors: Chen Joseph J. , Wu Pei-Tzu , Middlekauff Holly R. , Nguyen Kim-Lien
Published: December 2016

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Older cancer patients often wrestle with underlying heart disease during cancer therapy, whereas childhood cancer survivors are living long enough to face long-term unintended cardiac consequences of cancer therapies, including anthracyclines. Although effective and widely used, particularly in the pediatric population, anthracycline-related side effects including dose-dependent association with cardiac dysfunction limit their usage. Currently, there is only one United States Food and Drug Administration-approved drug, dexrazoxane, available for the prevention and mitigation of cardiotoxicity related to anthracycline therapy. While aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce cardiovascular complications in multiple diseases, its role as a therapeutic approach to mitigate cardiovascular consequences of cancer therapy is in its infancy. This systematic review aims to summarize how aerobic exercise can help to alleviate unintended cardiotoxic side effects and identify gaps in need of further research. While published work supports the benefits of aerobic exercise, additional clinical investigations are warranted to determine the effects of different exercise modalities, timing, and duration to identify optimal aerobic training regimens for reducing cardiovascular complications, particularly late cardiac effects, in cancer survivors exposed to anthracyclines.
Metabolic and functional characterization of effects of developmental temperature in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Schou Mads F. , Kristensen Torsten N. , Pedersen Anders , Karlsson B. Göran , Loeschcke Volker , Malmendal Anders
Published: December 2016

The ability of ectotherms to respond to changes in their thermal environment through plastic mechanisms is central to their adaptive capability. However, we still lack knowledge on the physiological and functional responses by which ectotherms acclimate to temperatures during development, and in particular, how physiological stress at extreme temperatures may counteract beneficial acclimation responses at benign temperatures. We exposed Drosophila melanogaster to 10 developmental temperatures covering their entire permissible temperature range. We obtained metabolic profiles and reaction norms for several functional traits: egg-to-adult viability, developmental time, and heat and cold tolerance. Females were more heat tolerant than males, whereas no sexual dimorphism was found in cold tolerance. A group of metabolites, mainly free amino acids, had linear reaction norms. Several energy-carrying molecules, as well as some sugars, showed distinct inverted U-shaped norms of reaction across the thermal range, resulting in a positive correlation between metabolite intensities and egg-to-adult viability. At extreme temperatures, low levels of these metabolites were interpreted as a response characteristic of costs of homeostatic perturbations. Our results provide novel insights into a range of metabolites reported to be central for the acclimation response and suggest several new candidate metabolites. Low and high temperatures result in different adaptive physiological responses, but they also have commonalities likely to be a result of the failure to compensate for the physiological stress. We suggest that the regulation of metabolites that are tightly connected to the performance curve is important for the ability of ectotherms to cope with variation in temperature.