bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of plumage ornaments among males and females of two closely related tropical passerine bird species
Authors: Enbody Erik D. , Lantz Samantha M. , Karubian Jordan
Published: April 2017

The evolution of elaborate secondary sexual traits (i.e., ornaments) is well‐studied in males but less so in females. Similarity in the appearance of ornaments between males and females supports the view that female ornaments arise as a neutral byproduct of selection on male traits due to genetic correlation between sexes, but recent research suggests an adaptive function of female ornaments in at least some contexts. Information on the degree to which production of ornaments differs between the sexes can shed light on these alternative perspectives. We therefore characterized the structural underpinnings of melanin‐based plumage production in males and females of two closely related passerine bird species (genus Malurus). Importantly, both ornamented and unornamented phenotypes in each sex are present between these two species, providing an opportunity to test the null expectation of equivalent modes of production in male and female ornamented phenotypes. In Malurus alboscapulatus, ornamented females are qualitatively similar to males, but we describe a distinctive ornamented female phenotype that differs from that of males in lacking a blue sheen and in lower feather barbule density. In M. melanocephalus, unornamented males and females are also similar in appearance, and we describe a similarity between unornamented phenotypes of males and females in both color and underlying feather barbule structure and pigment composition. Unornamented male M. melanocephalus can flexibly transition to the ornamented phenotype in weeks, and we found extreme differences in color and feather structure between these two alternative male phenotypes. These results contradict the idea that female ornaments have evolved in this system following a simple switch to male‐like plumage by demonstrating greater complexity in the production of the ornamented phenotype in males than in females.
Dysregulated CD46 shedding interferes with Th1‐contraction in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ellinghaus Ursula , Cortini Andrea , Pinder Christopher L. , Le Friec Gaelle , Kemper Claudia , Vyse Timothy J.
Published: April 2017

IFN‐γ‐producing T helper 1 (Th1) cell responses mediate protection against infections but uncontrolled Th1 activity also contributes to a broad range of autoimmune diseases. Autocrine complement activation has recently emerged as key in the induction and contraction of human Th1 immunity: activation of the complement regulator CD46 and the C3aR expressed by CD4+ T cells via autocrine generated ligands C3b and C3a, respectively, are critical to IFN‐γ production. Further, CD46‐mediated signals also induce co‐expression of immunosuppressive IL‐10 in Th1 cells and transition into a (self)‐regulating and contracting phase. In consequence, C3 or CD46‐deficient patients suffer from recurrent infections while dysregulation of CD46 signaling contributes to Th1 hyperactivity in rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Here, we report a defect in CD46‐regulated Th1 contraction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We observed that MMP‐9‐mediated increased shedding of soluble CD46 by Th1 cells was associated with this defect and that inhibition of MMP‐9 activity normalized release of soluble CD46 and restored Th1 contraction in patients’ T cells. These data may deliver the first mechanistic explanation for the increased serum CD46 levels observed in SLE patients and indicate that targeting CD46‐cleaving proteases could be a novel avenue to modulate Th1 responses.
Chronic stress‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia is controlled by capsaicin‐sensitive neurones in the mouse
Authors: Scheich B. , Vincze P. , Szőke É. , Borbély É. , Hunyady Á. , Szolcsányi J. , Dénes Á. , Környei Zs. , Gaszner B. , Helyes Zs.
Published: April 2017

Background

Clinical studies demonstrated peripheral nociceptor deficit in stress‐related chronic pain states, such as fibromyalgia. The interactions of stress and nociceptive systems have special relevance in chronic pain, but the underlying mechanisms including the role of specific nociceptor populations remain unknown. We investigated the role of capsaicin‐sensitive neurones in chronic stress‐related nociceptive changes.

Method

Capsaicin‐sensitive neurones were desensitized by the capsaicin analogue resiniferatoxin (RTX) in CD1 mice. The effects of desensitization on chronic restraint stress (CRS)‐induced responses were analysed using behavioural tests, chronic neuronal activity assessment in the central nervous system with FosB immunohistochemistry and peripheral cytokine concentration measurements.

Results

Chronic restraint stress induced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity and increased light preference in the light–dark box test. Open‐field and tail suspension test activities were not altered. Adrenal weight increased, whereas thymus and body weights decreased in response to CRS. FosB immunopositivity increased in the insular cortex, dorsomedial hypothalamic and dorsal raphe nuclei, but not in the spinal cord dorsal horn after the CRS. CRS did not affect the cytokine concentrations of hindpaw tissues. Surprisingly, RTX pretreatment augmented stress‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia, abolished light preference and selectively decreased the CRS‐induced neuronal activation in the insular cortex. RTX pretreatment alone increased the basal noxious heat threshold without influencing the CRS‐evoked cold hyperalgesia and augmented neuronal activation in the somatosensory cortex and interleukin‐1α and RANTES production.

Conclusions

Chronic restraint stress induces hyperalgesia without major anxiety, depression‐like behaviour or peripheral inflammatory changes. Increased stress‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity in RTX‐pretreated mice is presumably mediated by central mechanisms including cortical plastic changes.

Significance

These are the first data demonstrating the complex interactions between capsaicin‐sensitive neurones and chronic stress and their impact on nociception. Capsaicin‐sensitive neurones are protective against stress‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia by influencing neuronal plasticity in the brain.
Fear of pain changes movement: Motor behaviour following the acquisition of pain‐related fear
Authors: Karos K. , Meulders A. , Gatzounis R. , Seelen H.A.M. , Geers R.P.G. , Vlaeyen J.W.S.
Published: April 2017

Background

According to current fear‐avoidance models, changes in motor behaviour (e.g. avoidance) are a key component in the development and maintenance of chronic pain complaints. Yet, experimental research assessing actual behavioural changes following painful events is relatively sparse. This study investigated the effects of pain anticipation on changes in motor behaviour using a fear conditioning paradigm and robot‐generated standardized movement trajectories of the upper extremities.

Methods

Pain‐free participants (N = 20) performed clockwise and counterclockwise fixed, circular movements with a robotic arm without receiving visual feedback. During fear acquisition, moving in one direction (CS+) was paired with a painful stimulus (pain‐US) whereas moving in the other direction (CS−) was not. During the subsequent extinction phase, the pain‐US was omitted. We assessed self‐reported pain‐related fear and urge to avoid the movement, as well as several behavioural measures: Velocity, acceleration, exerted force and force direction.

Results

Movements that were paired with pain were associated with increased self‐reported pain‐related fear and urge to avoid. Moreover, movements that were associated with pain were performed faster, more forcefully and more accurately than movements that were not associated with pain. All these differences diminished during the extinction phase.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates the utility of robot‐generated force feedback in the study of pain‐related fear and associated changes in motor behaviour.

Significance

Fear of pain changes movement: Movements associated with pain are performed faster, with more force and higher accuracy than movements that are not associated with pain. These changes can inform us how fear of pain translates into avoidance and escape behaviour, two important constructs in the maintenance of chronic pain.
Study of structure‐dependent chromatographic behavior of glycopeptides using reversed phase nanoLC
Authors: Kozlik Petr , Goldman Radoslav , Sanda Miloslav
Published: April 2017

Analysis of glycosylation is challenging due to micro‐ and macro‐heterogeneity of the protein attachment. A combination of LC with MS/MS is one of the most powerful tools for glycopeptide analysis. In this work, we show the effect of various monosaccharide units on the retention time of glycopeptides. Retention behavior of several glycoforms of six peptides obtained from tryptic digest of haptoglobin, hemopexin, and sex hormone‐binding globulin was studied on a reversed phase chromatographic column. We observed reduction of the retention time with increasing number of monosaccharide units of glycans attached to the same peptide backbone. Fucosylation of larger glycans provides less significant retention time shift than for smaller ones. Retention times of glycopeptides were expressed as relative retention times. These relative retention times were used for calculation of upper and lower limits of glycopeptide retention time windows under the reversed phase conditions. We then demonstrated on the case of a glycopeptide of haptoglobin that the predicted retention time window boosts confidence of identification and minimizes false‐positive identification. Relative retention time, as a qualitative parameter, is expected to improve LC‐MS/MS characterization of glycopeptides.
Plant reproduction is altered by simulated herbicide drift to constructed plant communities
Authors: Olszyk David , Pfleeger Thomas , Shiroyama Tamotsu , Blakeley-Smith Matthew , Lee E. Henry , Plocher Milton
Published: April 2017

Herbicide drift may have unintended impacts on native vegetation, adversely affecting individual species and plant communities. To determine the potential ecological effects of herbicide drift, small plant community plots were constructed using 9 perennial species found in different Willamette Valley (OR, USA) grassland habitats. Studies were conducted at 2 Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR, USA) farms in 2 separate years, with single and combined treatments of 0.01 to 0.2× field application rates (f.a.r.) of 1119 g ha−1 for glyphosate (active ingredient [a.i.] of 830 g ha−1 acid glyphosate) and 560 g ha−1 a.i. for dicamba. Plant responses were percentage of cover, number of reproductive structures, mature and immature seed production, and vegetative biomass. Herbicide effects differed with species, year, and, to a lesser extent, farm. Generally, 0.1 to 0.2× f.a.r. of the herbicides were required to affect reproduction in Camassia leichtlinii, Elymus glaucus, Eriophyllum lanatum, Festuca idahoensis, Iris tenax, and Prunella vulgaris. Eriophyllum lanatum also had a significant increase in percentage of immature seed dry weight with 0.01× f.a.r. of dicamba or the combination of glyphosate plus dicamba. Other species showed similar trends, but fewer significant responses. These studies indicated potential effects of low levels of herbicides on reproduction of native plants, and demonstrated a protocol whereby species growing in a constructed plant community can be evaluated for ecological responses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2799–2813. Published 2017 SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Selective flue gas recirculation using membranes in coal‐fired power plants
Authors: Feron Paul , Gómez Marycarmen Alemán
Published: April 2017

A simplified, conceptual process model is presented for coal‐fired power plants with membrane‐based selective recirculation of flue gas components (CO2, H2O). Selective circulation is aimed at increasing CO2‐concentrations in the flue gas, which will benefit the process of CO2 capture. The use of membrane technology for selective recirculation has been proposed for this purpose by Membrane Technology Research (MTR) in the USA. The process model involves the assessment of heat balances and mass flows as determined by the combustion process, the capture process, and the mass transfer unit for selective recirculation. It is applied to two types of Australian coal: Hunter Valley black coal and Latrobe Valley brown coal, a low‐rank coal that is locally utilized. The process model provides data on the Adiabatic Flame Temperature (AFT) with and without recirculation and the gas composition and flow rate at various points in the integrated process. The process model results clearly indicate the benefit of selective recirculation in raising CO2 concentrations in the flue gas and the disadvantages of reduced combustion temperatures (quantified through the AFT) and increased mass flow rate. An opportunity for application of the selective circulation concept is identified for the case of combustion of dried brown coal in a retrofit application to an existing boiler, originally designed for the combustion of the same wet brown coal. Here selective circulation of CO2, replacing water vapor generated from wet coal combustion, will enable the combustion of dried brown coal with ensuing benefits for the power plant efficiency. Furthermore, the AFT can be higher than for combustion of the wet coal and efficiency losses may not occur. More targeted modeling is needed to provide a detailed quantification of the benefits, which would then be used for an economic assessment and estimation on the impact on the power station efficiency. This would also need a realistic assessment of the membrane process using representative values for the membrane permeance and selectivity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagenesis of tight oil sand reservoirs: Upper Triassic tight sandstones of Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Dou Wenchao , Liu Luofu , Wu Kangjun , Xu Zhengjian , Feng Xu
Published: April 2017

Upper Triassic sandstones in the Ordos Basin, northern‐central China, comprise tight oil reservoirs. Using a combination of thin sections, SEM, BSE, EDS, XRD, and fluid inclusion analyses, 24 core samples from 13 wells were collected to study the petrology, paragenesis, and diagenetic processes and implications for reservoir quality. Quartz cement usually occurs as overgrowths or euhedral quartz. Extensive dissolution and albitization of K‐feldspar can be observed. Five types of carbonate cements, ferrocalcite, ankerite, dolomite, calcite, and siderite, occur during different diagenetic stages. Two main types of illite and 5 main habits of chlorite are observed in this study. Kaolinite mainly occurs as booklets and vermicular aggregates. Diagenetic illite, chlorite, biotite, mixed‐layer illite/smectite (I/S), and other minor minerals are also observed. The diagenetic processes include compaction, alteration of volcanic materials and mica, clay mineral transformation, cementation (silica, aluminosilicate, and carbonate), and dissolution of feldspars and rock fragments. Compaction was a significant porosity‐reducing agent, and the presence of carbonate cement exerts a dominant impact on the reduction of porosity. Quartz cement and authigenic clays are less important; however, it is worth mentioning that pore‐lining clays are conducive to porosity preservation. In this study, most of the porosity variation is caused by a combination of compaction, carbonate cements, quartz cement, and authigenic clays. This study gives insights into diagenetic alterations within tight sandstones and has implications for reservoir quality prediction in similar settings.
Structural and biological properties of thermosensitive chitosan–graphene hybrid hydrogels for sustained drug delivery applications
Authors: Saeednia Leyla , Yao Li , Berndt Marcus , Cluff Kim , Asmatulu Ramazan
Published: April 2017

Chitosan has the ability to make injectable thermosensitive hydrogels which has been highly investigated for drug delivery applications. The addition of nanoparticles is one way to increase the mechanical strength of thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel and subsequently and control the burst release of drug. Graphene nanoparticles have shown unique mechanical, optical and electrical properties which can be exploited for biomedical applications, especially in drug delivery. This study, have focused on the mechanical properties of a thermosensitive and injectable hybrid chitosan hydrogel incorporated with graphene nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) have been used for morphological and chemical characterization of graphene infused chitosan hydrogels. The cell viability and cytotoxicity of graphene‐contained hydrogels were analyzed using the alamarBlue® technique. In‐vitro methotrexate (MTX) release was investigated from MTX‐loaded hybrid hydrogels as well. As a last step, to evaluate their efficiency as a cancer treatment delivery system, an in vitro anti‐tumor test was also carried out using MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines. Results confirmed that a thermosensitive chitosan–graphene hybrid hydrogel can be used as a potential breast cancer therapy system for controlled delivery of methotrexate. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2381–2390, 2017.
Hypoxia‐induced apoptosis of mouse spermatocytes is mediated by HIF‐1α through a death receptor pathway and a mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Yin Jun , Ni Bing , Liao Wei‐Gong , Gao Yu‐Qi
Published: April 2017

Hypoxia in vivo induces oligozoospermia, azoospermia, and degeneration of the germinal epithelium, but the underlying molecular mechanism of this induction is not fully clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the death receptor pathway and the mitochondrial pathway in hypoxia‐induced apoptosis of mouse GC‐2spd (GC‐2) cells and the relationship between HIF‐1α and apoptosis of GC‐2 cells induced by hypoxia. GC‐2 cells were subjected to 1% oxygen for 48 hr. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, LDH, caspase‐3/8/9 in the absence and presence of HIF‐1α siRNA. The protein levels of apoptosis‐related markers were determined by Western blot in the presence and absence of HIF‐1α siRNA. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential change was observed by in situ JC‐1 staining. Cell viability was assessed upon treatment of caspase‐8 and 9 inhibitors. The results indicated that hypoxia at 1% oxygen for 48 hr induced apoptosis of GC‐2 cells. A prolonged exposure of GC‐2 cells to hypoxic conditions caused downregulation of c‐FLIP, DcR2 and Bcl‐2 and upregulation of DR5, TRAIL, Fas, p53, and Bax, with an overproduction of caspase‐3/8/9. Moreover, hypoxia at this level had an effect on mitochondrial depolarization. In addition, specific inhibitors of caspase‐8/9 partially suppressed hypoxia‐induced GC‐2 cell apoptosis, and the anti‐apoptotic effects of the caspase inhibitors were additive. Of note, HIF‐1α knockdown attenuated hypoxia and induced apoptosis of GC‐2 cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that the death receptor pathway and mitochondrial pathway, which are likely mediated by HIF‐1α, contribute to hypoxia‐induced GC‐2 cell apoptosis.
Factors associated with local recurrence in operated osteosarcomas: A retrospective evaluation of 95 cases from a tertiary care center in a resource challenged environment
Authors: Poudel Rishi R. , Tiwari Vivek , Kumar Venkatesan S. , Bakhshi Sameer , Gamanagatti Shivanand , Khan Shah Alam , Rastogi Shishir
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Local control of disease is one of the main goals of osteosarcoma management. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of 95 operated cases of osteosarcoma over 7 years to know about the factors associated with local recurrence in resource‐challenged environment of the developing world.

METHODS

The factors which were evaluated and compared between local recurrence and non‐local recurrence groups included demographic profile, site of tumor, whether biopsy done outside, type of surgery (limb salvage or amputation), presence of pathological fracture, vicinity of neurovascular bundle, tumor volume, histological subtype, chemotherapy induced necrosis, surgical margins, and delay in surgery. The time to local recurrence after surgery was also noted in the local recurrence group.

RESULTS

At a mean follow‐up of 2.8 years, biopsy done from outside the treating center and delay in surgery after completion of neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy emerged as significant risk factors for local recurrence. Most of the local recurrences (80%) occurred within 12 months of the primary surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of financial resources and availability of few tertiary care centers dealing with musculoskeletal oncology in the developing countries, lead to overburden with a long waiting list for tumor surgery making the scenario different from the Western world.
NR5A2 discovering compounds that block tumor growth in PDAC
Authors: Fletterick Robert
Published: April 2017

Pancreatic cancers depend on driver molecules, oncogene proteins such as RAS. NR5A2 protein is a transcription factor and either activates or inhibits transcription through actions at hundreds of enhancers. It has unusual properties with effects appearing in multiple signaling networks. NR5A2 is a pluripotency reprogramming factor in the class nuclear receptor. Its controlling hormone is PIP3. Experiments suggest NR5A2 activation drives PDAC and inhibitors blunt cancer cell proliferation.
Prospective unbiased experience with three acellular dermal matrices in breast reconstruction
Authors: Chang Edward I. , Liu Jun
Published: April 2017

Background

The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has become the standard of care in breast reconstruction. However, the majority of current studies are biased or combine large databases introducing inherent flaws. Here, we present a prospective single surgeon experience comparing three ADM.

Methods

All expander based breast reconstructions between 2014 and 2015 using ADM were included.

Results

Eighteen patients (32 breasts) underwent reconstruction using Flex Pliable, 15 patients (22 breasts) used Alloderm, and 14 patients (20 breasts) had Dermacell. There were no significant differences in patient demographics or comorbidities. All expanders were placed into a subpectoral position, and there were no direct to implant cases. Average intraoperative fill was comparable, (Flex: 225 cc, Alloderm: 180 cc, Dermacell: 130 cc). There were no differences in seroma, infection, or mastectomy skin flap necrosis rates. There were no cases of red breast, expander explanation or failed reconstruction in any cohort. Time to drain removal was significantly shorter in Flex and Dermacell patients compared to Alloderm (20 days vs 15 days vs 26 days, respectively; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

While there are differences between available ADM, successful outcomes can be achieved with proper patient selection, sound surgical technique, and diligent post‐operative management.
A New Four‐Arm Organosiloxane with Thermopolymerizable Trifluorovinyl ether Groups: Synthesis and Conversion to the Polymer with both Low Dielectric Constant and Low Water Uptake
Authors: Xin Yumeng , Wang Jiajia , Jin Kaikai , Luo Yijie , Zhou Junfeng , Wang Yuanqiang , Sun Jing , Zheng Shijun , Fang Qiang
Published: April 2017

A new fluoro‐containing four‐arm organosiloxane has been successfully synthesized, which can be easily converted to a cross‐linked network, showing water uptake of below 0.12 wt% (maintained in boiling water for 72 h) and dielectric constant of below 2.56 with dissipation factor of near 1.8 × 10−3 at 30 MHz, as well as showing high transparency and good thermostability. These data indicate that this new organosiloxane is suitable as an adhesive or sealant for the applications in microelectronic industry.

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A survey on abnormal uterine bleeding among radiographers with frequent MRI exposure using intrauterine contraceptive devices
Authors: Huss A. , Schaap K. , Kromhout H.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Based on a previous case report of menometrorrhagia (prolonged/excessive uterine bleeding, occurring at irregular and/or frequent intervals) in MRI workers with intrauterine devices (IUDs), it was evaluated whether this association could be confirmed.

Methods

A survey was performed among 381 female radiographers registered with their national association. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations of abnormal uterine bleeding with the frequency of working with MRI scanners, presence near the scanner/in the scanner room during image acquisition, and with scanner strength or type.

Results

A total of 68 women reported using IUDs, and 72 reported abnormal uterine bleeding. Compared with unexposed women not using IUDs, the odds ratio in women with IUDs working with MRI scanners was 2.09 (95% confidence interval 0.83–3.66). Associations were stronger if women working with MRI reported being present during image acquisition (odds ratio 3.43, 95% CI 1.26–9.34). Associations with scanner strength or type were not consistent.

Conclusions

Radiographers using IUDs who are occupationally exposed to stray fields from MRI scanners report abnormal uterine bleeding more often than their co‐workers without an IUD, or nonexposed co‐workers with an IUD. In particular, radiographers present inside the scanner room during image acquisition showed an increased risk. Magn Reson Med 79:1083–1089, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Is testosterone important in LUT function in men and women? ICI‐RS 2015
Authors: Badawi Jasmin Katrin , Bosch Ruud , Djurhuus Jens Christian , Hanna‐Mitchell Ann T.
Published: April 2017

Aim

This review article is a collaborative report based upon the Authors’ presentations and Group discussion on the role of testosterone (T) in the male and female lower urinary tract (LUT) which took place at the 6th International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society's (ICI‐RS) annual meeting, in Bristol, UK (September 8–10, 2015).

Methods

It comprises overviews and opinions on both the current state of knowledge of the role of T in LUT function and dysfunction in both sexes.

Results

Results from animal studies suggest that T treatment may be beneficial for disorders of the LUT in women including urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. The need for clinical studies to evaluate the effect of T treatment in peri‐ and post‐menopausal women, taking into account the type of applied androgen, the application form, timing and dosage, is especially emphasized. In males, findings on the impact of T on the male external urethral sphincter underscores that there is still much to learn about its role in male LUT physiology. The important topic of the use of T therapy in the treatment of enuresis in the young, both sexes, is also discussed. The importance of understanding the steroidogenic pathways linking T with estradiol is discussed as being of paramount importance in researching the unique actions of T in the LUT.

Conclusion

The overall conclusion is that further research into the role of T in LUT function and dysfunction across genders and age groups (young to old) is extremely important. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:859–862, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Under what circumstances should stress incontinence surgery be performed at the same time as prolapse surgery? ICI‐RS 2015
Authors: Khullar Vik , Anding Ralf , Robinson Dudley , Castro‐Diaz David , Dmochowski Roger , Cardozo Linda
Published: April 2017

AIMS

An International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society (ICI‐RS) Think Tank in 2015 discussed and evaluated the evidence of when stress incontinence surgery should be performed with prolapse surgery and highlighted evidence gaps, with the aim of recommending further clinical and research proposals.

METHODS

A review of the literature assessing randomized studies where women with vaginal prolapse have been randomized to vaginal prolapse surgery with or without continence surgery were evaluated. The different clinical presentations were also evaluated and their impact on outcome was critically reviewed.

RESULTS

There are three symptomatic groups of women with vaginal prolapse who are treated. The first group is continent women with vaginal prolapse. The second group has stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and vaginal prolapse. The last group has vaginal prolapse and have been found through testing to have occult SUI. The studies have reported a range of outcomes for each of these groups. There are different outcomes based on the surgical method used to correct the prolapse and also the different continence surgical techniques. There are insufficient studies to allow firm conclusions to be drawn. The economic impact of the different management pathways is also discussed although costs vary according to different national medical funding systems.

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable uncertainty about the optimal method of managing women with vaginal prolapse and stress incontinence due to the different surgical techniques available. In particular the group of women with occult SUI are a challenge as the optimal diagnostic method has not yet been defined.
The histone methyltransferaseEZH2is a therapeutic target in small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type
Authors: Wang Yemin , Chen Shary Yuting , Karnezis Anthony N , Colborne Shane , Santos Nancy Dos , Lang Jessica D , Hendricks William PD , Orlando Krystal A , Yap Damian , Kommoss Friedrich , Bally Marcel B , Morin Gregg B , Trent Jeffrey M , Weissman Bernard E , Huntsman David G
Published: April 2017

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare but aggressive and untreatable malignancy affecting young women. We and others recently discovered thatSMARCA4, a gene encoding theATPaseof theSWI/SNFchromatin‐remodelling complex, is the only gene recurrently mutated in the majority ofSCCOHT. The low somatic complexity ofSCCOHTgenomes and the prominent role of theSWI/SNFchromatin‐remodelling complex in transcriptional control of genes suggest thatSCCOHTcells may rely on epigenetic rewiring for oncogenic transformation. Herein, we report that approximately 80% (19/24) ofSCCOHTtumour samples have strong expression of the histone methyltransferaseEZH2by immunohistochemistry, with the rest expressing variable amounts ofEZH2. Re‐expression ofSMARCA4suppressed the expression ofEZH2inSCCOHTcells. In comparison to other ovarian cell lines,SCCOHTcells displayed hypersensitivity toEZH2 shRNAsand two selectiveEZH2inhibitors,GSK126andEPZ‐6438.EZH2inhibitors induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and cell differentiation inSCCOHTcells, along with the induction of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and neuron‐like differentiation.EZH2inhibitors suppressed tumour growth and improved the survival of mice bearingSCCOHTxenografts. Therefore, our data suggest that loss ofSMARCA4creates a dependency on the catalytic activity ofEZH2inSCCOHTcells and that pharmacological inhibition ofEZH2is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating this disease. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early to mid Wisconsin Fluvial Deposits and Palaeoenvironment of the Kidluit Formation, Tuktoyaktuk Coastlands, Western Arctic Canada
Authors: Murton Julian B. , Bateman Mark D. , Telka Alice M. , Waller Richard , Whiteman Colin , Kuzmina Svetlana
Published: April 2017

The Kidluit Formation (Fm) is a fluvial sand deposit that extends regionally across the Tuktoyaktuk Coastlands, western Arctic Canada. It was deposited by a large river flowing north into the Arctic Ocean before development of a cold‐climate sandy desert and later glaciation by the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Lithostratigraphic and sedimentological field observations of the Summer Island area indicate deposition of the Kidluit Fm by a braided river system. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of Kidluit sand provides eight OSL ages of 76–27 ka, which indicate deposition during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 4 and MIS 3. Radiocarbon dating of well‐preserved weevil remains, a willow twig, wild raspberry seeds and bulrush achenes provides non‐finite 14C ages of >52 200, >51 700, >45 900 and >54 700 14C BP and are assigned an age of either MIS 4 or early MIS 3. Plant macrofossils from the sand deposit indicate spruce forest conditions and climate slightly warmer than present, whereas insect fossils indicate tundra conditions slightly colder than present. The river system that deposited the Kidluit Fm was probably either a pre‐Laurentide Mackenzie River or the palaeo‐Porcupine River, or a combination of the two. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinflammatory Activity of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Bark Essential Oil in a Human Skin Disease Model
Authors: Han Xuesheng , Parker Tory L.
Published: April 2017

The effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark essential oil (CBEO) on human skin cells has not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the activity of a commercially available CBEO in a validated human dermal fibroblast system, a model of chronic inflammation and fibrosis. We first evaluated the impact of CBEO on 17 protein biomarkers that play critical roles in inflammation and tissue remodeling. The impact of CBEO on genome‐wide gene expression was also evaluated. CBEO showed strong anti‐proliferative effects on skin cells and significantly inhibited the production of several inflammatory biomarkers, including vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, interferon gamma‐induced protein 10, interferon‐inducible T‐cell alpha chemoattractant, and monokine induced by gamma interferon. In addition, CBEO significantly inhibited the production of several tissue remodeling molecules, including epidermal growth factor receptor, matrix metalloproteinase‐1, and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1. Macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, which is an immunomodulatory protein molecule, was also significantly inhibited by CBEO. Furthermore, CBEO significantly modulated global gene expression and altered signaling pathways, many of which are important in inflammation, tissue remodeling, and cancer biology. The study shows that CBEO is a promising antiinflammatory agent; however, further research is required to clarify its clinical efficacy. © 2017 The Authors. Phytotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The impact of the nonlinear balance equation on a 3D‐Var cycle during an Australian‐winter month as compared with the regressed wind–mass balance
Authors: Song Hyo‐Jong , Kwun Jihye , Kwon In‐Hyuk , Ha Ji‐Hyun , Kang Jeon‐Ho , Lee Sihye , Chun Hyoung‐Wook , Lim Sujeong
Published: April 2017

This study investigates how the balance between wind and mass is treated in data assimilation, and how it affects the quality of the model states in an analysis–forecast cycle. This is done in terms of the dependence of balance on latitude and on the type of variable. The impact of the nonlinear balance equation is compared with regressed wind–mass balance in the 3‐Dimensional Variational data assimilation (3D‐Var) system of the Korea Institute of Atmospheric Prediction Systems (KIAPS). Its impact is significantly positive in temperature rather than in wind, despite the two‐way influence of the cross‐correlation between wind and mass, in terms of the root‐mean‐square difference (RMSD) of 6 h forecasts against the ERA‐Interim reanalysis data. This temperature effect is observed in the southern hemispheric (SH) polar jet of the mid‐troposphere, the SH midlatitudinal jet, and the mid/lower stratosphere in the Tropics, where there is strong zonal mean flow. Although the zonal wind forecast was harmed by application of the nonlinear balance, the temporal consistency of the damage is relatively weak compared to the improvement by the nonlinear balance in the temperature forecasts.

In the SH midlatitudinal jet and the mid/lower stratosphere in the Tropics, the nonlinear balance equation, including the advection term, improves the quality of temperature RMSDs in the analysis–forecast cycle by imposing the proper balance in the initial conditions. However, in the SH polar jet of the mid‐troposphere, where the observation density is relatively low, the nonlinear balance equation achieves the same effect by reducing the analysis error (i.e. generating initial conditions more accurately). The nonlinear balance equation contributes to robustly improving the model states of the analysis–forecast cycles, depending on the dynamical activity and the observation density of the corresponding regions.
Constructing longitudinal disease progression curves using sparse, short‐term individual data with an application to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Budgeon C.A. , Murray K. , Turlach B.A. , Baker S. , Villemagne V.L. , Burnham S.C. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2017

In epidemiology, cohort studies utilised to monitor and assess disease status and progression often result in short‐term and sparse follow‐up data. Thus, gaining an understanding of the full‐term disease pathogenesis can be difficult, requiring shorter‐term data from many individuals to be collated. We investigate and evaluate methods to construct and quantify the underlying long‐term longitudinal trajectories for disease markers using short‐term follow‐up data, specifically applied to Alzheimer's disease. We generate individuals' follow‐up data to investigate approaches to this problem adopting a four‐step modelling approach that (i) determines individual slopes and anchor points for their short‐term trajectory, (ii) fits polynomials to these slopes and anchor points, (iii) integrates the reciprocated polynomials and (iv) inverts the resulting curve providing an estimate of the underlying longitudinal trajectory. To alleviate the potential problem of roots of polynomials falling into the region over which we integrate, we propose the use of non‐negative polynomials in Step 2. We demonstrate that our approach can construct underlying sigmoidal trajectories from individuals' sparse, short‐term follow‐up data. Furthermore, to determine an optimal methodology, we consider variations to our modelling approach including contrasting linear mixed effects regression to linear regression in Step 1 and investigating different orders of polynomials in Step 2. Cubic order polynomials provided more accurate results, and there were negligible differences between regression methodologies. We use bootstrap confidence intervals to quantify the variability in our estimates of the underlying longitudinal trajectory and apply these methods to data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative to demonstrate their practical use. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sr2+ has low efficiency in regulating spontaneous release at the Calyx of Held synapses
Authors: Zhang Shuli , Wang Xuefeng , Wang Xiaohui , Shen Xuefeng , Sun Jianyuan , Hu Xintian , Chen Peihua
Published: April 2017

It has been known that Ca2+ plays an essential role in mediating different modes of neurotransmitter release via different sensing mechanisms. Synaptotagmin 1, 2, and 9 were found to act as the Ca2+ sensors for synchronous release and synaptotagmin 7 and Doc‐2 were proposed as the Ca2+ sensors for asynchronous release. Comparatively, the Ca2+ sensor for spontaneous release remains a mystery. At the Calyx of Held synapse, the Ca2+sensor for spontaneous release was found not identical to the sensor for synchronous release, synaptotagmin 2. As Ca2+ sensors have different sensitivity to Sr2+ and Ca2+ and induce significantly different rate of vesicle release, Sr2+ is traditionally used as a tool to examine the intrinsic properties of different Ca2+ sensors. Here, we employed cell‐attached patch recording and presynaptic/postsynaptic whole‐cell recording at the Calyx of Held synapses of synaptotagmin 2 knock‐out mice to assay the Sr2+ and Ca2+ influx into the nerve terminal at resting potential and observed the effects of Ca2+ and Sr2+ on spontaneous neurotransmitter release. We found that the dwell time of single voltage gated Ca2+ channel opening increased around threefold for Sr2+ than Ca2+ with the channel conductance unchanged; the divalent cation sensing machinery in regulating spontaneous release has much lower sensitivity to Sr2+ than Ca2+. Thus, our study reveals some of the intrinsic properties of Ca2+ sensor(s) of spontaneous transmitter release and provided an insight into the underlying mechanisms.
Acquisition of Water Solubility Diagrams in Ternary Systems (AOT/Organic Solvent/Alcohol) and Extraction of α‐Lactalbumin Using Reverse Micellar Systems
Authors: Gomes Glêce Milene Santana , Bonomo Renata Cristina Ferreira , Veloso Cristiane Martins , da Silva Luis Henrique Mendes , da Costa Ilhéu Fontan Rafael , Gandolfi Olga Reinert Ramos , Gonçalves Gabriel Ramos Ferreira , Sampaio Vanessa Santos
Published: April 2017

In this study water solubility curves were constructed and calorimetric measurements obtained for reverse micellar systems consisting of an alcohol (isopropanol or butanol), surfactant (AOT) and organic solvent (isooctane or hexane). Also evaluated were the effects of alcohol and solvent type and surfactant concentration on the extraction of the α‐lactalbumin (α–la). From the obtained solubility diagrams for ternary systems, it was concluded that isooctane presented the highest water solubility capacity in the center of the micelle systems with hexane, since isooctane has greater molecular volume and greater effect of the surfactant aggregation number. With respect to the alcohols, it was observed that isopropanol and butanol act in the system as a co‐surfactant, since they prefer to adsorb at the water/solvent interface. It was also verified that butanol improved water solubility inside the reverse micellar due to its contribution to increase the critical packing parameter. The amount of α‐la extracted increased proportionally with the AOT concentration for systems with isooctane and hexane. However, for systems with the latter solvent, the concentration of extracted protein first increases and then decreases. The extraction power of reverse micellar systems with isooctane was influenced by the type of alcohol with butanol showing better results. For systems containing hexane there was no effect of the alcohol added to the system on extraction power of α‐lactalbumin.
The growth of chronic conditions: Search for solutions to the problem
Authors: Mednis Dmitry
Published: April 2017

The chronic conditions growth is determined by an increase of cases of adaptive system imbalance following a recent disease. One of its most significant causes is decrease of crisis importance (a stage of disease) as a moderator of a qualitative changeover of an adaptive system. The contemporary treatment methods increase efficiency of pre‐crises adaptive responses, but simultaneously they equalize the crisis to a level, which is insufficient for complete after‐crisis alignment of body defenses. But the crisis is the very key to a solution to a chronic conditions problem. One of the ways of the problem solving is medical interventions, which cause sparing provocation crisis and a successive changeover of an adaptive system. Based on this it is worth reviewing critically, studying and developing the existing experience of bio‐regulatory therapy, where the principle of sparing provocation is often used. The new term definitions, such as “medical intervention”, “health problems”, “crisis” are described in terms of biomedicine. The patients and physicians should be motivated to deal with chronic conditions correction and the aforesaid sets new tasks before a health care system.
Motor system dysfunction in the schizophrenia diathesis: Neural systems to neurotransmitters
Authors: Abboud R. , Noronha C. , Diwadkar V.A.
Published: April 2017

Motor control is a ubiquitous aspect of human function, and from its earliest origins, abnormal motor control has been proposed as being central to schizophrenia. The neurobiological architecture of the motor system is well understood in primates and involves cortical and sub-cortical components including the primary motor cortex, supplementary motor area, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, the prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Notably all of these regions are associated in some manner to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. At the molecular scale, both dopamine and γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) abnormalities have been associated with working memory dysfunction, but particularly relating to the basal ganglia and the prefrontal cortex respectively. As evidence from multiple scales (behavioral, regional and molecular) converges, here we provide a synthesis of the bio-behavioral relevance of motor dysfunction in schizophrenia, and its consistency across scales. We believe that the selective compendium we provide can supplement calls arguing for renewed interest in studying the motor system in schizophrenia. We believe that in addition to being a highly relevant target for the study of schizophrenia related pathways in the brain, such focus provides tractable behavioral probes forin vivoimaging studies in the illness. Our assessment is that the motor system is a highly valuable research domain for the study of schizophrenia.
Residence at Moderate Versus Low Altitude Is Effective at Maintaining Higher Oxygen Saturation During Exercise and Reducing Acute Mountain Sickness Following Fast Ascent to 4559 m
Authors: Bernardi Eva , Pomidori Luca , Cavallari Davide , Mandolesi Gaia , Cogo Annalisa
Published: April 2017

Objective

To continuously monitor oxygen saturation (SpO2) by pulse oximeter and assess the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS) using the Lake Louise Score (LLS) during ascent from 1154 to 4559 m in 2 groups of subjects: 10 moderate-altitude residents (MAR; ≥1000–≤2500 m) and 34 low-altitude residents (LAR). MAR are reported to have a lower incidence of AMS during ascent to higher altitudes compared with LAR. Whether this is related to higher SpO2 is still open to debate.

Methods

Seventy subjects were recruited; 24-hour SpO2 monitoring with finger pulse oximetry was performed. All subjects rode a cable car from 1154 to 3275 m and then climbed to 3647 m, where 60 subjects (LAR) overnighted. The second day, 34/60 LAR reached the highest altitude. Ten subjects who lived permanently at 1100 to 1400 m (MAR) climbed directly to 4559 m without an overnight stop.

Results

One LAR was excluded from the analysis because he performed a preacclimatization. We compared data of 10 MAR with data of 33 LAR who reached 4559 m. Two MAR had an LLS of 3, and 8 scored <3. Six LAR had an LLS of 3 to 4, 8 scored ≥5, and 19 scored <3. SpO2 monitoring showed higher mean SpO2 in MAR during ascent above 3600 m compared with LAR (MAR, 79±4% vs LAR, 76±5%; analysis of variance, P = .03).

Conclusions

The results of this preliminary study suggest that residence at moderate altitude allows maintenance of higher SpO2 and reduces risk of developing AMS during rapid ascent to higher altitude.
Traumatic Pneumothorax Associated With Penetrating Neck Injury Caused by a Stingray: A Case Report
Authors: Suzuki Toshinao , Takada Toshihiko , Fudoji Junmei
Published: April 2017

We describe a patient with missed traumatic pneumothorax due to penetrating neck injury that was presumably caused by a stingray while diving. The barb can result in significant injuries to deep structures and organs despite a deceptively small entrance wound. This case underscores the importance of performing a thorough examination and having a high suspicion of distant injury in patients with penetrating neck injuries.
Three Decades of EU Risk Regulation Research
Authors: VOS Ellen
Published: April 2017

For nearly three decades scholars have studied issues of EU risk regulation, first presented as regulation of safety of products and persons,1 later on as true issues of risk regulation. This short comment will give brief, and at times personal, insights into the development on scholarly thinking on EU risk regulation and sketch a few challenges for the future.