bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of long intergenic noncoding RNA LINC00312 inhibits the invasion and migration of thyroid cancer cells by down-regulating microRNA-197-3p
Authors: Liu Kai , Huang Wen , Yan Dan-Qing , Luo Qing , Min Xiang
Published: May 2017

The study evaluated the ability of long intergenic noncoding RNA LINC00312 (LINC00312) to influence the proliferation, invasion, and migration of thyroid cancer (TC) cells by regulating miRNA-197-3p. TC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from 211 TC patients. K1 (papillary TC), SW579 (squamous TC), and 8505C (anaplastic TC) cell lines were assigned into a blank, negative control (NC), LINC00312 overexpression, miR-197-3p inhibitors, and LINC00312 overexpression + miR-197-3p mimics group. The expression of LINC00312, miR-197-3p, and p120 were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was assessed via CCK8 assay, cell invasion through the scratch test, and cell migration via Transwell assay. In comparison with adjacent normal tissues, the expression of LINC00312 is down-regulated and the expression of miR-197-3p is up-regulated in TC tissues. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that P120 is a target of miR-197-3p. The expression of LINC00312 and p120 was higher in the LINC00312 overexpression group than in the blank and NV groups. However, the expression of miR-197-3p was lower in the LINC00312 overexpression group than in the blank and NC groups. The miR-197-3p inhibitors group had a higher expression of miR-197-3p, but a lower expression of p120 than the blank and NC groups. The LINC00312 overexpression and miR-197-3p inhibitor groups had reduced cell proliferation, invasion and migration than the blank and NC groups. These results indicate that a LINC00312 overexpression inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and migration of TC cells and that this can be achieved by down-regulating miR-197-3p.
Identification and characterization of two types of amino acid-regulated acetyltransferases in actinobacteria
Authors: Lu Yu-Xing , Liu Xin-Xin , Liu Wei-Bing , Ye Bang-Ce
Published: May 2017

One hundred and fifty GCN5-like acetyltransferases with amino acid-binding (ACT)-GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) domain organization have been identified in actinobacteria. The ACT domain is fused to the GNAT domain, conferring amino acid-induced allosteric regulation to these protein acetyltransferases (Pat) (amino acid sensing acetyltransferase, (AAPatA)). Members of the AAPatA family share similar secondary structure and are divided into two groups based on the allosteric ligands of the ACT domain: the asparagine (Asn)-activated PatA and the cysteine (Cys)-activated PatA. The former are mainly found in Streptomyces; the latter are distributed in other actinobacteria. We investigated the effect of Asn and Cys on the acetylation activity of Sven_0867 (SvePatA, from Streptomyces venezuelae DSM 40230) and Amir_5672 (AmiPatA, from Actinosynnema mirum strain DSM 43827), respectively, as well as the relationship between the structure and function of these enzymes. These findings indicate that the activity of PatA and acetylation level of proteins may be closely correlated with intracellular concentrations of Asn and Cys in actinobacteria. Amino acid-sensing signal transduction in acetyltransferases may be a mechanism that regulates protein acetylation in response to nutrient availability. Future work examining the relationship between protein acetylation and amino acid metabolism will broaden our understanding of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in feedback regulation.
How and why do toxic conformers of aberrant proteins accumulate during ageing?
Authors: Josefson Rebecca , Andersson Rebecca , Nyström Thomas
Published: May 2017

Ageing can be defined as a gradual decline in cellular and physical functions accompanied by an increased sensitivity to the environment and risk of death. The increased risk of mortality is causally connected to a gradual, intracellular accumulation of so-called ageing factors, of which damaged and aggregated proteins are believed to be one. Such aggregated proteins also contribute to several age-related neurodegenerative disorders e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, highlighting the importance of protein quality control (PQC) in ageing and its associated diseases. PQC consists of two interrelated systems: the temporal control system aimed at refolding, repairing, and/or removing aberrant proteins and their aggregates and the spatial control system aimed at harnessing the potential toxicity of aberrant proteins by sequestering them at specific cellular locations. The accumulation of toxic conformers of aberrant proteins during ageing is often declared to be a consequence of an incapacitated temporal PQC system—i.e. a gradual decline in the activity of chaperones and proteases. Here, we review the current knowledge on PQC in relation to ageing and highlight that the breakdown of both temporal and spatial PQC may contribute to ageing and thus comprise potential targets for therapeutic interventions of the ageing process.
Training samples selection method for space‐time adaptive processing based on clutter covariance matrix reconstruction
Authors: Li Zhihui , Zhang Yongshun , Liu Hanwei , Guo Yiduo
Published: May 2017

A novel training samples selection method is proposed to improve the performance of space‐time adaptive processing in non‐homogeneous environments, where training samples are contaminated by interference target signals (outliers). First, the outlier component is removed from the sample covariance matrix based on clutter covariance matrix reconstruction, which utilises the clutter Capon spectrum integrated over a sector separated from the location of outlier. Secondly, the integral is calculated approximately by discrete sum method. Finally, the reconstructed clutter covariance matrix is combined with the generalised inner products algorithm to form the proposed statistics and the contaminated training samples are eliminated. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Quantification of road grade to improve the estimation of fuel consumptions using the global positioning system
Authors: Li Ming , Yu Lei , Song Guohua
Published: May 2017

Since the geodetic height data is as rough as in metres collected by the consumer grade global positioning system (GPS) receiver, it is difficult to accurately estimating the road grade. In this study, the research attempted to develop a simple and practical approach to quantify the road grade. First, the characteristics of the raw GPS data was analysed, and a data cleaning and correction method was designed to improve the data quality. Then the study developed a method for calculating the road grade by dividing GPS points into pools. It was shown that the average difference between the road grade generated by the study and by the field measurement is only 0.1%. Finally, the study analysed the precision of the fuel consumption estimation when the road grade was taken into consideration. The results showed that the precision increased by 11.8, 10.0 or 2.8%, respectively, when the road grade was positive, negative or both.
Electromagnetic simulators – status and future directions
Authors: Weiland Thomas
Published: May 2017

Electromagnetic simulators for all types of applications have matured to tools that are routinely used in industry and research. Over roughly five decades many different methods have been developed. Commercial solvers offer today a rich portfolio of algorithms that cover most of the needs. State‐of‐the‐art software tools contain dozens of different solver technologies to be able to cover a wide range of applications. Usability and the ability to integrate tools into industrial workflows are aspects of increasing relevance. On the algorithmic side the progress seems to slow down and hardly any completely new algorithm was proposed for years. Possible trends for the future will be presented and illustrated with practical examples.
Second‐order PDE‐based image restoration algorithm using directional diffusion
Authors: Li Shuaijie
Published: May 2017

Variational and partial differential equation (PDE)‐based algorithms have been widely applied in image restoration. However, it may produce undesirable staircase effect or blur image edges. To avoid these problems, a second‐order PDE model based on directional diffusion has been proposed for image restoration. This model can just diffuse along the edge's tangential direction of the original image. Thus it can preserve the edges, avoid the staircase effect in the restored image. Visual and quantitative results demonstrate that the proposed second‐order PDE model is superior to other models in preserving edges and avoiding staircase effect for image restoration.
In-Hospital Outcomes Following Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Retrospective Cohort of Infants
Authors: Schueller Maya , Greenberg Rachel , Smith P. , Laughon Matthew , Clark Reese , Hornik Christoph
Published: May 2017

Objective We sought to characterize associations between infant characteristics and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) survival using electronic health records data.

Study Design We examined a cohort study of infants ≥32 weeks of gestational age and ≥1,800 g birth weight supported with ECMO in a Pediatrix Medical Group neonatal intensive care unit from 1998 to 2013.

Results We identified 268 infants, of which 45 (17%) were <37 weeks of gestational age. Survival to discharge was 87% but was lower in premature compared with term infants (76 vs. 89%, p = 0.03). In multivariable analysis, acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR] = 4.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05, 15.24), postnatal age at cannulation of 7 to 13 days (OR = 5.86; 95% CI = 1.21, 28.44), and venoarterial ECMO cannulation (OR = 4.33; 95% CI = 1.77, 10.60) were associated with lower survival.

Conclusion ECMO cannulation type, postnatal age, and acute kidney injury were associated with lower ECMO survival, while prematurity was not. Future studies are needed to identify risk factors and strategies to improve outcomes.
Participation in Practice: A Case Study of a Collaborative Project on Sexual Offences in South Africa
Authors: Artz Lillian , Meer Talia , Galgut Hayley , Müller Alex
Published: May 2017

In this article we critically reflect on ‘feminist research methods’ and ‘methodology’, from the perspective of a feminist research unit at a South African university, that explicitly aims to improve gender-based violence service provision and policy through evidence-based advocacy. Despite working within a complex and inequitable developing country context, where our feminist praxis is frequently pitted against seemingly intractable structural realities, it is a praxis that remains grounded in documenting the stories of vulnerable individuals and within a broader political project of working towards improving the systems that these individuals must navigate under challenging social and structural conditions. We primarily do this by working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) providing gender-based violence services in research conceptualisation, design and implementation. This raises unique and complex questions for feminist participatory research, which we illustrate through a case study of collaborative, participatory research with NGOs to improve health and criminal justice outcomes for survivors of sexual violence. Issues include the possibility of good intentions/good research designs failing; the suitability of participatory research in sensitive service provision contexts; the degree(s) of engagement between researchers, service providers (collaborators/participants) and research participants; as well as our ethical duties to do no harm and to promote positive, progressive change through personal narratives and other forms of evidence. Given the demands of our context and these core issues, we not only argue that there are no ‘feminist methods’, but also caution against the notion of a universal ‘feminist methodology’. Whilst we may all be in agreement about the centrality of gender to our research and analysis, the fundamental aims and assumptions of mainstream (Western) feminist approaches do not hold true in all contexts, nor are they without variance in mode, ideal degrees of participation and importance to social context.
Improving the pseudo-randomness properties of chaotic maps using deep-zoom
Authors: Machicao Jeaneth , Bruno Odemir M.
Published: May 2017

A generalized method is proposed to compose new orbits from a given chaotic map. The method provides an approach to examine discrete-time chaotic maps in a “deep-zoom” manner by using k-digits to the right from the decimal separator of a given point from the underlying chaotic map. Interesting phenomena have been identified. Rapid randomization was observed, i.e., chaotic patterns tend to become indistinguishable when compared to the original orbits of the underlying chaotic map. Our results were presented using different graphical analyses (i.e., time-evolution, bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponent, Poincaré diagram, and frequency distribution). Moreover, taking advantage of this randomization improvement, we propose a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) based on the k-logistic map. The pseudo-random qualities of the proposed PRNG passed both tests successfully, i.e., DIEHARD and NIST, and were comparable with other traditional PRNGs such as the Mersenne Twister. The results suggest that simple maps such as the logistic map can be considered as good PRNG methods.
Photo-induced changes of the surface band bending in GaN: Influence of growth technique, doping and polarity
Authors: Winnerl Andrea , Pereira Rui N. , Stutzmann Martin
Published: May 2017

In this work, we use conductance and contact potential difference photo-transient data to study the influence of the growth technique, doping, and crystal polarity on the kinetics of photo-generated charges in GaN. We found that the processes, and corresponding time scales, involved in the decay of charge carriers generated at and close to the GaN surface via photo-excitation are notably independent of the growth technique, doping (n- and p-types), and also crystal polarity. Hence, the transfer of photo-generated charges from band states back to surface states proceeds always by hopping via shallow defect states in the space-charge region (SCR) close to the surface. Concerning the charge carrier photo-generation kinetics, we observe considerable differences between samples grown with different techniques. While for GaN grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, the accumulation of photo-conduction electrons results mainly from a combined trapping-hopping process (slow), where photo-generated electrons hop via shallow defect states to the conduction band (CB), in hydride vapor phase epitaxy and molecular beam epitaxy materials, a faster direct process involving electron transfer via CB states is also present. The time scales of both processes are quite insensitive to the doping level and crystal polarity. However, these processes become irrelevant for very high doping levels (both n- and p-types), where the width of the SCR is much smaller than the photon penetration depth, and therefore, most charge carriers are generated outside the SCR.
On the existence of impurity bound excitons in one-dimensional systems with zero range interactions
Authors: Have Jonas , Kovařík Hynek , Pedersen Thomas G. , Cornean Horia D.
Published: May 2017

We consider a three-body one-dimensional Schrödinger operator with zero range potentials, which models a positive impurity with charge κ>0 interacting with an exciton. We study the existence of discrete eigenvalues as κ is varied. On one hand, we show that for sufficiently small κ there exists a unique bound state whose binding energy behaves like κ4, and we explicitly compute its leading coefficient. On the other hand, if κ is larger than some critical value, then the system has no bound states.
An initial-boundary value problem for the integrable spin-1 Gross-Pitaevskii equations with a 4 × 4 Lax pair on the half-line
Authors: Yan Zhenya
Published: May 2017

We extend the idea of the Fokas unified transform to investigate the initial-boundary value problem for the integrable spin-1 Gross-Pitaevskii equations with a 4 × 4 Lax pair on the half-line. The solution of this system can be expressed in terms of the solution of a 4 × 4 matrix Riemann-Hilbert (RH) problem formulated in the complex k-plane. The relevant jump matrices of the RH problem can be explicitly found using the two spectral functions s(k) and S(k), which can be defined by the initial data, the Dirichlet-Neumann boundary data at x = 0. The global relation is established between the two dependent spectral functions. The general mappings between Dirichlet and Neumann boundary values are analyzed in terms of the global relation. These results may be of the potential significance in both spinor Bose-Einstein condensates and the theory of multi-component integrable systems.
High thermionic emission from barium strontium oxide functionalized carbon nanotubes thin film surface
Authors: Jin Feng , Beaver Allyn
Published: May 2017

Thermionic cathodes are widely used in applications where strong electron emission is essential. Thin film thermionic emitters, despite their potential, are yet to appear in real device applications. The main shortcoming of thin film thermionic emitters is their weak emission capability as compared to the bulky conventional thermionic cathodes. A high performance thermionic thin film emitter with emission capability on par with that of a conventional thermionic cathode is presented in this study. This thin film emitter is based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with their surface further functionalized with low work function oxide materials. The low-work-function barium strontium oxide coating combined with a large Schottky effect induced by the carbon nanotubes leads to a dramatic increase in thermionic emission. Emission current as high as 325 mA is obtained from an emission surface area of 0.0727 cm2 at 1380 K, which is equivalent to a current density of 4.5 A/cm2 at a modest thermionic emission temperature. Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition was used to grow the carbon nanotubes, while the magnetron sputtering technique was used to functionalize the CNT surface with a thin layer of low-work-function oxide coating. The whole growth and fabrication process of this thin film emitter are compatible with semiconductor fabrication processes, making it possible to incorporate this thermionic thin film into other semiconductor devices for other potential applications.
Temporal regulation of epithelium formation mediated by FoxA, MKLP1, MgcRacGAP, and PAR-6
Authors: Von Stetina Stephen E. , Liang Jennifer , Marnellos Georgios , Mango Susan E.
Published: May 2017

To establish the animal body plan, embryos link the external epidermis to the internal digestive tract. In Caenorhabditis elegans, this linkage is achieved by the arcade cells, which form an epithelial bridge between the foregut and epidermis, but little is known about how development of these three epithelia is coordinated temporally. The arcade cell epithelium is generated after the epidermis and digestive tract epithelia have matured, ensuring that both organs can withstand the mechanical stress of embryo elongation; mistiming of epithelium formation leads to defects in morphogenesis. Using a combination of genetic, bioinformatic, and imaging approaches, we find that temporal regulation of the arcade cell epithelium is mediated by the pioneer transcription factor and master regulator PHA-4/FoxA, followed by the cytoskeletal regulator and kinesin ZEN-4/MKLP1 and the polarity protein PAR-6. We show that PHA-4 directly activates mRNA expression of a broad cohort of epithelial genes, including junctional factor dlg-1. Accumulation of DLG-1 protein is delayed by ZEN-4, acting in concert with its binding partner CYK-4/MgcRacGAP. Our structure–function analysis suggests that nuclear and kinesin functions are dispensable, whereas binding to CYK-4 is essential, for ZEN-4 function in polarity. Finally, PAR-6 is necessary to localize polarity proteins such as DLG-1 within adherens junctions and at the apical surface, thereby generating arcade cell polarity. Our results reveal that the timing of a landmark event during embryonic morphogenesis is mediated by the concerted action of four proteins that delay the formation of an epithelial bridge until the appropriate time. In addition, we find that mammalian FoxA associates with many epithelial genes, suggesting that direct regulation of epithelial identity may be a conserved feature of FoxA factors and a contributor to FoxA function in development and cancer.
Spindle assembly checkpoint signaling and sister chromatid cohesion are disrupted by HPV E6-mediated transformation
Authors: Shirnekhi Hazheen K. , Kelley Erin P. , DeLuca Jennifer G. , Herman Jacob A.
Published: May 2017

Aneuploidy, a condition that results from unequal partitioning of chromosomes during mitosis, is a hallmark of many cancers, including those caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs). E6 and E7 are the primary transforming proteins in HPV that drive tumor progression. In this study, we stably expressed E6 and E7 in noncancerous RPE1 cells and analyzed the specific mitotic defects that contribute to aneuploidy in each cell line. We find that E6 expression results in multiple chromosomes associated with one or both spindle poles, causing a significant mitotic delay. In most cells, the misaligned chromosomes eventually migrated to the spindle equator, leading to mitotic exit. In some cells, however, mitotic exit occurred in the presence of pole-associated chromosomes. We determined that this premature mitotic exit is due to defects in spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) signaling, such that cells are unable to maintain a prolonged mitotic arrest in the presence of unaligned chromosomes. This SAC defect is caused in part by a loss of kinetochore-associated Mad2 in E6-expressing cells. Our results demonstrate that E6-expressing cells exhibit previously unappreciated mitotic defects that likely contribute to HPV-mediated cancer progression.
Transmembrane helix hydrophobicity is an energetic barrier during the retrotranslocation of integral membrane ERAD substrates
Authors: Guerriero Christopher J. , Reutter Karl-Richard , Augustine Andrew A. , Preston G. Michael , Weiberth Kurt F. , Mackie Timothy D. , Cleveland-Rubeor Hillary C. , Bethel Neville P. , Callenberg Keith M. , Nakatsukasa Kunio , Grabe Michael , Brodsky Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2017

Integral membrane proteins fold inefficiently and are susceptible to turnover via the endoplasmic reticulum–associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. During ERAD, misfolded proteins are recognized by molecular chaperones, polyubiquitinated, and retrotranslocated to the cytoplasm for proteasomal degradation. Although many aspects of this pathway are defined, how transmembrane helices (TMHs) are removed from the membrane and into the cytoplasm before degradation is poorly understood. In this study, we asked whether the hydrophobic character of a TMH acts as an energetic barrier to retrotranslocation. To this end, we designed a dual-pass model ERAD substrate, Chimera A*, which contains the cytoplasmic misfolded domain from a characterized ERAD substrate, Sterile 6* (Ste6p*). We found that the degradation requirements for Chimera A* and Ste6p* are similar, but Chimera A* was retrotranslocated more efficiently than Ste6p* in an in vitro assay in which retrotranslocation can be quantified. We then constructed a series of Chimera A* variants containing synthetic TMHs with a range of ΔG values for membrane insertion. TMH hydrophobicity correlated inversely with retrotranslocation efficiency, and in all cases, retrotranslocation remained Cdc48p dependent. These findings provide insight into the energetic restrictions on the retrotranslocation reaction, as well as a new computational approach to predict retrotranslocation efficiency.
HEROD: a human ethnic and regional specific omics database
Authors: Zeng Xian , Tao Lin , Zhang Peng , Qin Chu , Chen Shangying , He Weidong , Tan Ying , Xia Liu Hong , Yang Sheng Yong , Chen Zhe , Jiang Yu Yang , Chen Yu Zong
Published: May 2017

Motivation

Genetic and gene expression variations within and between populations and across geographical regions have substantial effects on the biological phenotypes, diseases, and therapeutic response. The development of precision medicines can be facilitated by the OMICS studies of the patients of specific ethnicity and geographic region. However, there is an inadequate facility for broadly and conveniently accessing the ethnic and regional specific OMICS data.

Results

Here, we introduced a new free database, HEROD, a human ethnic and regional specific OMICS database. Its first version contains the gene expression data of 53 070 patients of 169 diseases in seven ethnic populations from 193 cities/regions in 49 nations curated from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the ArrayExpress Archive of Functional Genomics Data (ArrayExpress), the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Geographic region information of curated patients was mainly manually extracted from referenced publications of each original study. These data can be accessed and downloaded via keyword search, World map search, and menu-bar search of disease name, the international classification of disease code, geographical region, location of sample collection, ethnic population, gender, age, sample source organ, patient type (patient or healthy), sample type (disease or normal tissue) and assay type on the web interface.

Availability and implementation

The HEROD database is freely accessible at http://bidd2.nus.edu.sg/herod/index.php. The database and web interface are implemented in MySQL, PHP and HTML with all major browsers supported.
Religion and Health
Authors: VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: May 2017

This review is concerned with the relationships between religion and health. Its principal purpose is to provide an overview of the empirical research literature on this relationship, relating different forms of religious participation, especially religious service attendance, to various health outcomes. However, it also briefly considers theological and religious traditions and themes concerning health, healing, and wholeness. It further reviews interventions related to religious communities that promote health, considers relations between the empirical literature on religion and health and the theological/religious traditions, and discusses where there is convergence, where there is tension, and where various open questions for further reflection and research remain. It concludes with a number of summary propositions attempting to capture the major themes of the present survey.
ABC/2 Method Does not Accurately Predict Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation Volume
Authors: Roark Christopher , Vadlamudi Venu , Chaudhary Neeraj , Gemmete Joseph J , Seinfeld Joshua , Thompson B Gregory , Pandey Aditya S
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a treatment option for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) to prevent intracranial hemorrhage. The decision to proceed with SRS is usually based on calculated nidal volume. Physicians commonly use the ABC/2 formula, based on digital subtraction angiography (DSA), when counseling patients for SRS.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether AVM volume calculated using the ABC/2 method on DSA is accurate when compared to the exact volume calculated from thin-cut axial sections used for SRS planning.

METHODS

Retrospective search of neurovascular database to identify AVMs treated with SRS from 1995 to 2015. Maximum nidal diameters in orthogonal planes on DSA images were recorded to determine volume using ABC/2 formula. Nidal target volume was extracted from operative reports of SRS. Volumes were then compared using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests.

RESULTS

Ninety intracranial AVMs were identified. Median volume was 4.96 cm3 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.79-8.85] with SRS planning methods and 6.07 cm3 (IQR 1.3-13.6) with ABC/2 methodology. Moderate correlation was seen between SRS and ABC/2 (r = 0.662; P < .001). Paired sample t-tests revealed significant differences between SRS volume and ABC/2 (t = –3.2; P = .002). When AVMs were dichotomized based on ABC/2 volume, significant differences remained (t = 3.1, P = .003 for ABC/2 volume < 7 cm3; t = –4.4, P < .001 for ABC/2 volume > 7 cm3).

CONCLUSION

The ABC/2 method overestimates cerebral AVM volume when compared to volumetric analysis from SRS planning software. For AVMs > 7 cm3, the overestimation is even greater. SRS planning techniques were also significantly different than values derived from equations for cones and cylinders.
Development of an Inoculation Technique and the Evaluation of Soybean Genotypes for Resistance to Coniothyrium glycines
Authors: Tooley Paul W.
Published: May 2017

Red leaf blotch, caused by Coniothyrium glycines, is a serious disease affecting soybean in several African countries but has not yet appeared in the United States. The fungal pathogen is listed as a Select Agent by the Federal Select Agent Program because of potential consequence to U.S. agriculture if introduced. Sources of resistance to red leaf blotch have not yet been identified in spite of extensive field testing in Zambia and Zimbabwe. A seedling inoculation protocol was used to investigate the effects of inoculum density, temperature (20 and 25°C), and dew chamber incubation period (2 to 5 days) on disease development in ‘Williams 82’ soybean. Inoculum density and incubation period had significant effects on disease severity but no significant difference was observed at 20 and 25°C. Highest levels of disease were obtained using 1.94 cm3 of mycelial inoculum per 10 ml of water and incubating plants for 5 days at 100% relative humidity. Significant differences were not observed between isolates from Zambia and Zimbabwe at 25°C. In total, 23 soybean genotypes that represent nearly 90% of the genes present in U.S. soybean were evaluated and found to be susceptible, which is consistent with previous field evaluations. This method could be useful in identifying new sources of resistance to red leaf blotch.
Acetaminophen Metabolite N-Acylphenolamine Induces Analgesia via Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Receptors Expressed on the Primary Afferent Terminals of C-fibers in the Spinal Dorsal Horn
Authors: Ohashi Nobuko , Uta Daisuke , Sasaki Mika , Ohashi Masayuki , Kamiya Yoshinori , Kohno Tatsuro
Published: May 2017

Background

The widely used analgesic acetaminophen is metabolized to N-acylphenolamine, which induces analgesia by acting directly on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 or cannabinoid 1 receptors in the brain. Although these receptors are also abundant in the spinal cord, no previous studies have reported analgesic effects of acetaminophen or N-acylphenolamine mediated by the spinal cord dorsal horn. We hypothesized that clinical doses of acetaminophen induce analgesia via these spinal mechanisms.

Methods

We assessed our hypothesis in a rat model using behavioral measures. We also used in vivo and in vitro whole cell patch-clamp recordings of dorsal horn neurons to assess excitatory synaptic transmission.

Results

Intravenous acetaminophen decreased peripheral pinch-induced excitatory responses in the dorsal horn (53.1 ± 20.7% of control; n = 10; P < 0.01), while direct application of acetaminophen to the dorsal horn did not reduce these responses. Direct application of N-acylphenolamine decreased the amplitudes of monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic currents evoked by C-fiber stimulation (control, 462.5 ± 197.5 pA; N-acylphenolamine, 272.5 ± 134.5 pA; n = 10; P = 0.022) but not those evoked by stimulation of Aδ-fibers. These phenomena were mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptors, but not cannabinoid 1 receptors. The analgesic effects of acetaminophen and N-acylphenolamine were stronger in rats experiencing an inflammatory pain model compared to naïve rats.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the acetaminophen metabolite N-acylphenolamine induces analgesia directly via transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptors expressed on central terminals of C-fibers in the spinal dorsal horn and leads to conduction block, shunt currents, and desensitization of these fibers.
Assessment of Behavioral Disruption in Rats with Abdominal Inflammation Using Visual Cue Titration and the Five-choice Serial-reaction Time Task
Authors: Martin Thomas J. , Strassburg Tracy J. , Grigg Amanda L. , Kim Susy A. , Ririe Douglas G. , Eisenach James C.
Published: May 2017

Background

Both acute and chronic pain result in a number of behavioral symptoms in patients, including cognitive effects such as decreased attention and working memory. Intraperitoneal administration of dilute lactic acid in rodents has been used to induce abdominal inflammation and produce effects in behavioral assays of both sensory-discriminative and affective pain modalities.

Methods

Intraperitoneal injection of dilute lactic acid was used to study the impact of abdominal inflammation on an operant task requiring sustained visual attention in rats (N = 7 to 15/group) that adapts dynamically to performance ability. The effects of ketoprofen and morphine on lactic acid–induced impairment were compared with those on the disruptive effects of scopolamine.

Results

Lactic acid impaired performance in a concentration-dependent manner, increasing the duration of cue presentation required to maintain optimal performance from 0.5 ± 0.2 s (mean ± SD) to 17.2 ± 11.4 s after the administration of 1.8% (v/v) (N = 13). The latency to emit correct responses and to retrieve the food reward were both increased by lactic acid. All effects of lactic acid injection were reversed by both ketoprofen and morphine in a dose-dependent manner. Scopolamine, however, produced dose-dependent, nonpain-related disruption in sustained attention that was not altered by either ketoprofen or morphine.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that abdominal inflammation induced by lactic acid produces robust disruption in a visual attention-based operant task and that this disruption is reversed by analgesics. Future studies will focus on pain-related circuitry and its impact on both limbic forebrain and frontal cortical mechanisms.
Comparison of Oxygen Consumption Rates of Nondegenerate and Degenerate Human Intervertebral Disc Cells
Authors: Cisewski Sarah E. , Wu Yongren , Damon Brooke J. , Sachs Barton L. , Kern Michael J. , Yao Hai
Published: May 2017

Study Design.

In vitro measurements of the oxygen consumption rates (OCR) of human intervertebral disc (IVD) cells.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the OCR of nondegenerate and degenerate human annulus fibrosus (AF), nucleus pulposus (NP), and cartilage endplate (CEP) cells at different glucose concentrations.

Summary of Background Data.

The avascular nature of the IVD creates a delicate balance between rate of nutrient transport through the matrix and rate of disc cell consumption necessary to maintain tissue health. Previous studies have shown a dependence of OCR for animal (e.g., bovine and porcine) IVD cells on oxygen level and glucose concentration. However, the OCR of nondegenerate human IVD cells compared to degenerate human IVD cells at different glucose concentrations has not been investigated.

Methods.

IVD cells were isolated from the AF, NP, and CEP regions of human cadaver spines and surgical samples. The changes in oxygen concentration were recorded when cells were sealed in a metabolic chamber. The OCR of cells was determined by curve fitting using the Michaelis-Menton equation.

Results.

Under identical cell culture conditions, the OCR of degenerate human IVD cells was three to five times greater than that of nondegenerate human IVD cells. The degenerate IVD cells cultured in low-glucose medium (1 mmol/L) exhibited the highest OCR compared to degenerate cells cultured at higher glucose levels (i.e., 5 mmol/L, 25 mmol/L), whereas no significant differences in OCR were found among the nondegenerate IVD cells for all glucose levels.

Conclusion.

Considering the significantly higher OCR and unique response to glucose of degenerate human IVD cells, the degeneration of the IVD is associated with a cell phenotypic change related to OCR. The OCR of IVD cells reported in this study will be valuable for understanding human IVD cellular behavior and tissue nutrition in response to disc degeneration.

Level of Evidence: N/A
LONGITUDINAL CORRELATION OF ELLIPSOID ZONE LOSS AND FUNCTIONAL LOSS IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2
Authors: Heeren Tjebo F. C. , Kitka Diána , Florea Daniela , Clemons Traci E. , Chew Emily Y. , Bird Alan C. , Pauleikhoff Daniel , Issa Peter Charbel , Holz Frank G. , Peto Tunde ,   on behalf of the MacTel Study Group
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To compare ellipsoid zone (EZ) loss and functional loss in macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2 longitudinally.

Methods:

Prospective natural history study. Ellipsoid zone loss was measured in en-face images created from spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Functional loss was assessed by best-corrected visual acuity and microperimetry, counting the number of test points with impaired function.

Results:

A total of 56 eyes of 31 participants were followed for 4.5 ± 1.2 years. Ellipsoid zone loss was 18,600 ± 3,917.3 pixel at baseline (≈0.59 mm2) and increased 2,627.8 ± 427.9 pixel (≈0.08 mm2) per year. Best-corrected visual acuity decreased 2.2 ± 0.9 letters per year. Change in EZ loss correlated significantly with change in relative and absolute scotomas (r = 0.62; P-value < 0.0001 and r = 0.72; P-value < 0.0001), but not with loss of best-corrected visual acuity. Functional loss showed a similar frequency of progression as EZ loss, but a higher rate of “regression,” likely due to higher variability of the measurement, assuming a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

Conclusion:

The results of the authors support EZ loss as surrogate measure for visual function in MacTel type 2. Being objective, EZ loss might be considered more suitable than microperimetry as primary end point in future interventional trials.
THE CUTTING EDGE OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY CARE
Authors: Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Thomas Benjamin J. , Thanos Aristomenis , Todorich Bozho , Drenser Kimberly A. , Trese Michael T. , Capone Antonio
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To discuss the latest advances and controversies in the diagnosis and care of infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods:

Literature review.

Results:

Retinopathy of prematurity remains a major global issue. Industrialized nations now treat profoundly premature infants with posterior and aggressive disease, and middle-income nations are experiencing ROP epidemics. Remote digital imaging may address the decreasing ratio of ROP providers to premature infants, in addition to improving patient care. Widefield angiography, optical coherence tomography, and the Wnt signaling pathway have provided new insights into ROP pathogenesis. Anti–vascular endothelial growth factor treatment is increasing in popularity, but the dearth of information to guide dosing, unpredictable reactivation, persistent vascular abnormalities, the “crunch” phenomenon, and the presently unknown effects of systemic vascular endothelial growth factor suppression remain issues to continue investigating. Neurodevelopmental delay has been raised as a potential consequence, but the evidence currently is weak. Vitrectomy is the treatment of choice for Stages 4 and 5. Illumination techniques, ab interno incisions, plasmin-assisted vitrectomy, staged surgery in the interest of corneal clearing for advanced Stage 5, and immediate sequential bilateral vitreoretinal surgery, are useful techniques.

Conclusion:

We are making progress in ROP management. Our goal as clinicians is to continue expanding the boundaries of our abilities to keep this blinding disease in check globally.
Assessing Community Leadership: Understanding Community Capacity for Health Improvement
Authors: Castle Billie , Wendel Monica , Kelly Pryor Brandy N. , Ingram Monique
Published: May 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to pilot a quantitative instrument to measure aspects of community leadership within an assessment framework.

Design:

The instrument includes 14 Likert-type questions asking residents how they perceive leaders within 5 sectors: Louisville Metro Council/Mayor's Office, the faith community, education, business, and the civic sector.

Setting:

Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky, has a population of about 743 000 residents. Respondents were asked to examine leadership within West Louisville, an economically deprived area of the city made up of 9 contiguous neighborhoods. This area is predominantly African American (78% compared with 22% in Louisville Metro), with an overall poverty rate of 43% (compared with 18% in Louisville Metro), and unemployment rate of 23% (compared with 8% in Louisville Metro). Residents of West Louisville are looking to leadership to address many of the inequities.

Participants:

Twenty-seven participants representing 7 community sectors completed the survey, of whom 90% work in West Louisville.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The instrument measured local perceptions of leadership strength, effectiveness, trust, communication, community building, and leadership development.

Results:

The majority of respondents agree that strong leadership exists across the 5 sectors, with variation regarding perceptions of the quality of that leadership. City leadership within the Mayor's Office and Metro Council is largely viewed positively, while the growing tensions within the education sector were reflected in the survey results.

Conclusion:

The perception of community leadership is important to understanding local community capacity to improve health and also inclusivity of community voice in the assessment and community improvement processes. Results from such assessments can offer useful information for strengthening community capacity and sustaining relationships needed to enact progressive and equitable solutions to address local issues. Leaders in a variety of settings can utilize this instrument to improve their community as well as their practical approaches towards leadership and equity.
Common and Critical Components Among Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Planning Models
Authors: Pennel Cara L. , Burdine James N. , Prochaska John D. , McLeroy Kenneth R.
Published: May 2017

Community health assessment and community health improvement planning are continuous, systematic processes for assessing and addressing health needs in a community. Since there are different models to guide assessment and planning, as well as a variety of organizations and agencies that carry out these activities, there may be confusion in choosing among approaches. By examining the various components of the different assessment and planning models, we are able to identify areas for coordination, ways to maximize collaboration, and strategies to further improve community health. We identified 11 common assessment and planning components across 18 models and requirements, with a particular focus on health department, health system, and hospital models and requirements. These common components included preplanning; developing partnerships; developing vision and scope; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; identifying community assets; identifying priorities; developing and implementing an intervention plan; developing and implementing an evaluation plan; communicating and receiving feedback on the assessment findings and/or the plan; planning for sustainability; and celebrating success. Within several of these components, we discuss characteristics that are critical to improving community health. Practice implications include better understanding of different models and requirements by health departments, hospitals, and others involved in assessment and planning to improve cross-sector collaboration, collective impact, and community health. In addition, federal and state policy and accreditation requirements may be revised or implemented to better facilitate assessment and planning collaboration between health departments, hospitals, and others for the purpose of improving community health.
Hyperspectral Imaging Provides Early Prediction of Random Axial Flap Necrosis in a Preclinical Model
Authors: Chin Michael S. , Chappell Ava G. , Giatsidis Giorgio , Perry Dylan J. , Lujan-Hernandez Jorge , Haddad Anthony , Matsumine Hajime , Orgill Dennis P. , Lalikos Janice F.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Necrosis remains a significant complication in cutaneous flap procedures. Monitoring, and ideally prediction, of vascular compromise in the early postoperative period may allow surgeons to limit the impact of complications by prompt intervention. Hyperspectral imaging could be a reliable, effective, and noninvasive method for predicting flap survival postoperatively. In this preclinical study, the authors demonstrate that hyperspectral imaging is able to correlate early skin perfusion changes and ultimate flap survival in a preclinical model.

Methods:

Thirty-one hairless, immunocompetent, adult male mice were used. Random pattern dorsal skin flaps were elevated and sutured back into place with a silicone barrier. Hyperspectral imaging and digital images were obtained 30 minutes, 24 hours, or 72 hours after flap elevation and before sacrifice on postoperative day 7.

Results:

Areas of high deoxygenated hemoglobin change (124; 95 percent CI, 118 to 129) seen at 30 minutes after surgery were associated with greater than 50 percent flap necrosis at postoperative day 7. Areas demarcated by high deoxygenated hemoglobin at 30 minutes postoperatively had a statistically significant correlation with areas of macroscopic necrosis on postoperative day 7. Analysis of images obtained at 24 and 72 hours did not show similar changes.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that early changes in deoxygenated hemoglobin seen with hyperspectral imaging may predict the region and extent of flap necrosis. Further clinical studies are needed to determine whether hyperspectral imaging is applicable to the clinical setting.