bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Analysis of the Safety Profile of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in 1176 Patients Receiving Home Infusion Therapy
Authors: Souayah Nizar , Pahwa Ankit , Burawski Lauren , Opila Tamara , Sander Howard W.
Published: May 2018

Objectives:

This analysis assessed the safety of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in the treatment of patients with neuroimmunological and immunological disorders in a home-based setting.

Methods:

Adverse reactions (ARs) were assessed in a retrospective review of 1176 patients receiving 28,677 home-based IVIg infusions between 1996 and 2013.

Results:

Of 1176 patients, 648 (55.1%) experienced IVIg-related ARs; 536 (45.6%) were mild, 78 (6.6%) moderate, and 34 (2.9%) severe. Thirty-seven (3.1%) patients were hospitalized because of ARs; of these, headache was most common (51.4%). Mean number of ARs per patient increased from 1.4 (low dose) to 3.6 (high dose). Incidence of ARs increased from 41% in the first 5-year moving average in 2003 to 65% in 2008. The number of ARs correlated with the number of infusions (ρ = 0.24; P < 0.001) and the average IVIg dose (ρ = 0.10; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Low- and high-dose IVIg were safe and well tolerated with a few serious ARs in patients with neuroimmunological and immunological disorders.
Novel Mutation in Anoctamin 5 Gene Causing Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2L
Authors: Peddareddygari Leema Reddy , Oberoi Kinsi , Baisre-De Leon Ada , Grewal Raji P.
Published: May 2018

We report a 49-year-old man who presented with a history of asymmetric weakness. His neurological examination and electromyogram testing suggested the presence of a myopathy. A muscle biopsy confirmed the presence of a myopathy with several lobulated, whorled and ring fibers, and it showed no evidence of inflammation. Genetic testing of more than 50 genes known to cause myopathy was performed and demonstrates the presence of the common founder mutation in ANO5 gene c.191dupA, which he inherited from his unaffected father. In addition, he inherited a novel mutation, c.1063C>T (p.L355F) in exon 11 of ANO5 gene from his unaffected mother. The founder mutation is a known pathogenic variant and, based on our protein modeling analysis, the novel c.1063C>T (p.L355F) variant is likely pathogenic. This indicates that he is a compound heterozygote, providing strong support for the diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2L.
What is in the Myopathy Literature?
Authors: Lacomis David
Published: May 2018

This update covers the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled study that provides evidence that lamotrigine is effective in treating nondystrophic myotonias. Next, an overview of adverse effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors is provided, and the association of autoimmune myopathy and these monoclonal antibody therapies is discussed in light of recent reports. Last, the utility of electrodiagnostic testing in patients with intensive care unit weakness is addressed with emphasis on the high sensitivity and specificity of prolonged compound muscle action potential amplitudes in diagnosing critical illness myopathy.
Fisher–Pharyngeal–Cervical–Brachial Overlap Syndrome With Novel Ganglioside Antibodies
Authors: Pedavally Swetha , Hernández Zulma M. , Zeidman Lawrence A.
Published: May 2018

Several variants of Guillain–Barré syndrome have been described. The Fisher syndrome (FS) presents with ataxia, areflexia, and ophthalmoparesis. The pharyngeal–cervical–brachial (PCB) variant presents with bulbar weakness, along with arm and neck weakness. The 2 variant syndromes can overlap. Both the isolated and overlap syndromes respond to immunomodulatory treatment, thus are important to recognize clinically. Ganglioside antibodies are detectable in the variant syndromes and may aid in their diagnosis. The FS typically is associated with anti-GQ1b antibodies, and PCB is typically associated with anti-GT1a antibodies, whereas the overlap syndrome may have both ganglioside antibody subtypes. We present a case of overlap FS–PCB syndrome with a novel ganglioside antibody profile of GM1 and GD1b antibodies, which typically are associated with other variant syndromes. This case suggests the need for all ganglioside antibodies to be tested in suspected variant Guillain–Barré syndromes. The antibodies may prove especially useful in cases in which the clinical diagnosis is ambiguous.
Case of Anti–Single Recognition Particle–Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy After Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Mamarabadi Mansoureh , Baisre Ada , Leitch Megan , Hsu Vivien , Kanduri Jaya S. , Chen Shan
Published: May 2018

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy is a very rare inflammatory disease affecting skeletal muscles. Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy may be associated with myositis-specific autoantibodies including anti–single recognition particle and anti–3-hydroxy-3- methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, infectious agents (HIV or hepatitis C), other connective tissue disorders (such as scleroderma), and malignancy. We reported a 28-year-old healthy woman presented with subacute onset ascending muscle weakness 2 weeks after an annual influenza vaccination. Cerebral Spinal Fluid study showed normal cell counts with elevated protein and nerve conduction study showed reduced diffuse compound muscle action potential amplitudes suggesting a diagnosis of Guillain–Barré syndrome. Despite treatment using intravenous immunoglobulin, her condition continued to get worse with new bulbar and respiratory muscle weakness. Eventually, the diagnosis of anti–single recognition particle–mediated necrotizing myopathy was made based on elevated creatine kinase, thigh magnetic resonance imaging, muscle biopsy, and positive antibody testing. Our patient responded to the combination of intravenous immunoglobulin, prednisone, and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab.
Lumbosacral Radiculoplexopathy as the Initial Presentation of Lymphoma: A Report of 4 Cases
Authors: Marquardt Robert J. , Li Yuebing
Published: May 2018

Objectives:

To evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of 4 cases of biopsy-proven lymphomatous lumbosacral radiculoplexopathy.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review.

Results:

All patients suffered from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. A mean diagnostic delay of 10 months was encountered. Presenting symptoms in all 4 patients included back pain, radicular leg pain, and leg weakness, similar to spondylotic radiculopathy. Electrodiagnostic study showed axon loss radiculoplexopathy and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine or pelvis demonstrated nerve or nerve root enhancement. Increased uptake by lumbosacral roots/plexus on fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography aided diagnosis in 3 cases. Cytology was positive in 1 of 10 cerebrospinal fluid samples. Combined chemotherapy and radiation treatment led to clinicoradiological improvement, with residual neurological symptoms in all patients.

Conclusions:

Lymphomatous lumbosacral radiculoplexopathy should be considered in patients with progressive lumbosacral radicular symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography, but not cerebrospinal fluid, are helpful in achieving early diagnosis. Treatment responses seem favorable.
Dual-Positive CD4/CD8 Primary Cutaneous Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Previously Classified as Mycosis Fungoides a Tumor D'Emblée
Authors: Raychaudhuri Sreejata , Rahvar Maral , Jedrych Jaroslaw , Karunamurthy Arivarasan , Kruglov Oleg , Rakfal Susan , Kane Kevin , Akilov Oleg E.
Published: May 2018

Cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified represents a “waste basket” of all cases that cannot be put into another of the categories of mature cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Previously, the sudden multifocal development of cutaneous CD4+ tumors without preceding a patch or plaque stage was classified as d'emblée form of mycosis fungoides (MF). Currently, the term “MF” reserved only for the classic Alibert–Bazin type characterized by the evolution of patches, plaques, and tumors or for variants showing a similar clinical course. The authors describe a 75-year-old white woman who presented with a solitary skin tumor in the right supraclavicular region, with no lymph node or systemic involvement. Local external beam radiation treatment resulted in a complete response. The patient relapsed after 5 months with new tumors in the left neck and left upper chest. Biopsy of the lesions showed a dermal infiltrate of atypical small- to medium-sized T-lymphocytes, and immunohistochemical staining showed coexpression of CD4/CD8 in a subset of these cells, which was confirmed with flow cytometry of the tumor. Although the patient had no preceding patch or plaque stage, the authors herein report this extremely rare case of CD4/CD8 dual-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified presented as MF d'emblée and discuss the seldom similar cases published previously.
Viral Suppression in a Nationwide Sample of HIV-Infected Children on Antiretroviral Therapy in Rwanda
Authors: Nsanzimana Sabin , McArdle Flannery , Remera Eric , Mulindabigwi Augustin , Ribakare Muhayimpundu , Ndimubanzi Patrick , Kayirangwa Eugenie , Baribwira Cyprien , Riedel David J. , Ntaganira Joseph
Published: May 2018

Rwanda has made significant progress in expanding pediatric antiretroviral treatment coverage. This was a nationwide, cross-sectional study of pediatric HIV suppression rates. Of 292 children on antiretroviral treatment ≥12 months, 68.8% achieved viral suppression < 40 copies/ml, respectively. Rwanda achieved good pediatric viral suppression rates, comparable to those from other resource-limited settings, yet more efforts are needed to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target.
Effects of internet-based pain coping skills training before home exercise for individuals with hip osteoarthritis (HOPE trial): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bennell Kim L. , Nelligan Rachel K. , Rini Christine , Keefe Francis J. , Kasza Jessica , French Simon , Forbes Andrew , Dobson Fiona , Abbott J. Haxby , Dalwood Andrew , Harris Anthony , Vicenzino Bill , Hodges Paul W. , Hinman Rana S.
Published: May 2018

This assessor-, therapist-, and participant-blinded randomised controlled trial evaluated the effects of an automated internet-based pain coping skills training (PCST) program before home exercise for people with clinically diagnosed hip osteoarthritis. One hundred forty-four people were randomised to either the PCST group or the comparator group. In the first 8 weeks, the PCST group received online education and PCST, whereas the comparison group received online education only. From weeks 8 to 24, both groups visited a physiotherapist 5 times for home exercise prescription. Assessments were performed at baseline, 8, 24, and 52 weeks. Primary outcomes were hip pain on walking (11-point numerical rating scale) and physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were other measures of pain, quality-of-life, global change, self-efficacy, pain coping, pain catastrophizing, depression, anxiety, stress, physical activity, and adverse events. Primary outcomes were completed by 137 (95%), 131 (91%), and 127 (88%) participants at 8, 24, and 52 weeks, respectively. There were no significant between-group differences in primary outcomes at week 24 (change in: walking pain [mean difference 0.5 units; 95% confidence interval, −0.3 to 1.3] and function [−0.9 units; 95% confidence interval, −4.8 to 2.9]), with both groups showing clinically relevant improvements. At week 8, the PCST group had greater improvements in function, pain coping, and global improvement than comparison. Greater pain coping improvements persisted at 24 and 52 weeks. In summary, online PCST immediately improved pain coping and function but did not confer additional benefits to a subsequent exercise program, despite sustained pain coping improvements.
Predicting Performance and Non-Use in Prelingually Deaf and Late-Implanted Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Lammers Marc J. W. , Versnel Huib , Topsakal Vedat , van Zanten Gijsbert A. , Grolman Wilko
Published: May 2018

Objective:

To analyze postoperative hearing performance and independent predictors of speech perception and to assess cochlear implant nonuse in adults with prelingual deafness who received an implant during adulthood.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study including all prelingually deaf adults who received a cochlear implant at the University Medical Center Utrecht between 2000 and 2013.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Included were a total of 48 prelingually deaf patients diagnosed with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss before the age of 2 years who received their implants during adulthood.

Main Outcome Measures:

Postoperative monosyllabic word and sentence recognition scores.

Results:

The average maximum postoperative monosyllabic word score for all subjects was 25% correct. Preoperative speech perception and the extent of preoperative residual hearing were both positive independent predictors of postoperative speech recognition, explaining 47% of the variance. Almost half of the population experienced only little (27%) or no benefit (21%) of their implants in daily communication. These patients were more likely to have either no or only low-frequency residual hearing. Eventually, all subjects without any benefit became non-user.

Conclusions:

Postoperative performance of adult, prelingually deaf cochlear implant candidates, with long-term deafness is dependent on their preoperative speech perception and residual hearing. Candidates who have negligible residual hearing are expected to have no or only limited postoperative benefit of their implants and are at risk of becoming nonusers.
Bone health in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Shah Viral N. , Carpenter R. Dana , Ferguson Virginia L. , Schwartz Ann V.
Published: May 2018

Purpose of review

This article reviews recent publications on the effect of type 1 diabetes (T1D) on fracture risk, bone mineral density (BMD), bone structure, and bone tissue quality. Possible fracture prevention strategies for patients with T1D have also been reviewed.

Recent findings

T1D is associated with substantially elevated fracture risk and modestly low BMD at the femoral neck. However, BMD alone does not explain higher observed fracture risk in T1D. T1D also affects bone macro- and microstructure, characterized by thinner cortices and trabecular bone changes such as thinner and more widely spaced trabeculae. Structural bone deficit is pronounced in the presence of microvascular complications. Tissue-level changes, such as accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts, detrimental alterations of the mineral phase because of low bone turnover, and occlusion of vascular channels in bone by mineralized tissue, are implicated in pathophysiology of bone fragility in T1D. There are no guidelines on screening and prevention of osteoporotic fractures in T1D.

More studies are needed to understand the influence of T1D on structural bone quality and tissue material properties. There is a need for a prospective study to evaluate better screening strategies for diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in T1D.
SGLT inhibition: a possible adjunctive treatment for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Akturk Halis Kaan , Rewers Amanda , Garg Satish K.
Published: May 2018

Purpose of review

To identify and evaluate the recent trials of sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 and 2 (SGLT1 and SGLT2, respectively) inhibitor use in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). SGLT-2 inhibitors have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are effectively used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, many studies (phase I–III) have validated their effects beyond improving glycemic control and have shown potential adjunctive use in adult patients with T1D treated with insulin therapy alone.

Recent findings

A review of the literature showed that there is a potential adjunctive role for the SGLT inhibitors with insulin in T1D for improving glycemic control. The inTandem3 (A phase III study to evaluate the safety of sotagliflozin in patients with type 1 diabetes who have inadequate glycemic control with insulin therapy alone) and the DEPICT-1 (Dapagliflozin evaluation in patients with inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes) trials demonstrated significant benefits in adult patients with T1D. The SGLT inhibitors may become the first oral medication to be approved for adjunctive use in T1D.

The risk of diabetic ketoacidosis still remains a concern, but considering additional benefits beyond glucose control, with proper counseling and education, these medications may allow a larger number of patients to achieve target glucose control without weight gain or increased risk of hypoglycemia.
The Chinese Children and Families Cohort Study
Authors: Potischman Nancy , Fang Liwen , Hao Ling , Bailey Regan R. , Berrigan David , Berry Robert John , Brodie Alison , Chao Ann , Chen Jing , Dodd Kevin , Feng Yajing , Ma Guansheng , He Yuna , Fan Jing , Kimlin Michael , Kitahara Cari , Linet Martha , Li Zhu , Liu Ailing , Liu Yashan , Sampson Joshua , Su Joseph , Sun Jiandong , Tasevska Natasha , Yang Lichen , Yang Ruilan , Zhang Qian , Wang Ning , Wang Linhong , Yu Wang
Published: May 2018

This article reports the study design, methodological issues and early results of a pilot study testing methods for collecting nutrition, physical activity, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure data in a groundbreaking study in China. Epidemiological studies suggest that exposures across the entire life course, including in utero, early childhood, and adolescence, may be important in the etiology of adult cancers and other chronic diseases. The Chinese Children and Families Cohort Study intends to follow-up subjects from the 1993 to 1995 Community Intervention Program of folic acid supplementation for the prevention of neural tube defects. This cohort is unique in that only folic acid exposure during pregnancy varies between groups as other supplements were not available, and there were nutrient deficiencies in the populations. Prior to launching a large-scale follow-up effort, a pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility of recontacting original study participants to collect extensive diet, physical activity, and UV radiation exposure data in this population. The pilot study included 92 mothers and 184 adolescent children aged 14 to 17 years from 1 urban and 1 rural Community Intervention Program site. Subjects completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire, a 3-day food record, a physical activity questionnaire, a 3-day sun exposure diary together with 3 days of personal UV dosimetry, and 7 days of pedometry measurements and provided blood, saliva, and toenail samples. Grip strength and body composition measurements were taken, and ambient solar UV radiation was monitored in both study sites. While most of the assessments were successful, future studies would likely require different dietary intake instruments. The purpose of this report is to describe the study design and methodological issues emerging from this pilot work relevant for the follow-up of this large birth cohort.
Comparing Therapeutic versus Prophylactic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Does Indication Inform Oncologic and Reconstructive Outcomes?
Authors: Frey Jordan D. , Salibian Ara A. , Karp Nolan S. , Choi Mihye
Published: May 2018

Background:

Initially performed only in prophylactic cases, indications for nipple-sparing mastectomy have expanded. Trends and surgical outcomes stratified by nipple-sparing mastectomy indication have not yet been fully examined.

Methods:

Demographics and outcomes for all nipple-sparing mastectomies performed from 2006 to 2017 were compared by mastectomy indication.

Results:

A total of 1212 nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed: 496 (40.9 percent) for therapeutic and 716 (59.1 percent) for prophylactic indications. Follow-up time was similar between both the therapeutic and prophylactic nipple-sparing mastectomy groups (47.35 versus 46.83 months, respectively; p = 0.7942). Therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomies experienced significantly greater rates of major (p = 0.0165) and minor (p = 0.0421) infection, implant loss (p = 0.0098), reconstructive failure (p = 0.0058), and seroma (p = 0.0043). Rates of major (p = 0.4461) and minor (p = 0.2673) mastectomy flap necrosis and complete (p = 0.3445) and partial (p = 0.7120) nipple necrosis were equivalent. The overall rate of locoregional recurrence/occurrence per nipple-sparing mastectomy was 0.9 percent: 2.0 percent in therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomies and 0.1 percent in prophylactic nipple-sparing mastectomies (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Approximately 40 percent of nipple-sparing mastectomies are currently performed for therapeutic indications. Therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomies had higher rates of infectious complications and reconstructive failure. Rates of locoregional cancer recurrence/occurrence are low, but occur significantly more often after therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomy.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Healthcare Professionals’ and Patients’ Views of Discussing Sexual Well-being Poststroke
Authors: Fox Siobhan , Antony Reema M. , Foley Mary J. , O’Sullivan Dawn , Timmons Suzanne
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Stroke can cause physical and emotional problems affecting sexual well-being; healthcare professionals (HCPs) are often uncomfortable discussing this topic with patients. We explored the perspectives of HCPs and stroke survivors about barriers to discussing sexual well-being poststroke.

Design

A mixed methodology was employed.

Methods

A postal survey of stroke survivors (n = 50), a focus group with HCPs on a stroke unit (n = 6), and a focus group with community-living stroke survivors (n = 6) were used in this study. Focus group data were analyzed thematically.

Findings

No patient surveyed (60% response rate) had discussed sexual well-being with an HCP. Focus groups revealed barriers on multiple levels: structural, HCP, patient, and professional–patient interface.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals were poorly trained, adopted a passive role, and addressed sexual activity based on individual beliefs rather than having an agreed team approach.

Clinical Relevance

Relatively simple steps like inclusion in policy, training to empower HCPs, and the provision of written information for patients could help to improve practice.
Risk Factors, Depression, and Drugs Influencing Sexual Activity in Individuals With and Without Stroke
Authors: Dusenbury Wendy , Hill Twyla J. , Mosack Victoria , Steinke Elaine E.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The aim of the study was to analyze factors affecting sexual activity in individuals with and without stroke, ages 40–59 years, in a national, cross-sectional, population-based sample derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Design

Descriptive, cross-sectional survey.

Methods

Data were obtained from the NHANES (2011–2012) data set from individuals (N = 3,649) completing items related to cardiovascular risk factors, drugs, and sexual activity. Data were analyzed using chi-square, t tests, and logistic regression.

Findings

Overall, number of drugs, smoking, and depression significantly predicted sexual activity. When comparing sexually active to not sexually active, those with stroke had significantly less sexual activity (t = 2.822, p = .005) and reduced sexual activity per week or month (χ2 = 16.275, p = .005, df = 4). Those taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins had reduced sexual activity.

Conclusions/Clinical Relevance

Findings illustrate the importance of risk factor modification and nurses engaging in sexual assessment, education, and counseling to support sexual quality of life in younger individuals with stroke.
Prediction of response to drug therapy in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Stern Shani , Linker Sara , Vadodaria Krishna C. , Marchetto Maria C. , Gage Fred H.
Published: May 2018

Personalized medicine has become increasingly relevant to many medical fields, promising more efficient drug therapies and earlier intervention. The development of personalized medicine is coupled with the identification of biomarkers and classification algorithms that help predict the responses of different patients to different drugs. In the last 10 years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several genetically pre-screened drugs labelled as pharmacogenomics in the fields of oncology, pulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, haematology, neurology, rheumatology and even psychiatry. Clinicians have long cautioned that what may appear to be similar patient-reported symptoms may actually arise from different biological causes. With growing populations being diagnosed with different psychiatric conditions, it is critical for scientists and clinicians to develop precision medication tailored to individual conditions. Genome-wide association studies have highlighted the complicated nature of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and autism spectrum disorder. Following these studies, association studies are needed to look for genomic markers of responsiveness to available drugs of individual patients within the population of a specific disorder. In addition to GWAS, the advent of new technologies such as brain imaging, cell reprogramming, sequencing and gene editing has given us the opportunity to look for more biomarkers that characterize a therapeutic response to a drug and to use all these biomarkers for determining treatment options. In this review, we discuss studies that were performed to find biomarkers of responsiveness to different available drugs for four brain disorders: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression and autism spectrum disorder. We provide recommendations for using an integrated method that will use available techniques for a better prediction of the most suitable drug.
Effect of relaxation-dependent adhesion on pre-sliding response of cartilage
Authors: Han Guebum , Eriten Melih
Published: May 2018

Possible links between adhesive properties and the pre-sliding (static) friction response of cartilage are not fully understood in the literature. The aims of this study are to investigate the relation between adhesion and relaxation time in articular cartilage, and the effect of relaxation-dependent adhesion on the pre-sliding response of cartilage. Adhesion tests were performed to evaluate the work of adhesion of cartilage at different relaxation times. Friction tests were conducted to identify the pre-sliding friction response of cartilage at relaxation times corresponding to adhesion tests. The pre-sliding friction response of cartilage was systematically linked to the work of adhesion and contact conditions by a slip-based failure model. It was found that the work of adhesion increases with relaxation time. Also, the work of adhesion is linearly correlated to the resistance to slip-based failure. In addition, as the work of adhesion increases, the adhered (stick) area at the moment of failure increases, and the propagation rate of the annular slip (crack) area towards its centre increases. These findings offer a mechanistic explanation of the pre-sliding friction behaviour and stick–slip response of soft hydrated interfaces such as articular cartilage and hydrogels. In addition, the linear correlation between adhesion and threshold to slip-based failure enables estimation of the adhesive strength of such interfaces directly from the pre-sliding friction response (e.g. shear wave elastography).
Roads to pentazolate anion: a theoretical insight
Authors: Yu Tao , Ma Yi-Ding , Lai Wei-Peng , Liu Ying-Zhe , Ge Zhong-Xue , Ren Gan
Published: May 2018

The formation mechanism of pentazolate anion (PZA) is not yet clear. In order to present the possible formation pathways of PZA, the potential energy surfaces of phenylpentazole (PPZ), phenylpentazole radical (PPZ-R), phenylpentazole radical anion (PPZ-RA), PPZ and
m
-chloroperbenzoic acid (
m
-CPBA),
p
-pentazolylphenolate anion (
p
-PZPolA) and
m
-CPBA, and
p
-pentazolylphenol (
p
-PZPol) and
m
-CPBA were calculated by the computational electronic structure methods including the hybrid density functional, the double hybrid density functional and the coupled-cluster theories. At the thermodynamic point of view, the cleavages of C–N bonds of PPZ and PPZ-R need to absorb large amounts of heat. Thus, they are not feasible entrance for PZA formation at ambient condition. But excitation of PPZ and deprotonation of PPZ-RA probably happen before cleavage of C–N bond of PPZ at high-energy condition. As to the radical anion mechanism, the high accuracy calculations surveyed that the barrier of PZA formation is probably lower than that of dinitrogen evolution, but the small ionization potential of PPZ-RA gives rise to the unstable ionic pair of sodium PPZ at high temperature. In respect of oxidation mechanism, except for PPZ, the reactions of
p
-PZPolA and
p
-PZPol with
m
-CPBA can form PZA and quinone. The PZA formations have the barriers of about 20 kcal mol
−1
which compete with the dinitrogen evolutions. The stabilities of PZA in both solid and gas phases were also studied herein. The proton prefers to transfer to pentazolyl group in the (N
5
)
6
(H
3
O)
3
(NH
4
)
4
Cl system which leads to the dissociation of pentazole ring. The ground states of M(N
5
)
2
(H
2
O)
4
(M = Co, Fe and Mn) are high-spin states. The pentazolyl groups confined by the crystal waters in the coordinate compounds can improve the kinetic stability. As to the reactivity of PZA, it can be persistently oxidized by
m
-CPBA to oxo-PZA and 1,3-oxo-PZA with the barriers of about 20 kcal mol
−1
.
Preparation of a low-cost and eco-friendly superabsorbent composite based on wheat bran and laterite for potential application in Chinese herbal medicine growth
Authors: Gao Jiande , Liu Jin , Peng Hui , Wang Yaya , Cheng Sha , Lei Ziqiang
Published: May 2018

A low-cost and eco-friendly superabsorbent composite is prepared through the free-radical graft co-polymerization of wheat bran (WB), acrylic acid (AA) and laterite (LA) in an aqueous solution. Elemental map, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the LA evenly distributed in the superabsorbent composite and wheat bran-g-poly(acrylic acid)/laterite (WB-g-PAA/LA) formed successfully. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that the WB-g-PAA/LA had high thermal stability. Furthermore, the properties of the WB-g-PAA/LA, such as swelling in saline solutions and degradation, are also assessed. The final WB-g-PAA/LA (5 wt%) superabsorbent composite attained an optimum water absorbency of 1425 g g
−1
in distilled water and 72 g g
−1
in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution. The water absorbency of WB-g-PAA/LA (10 wt%) is even greater than that of the WB-g-PAA. Moreover, the water-retention capacity of WB-g-PAA/LA (5 wt%) is high, and the water-retention process followed a zero-order reaction. The reaction rate constant is 8.2428 × 10
5
exp(−
E
a
/RT
) and the apparent activation energy (
E
a
) is 35.11 kJ mol
−1
. Furthermore, WB-g-PAA/LA (5 wt%) may regulate the release of urea, indicating that the superabsorbent composite could provide a promising application as a urea fertilizer carrier. Additionally, it increased the germination and growth rates of
Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Fisch, suggesting it could influence the growth of Chinese herbal medicine.
Exaggerated groups: amplification in ensemble coding of temporal and spatial features
Authors: Kanaya Shoko , Hayashi Masamichi J. , Whitney David
Published: May 2018

The human visual system represents summary statistical information (e.g. average) along many visual dimensions efficiently. While studies have indicated that approximately the square root of the number of items in a set are effectively integrated through this ensemble coding, how those samples are determined is still unknown. Here, we report that salient items are preferentially weighted over the other less salient items, by demonstrating that the perceived means of spatial (i.e. size) and temporal (i.e. flickering temporal frequency (TF)) features of the group of items are positively biased as the number of items in the group increases. This illusory ‘amplification effect’ was not the product of decision bias but of perceptual bias. Moreover, our visual search experiments with similar stimuli suggested that this amplification effect was due to attraction of visual attention to the salient items (i.e. large or high TF items). These results support the idea that summary statistical information is extracted from sets with an implicit preferential weighting towards salient items. Our study suggests that this saliency-based weighting may reflect a more optimal and efficient integration strategy for the extraction of spatio-temporal statistical information from the environment, and may thus be a basic principle of ensemble coding.
Mitochondrial genetic effects on reproductive success: signatures of positive intrasexual, but negative intersexual pleiotropy
Authors: Camus M. Florencia , Dowling Damian K.
Published: May 2018

Theory predicts that maternal inheritance of mitochondria will facilitate the accumulation of mtDNA mutations that are male biased, or even sexually antagonistic, in effect. While there are many reported cases of mtDNA mutations conferring cytoplasmic male sterility in plants, historically it was assumed such mutations would not persist in the streamlined mitochondrial genomes of bilaterian metazoans. Intriguingly, recent cases of mitochondrial variants exerting male biases in effect have come to light in bilaterians. These cases aside, it remains unknown whether the mitochondrial genetic variation affecting phenotypic expression, and in particular reproductive performance, in bilaterians is routinely composed of sex-biased or sex-specific variation. If selection consistently favours mtDNA variants that augment female fitness, but at cost to males, this could shape patterns of pleiotropy and lead to negative intersexual correlations across mtDNA haplotypes. Here, we show that genetic variation across naturally occurring mitochondrial haplotypes affects components of reproductive success in both sexes, in the fruit flyDrosophila melanogaster. We find that intrasexual correlations across mitochondrial haplotypes, for components of reproductive success, are generally positive, while intersexual correlations are negative. These results accord with theoretical predictions, suggesting that maternal inheritance has led to the fixation of numerous mutations of sexually antagonistic effect.
ROM mapping of ligamentous constraints on avian hip mobility: implications for extinct ornithodirans
Authors: Manafzadeh Armita R. , Padian Kevin
Published: May 2018

Studies of soft tissue effects on joint mobility in extant animals can help to constrain hypotheses about joint mobility in extinct animals. However, joint mobility must be considered in three dimensions simultaneously, and applications of mobility data to extinct taxa require both a phylogenetically informed reconstruction of articular morphology and justifications for why specific structures' effects on mobility are inferred to be similar. We manipulated cadaveric hip joints of common quail and recorded biplanar fluoroscopic videos to measure a ‘ligamentous’ range of motion (ROM), which was then compared to an ‘osteological’ ROM on a ROM map. Nearly 95% of the joint poses predicted to be possible at the hip based on osteological manipulation were rendered impossible by ligamentous constraints. Because the hip joint capsule reliably includes a ventral ligamentous thickening in extant diapsids, the hip abduction of extinct ornithodirans with an offset femoral head and thin articular cartilage was probably similarly constrained by ligaments as that of birds. Consequently, in the absence of extraordinary evidence to the contrary, our analysis casts doubt on the ‘batlike’ hip pose traditionally inferred for pterosaurs and basal maniraptorans, and underscores that reconstructions of joint mobility based on manipulations of bones alone can be misleading.
Characterizing the genetic history of admixture across inner Eurasia
Authors: Jeong Choongwon , Balanovsky Oleg , Lukianova Elena , Kahbatkyzy Nurzhibek , Flegontov Pavel , Zaporozhchenko Valery , Immel Alexander , Wang Chuan-Chao , Ixan Olzhas , Khussainova Elmira , Bekmanov Bakhytzhan , Zaibert Victor , Lavryashina Maria , Pocheshkhova Elvira , Yusupov Yuldash , Agdzhoyan Anastasiya , Sergey Koshel , Bukin Andrei , Nymadawa Pagbajabyn , Churnosov Michail , Skhalyakho Roza , Daragan Denis , Bogunov Yuri , Bogunova Anna , Shtrunov Alexandr , Dubova Nadezda , Zhabagin Maxat , Yepiskoposyan Levon , Churakov Vladimir , Pislegin Nikolay , Damba Larissa , Saroyants Ludmila , Dibirova Khadizhat , Artamentova Lubov , Utevska Olga , Idrisov Eldar , Kamenshchikova Evgeniya , Evseeva Irina , Metspalu Mait , Robbeets Martine , Djansugurova Leyla , Balanovska Elena , Schiffels Stephan , Haak Wolfgang , Reich David , Krause Johannes
Published: May 2018

The indigenous populations of inner Eurasia, a huge geographic region covering the central Eurasian steppe and the northern Eurasian taiga and tundra, harbor tremendous diversity in their genes, cultures and languages. In this study, we report novel genome-wide data for 763 individuals from Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. We furthermore report genome-wide data of two Eneolithic individuals (∽5,400 years before present) associated with the Botai culture in northern Kazakhstan. We find that inner Eurasian populations are structured into three distinct admixture clines stretching between various western and eastern Eurasian ancestries. This genetic separation is well mirrored by geography. The ancient Botai genomes suggest yet another layer of admixture in inner Eurasia that involves Mesolithic hunter-gatherers in Europe, the Upper Paleolithic southern Siberians and East Asians. Admixture modeling of ancient and modern populations suggests an overwriting of this ancient structure in the Altai-Sayan region by migrations of western steppe herders, but partial retaining of this ancient North Eurasian-related cline further to the North. Finally, the genetic structure of Caucasus populations highlights a role of the Caucasus Mountains as a barrier to gene flow and suggests a post-Neolithic gene flow into North Caucasus populations from the steppe.
Characterization and identification of long non-coding RNAs based on feature relationship
Authors: Wang Guangyu , Yin Hongyan , Li Boyang , Yu Chunlei , Wang Fan , Xu Xingjian , Cao Jiabao , Bao Yiming , Wang Liguo , Abbasi Amir A. , Bajic Vladimir B. , Ma Lina , Zhang Zhang
Published: May 2018

The significance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in many biological processes and diseases has gained intense interests over the past several years. However, computational identification of lncRNAs in a wide range of species remains challenging; it requires prior knowledge of well-established sequences and annotations or species-specific training data, but the reality is that only a limited number of species have high-quality sequences and annotations. Here we first characterize lncRNAs by contrast to protein-coding RNAs based on feature relationship and find that the feature relationship between ORF (open reading frame) length and GC content presents universally substantial divergence in lncRNAs and protein-coding RNAs, as observed in a broad variety of species. Based on the feature relationship, accordingly, we further present LGC, a novel algorithm for identifying lncRNAs that is able to accurately distinguish lncRNAs from protein-coding RNAs in a cross-species manner without any prior knowledge. As validated on large-scale empirical datasets, comparative results show that LGC outperforms existing algorithms by achieving higher accuracy, well-balanced sensitivity and specificity, and is robustly effective (>90% accuracy) in discriminating lncRNAs from protein-coding RNAs across diverse species that range from plants to mammals. To our knowledge, this study, for the first time, differentially characterizes lncRNAs and protein-coding RNAs based on feature relationship, which is further applied in computational identification of lncRNAs. Taken together, our study represents a significant advance in characterization and identification of lncRNAs and LGC thus bears broad potential utility for computational analysis of lncRNAs in a wide range of species.
Improved prediction of chronological age from DNA methylation limits it as a biomarker of ageing
Authors: Zhang Qian , Vallerga Costanza L. , Walker Rosie M , Lin Tian , Henders Anjali K. , Montgomery Grant W. , He Ji , Fan Dongsheng , Fowdar Javed , Kennedy Martin , Pitcher Toni , Pearson John , Halliday Glenda , Kwok John B. , Hickie Ian , Lewis Simon , Anderson Tim , Silburn Peter A. , Mellick George D. , Harris Sarah E. , Redmond Paul , Murray Alison D. , Porteous David J. , Haley Christopher S. , Evans Kathryn L. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Yang Jian , Gratten Jacob , Marioni Riccardo E. , Wray Naomi R. , Deary Ian J. , McRae Allan F. , Visscher Peter M.
Published: May 2018

DNA methylation is associated with age. The deviation of age predicted from DNA methylation from actual age has been proposed as a biomarker for ageing. However, a better prediction of chronological age implies less opportunity for biological age. Here we used 13,661 samples (from blood and saliva) in the age range of 2 to 104 years from 14 cohorts measured on Illumina HumanMethylation450/EPIC arrays to perform prediction analyses. We show that increasing the sample size achieves a smaller prediction error and higher correlations in test datasets. We demonstrate that smaller prediction errors provide a limit to how much variation in biological ageing can be captured by methylation and provide evidence that age predictors from small samples are prone to confounding by cell composition. Our predictor shows a similar or better performance in non-blood tissues including saliva, endometrium, breast, liver, adipose and muscle, compared with Horvath’s across-tissue age predictor.
Effect of eco-remediation and microbial community using multilayer solar planted floating island (MS-PFI) in the drainage channel
Authors: Sun Zhen , Xie Dongge , Jiang Xiran , Fu Guihong , Xiao Dongxue , Zheng Liang
Published: May 2018

A multilayer solar planted floating island (MS-PFI) planted with Eichhornia crassipes are potential alternatives to traditional PFI. The highest removal rates of suspended solids, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand was 86%, 75%, 80%, 95% and 84%, respectively. Proteobacteria (average 43.4% of total sequences) and Actinobacteria (19.9%) were the dominant phyla. Numerous genus had obvious differences between influent and effluent water, for instance, 13, 12 and 7 % in effluent water were assigned to the hgcl_clade, Norank_c_Cyanobacteria, and Rhizorhapis, while their relative abundances were decreased to 5, 3 and 0 %. In contrast, a distinct increase among Flavobacterium (10%), Limnohabitans (7%), Alpinimonas (4%), norank_p_Saccharibacteria (4%), Erwinia (3%) after MS-PFI treatment. MS-PFI brings various bacteria involved in contaminant degradation and nutrient removal in biological wastewater treatment systems. An amount of ¥ 1,843 was totally inputted to construct floating bed, which was rarely needed operation and maintenance costs.

Importance

In-situ micro-polluted water ecological remediation, microorganisms and plants are effective to improve environmental quality and provide essential ecosystem services. Recently, we invent a new multilayer solar with an excellent pollutant removal efficiency. Microbes can decompose or mineralize organic matter effectively, also provide food for aquatic animals and increase nutrients or substances for plants, it is an important part of biogeochemical cycles and energy flows in aquatic ecological systems. However, few study explain the bacteria diversity and its responses between influent and effluent water in a planted floating island. The significance of our study is in identifying-in greater detail-the responses of bacteria in the new MS-PFI. This will greatly enhance our knowledge of bacteria communities, and can be widely used in micro-polluted water remediation.
Interleukin-17A Secreted from the Lung–infiltrating T Helper 17 Cells Renders Protective Immunity to PulmonaryCryptococcus neoformansInfection
Authors: Movahed Elaheh , Yi Tan Grace Min , Cheong Heng Choon , Qin Lee Chalystha Yie , Cheok Yi Ying , Tay Sun Tee , Chong Pei Pei , Wong Won Fen , Looi Chung Yeng
Published: May 2018

IL-17A has emerged as a key player in the pathologies of inflammation, autoimmune disease, and immunity to microbes since its discovery two decades ago. In this study, we aim to elucidate the activity of IL-17A in the protection againstCryptococcus neoformans, an opportunistic fungus that causes fatal meningoencephalitis among AIDS patients. For this purpose, we examined ifC. neoformansinfection triggers IL-17A secretion in thein vitrosetting using RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells, andin vivousing wildtype C57BL/6 mice. In addition, an enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) reporter and a knockout (KO) mouse models were used to track the source of IL-17A secretion and explore the protective function of IL-17A, respectively. Our findings showed that bothin vivoandin vitromodels ofC. neoformansinfection demonstrated induction of abundant IL-17A secretion. By examining the lung bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), mediastinal lymph node (mLN) and spleen of the IL-17A– EGFP reporter mice, we showed that intranasal inoculation withC. neoformanspromoted leukocytes lung infiltration. A large proportion (~50%) of the infiltrated CD4+helper T cell population secreted EGFP, indicating vigorous TH17 activity in theC. neoformans–infected lung. The infection study in IL-17A–KO mice, on the other hand, revealed that absence of IL-17A marginally boosted fungal burden in the lung and accelerated the mouse death. Therefore, our data suggest that IL-17A, released predominantly from TH17 cellsin vivo, is essential in providing a protective immunity againstC. neoformansinfection.