bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term Follow-up of Patients Having False-Positive Multitarget Stool DNA Tests after Negative Screening Colonoscopy: The LONG-HAUL Cohort Study
Authors: Cotter Thomas G. , Burger Kelli N. , Devens Mary E. , Simonson Julie A. , Lowrie Kari L. , Heigh Russell I. , Mahoney Douglas W. , Johnson David H. , Ahlquist David A. , Kisiel John B.
Published: December 2016

Background: Studies of colorectal cancer screening by multitarget stool DNA (MT-sDNA) show false-positive (FP) rates of 7% to 13%. It is unclear whether FP patients are at increased long-term risk of adverse outcomes.

Methods: We compared subsequent clinical events among patients with apparent FP MT-sDNA with those in patients reported as true negative (TN). This was a retrospective cohort study of participants in pre-FDA approval MT-sDNA studies having nonadvanced or negative baseline colonoscopy findings from a single referral center. Per-protocol and calibrated cutoffs defined FP and TN groups. From the time of stool collection, we measured differences between FP and TN groups in time to death, subsequent cancer diagnosis, and onset of alarm symptoms.

Results: Of 1,050 eligible patients, only 6 were lost to follow-up. Median age was 65.6 years [interquartile range (IQR), 56.8–72.3]; 54% were female. Median follow-up time was 4 years (IQR, 3.5–5.3). Eight aerodigestive (lung and gastrointestinal tract) cancers occurred. FP status by calibrated, but not per-protocol, cutoffs was associated with subsequent aerodigestive cancer; however, cumulative incidence did not exceed SEER expectations from the general population. By any cutoff method, FP status was not associated with mortality or alarm symptoms.

Conclusions: Although FP status was associated with long-term aerodigestive cancers, new cases were not temporally related and did not exceed incidence estimates from general population.

Impact: These observations do not justify aggressive follow-up evaluation for patients with FP MT-sDNA at this time. Larger studies are needed to confirm these early findings. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(4); 614–21. ©2016 AACR.
A General Framework for the Evaluation of Genetic Association Studies Using Multiple Marginal Models
Authors: Kitsche Andreas , Ritz Christian , Hothorn Ludwig A.
Published: December 2016

Objective: In this study, we present a simultaneous inference procedure as a unified analysis framework for genetic association studies. Methods: The method is based on the formulation of multiple marginal models that reflect different modes of inheritance. The basic advantage of this methodology is that no explicit formulation of the correlation between the test statistics is required. Moreover, the genotype scores are considered as a quantitative explanatory variable, i.e., regression models are used. Results: The proposed approach covers a wide variety of endpoints (binary, count, quantitative, and time-to-event data). In addition, multiple endpoints of different types can be assessed simultaneously. This allows the detection of pleiotropic effects while taking the mode of inheritance into account. Moreover, multiple loci can be assessed simultaneously. Conclusion: The flexibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated while analyzing a variety of data examples.
The in vivo Inhibition of Oral Biofilm Accumulation and Streptococcus mutans by Ceramic Water
Authors: Nomura Ryota , Yoneyama Risa , Naka Shuhei , Otsugu Masatoshi , Ogaya Yuko , Hatakeyama Rina , Morita Yumiko , Maruo Jumpei , Matsumoto-Nakano Michiyo , Yamada Osamu , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: December 2016

Combustion-synthesized titanium carbide ceramics uniformly disperse silver, producing silver ions and hydroxyl radicals in water. This generates antimicrobial activity against various bacteria. One such bacterium is Streptococcus mutans, a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium known as a major pathogen of dental caries. In this study, we analyzed the inhibition of oral biofilms and S. mutans by ceramic water in in vitro and human studies. S. mutans strains showed significantly lower antimicrobial and sucrose-dependent adhesion activity in the presence of ceramic powder compared with untreated culture medium. Confocal microscopy revealed that S. mutans biofilm structures with ceramic powder were thin and coarse. Twenty-seven volunteers (13 males, 14 females; 18-37 years old, mean 25.2 years) were enrolled for subsequent studies. After each meal, one group was asked to rinse with ceramic water while the other rinsed with untreated water for 1 week. After 1 week, the rinsing contents were switched between the groups and the same protocol was followed for an additional week. After rinsing with ceramic water, the average plaque score was 43.0 ± 3.7, which was significantly lower than the baseline value (74.1 ± 5.7, p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed when rinsing with untreated water. In addition, the total number of S. mutans in saliva was significantly reduced after rinsing with ceramic water compared with untreated water (p < 0.05). These results suggest that ceramic water possesses antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and inhibits biofilm formation. Rinsing with ceramic water can also inhibit dental plaque formation and S. mutans colonization in humans.
The Global Rise of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy with Choroid Plexus Cauterization in Pediatric Hydrocephalus
Authors: Dewan Michael C. , Naftel Robert P.
Published: December 2016

In the quest to identify the optimal means of cerebrospinal fluid diversion free of shunt dependency, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) has been proposed as a promising procedure in select children. Supplementing traditional ETV with obliteration of the choroid plexus has been shown to decrease the likelihood of ultimate shunt dependency by roughly 20%. Originally devised to treat hydrocephalus in infants in sub-Saharan Africa, ETV/CPC has gained eager attention and cautious support in the developed world. Herein, we offer a comprehensive review of ETV/CPC beginning with the history and theory behind the operation. Next, we delve into the data supporting its use across heterogeneous pediatric populations, and finally we discuss clinical outcomes and future directions.
Divergence between C. melo and African Cucumis Species Identified by Chromosome Painting and rDNA Distribution Pattern
Authors: Li Kunpeng , Wang Huaisong , Wang Jiming , Sun Jianying , Li Zongyun , Han Yonghua
Published: December 2016

The 5S and 45S rDNA sites are useful chromosome landmarks and can provide valuable information about karyotype evolution and species interrelationships. In this study, we employed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the number and chromosomal location of 5S and 45S rDNA loci in 8 diploid Cucumis species. Two oligonucleotide painting probes specific for the rDNA-bearing chromosomes in C. melo were hybridized to other Cucumis species in order to investigate the homeologies among the rDNA-carrying chromosomes in Cucumis species. The analyzed diploid species showed 3 types of rDNA distribution patterns, which provided clear cytogenetic evidence on the divergence between C. melo and wild diploid African Cucumis species. The present results not only show species interrelationships in the genus Cucumis, but the rDNA FISH patterns can also be used as cytological markers for the discrimination of closely related species. The data will be helpful for breeders to choose the most suitable species from various wild species for improvement of cultivated melon.
The Genomic Era of Clinical Oncology: Integrated Genomic Analysis for Precision Cancer Care
Authors: Surrey Lea F. , Luo Minjie , Chang Fengqi , Li Marilyn M.
Published: December 2016

Genomic alterations are important biological markers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, disease classification, risk stratification, and treatment selection. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are superb new tools for evaluating cancer genomes. These state-of-the-art technologies offer high-throughput, highly accurate, targeted and whole-genome evaluation of genomic alterations in tumor tissues. The application of CMA and NGS technologies in cancer research has generated a wealth of useful information about the landscape of genomic alterations in cancer and their implications in cancer care. As the knowledge base in cancer genomics and genome biology grows, the focus of research is now shifting toward the clinical applications of these technologies to improve patient care. Although not yet standard of care in cancer, there is an increasing interest among the cancer genomics communities in applying these new technologies to cancer diagnosis in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratories. Many clinical laboratories have already started adopting these technologies for cancer genomic analysis. We anticipate that CMA and NGS will soon become the major diagnostic means for cancer genomic analysis to meet the increasing demands of precision cancer care.
La presencia del noir en las series televisivas policíacas brasileñas
Authors: Balogh Anna Maria
Published: December 2016

Noir series are not as deeply imbedded in the country's culture as in USA. Yet, Brazilian television achieved to create a tradition in this genre rethinking noir patterns and creating original variables. A strategy that confirms the precision of Lotman's conceptions on textuality and cultural memory. Both series analyzed adopt many intertextual citations, both filmic and televisual. In these recent noir series authors do even manage to successfully remake some of the polemic topics characteristic to the genre, as well as reelaborate the powefull aesthetic clues of noir adapted to TV.
Cenas em jogo: a exacerbação da ambiguidade
Authors: Tardivo Renato
Published: December 2016

O filme Jogo de cena (2007) habita a linha tênue entre ficção e não ficção e inaugura novas possibilidades contidas na linguagem documentário. Assim, o filme propõe uma discussão sobre a sua própria linguagem. Este artigo apresenta uma leitura de Jogo de cena e discute a oposição entre documentário e ficção, atentando-se para a presença do unheimlich descrito por Freud (1919/2010) e traduzido como aquilo que é estranho, não familiar, inquietante. Ainda reflete, a partir do documentário, a qualidade dos vínculos  banalizados que estabelecemos na contemporaneidade – o trânsito banalizado do real ao artifício. Jogo de cena inverte esse trânsito, de modo a convocar o espectador a se implicar nas relações que estabelece. Desse modo, se podemos considerar toda ficção é um documentário, analogamente, todo documentário é uma ficção, pois as possibilidades de apreensão do real são um mistério.
Las rupturas del 68 en el cine de América Latina, coordenação de Mariano Mestman
Authors: Aguiar Carolina Amaral de
Published: December 2016

Las rupturas del 68 en el cine de América Latina, organizado por Mariano Mestman, analisa as rupturas ocorridas em distintas cinematografias da América Latina – Argentina, Bolívia, Brasil, Chile, Colômbia, Cuba, México e Uruguai – em torno a 1968. O ano é pensado como símbolo de uma “época”, palco de contestações políticas e proposições vanguardistas em diferentes partes do mundo. Mestman pretende entender como essas rupturas incidiram em cada caso nacional, convidando autores de distintas nacionalidades para analisarem as transformações cinematográficas em seus respectivos países. O livro traz ainda, em sua segunda parte, artigos que pensam essas rupturas em uma perspectiva transnacional.
O cinema na cidade em eclosão: “Salas de cinema e história urbana de São Paulo (1895-1930)”, de José Inacio de Melo Souza
Authors: Carvalho Danielle Crepaldi
Published: December 2016

A presença do cinema em São Paulo, de fins do XIX a 1930, confunde-se – a exemplo do que aconteceu no Rio de Janeiro – com o período de ascensão da cidade de recanto provinciano a grande metrópole. A relação entre cinema e cidade está muito bem apanhada neste livro de José Inacio de Melo Souza, percurso original pelas vias da capital paulistana, do “Triângulo” aos arrabaldes, tendo como mapa os projetos arquitetônicos relativos à construção de salas de cinema. Neste contexto, o projeto de lei de fevereiro de 1916, que regulamenta a construção desses espaços, surge como ponto de virada, prenunciando a transformação da cidade na “Pauliceia desvairada” que seria decantada anos depois pelos Modernistas.
AVALIAÇÃO DO SUBCANAL FÍSICO-QUÍMICO EM DUQUE DE CAXIAS (RJ): A INFLUÊNCIA DAS POLÍTICAS MUNICIPAIS DE ORDENAMENTO TERRITORIAL NO CLIMA URBANO
Authors: Oscar Júnior Antonio Carlos Da Silva
Published: December 2016

Mesmo com toda regulamentação em nível federal e estadual no que tange ao disciplinamento do uso e ordenamento territorial, sobretudo quanto à localização industrial, no Município de Duque de Caxias ainda é comum a ocorrência de conflitos de uso. Neste sentido, o presente artigo buscou avaliar a qualidade do ar neste território (entre 2004 e 2009) através dos dados diários e horários das estações automáticas do INEA, considerando o parâmetro Partículas Totais em Suspensão - PTS. Pra tal, testes estatísticos como: Mann-Kendall, Matriz de dispersão e Boxplot foram aplicados, e associados ao mapeamento das indústrias potencialmente poluidoras do Município, frota de veículos e evolução urbanística. Os resultados apontam para tendência diária positiva para as estações Jardim Primavera e Pilar; predominância dos eventos mais relevantes de concentração no período da noite e tarde; bem como, correlação positiva, em quase todos os anos, entre a estação Campos Elíseos, onde se localiza a atividade petroquímica, e as demais estações. Além disso, chama atenção a expansão da atividade logística no Município que ao demandar o crescente trânsito de veículos automotores pode contribuir significativamente com a deteriorização da qualidade do ar na área de estudo.
ESTIMATIVA DA POLUIÇÃO VEICULAR E QUALIDADE DO AR NAS PRINCIPAIS VIAS DO SISTEMA VIÁRIO DA REGIÃO CENTRAL DA CIDADE DE JUIZ DE FORA – MG
Authors: Ferreira Cássia Castro Martins , Oliveira Daiane Evangelista
Published: December 2016

O aumento da população urbana vêm requerendo um crescente processo de mobilidade, porém vem se privilegiando os automóveis, aumentando sobremaneira o número de carros nas ruas e a consequente poluição atmosférica. Tornando vital para o controle da poluição do ar e visando a melhoria da qualidade de vida urbana torna-se fundamental deter o controle, monitoramento e estabelecer medidas para que a poluição do ar não se agrave. Desta forma, o presente artigo aplica para as principais vias do sistema viário da área central da cidade de Juiz de Fora, uma metodologia proposta por Taco (2006) e Filizola (2005) de estimativa da poluição veicular, permitindo conhecer a quantidade de CO e NOx /g/km/h. Os valores estimados permitiram criar cenários dos níveis de emissão veicular na área de estudo. Além disso, foi estabelecido uma série de mapeamentos temáticos da área de estudo afim de avaliar a contribuição do espaço urbano nos processos de dispersão/concentração da poluição nos diferentes pontos de contagem veicular. Por fim foi verificada a relação entre os valores estimados e o Índice de qualidade do ar (CETESB, 2013), no qual detecta-se que as piores condições de poluição atmosférica estão presentes nas vias mais estreitas e com acentuado fluxo de veículos.
Role of T‐Cell Dysfunction, Inflammation, and Coagulation in Microvascular Disease in HIV
Authors: Sinha Arjun , Ma Yifei , Scherzer Rebecca , Hur Sophia , Li Danny , Ganz Peter , Deeks Steven G. , Hsue Priscilla Y.
Published: December 2016

Background

Compared to uninfected adults,
HIV
‐infected adults on antiretroviral therapy are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Given the increase in T‐cell dysfunction, inflammation, and coagulation in
HIV
infection, microvascular dysfunction is thought to contribute to this excess cardiovascular risk. However, the relationships between these variables remain undefined.

Methods and Results

This was a cross‐sectional study of 358
HIV
‐infected adults from the
SCOPE
cohort. Macrovascular endothelial function was assessed using flow‐mediated dilation of the brachial artery and microvascular function by reactive hyperemia. T‐cell phenotype was determined by flow cytometry. Plasma markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein,
sCD
14) and coagulation (fibrinogen, D‐dimer) were also measured. In all
HIV
+ subjects, markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor‐α, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein), coagulation (D‐dimer) and T‐cell activation (
CD
8+
PD
1+,
CD
4+interferon+cytomegalovirus‐specific) were associated with worse reactive hyperemia after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and co‐infections. In treated and suppressed subjects, tumor necrosis factor‐α and
CD
8+
PD
1+ cells remained associated with worse reactive hyperemia after adjustment. Compared to the untreated subjects,
CD
8+
PD
1+ cells were increased in the virally suppressed group. Reactive hyperemia was predictive of flow‐mediated dilation.

Conclusions

CD
8+
PD
1+ cells and tumor necrosis factor‐α were associated with microvascular dysfunction in all
HIV
+ subjects and the treated and suppressed group. Additionally, D‐dimer, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein,
sCD
‐14, and interleukin‐6 were associated with microvascular dysfunction in all
HIV
+ subjects. Although T‐cell dysfunction, inflammation, and microvascular dysfunction are thought to play a role in cardiovascular disease in
HIV
, this study is the first to look at which T‐cell and inflammatory markers are associated with microvascular dysfunction in
HIV
‐infected individuals.
Cystatin C Is a Crucial Endogenous Protective Determinant Against Stroke
Authors: Fang Zongping , Deng Jiao , Wu Zhixin , Dong Beibei , Wang Shiquan , Chen Xiaodan , Nie Huang , Dong Hailong , Xiong Lize
Published: December 2016

Background and Purpose—

Endogenous neuroprotection can be induced by ischemic and nonischemic preconditioning. However, not all subjects that undergo preconditioning exhibit similar favorable outcome. This study is to explore the molecules responsible for this phenomenon and find new therapeutic targets for stroke.

Methods—

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. High-throughput proteomic technique, isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification, was used to screen differentially expressed proteins in the rats that developed ischemic tolerance from hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) preconditioning. The proteomic results were verified by Western blot and ELISA. Then, short interfering RNA and gene knockout rats were used to further determine the pivotal role of candidate proteins in HBO preconditioning–induced endogenous neuroprotection. Finally, lysosomal permeability was tested to elaborate the mechanism underlying this intrinsic neuroprotective effect.

Results—

Nine proteins differentially expressed in the serum of rats, which acquired benefits from HBO preconditioning, were screened and identified. Western blot and ELISA revealed that cystatin C (CysC) and mannose-binding lectin protein C were uniquely changed in rats with smaller infarction after HBO preconditioning and cerebral ischemia. Knockdown and knockout of CysC abolished HBO-induced neuroprotection. Moreover, HBO-induced endogenous CysC elevation preserved lysosomal membrane integrity after stroke in wild-type rats but not in CysC siRNA infusion or CysC
−
/−
rats. Most importantly, exogenous CysC also induced neuroprotection against ischemic/reperfusion injury.

Conclusions—

CysC is a crucial determinant contributing to endogenous neuroprotection. It is also a novel candidate for stroke treatment through maintaining lysosomal membrane integrity.
Sowing the Seeds of Diplomacy on Hard American Ground
Authors: Oglesby Donna Marie
Published: December 2016

Diplomacy is a neglected field in American higher education. Both practitioners and academics have repeatedly cast the seeds to grow the discipline in the United States, but with limited germination. Although diplomacy curricula are rare, courses do exist. Following a review of 75 syllabuses and lengthy interviews with many of their authors, this article’s author finds that academics and practitioners teaching the limited number of diplomacy courses make very different choices in content and pedagogy. Drawing on over 25 years of diplomatic practice followed by twenty years teaching at the college level, she evaluates why the main institutions of American society do not support diplomacy as either a profession or a field of study. The article argues that the few ‘resident gardeners’ rarely stray from their own plots to ‘fieldscape’ together in hard American ground.
Platanthera fujianense (Orchidaceae, Orchideae), a putatively holomycotrophic orchid from eastern China
Authors: CHEN BING-HUA , JIN XIAO-HUA
Published: December 2016

Platanthera consists about 150–200 species and is among the largest terrestrial orchid genera; it is distributed across Asia, North America and Europe with a few species extending into North Africa and Central America (Bateman et al. 2003, 2009, Chase et al. 2015, Chen et al. 2009, Luer 1975, Pearce & Cribb 2002, Pridgeon et al. 2001, Lang 1999, Efimov 2016, Raskoti et al. 2016). There are about 50 species of Platanthera in China, out of which 25 species are endemic (Lang 1999, Chen et al. 2009, Jin et al. 2012, 2013,2014,2015, Efimov 2016). During fieldwork in eastern China, a leafless but visibly green Platanthera was discovered. This species is sympatric and similar to Platanthera minor, but it is easy to distinguish from the latter on the basis of vegetative and floral characters. Here we considered this little known Platanthera as a new species.
A new species of Lessertia (Galegeae, Leguminosae) from Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: VAN WYK BEN-ERIK , NKONKI TANDIWE , VAN WYK TEODOR
Published: December 2016

A new species of Lessertia, L. uniflora, is described. It is morphologically similar to L. mossii but differs in the decumbent habit, slender stems, longer leaves, shorter, thinner peduncles and especially in the almost invariably single-flowered inflorescences, the smaller flowers, glabrous style, larger winged fruits and more numerous seeds. It appears to be a rare species and is known from only one small population in the Marievale Bird Sanctuary southeast of Johannesburg in Gauteng Province, South Africa.
Nomenclatural notes on Piper Linn. (Piperaceae) from India
Authors: MUKHERJEE PRASANTA KUMAR
Published: December 2016

More than a century ago, the comprehensive account of the Piperaceae in the Flora of British India by Hooker (1886) listed 45 species of Piper (including Pothomorphe) and ten species of Peperomia from India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka as well as the Indonesian islands Java and Sumatra. The genus Piper was treated under six sections, wherein he listed 28 species from present day India. Several years later, C. de Candolle (1923) recognized 95 species of Piper and eight of Peperomia from India, including 41 species of Piper that were new, although they were not described fully until 1925. A number of new species and varieties were also added by Van Heurck & Müller Argoviensis (1871), C. de Candolle (1910, 1912), Gamble (1924), Ravindran et al. (1987), Babu et al. (1993), Gajurel et al. (2001 a & b, 2007), Lekhak et al. (2012), and Mathew et al. (2016). In the meantime, some regional accounts of the genus Piper were also published, including Rahiman & Nair (1987) from Karnataka, Gajurel et al. (2002, 2008) from Arunachal Pradesh, and Das et al. (2010) from Terai Duars, Darjeeling, and Sikkim. Long (1984) published an account of Piperaceae from Bhutan that included records from Sikkim, wherein he suggested some new synonyms. A critical examination of these publications points to their limitations concerning some of the identities and nomenclature.
Replacement names for two homonyms of Liothrips brevitubus Karny: one from California, the other for a species damaging Jatropha crops in Mexico
Authors: MOUND LAURENCE , GOLDARAZENA ARTURO , LOPEZ-GUILLEN GUILLERMO , HANCE THIERRY
Published: December 2016

There are nearly 280 species of Liothrips listed from around the world (ThripsWiki 2016), all of them presumably feeding and breeding on the leaves of higher plants, and sometimes inducing or being associated with galls (Mound 1994). Despite this, for most of these species the identity of the plant species on which they are dependent is rarely known, and a particularly high proportion of the species are based on few specimens or even single individuals (cf Table 1). As a result, the identity of many of these named species continues to be in doubt. Modern identification keys are available only to the 23 Liothrips species known from Japan (Okajima 2006), the four European species known from Iran (Minaei & Mound 2014), and 14 species from Illinois (Stannard 1968). In contrast, the keys to 16 species of Liothrips from Brazil (Moulton 1933), to more than 80 species from Indonesia (Priesner 1968), and to 50 species from India (Ananthakrishnan & Sen 1980), are of little more than archival interest, in that they are based on few specimens with little allowance for intraspecific variation. Mound & Marullo (1996) listed over 80 Liothrips species from the Americas, although some of these are now placed in Pseudophilothrips (see Mound et al. 2010). That list included two homonyms of the Indonesian species Liothrips brevitubus Karny, one from Mexico and one from California. The homonym from Mexico is here recognised as applying to a species that in 2015 caused severe damage to a crop of Jatropha curcas in Chiapas. The objectives here are to provide a valid name for this pest, to facilitate its recognition among the 13 species of Liothrips recorded from Mexico (Table I), and also to replace the homonym from California.
The Impact of Moist Frontogenesis and Tropopause Undulation on the Intensity, Size, and Structural Changes of Hurricane Sandy (2012)
Authors: Shin Jung Hoon , Zhang Da-Lin
Published: December 2016

This study examines the relative roles of moist frontogenesis and tropopause undulation in determining the intensity, size, and structural changes of Hurricane Sandy using a high-resolution cloud-resolving model. A 138-h simulation reproduces Sandy’s four distinct development stages: (i) rapid intensification, (ii) weakening, (iii) steady maximum surface wind but with large continued sea level pressure (SLP) falls, and (iv) reintensification. Results show typical correlations between intensity changes, sea surface temperature, and vertical wind shear during the first two stages. The large SLP falls during the last two stages are mostly caused by Sandy’s northward movement into lower-tropopause regions associated with an eastward-propagating midlatitude trough, where the associated lower-stratospheric warm air wraps into the storm and its surrounding areas. The steady maximum surface wind occurs because of the widespread SLP falls with weak gradients lacking significant inward advection of absolute angular momentum (AAM). Meanwhile, three spiral frontogenetic zones and associated rainbands develop internally in the outer northeastern quadrant during the last three stages when Sandy’s southeasterly warm current converges with an easterly cold current associated with an eastern Canadian high. Cyclonic inward advection of AAM along each frontal rainband accounts for the continued expansion of the tropical storm–force wind and structural changes, while deep convection in the eyewall and merging of the final two surviving frontogenetic zones generate a spiraling jet in Sandy’s northwestern quadrant, leading to its reintensification prior to landfall. The authors conclude that a series of moist frontogenesis plays a more important role than the lower-stratospheric warmth in determining Sandy’s size, intensity, and structural changes.
Long-term outcome of acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with all-trans-retinoic acid, arsenic trioxide, and gemtuzumab
Authors: Abaza Yasmin , Kantarjian Hagop , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Estey Elihu , Borthakur Gautam , Jabbour Elias , Faderl Stefan , O’Brien Susan , Wierda William , Pierce Sherry , Brandt Mark , McCue Deborah , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Patel Keyur , Kornblau Steven , Kadia Tapan , Daver Naval , DiNardo Courtney , Jain Nitin , Verstovsek Srdan , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Andreeff Michael , Konopleva Marina , Estrov Zeev , Foudray Maria , McCue David , Cortes Jorge , Ravandi Farhad
Published: December 2016

Key Points

The combination of ATRA and ATO, with or without GO, is effective and safe for newly diagnosed APL patients, including the high-risk subset. Long-term follow-up suggests the responses are durable, with very rare relapses.
Inflammasome biology taught by Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Mascarenhas Danielle P A , Zamboni Dario S
Published: December 2016

Inflammasomes are multimeric protein complexes that assemble in the cytosol of many types of cells, including innate immune cells. The inflammasomes can be activated in response to infection or in response to stress signals that induce damage in the host cell membranes. These platforms trigger inflammatory processes, cell death, and the control of microbial replication. Many inflammasomes have been described so far, including NLRP3, NAIP/NLRC4, caspase-11, and AIM2. The ligand for NLRP3 is still unidentified, but the efflux of K+ is essential for NLRP3 activation. By contrast, inflammasomes, such as those composed of NAIP/NLRC4, caspase-11, and AIM2, can be activated by bacterial flagellin, LPS, and dsDNA. The knowledge of inflammasome biology has advanced tremendously in the last decade, fostered by the use of model organisms, such as Legionella pneumophila. This bacterium evolved, infecting unicellular protozoa in freshwater environments, and the human infection is accidental. Thus, L. pneumophila did not evolve sophisticated mechanisms to inhibit mammalian innate immunity. For this reason, it has emerged as a very appropriate model of a pathogenic microbe for the investigation of inflammasome biology. In this review, we highlight the current information regarding the biology of inflammasomes and emphasize the advances achieved using L. pneumophila. We also describe the inflammasomes activated in response to L. pneumophila infection and discuss the effector mechanisms that operate to clear the infection.
Haloperidol Versus Ondansetron for Treatment of Established Nausea and Vomiting Following General Anesthesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Yazbeck-Karam Vanda G. , Siddik-Sayyid Sahar M. , Barakat Hanane B. , Korjian Serge , Aouad Marie T.
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND:

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic. At low doses, it is a useful agent for the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, its use for treating established PONV has not been well studied.

METHODS:

This randomized double-blinded trial tested whether haloperidol is noninferior to ondansetron for the early treatment of established PONV in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. The primary outcome is whether patients were PONV free during the first 4 hours. The noninferiority margin was set at 15%. One hundred twenty patients with PONV received either haloperidol 1 mg intravenously (n = 60) or ondansetron 4 mg intravenously (n = 60).

RESULTS:

Data from 112 patients (59 in the haloperidol group and 53 in the ondansetron group) were analyzed. Thirty-five patients (52%) in the haloperidol group received 1 or 2 prophylactic antiemetics compared with 42 (79%) in the ondansetron group. Haloperidol was noninferior to ondansetron for the end point of complete response to treatment (defined as the rate of PONV-free patients) for the early (0–4 hour) and the 0- to 24-hour postoperative periods by both the per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses. In the per-protocol analysis, complete responses in the early period were noted in 35 of 59 patients (59%) and 29 of 53 patients (55%) for the haloperidol and ondansetron groups, respectively (difference 5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −13% to 22 %), and in the 0- to 24-hour period in 31 of 59 patients (53%) and 26 of 53 patients (49%) for the haloperidol and ondansetron groups, respectively (difference 4%; 95% CI of the difference: −15% to 21%). In the intention-to-treat analysis, complete responses in the early period were noted in 35 of 60 patients (58%) and 29 of 60 patients (48%) for the haloperidol and ondansetron groups, respectively (difference 10%; 95% CI of difference: −8% to 27%) and in the 0- to 24-hour period in 31 of 60 patients (52%) and 26 of 60 patients (43%) for the haloperidol and ondansetron groups, respectively (difference 8%; 95% CI of the difference: −9% to 25%). All other PONV secondary outcomes were comparable. Twenty-five percent of patients in the haloperidol group were sedated versus 2% in the ondansetron group (P < .001; difference 23%; 95% CI of the difference: 11%–36%). Pain, satisfaction scores, need for analgesics, and changes in QTc intervals were not different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Haloperidol is at worst 13% and 8% less effective than ondansetron by per-protocol analysis and by intention-to-treat analysis, respectively. Thus, it is noninferior to ondansetron for the early treatment of established PONV, but is associated with sedation.
The Analgesic Effects of (5R,6R)6-(3-Propylthio-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1] Octane on a Mouse Model of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Wang Yong-Jie , Zuo Zhen-Xing , Zhang Mei , Feng Zhi-Hui , Yan Min , Li Xiang-Yao
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND:

Both pharmacologic and genetic approaches have been used to study the involvement of the muscarinic acetylcholine system in the regulation of chronic pain. Previous studies suggest that the M2 and M4 subtypes of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are important targets for the development of chronic pain. (5R,6R)6-(3-Propylthio-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1] octane (PTAC) has agonist effects on muscarinic M2 and M4 receptors and antagonist effects on muscarinic M1, M3, and M5 receptors. However, its analgesic effects have been less studied.

METHODS:

Male C57B L/6 mice were anesthetized, and left common peroneal nerve (CPN) ligation was performed to induce neuropathic pain. Before and after the application of PTAC systemically or specifically to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimulation and static weight balance were measured, and the effects of PTAC on the conditioned place preference (CPP) were further evaluated. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of M1 and M2 in the striatum, ACC, and ventral tegmental area.

RESULTS:

The application of PTAC ([i.p.] intraperitoneal injection) increased the paw withdraw threshold in both the early (0.05 mg/kg, mean difference [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.19 [0.05–0.32]; 0.10 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.34 [0.22–0.46]) and the late phases (0.05 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.45 [0.39–0.50]; 0.1 mg/kg: mean difference [95% CI]: 0.44 [0.37–0.51]) after nerve injury and rebalanced the weight distribution on the hind paws of mice (L/R ratio: before, 0.56 ± 0.03. 0.05 mg/kg, 1.00 ± 0.04, 0.10 mg/kg, 0.99 ± 0.03); however, it failed to induce place preference in the CPP (0.05 mg/kg, 2-way analysis of variance, P > .05; 0.2 mg/kg, 2-way analysis of variance, P > .05,). At the same doses, the analgesic effects at D3–5 lasted longer than the effects at D14–16. This may be due to the down-regulation of the M2 and M1 in tested brain regions.

CONCLUSIONS:

These observations suggested that PTAC has analgesic effects on the neuropathic pain induced by nerve injury.
Standardized echocardiographic assessment of cardiac function in normal adult zebrafish and heart disease models
Authors: Wang Louis W. , Huttner Inken G. , Santiago Celine F. , Kesteven Scott H. , Yu Ze Yan , Feneley Michael P. , Fatkin Diane
Published: December 2016

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an increasingly popular model organism in cardiovascular research. Major insights into cardiac developmental processes have been gained by studies of embryonic zebrafish. However, the utility of zebrafish for modeling adult-onset heart disease has been limited by a lack of robust methods for in vivo evaluation of cardiac function. We established a physiological protocol for underwater zebrafish echocardiography using high frequency ultrasound, and evaluated its reliability in detecting altered cardiac function in two disease models. Serial assessment of cardiac function was performed in wild-type zebrafish aged 3 to 12 months and the effects of anesthetic agents, age, sex, and background strain were evaluated. There was a varying extent of bradycardia and ventricular contractile impairment with different anesthetic drugs and doses, with tricaine 0.75 mmolL−1 having a relatively more favorable profile. When compared with males, female fish were larger and had more measurement variability. Although age-related increments in ventricular chamber size were greater in females than males, there were no sex differences when data were normalized to body size. Systolic ventricular function was similar in both sexes at all time-points, but differences in diastolic function were evident from 6 months onwards. Wild-type fish of both sexes showed a reliance on atrial contraction for ventricular diastolic filling. Echocardiographic evaluation of adult zebrafish with diphtheria toxin-induced myocarditis or anemia-induced volume overload accurately identified ventricular dilation and altered contraction, with suites of B-mode, ventricular strain, pulsed-wave Doppler and tissue Doppler indices showing concordant changes indicative of myocardial hypocontractility or hypercontractility, respectively. Repeatability, intra-observer and inter-observer correlations for echocardiographic measurements were high. We demonstrate that high frequency echocardiography allows reliable in vivo cardiac assessment in adult zebrafish and make recommendations for optimizing data acquisition and analysis. This enabling technology reveals new insights into zebrafish cardiac physiology and provides an imaging platform for zebrafish-based translational research.
C–H Borylation by Platinum Catalysis
Authors: Furukawa Takayuki , Tobisu Mamoru , Chatani Naoto
Published: December 2016

Herein, we describe the platinum-catalyzed borylation of aromatic C–H bonds. N-Heterocyclic carbene-ligated platinum catalysts are found to be efficient catalysts for the borylation of aromatic C(sp2)–H bonds when bis(pinacolato)diboron is used as the boron source. The most remarkable feature of these Pt catalysts is their lack of sensitivity towards the degree of steric hindrance around the C–H bonds undergoing the borylation reaction. These Pt catalysts allow for the synthesis of sterically congested 2,6-disubstituted phenylboronic esters, which are otherwise difficult to synthesize using existing C–H borylation methods. Furthermore, platinum catalysis allows for the site-selective borylation of the C–H bonds ortho to fluorine substituents in fluoroarene systems. Preliminary mechanistic studies and work towards the synthetic application of this platinum catalyzed C–H borylation process are described.
Revisiting GNRA and UNCG folds: U-turns versus Z-turns in RNA hairpin loops
Authors: D'Ascenzo Luigi , Leonarski Filip , Vicens Quentin , Auffinger Pascal
Published: December 2016

When thinking about RNA three-dimensional structures, coming across GNRA and UNCG tetraloops is perceived as a boon since their folds have been extensively described. Nevertheless, analyzing loop conformations within RNA and RNP structures led us to uncover several instances of GNRA and UNCG loops that do not fold as expected. We noticed that when a GNRA does not assume its “natural” fold, it adopts the one we typically associate with a UNCG sequence. The same folding interconversion may occur for loops with UNCG sequences, for instance within tRNA anticodon loops. Hence, we show that some structured tetranucleotide sequences starting with G or U can adopt either of these folds. The underlying structural basis that defines these two fold types is the mutually exclusive stacking of a backbone oxygen on either the first (in GNRA) or the last nucleobase (in UNCG), generating an oxygen–π contact. We thereby propose to refrain from using sequences to distinguish between loop conformations. Instead, we suggest using descriptors such as U-turn (for “GNRA-type” folds) and a newly described Z-turn (for “UNCG-type” folds). Because tetraloops adopt for the largest part only two (inter)convertible turns, we are better able to interpret from a structural perspective loop interchangeability occurring in ribosomes and viral RNA. In this respect, we propose a general view on the inclination for a given sequence to adopt (or not) a specific fold. We also suggest how long-noncoding RNAs may adopt discrete but transient structures, which are therefore hard to predict.
An open and transparent process to select ELIXIR Node Services as implemented by ELIXIR-UK
Authors: Hancock John M. , Game Alf , Ponting Chris P. , Goble Carole A.
Published: December 2016

ELIXIR is the European infrastructure established specifically for the sharing and sustainability of life science data. To provide up-to-date resources and services, ELIXIR needs to undergo a continuous process of refreshing the services provided by its national Nodes. Here we present the approach taken by ELIXIR-UK to address the advice by the ELIXIR Scientific Advisory Board that Nodes need to develop “mechanisms to ensure that each Node continues to be representative of the Bioinformatics efforts within the country”. ELIXIR-UK put in place an open and transparent process to identify potential ELIXIR resources within the UK during late 2015 and early to mid-2016. Areas of strategic strength were identified and Expressions of Interest in these priority areas were requested from the UK community. A set of criteria were established, in discussion with the ELIXIR Hub, and prospective ELIXIR-UK resources were assessed by an independent committee set up by the Node for this purpose. Of 19 resources considered, 14 were judged to be immediately ready to be included in the UK ELIXIR Node’s portfolio. A further five were placed on the Node’s roadmap for future consideration for inclusion. ELIXIR-UK expects to repeat this process regularly to ensure its portfolio continues to reflect its community’s strengths.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection: an innate perspective
Authors: Johansson Cecilia
Published: December 2016

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of upper respiratory tract infection in children and adults. However, infection with this virus sometimes leads to severe lower respiratory disease and is the major cause of infant hospitalisations in the developed world. Several risk factors such as baby prematurity and congenital heart disease are known to predispose towards severe disease but previously healthy, full-term infants can also develop bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia during RSV infection. The causes of severe disease are not fully understood but may include dysregulation of the immune response to the virus, resulting in excessive recruitment and activation of innate and adaptive immune cells that can cause damage. This review highlights recent discoveries on the balancing act of immune-mediated virus clearance versus immunopathology during RSV infection.
Recent advances in understanding photosynthesis
Authors: Flügge Ulf-Ingo , Westhoff Peter , Leister Dario
Published: December 2016

Photosynthesis is central to all life on earth, providing not only oxygen but also organic compounds that are synthesized from atmospheric CO2and water using light energy as the driving force. The still-increasing world population poses a serious challenge to further enhance biomass production of crop plants. Crop yield is determined by various parameters,inter aliaby the light energy conversion efficiency of the photosynthetic machinery. Photosynthesis can be looked at from different perspectives: (i) light reactions and carbon assimilation, (ii) leaves and canopy structure, and (ii) source-sink relationships. In this review, we discuss opportunities and prospects to increase photosynthetic performance at the different layers, taking into account the recent progress made in the respective fields.
Biography of Professor Eber Landau and his contribution to anthropology, anatomy and neurology at the universities in Estonia, Lithuania and Switzerland
Authors: Vitkus Aleksandras , Arend Andres , Puusepp Margus , Aunapuu Marina , Siudikas Vytautas
Published: December 2016

This article provides an overview of the scientific activities of Professor Eber Landau (1878–1959) in Estonia, Lithuania, France, and Switzerland. In addition to providing chronological data about the academic life of Prof. Landau, in particular at the Universities of Tartu, Bern, Kaunas, and Lausanne, the article emphasizes his contribution to the development of anatomy, anthropology, histological techniques, neurohistology, and neurology. In the latter two fields, the eponyms Landau reflex, or radiopronator superius reflex, and synarmotic cells of Landau, a subtype of non-traditional large neurons in the granular layer of the cerebellar cortex, have engraved his name in medical history.
Organization of University Corporate Interaction with Employers in the Process of Realization of the Basic Educational Programs
Authors: Горлова  , Gorlova Olga , Кириллова  , Kirillova O. , Никулин  , Nikulin Vladimir
Published: December 2016

The authors raise the issue of using the entrepreneurial approach in the implementation of major educational

programs in higher education, offering to organize the process of interaction with the focus on one of the

major groups of stakeholders of the educational organization – employers.
FORMS AND METHODS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON THE LAW OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Authors: Ноздрачев Александр , Nozdrachyev Alyeksandr , Автономов Алексей , Avtonomov Alyeksyey
Published: December 2016

The conceptual framework system of public administration instills increasingly in terms of actual meaning towards the concept of “conflict of interest” as one of the most important legal means to combat corruption. The article examines the forms and methods of conflict of interests. The authors argue that the primary duty of a person, who sits in for an office that involves the obligation to take measures to prevent and resolve conflicts of interest (the side of conflict of interest), is to notify the representative employer about a risen conflict of interest or the possibility of its occurrence. These persons should carry out their state and official activities in a way to anticipate the risks of conflict of interest and to do it as efficiently as possible to try to “manage conflicts” that may arise. The article substantiates the need to clarify the notice forms of conflict of interests. Along with the assignment of certificates of income, property and property obligations it is suitable to assign a declaration of private interests to the employer representative taking into account the experience of these types of notices in foreign countries. The article analyzes in detail the powers of the representative of employer to prevent and resolve conflicts of interest, including the obligation to inform the person who is a party to the conflict of interests, the existence of dangerous conflict situation and the inadmissibility of certain actions. Preventing or resolving conflicts of interest by the employer representative may consist of: a change in the official position or status of the person who is a party to the conflict of interest; his removal, rejection or disqualification of the notice and other processes for resolving conflicts of interests. The authors propose further improvement of prevention methods and conflict of interests’ settlement based on the foreign countries experience.