bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric epidemiology and disaster exposure in Australia
Authors: Reifels L. , Mills K. , Dückers M. L. A. , O'Donnell M. L.
Published: September 2017

Aims.

To examine the lifetime prevalence and risk of psychiatric disorders associated with natural and man-made disaster exposure in Australia.

Methods.

We utilised data from a nationally representative population survey (N = 8841) which were analysed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression in order to examine the full spectrum of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) affective, anxiety and substance use disorders associated with exposure to natural and man-made disaster.

Results.

Man-made disaster exposure was primarily associated with an increased lifetime risk (odds ratio (95% CI)) of alcohol abuse disorder 2.29 (1.56–3.37), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 2.27 (1.36–3.79), obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) 1.95 (1.08–3.51) and major depressive disorder 1.69 (1.01–2.85). Multiple natural disaster exposure was associated with an increased lifetime risk of panic disorder 2.26 (1.11–4.61). Among the broader disorder spectrum examined, alcohol abuse disorder accounted for the single greatest increase in lifetime disorder prevalence associated with man-made disaster exposure, and the greatest number of natural or man-made disaster exposed individuals who had developed a lifetime psychiatric disorder. Despite the relatively greater disorder risk associated with man-made disaster, natural disaster exposure was associated with more cases of psychiatric disorder, likely due to the frequency with which these events occur in Australia.

Conclusions.

Notwithstanding the inability to draw causal inferences from cross-sectional survey data, population-based analyses provide a comprehensive and consistent method to ascertain the population imprint of psychiatric disorder and disaster exposure. Mental health policy and services should be targeting a range of psychiatric disorders in disaster contexts in addition to the usual focus on PTSD and depression, including alcohol abuse, panic disorder and OCD. Despite the relatively greater disorder risk associated with man-made disaster exposure, the national burden of psychiatric disorder in natural disaster contexts is particularly high.
Ein kleiner Einstieg zu Diagnostik und Prädiktion des Lungenkarzinoms
Authors: Soltermann Alex
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. Das Lungenkarzinom ist nach wie vor einer der häufigsten menschlichen Tumoren. Die Mortalität ist hoch, da bis 70 % der Patienten erst spät im Stadium 3 / 4 diagnostiziert werden. Histologisch wird das nicht-kleinzellige Karzinom (non-small cell lung carcinoma, NSCLC) mit den Varianten Adenokarzinom, Plattenepithelkarzinom und grosszelliges Karzinom vom kleinzelligen Karzinom (small cell lung carcinoma, SCLC) unterschieden. Erstes wird primär operiert, zweites radio-chemotherapiert. Prädiktive onkogene Marker wie Mutationen im EGFR Gen sind im Wesentlichen nur beim Adenokarzinom etabliert und klinisch relevant. Eine Immuntherapie wird inzwischen jedoch bei allen Entitäten versucht. Für eine zielgerichtete personalisierte Therapie ist es deshalb zwingend notwendig, dass jeder Patient an einem Tumorboard besprochen wird, auch unter Berücksichtigung der molekularen Befunde. Für eine vollständige molekulare Untersuchung ist ausreichend Tumorgewebe notwendig.
Ovarialkarzinome – neue Aspekte in der Histopathologie, Molekularpathologie, Klinik und Therapie
Authors: Singer Gad , Güth Uwe
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. In der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit skizzieren die Autoren die jüngsten Fortschritte in der Histo- und Molekularpathologie der Ovarialkarzinome, beschreiben die histopathologischen und molekularpathologischen Veränderungen der einzelnen Ovarialkarzinom-Subtypen und gehen auch auf Klinik und Richtlinien der Therapie ein.
Pathologie neuroendokriner Neoplasien: Angepasste Klassifikation, Gradierung und TNM Einteilung 2017: “Nomen est omen?”
Authors: Grand Marie , Thielken Andrea , Perren Aurel , Komminoth Paul
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. Neuroendokrine Neoplasien (NEN) haben seit der Erstbeschreibung vor etwas mehr als 100 Jahren als „Karzinoid“ mehrfach eine Namensänderung durchlaufen und erst seit einigen Jahren besteht ein international anerkanntes Gradierungs-System sowie eine TNM-Einteilung. Obwohl sich diese in der Praxis bewährt haben, waren einzelne Feinanpassungen nötig, welche in der neuen 4. WHO-Ausgabe über endokrine Tumoren sowie der 8. TNM-Ausgabe verankert sind. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die wichtigsten Änderungen zusammengefasst. Sie beinhalten unter anderem: 1. Schaffung einer neuen Kategorie von hochproliferativen NEN mit gut differenzierter Morphologie (sog. NET G3), 2. Ersatz der Bezeichnung MANEC durch MiNEN für gemischte Tumoren, und 3. die Vereinheitlichung der ENETS, UICC sowie AJCC TNM-Einteilungen.
Lymphomdiagnostik durch den Pathologen – von der Morphologie über den Immunphänotyp bis zur Genanalyse
Authors: Menter Thomas , Tzankov Alexandar , Dirnhofer Stefan
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die Pathologie spielt eine zentrale Rolle bei der Lymphomdiagnostik. Durch die wissenschaftlichen Fortschritte der letzten Jahre ist es gelungen, eine immer präzisere Diagnostik und Zuordnung von verschiedenen Lymphomentitäten zu erreichen, was auch erhebliche Relevanz für die Therapiestrategien hat. Dieser Artikel erläutert nach einem kurzen Abriss über die Lymphadenopathie im Allgemeinen die aktuelle Rolle der Pathologie im Rahmen der Lymphomdiagnostik von der Charakterisierung der Morphologie über die Immunhistochemie bis hin zur Molekulargenetik. Er zeigt auf, dass der Pathologie neben der Erstellung der korrekten Diagnose auch immer mehr eine prognostische und prädiktive Bedeutung im Rahmen der individuellen Tumortherapie des Patienten zukommt. Die Rolle neuer genetischer Erkenntnisse, die im diagnostischen Alltag bereits einen festen Stellenwert haben und deren Widerspiegelung in der revidierten WHO-Klassifikation hämatolymphoider Neoplasien werden ebenfalls erörtert. Am Beispiel des häufigsten und klinisch relevantesten Lymphoms, dem diffusen grosszelligen B-Zell Lymphom (DLBCL), wird dies exemplarisch ausgeführt.
Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia During Sleep and Waking
Authors: Stoakley Elizabeth M. , Mathewson Karen J. , Schmidt Louis A. , Cote Kimberly A.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is related to individual differences in waking affective style and self-regulation. However, little is known about the stability of RSA between sleep/wake stages or the relations between RSA during sleep and waking affective style. We examined resting RSA in 25 healthy undergraduates during the waking state and one night of sleep. Stability of cardiac variables across sleep/wake states was highly reliable within participants. As predicted, greater approach behavior and lower impulsivity were associated with higher RSA; these relations were evident in early night Non-REM (NREM) sleep, particularly in slow wave sleep (SWS). The current research extends previous findings by establishing stability of RSA within individuals between wake and sleep states, and by identifying SWS as an optimal period of measurement for relations between waking affective style and RSA.
Honoring Earth and Space Scientists 15
Authors:   AGU
Published: September 2017

Remembering AGU members and others who have passed away.
Chemical and non-chemical stressors affecting childhood obesity: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Lichtveld Kim , Thomas Kent , Tulve Nicolle S
Published: September 2017

Childhood obesity in the United States has doubled over the last three decades and currently affects 17% of children and adolescents. While much research has focused on individual behaviors impacting obesity, little research has emphasized the complex interactions of numerous chemical and non-chemical stressors found in a child’s environment and how these interactions affect a child’s health and well-being. The objectives of this systematic scoping review were to (1) identify potential chemical stressors in the context of non-chemical stressors that impact childhood obesity; and, (2) summarize our observations for chemical and non-chemical stressors in regards to child-specific environments within a community setting. A review was conducted to identify chemical and non-chemical stressors related to childhood obesity for the childhood life stages ranging from prenatal to adolescence. Stressors were identified and grouped into domains: individual behaviors, family/household behaviors, community stressors, and chemical exposures. Stressors were related to the child and the child’s everyday environments and used to characterize child health and well-being. This review suggests that the interactions of chemical and non-chemical stressors are important for understanding a child’s overall health and well-being. By considering these relationships, the exposure science research community can better design and implement strategies to reduce childhood obesity.
Caspase-1 cleaves PPARγ for potentiating the pro-tumor action of TAMs
Authors: Niu Zhiyuan , Shi Qian , Zhang Wenlong , Shu Yuxin , Yang Nanfei , Chen Bing , Wang Qingsong , Zhao Xuyang , Chen Jiajia , Cheng Nan , Feng Xiujing , Hua Zichun , Ji Jianguo , Shen Pingping
Published: September 2017

Tumor-associated macrophages are increasingly viewed as a target of great relevance in the tumor microenvironment, because of their important role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, the endogenous regulatory mechanisms underlying tumor-associated macrophage differentiation remain largely unknown. Here, we report that caspase-1 promotes tumor-associated macrophage differentiation by cleaving peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) at Asp64, thus generating a 41 kDa fragment. This truncated PPARγ translocates to mitochondria, where it directly interacts with medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD). This binding event attenuates MCAD activity and inhibits fatty acid oxidation, thereby leading to the accumulation of lipid droplets and promoting tumor-associated macrophage differentiation. Furthermore, the administration of caspase-1 inhibitors or the infusion of bone marrow-derived macrophages genetically engineered to overexpress murine MCAD markedly suppresses tumor growth. Therefore, targeting the caspase-1/PPARγ/MCAD pathway might be a promising therapeutic approach to prevent tumor progression.
Mechanistic understanding of in vivo protein corona formation on polymeric nanoparticles and impact on pharmacokinetics
Authors: Bertrand Nicolas , Grenier Philippe , Mahmoudi Morteza , Lima Eliana M. , Appel Eric A. , Dormont Flavio , Lim Jong-Min , Karnik Rohit , Langer Robert , Farokhzad Omid C.
Published: September 2017

In vitro incubation of nanomaterials with plasma offer insights on biological interactions, but cannot fully explain the in vivo fate of nanomaterials. Here, we use a library of polymer nanoparticles to show how physicochemical characteristics influence blood circulation and early distribution. For particles with different diameters, surface hydrophilicity appears to mediate early clearance. Densities above a critical value of approximately 20 poly(ethylene glycol) chains (MW 5 kDa) per 100 nm2 prolong circulation times, irrespective of size. In knockout mice, clearance mechanisms are identified for nanoparticles with low and high steric protection. Studies in animals deficient in the C3 protein showed that complement activation could not explain differences in the clearance of nanoparticles. In nanoparticles with low poly(ethylene glycol) coverage, adsorption of apolipoproteins can prolong circulation times. In parallel, the low-density-lipoprotein receptor plays a predominant role in the clearance of nanoparticles, irrespective of poly(ethylene glycol) density. These results further our understanding of nanopharmacology.
Integrating evolutionary and regulatory information with a multispecies approach implicates genes and pathways in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Noh Hyun Ji , Tang Ruqi , Flannick Jason , O’Dushlaine Colm , Swofford Ross , Howrigan Daniel , Genereux Diane P. , Johnson Jeremy , van Grootheest Gerard , Grünblatt Edna , Andersson Erik , Djurfeldt Diana R. , Patel Paresh D. , Koltookian Michele , M. Hultman Christina , Pato Michele T. , Pato Carlos N. , Rasmussen Steven A. , Jenike Michael A. , Hanna Gregory L. , Stewart S. Evelyn , Knowles James A. , Ruhrmann Stephan , Grabe Hans-Jörgen , Wagner Michael , Rück Christian , Mathews Carol A. , Walitza Susanne , Cath Daniëlle C. , Feng Guoping , Karlsson Elinor K. , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin
Published: September 2017

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a severe psychiatric disorder linked to abnormalities in glutamate signaling and the cortico-striatal circuit. We sequenced coding and regulatory elements for 608 genes potentially involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder in human, dog, and mouse. Using a new method that prioritizes likely functional variants, we compared 592 cases to 560 controls and found four strongly associated genes, validated in a larger cohort. NRXN1 and HTR2A are enriched for coding variants altering postsynaptic protein-binding domains. CTTNBP2 (synapse maintenance) and REEP3 (vesicle trafficking) are enriched for regulatory variants, of which at least six (35%) alter transcription factor-DNA binding in neuroblastoma cells. NRXN1 achieves genome-wide significance (p = 6.37 × 10−11) when we include 33,370 population-matched controls. Our findings suggest synaptic adhesion as a key component in compulsive behaviors, and show that targeted sequencing plus functional annotation can identify potentially causative variants, even when genomic data are limited.
Neutrophil-inspired propulsion in a combined acoustic and magnetic field
Authors: Ahmed Daniel , Baasch Thierry , Blondel Nicolas , Läubli Nino , Dual Jürg , Nelson Bradley J.
Published: September 2017

Systems capable of precise motion in the vasculature can offer exciting possibilities for applications in targeted therapeutics and non-invasive surgery. So far, the majority of the work analysed propulsion in a two-dimensional setting with limited controllability near boundaries. Here we show bio-inspired rolling motion by introducing superparamagnetic particles in magnetic and acoustic fields, inspired by a neutrophil rolling on a wall. The particles self-assemble due to dipole–dipole interaction in the presence of a rotating magnetic field. The aggregate migrates towards the wall of the channel due to the radiation force of an acoustic field. By combining both fields, we achieved a rolling-type motion along the boundaries. The use of both acoustic and magnetic fields has matured in clinical settings. The combination of both fields is capable of overcoming the limitations encountered by single actuation techniques. We believe our method will have far-reaching implications in targeted therapeutics.
Motionless volumetric photoacoustic microscopy with spatially invariant resolution
Authors: Yang Jiamiao , Gong Lei , Xu Xiao , Hai Pengfei , Shen Yuecheng , Suzuki Yuta , Wang Lihong V.
Published: September 2017

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is uniquely positioned for biomedical applications because of its ability to visualize optical absorption contrast in vivo in three dimensions. Here we propose motionless volumetric spatially invariant resolution photoacoustic microscopy (SIR-PAM). To realize motionless volumetric imaging, SIR-PAM combines two-dimensional Fourier-spectrum optical excitation with single-element depth-resolved photoacoustic detection. To achieve spatially invariant lateral resolution, propagation-invariant sinusoidal fringes are generated by a digital micromirror device. Further, SIR-PAM achieves 1.5 times finer lateral resolution than conventional PAM. The superior performance was demonstrated in imaging both inanimate objects and animals in vivo with a resolution-invariant axial range of 1.8 mm, 33 times the depth of field of the conventional PAM counterpart. Our work opens new perspectives for PAM in biomedical sciences.
Monomeric ephrinB2 binding induces allosteric changes in Nipah virus G that precede its full activation
Authors: Wong Joyce J. W. , Young Tracy A. , Zhang Jiayan , Liu Shiheng , Leser George P. , Komives Elizabeth A. , Lamb Robert A. , Zhou Z. Hong , Salafsky Joshua , Jardetzky Theodore S.
Published: September 2017

Nipah virus is an emergent paramyxovirus that causes deadly encephalitis and respiratory infections in humans. Two glycoproteins coordinate the infection of host cells, an attachment protein (G), which binds to cell surface receptors, and a fusion (F) protein, which carries out the process of virus-cell membrane fusion. The G protein binds to ephrin B2/3 receptors, inducing G conformational changes that trigger F protein refolding. Using an optical approach based on second harmonic generation, we show that monomeric and dimeric receptors activate distinct conformational changes in G. The monomeric receptor-induced changes are not detected by conformation-sensitive monoclonal antibodies or through electron microscopy analysis of G:ephrinB2 complexes. However, hydrogen/deuterium exchange experiments confirm the second harmonic generation observations and reveal allosteric changes in the G receptor binding and F-activating stalk domains, providing insights into the pathway of receptor-activated virus entry.
Metallic and highly conducting two-dimensional atomic arrays of sulfur enabled by molybdenum disulfide nanotemplate
Authors: Zhu Shuze , Geng Xiumei , Han Yang , Benamara Mourad , Chen Liao , Li Jingxiao , Bilgin Ismail , Zhu Hongli
Published: September 2017

Element sulfur in nature is an insulating solid. While it has been tested that one-dimensional sulfur chain is metallic and conducting, the investigation on two-dimensional sulfur remains elusive. We report that molybdenum disulfide layers are able to serve as the nanotemplate to facilitate the formation of two-dimensional sulfur. Density functional theory calculations suggest that confined in-between layers of molybdenum disulfide, sulfur atoms are able to form two-dimensional triangular arrays that are highly metallic. As a result, these arrays contribute to the high conductivity and metallic phase of the hybrid structures of molybdenum disulfide layers and two-dimensional sulfur arrays. The experimentally measured conductivity of such hybrid structures reaches up to 223 S/m. Multiple experimental results, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transition electron microscope (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), agree with the computational insights. Due to the excellent conductivity, the current density is linearly proportional to the scan rate until 30,000 mV s−1 without the attendance of conductive additives. Using such hybrid structures as electrode, the two-electrode supercapacitor cells yield a power density of 106 Wh  kg−1 and energy density ~47.5 Wh kg−1 in ionic liquid electrolytes. Our findings offer new insights into using two-dimensional materials and their Van der Waals heterostructures as nanotemplates to pattern foreign atoms for unprecedented material properties.
Triboelectric nanogenerators as flexible power sources
Authors: Wang Yang , Yang Ya , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: September 2017

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) as a new power-generation technology was reported by Wang and co-workers in 2012. Because of its great potential for scavenging mechanical energy from living environment and sustainably driving portable devices, many researchers have developed various methods to improve output performances of TENG. In this paper, we review the progress in TENG made as flexible power sources by integrating flexible materials and stretching structures, especially for the applications of flexible electronics. For optimizing performances of TENG, the structural designs, material selections, and hybrid energy cells are presented. The reported TENG as flexible power sources has the potential applications in lighting up light emitting diodes (LEDs), powering sensors, and monitoring biomechanical motions.
Patients’ experiences of breathing retraining for asthma: a qualitative process analysis of participants in the intervention arms of the BREATHE trial
Authors: Arden-Close Emily , Yardley Lucy , Kirby Sarah , Thomas Mike , Bruton Anne
Published: September 2017

Poor symptom control and impaired quality of life are common in adults with asthma, and breathing retraining exercises may be an effective method of self-management. This study aimed to explore the experiences of participants in the intervention arms of the BREATHE trial, which investigated the effectiveness of breathing retraining as a mode of asthma management. Sixteen people with asthma (11 women, 8 per group) who had taken part in the intervention arms of the BREATHE trial (breathing retraining delivered by digital versatile disc (DVD) or face-to-face sessions with a respiratory physiotherapist) took part in semi-structured telephone interviews about their experiences. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Breathing retraining was perceived positively as a method of asthma management. Motivations for taking part included being asked, to enhance progress in research, to feel better/reduce symptoms, and to reduce medication. Participants were positive about the physiotherapist, liked having the materials tailored, found meetings motivational, and liked the DVD and booklet. The impact of breathing retraining following regular practice included increased awareness of breathing and development of new habits. Benefits of breathing retraining included increased control over breathing, reduced need for medication, feeling more relaxed, and improved health and quality of life. Problems included finding time to practice the exercises, and difficulty mastering techniques. Breathing retraining was acceptable and valued by almost all participants, and many reported improved wellbeing. Face to face physiotherapy was well received. However, some participants in the DVD group mentioned being unable to master techniques.
Barriers and facilitators of effective self-management in asthma: systematic review and thematic synthesis of patient and healthcare professional views
Authors: Miles Clare , Arden-Close Emily , Thomas Mike , Bruton Anne , Yardley Lucy , Hankins Matthew , Kirby Sarah E.
Published: September 2017

Self-management is an established, effective approach to controlling asthma, recommended in guidelines. However, promotion, uptake and use among patients and health-care professionals remain low. Many barriers and facilitators to effective self-management have been reported, and views and beliefs of patients and health care professionals have been explored in qualitative studies. We conducted a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research into self-management in patients, carers and health care professionals regarding self-management of asthma, to identify perceived barriers and facilitators associated with reduced effectiveness of asthma self-management interventions. Electronic databases and guidelines were searched systematically for qualitative literature that explored factors relevant to facilitators and barriers to uptake, adherence, or outcomes of self-management in patients with asthma. Thematic synthesis of the 56 included studies identified 11 themes: (1) partnership between patient and health care professional; (2) issues around medication; (3) education about asthma and its management; (4) health beliefs; (5) self-management interventions; (6) co-morbidities (7) mood disorders and anxiety; (8) social support; (9) non-pharmacological methods; (10) access to healthcare; (11) professional factors. From this, perceived barriers and facilitators were identified at the level of individuals with asthma (and carers), and health-care professionals. Future work addressing the concerns and beliefs of adults, adolescents and children (and carers) with asthma, effective communication and partnership, tailored support and education (including for ethnic minorities and at risk groups), and telehealthcare may improve how self-management is recommended by professionals and used by patients. Ultimately, this may achieve better outcomes for people with asthma.
Impact of fluorescent protein fusions on the bacterial flagellar motor
Authors: Heo M. , Nord A. L. , Chamousset D. , van Rijn E. , Beaumont H. J. E. , Pedaci F.
Published: September 2017

Fluorescent fusion proteins open a direct and unique window onto protein function. However, they also introduce the risk of perturbation of the function of the native protein. Successful applications of fluorescent fusions therefore rely on a careful assessment and minimization of the side effects, but such insight is still lacking for many applications. This is particularly relevant in the study of the internal dynamics of motor proteins, where both the chemical and mechanical reaction coordinates can be affected. Fluorescent proteins fused to the stator of the Bacterial Flagellar Motor (BFM) have previously been used to unveil the motor subunit dynamics. Here we report the effects on single motors of three fluorescent proteins fused to the stators, all of which altered BFM behavior. The torque generated by individual stators was reduced while their stoichiometry remained unaffected. MotB fusions decreased the switching frequency and induced a novel bias-dependent asymmetry in the speed in the two directions. These effects could be mitigated by inserting a linker at the fusion point. These findings provide a quantitative account of the effects of fluorescent fusions to the stator on BFM dynamics and their alleviation— new insights that advance the use of fluorescent fusions to probe the dynamics of protein complexes.
Maternal Smoking in Pregnancy and Offspring Depression: a cross cohort and negative control study
Authors: Taylor Amy E. , Carslake David , de Mola Christian Loret , Rydell Mina , Nilsen Tom I. L. , Bjørngaard Johan H. , Horta Bernardo Lessa , Pearson Rebecca , Rai Dheeraj , Galanti Maria Rosaria , Barros Fernando C. , Romundstad Pål R. , Davey Smith George , Munafò Marcus R.
Published: September 2017

Previous reports suggest that offspring of mothers who smoke during pregnancy have greater risk of developing depression. However, it is unclear whether this is due to intrauterine effects. Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) from the UK (N = 2,869), the Nord-Trøndelag health study (HUNT) from Norway (N = 15,493), the Pelotas 1982 Birth Cohort Study from Brazil (N = 2,626), and the Swedish Sibling Health Cohort (N = 258 sibling pairs), we compared associations of maternal smoking during pregnancy and mother’s partner’s smoking during pregnancy with offspring depression and performed a discordant sibling analysis. In meta-analysis, maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with higher odds of offspring depression (OR 1.20, 95% CI:1.08,1.34), but mother’s partner’s smoking during pregnancy was not (OR 1.05, 95% CI:0.94,1.17). However, there was only weak statistical evidence that the odds ratios for maternal and mother’s partner’s smoking differed from each other (p = 0.08). There was no clear evidence for an association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring depression in the sibling analysis. Findings do not provide strong support for a causal role of maternal smoking during pregnancy in offspring depression, rather observed associations may reflect residual confounding relating to characteristics of parents who smoke.
Music training enhances the automatic neural processing of foreign speech sounds
Authors: Intartaglia Bastien , White-Schwoch Travis , Kraus Nina , Schön Daniele
Published: September 2017

Growing evidence shows that music and language experience affect the neural processing of speech sounds throughout the auditory system. Recent work mainly focused on the benefits induced by musical practice on the processing of native language or tonal foreign language, which rely on pitch processing. The aim of the present study was to take this research a step further by investigating the effect of music training on processing English sounds by foreign listeners. We recorded subcortical electrophysiological responses to an English syllable in three groups of participants: native speakers, non-native nonmusicians, and non-native musicians. Native speakers had enhanced neural processing of the formant frequencies of speech, compared to non-native nonmusicians, suggesting that automatic encoding of these relevant speech cues are sensitive to language experience. Most strikingly, in non-native musicians, neural responses to the formant frequencies did not differ from those of native speakers, suggesting that musical training may compensate for the lack of language experience by strengthening the neural encoding of important acoustic information. Language and music experience seem to induce a selective sensory gain along acoustic dimensions that are functionally-relevant—here, formant frequencies that are crucial for phoneme discrimination.
Maternal intake of grape seed procyanidins during lactation induces insulin resistance and an adiponectin resistance-like phenotype in rat offspring
Authors: Caimari Antoni , Mariné-Casadó Roger , Boqué Noemí , Crescenti Anna , Arola Lluís , del Bas Josep Maria
Published: September 2017

Previously, we demonstrated that a grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) supplementation in pregnant and lactating rats exerted both healthy and deleterious programming effects on their offspring. Here, we evaluated whether the administration of GSPE during lactation (100 mg.kg−1.day−1) in rats elicited beneficial effects in their normoweight (STD-GSPE group) and cafeteria-fed obese (CAF-GSPE group) adult male offspring. STD-GSPE and CAF-GSPE offspring showed increased energy expenditure and circulating total and high-molecular-weight adiponectin. However, these rats showed hyperinsulinemia, decreased insulin sensitivity, increased insulin resistance, down-regulated mRNA levels of adiponectin receptors in inguinal white adipose tissue (Adipor1 and Adipor2) and soleus muscle (Adipor2), and decreased levels of phosphorylated AMPK, the downstream post-receptor target of adiponectin, in the soleus muscle. These deleterious effects could be related to an increased lipid transfer to the pups through the milk, since GSPE-supplemented dams displayed decreased fat content and increased expression of lipogenic genes in their mammary glands, in addition to increased circulating total adiponectin and non-esterified free fatty acids. In conclusion, maternal intake of GSPE during lactation induced insulin resistance and an adiponectin resistance-like phenotype in their normoweight and obese offspring. These findings raise concerns about the possibility of using GSPE as a nutraceutical supplement during this period.
Spontaneous charged lipid transfer between lipid vesicles
Authors: Richens Joanna L. , Tyler Arwen I. I. , Barriga Hanna M. G. , Bramble Jonathan P. , Law Robert V. , Brooks Nicholas J. , Seddon John M. , Ces Oscar , O’Shea Paul
Published: September 2017

An assay to study the spontaneous charged lipid transfer between lipid vesicles is described. A donor/acceptor vesicle system is employed, where neutrally charged acceptor vesicles are fluorescently labelled with the electrostatic membrane probe Fluoresceinphosphatidylethanolamine (FPE). Upon addition of charged donor vesicles, transfer of negatively charged lipid occurs, resulting in a fluorescently detectable change in the membrane potential of the acceptor vesicles. Using this approach we have studied the transfer properties of a range of lipids, varying both the headgroup and the chain length. At the low vesicle concentrations chosen, the transfer follows a first-order process where lipid monomers are transferred presumably through the aqueous solution phase from donor to acceptor vesicle. The rate of transfer decreases with increasing chain length which is consistent with energy models previously reported for lipid monomer vesicle interactions. Our assay improves on existing methods allowing the study of a range of unmodified lipids, continuous monitoring of transfer and simplified experimental procedures.
Control of Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) Reproduction through Plant-Mediated RNA Interference
Authors: Niu Xiping , Kassa Adane , Hu Xu , Robeson Jonathan , McMahon Mollie , Richtman Nina M. , Steimel Joseph P. , Kernodle Bliss M. , Crane Virginia C. , Sandahl Gary , Ritland Julie L. , Presnail James K. , Lu Albert L. , Wu Gusui
Published: September 2017

RNA interference (RNAi) in transgenic maize has recently emerged as an alternative mode of action for western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) control which can be combined with protein-based rootworm control options for improved root protection and resistance management. Currently, transgenic RNAi-based control has focused on suppression of genes that when silenced lead to larval mortality. We investigated control of western corn rootworm reproduction through RNAi by targeting two reproductive genes, dvvgr and dvbol, with the goal of reducing insect fecundity as a new tool for pest management. The results demonstrated that exposure of adult beetles, as well as larvae to dvvgr or dvbol dsRNA in artificial diet, caused reduction of fecundity. Furthermore, western corn rootworm beetles that emerged from larval feeding on transgenic maize roots expressing dvbol dsRNA also showed significant fecundity reduction. This is the first report of reduction of insect reproductive fitness through plant-mediated RNAi, demonstrating the feasibility of reproductive RNAi as a management tool for western corn rootworm.
Small leucine rich proteoglycans, a novel link to osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Kram Vardit , Kilts Tina M. , Bhattacharyya Nisan , Li Li , Young Marian F.
Published: September 2017

Biglycan (Bgn) and Fibromodulin (Fmod) are subtypes of the small leucine-rich family of proteoglycans (SLRP). In this study we examined the skeletal phenotype of BgnFmod double knockout (BgnFmod KO) mice and found they were smaller in size and have markedly reduced bone mass compared to WT. The low bone mass (LBM) phenotype is the result of both the osteoblasts and osteoclasts from BgnFmod KO mice having higher differentiation potential and being more active compared to WT mice. Using multiple approaches, we showed that both Bgn and Fmod directly bind TNFα as well as RANKL in a dose dependent manner and that despite expressing higher levels of both TNFα and RANKL, BgnFmod KO derived osteoblasts cannot retain these cytokines in the vicinity of the cells, which leads to elevated TNFα and RANKL signaling and enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, adding either Bgn or Fmod to osteoclast precursor cultures significantly attenuated the cells ability to form TRAP positive, multinucleated giant cells. In summary, our data indicates that Bgn and Fmod expressed by the bone forming cells, are novel coupling ECM components that control bone mass through sequestration of TNFα and/or RANKL, thereby adjusting their bioavailability in order to regulate osteoclastogenesis.
Causes and Predictability of the Negative Indian Ocean Dipole and Its Impact on La Niña During 2016
Authors: Lim Eun-Pa , Hendon Harry H.
Published: September 2017

In the latter half of 2016 Indonesia and Australia experienced extreme wet conditions and East Africa suffered devastating drought, which have largely been attributed to the occurrence of strong negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and weak La Niña. Here we examine the causes and predictability of the strong negative IOD and its impact on the development of La Niña in 2016. Analysis on atmosphere and ocean reanalyses and forecast sensitivity experiments using the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s dynamical seasonal forecast system reveals that this strong negative IOD, which peaked in July-September, developed primarily by the Indian Ocean surface and subsurface conditions. The long-term trend over the last 55 years in sea surface and subsurface temperatures, which is characterised by warming of the tropical Indian and western Pacific and cooling in the equatorial eastern Pacific, contributed positively to the extraordinary strength of this IOD. We further show that the strong negative IOD was a key promoter of the weak La Niña of 2016. Without the remote forcing from the IOD, this weak La Niña may have been substantially weaker because of the extraordinarily long-lasting warm surface condition over the dateline from the tail end of strong El Niño of 2015–16.
Ultracompact CMOS-compatible optical logic using carrier depletion in microdisk resonators
Authors: Gostimirovic Dusan , Ye Winnie N.
Published: September 2017

We present a CMOS-compatible optoelectronic directed logic architecture that achieves high computational throughput (number of operations per second per unit area) by its ultracompact form factor. High speed-to-power performance is also achieved, by the low capacitance and high junction-to-mode overlap of low-radii SOI vertical pn junction microdisk switches. By using wavelength-division multiplexing and two electrical control signals per disk, each switch performs (N)OR, (N)AND, and X(N)OR operations simultaneously. Connecting multiple switches together, we demonstrate higher-order scalability in five fundamental N-bit logic circuits: AND/OR gates, adders, comparators, encoders, and decoders. To the best of our knowledge, these circuits achieve the lowest footprint of silicon-based multigigabit-per-second optical logic devices in literature.
Succinate promotes stem cell migration through the GPR91-dependent regulation of DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission
Authors: Ko So Hee , Choi Gee Euhn , Oh Ji Young , Lee Hyun Jik , Kim Jun Sung , Chae Chang Woo , Choi Diana , Han Ho Jae
Published: September 2017

The role of metabolites produced from stem cell metabolism has been emerged as signaling molecules to regulate stem cell behaviors such as migration. The mitochondrial morphology is closely associated with the metabolic balance and stem cell function. However, the physiological role of succinate on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) migration by regulating the mitochondrial morphology remains unclear. Here, we investigate the effect of succinate on hMSC migration via regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and its related signaling pathway. Succinate (50 μM) significantly accelerates hMSC migration. Succinate increases phosphorylation of pan-PKC, especially the atypical PKCζ level which was blocked by the knockdown of Gαq and Gα12. Activated PKCζ subsequently phosphorylates p38 MAPK. Cytosolic DRP1 is phosphorylated by p38 MAPK and results in DRP1 translocation to the mitochondria outer membrane, eventually inducing mitochondrial fragmentation. Mitochondrial fission-induced mitochondrial function elevates mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) levels and activates Rho GTPases, which then induces F-actin formation. Furthermore, in a skin excisional wound model, we found the effects of succinate-pretreated hMSC enhanced wound closure, vascularization and re-epithelialization and confirmed that DRP1 has a vital role in injured tissue regeneration. Overall, succinate promotes DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission via GPR91, consequently stimulating the hMSC migration through mtROS-induced F-actin formation.
NUMBL Interacts with TAK1, TRAF6 and NEMO to Negatively Regulate NF-κB Signaling During Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Swarnkar Gaurav , Chen Tim Hung-Po , Arra Manoj , Nasir Amjad M. , Mbalaviele Gabriel , Abu-Amer Yousef
Published: September 2017

NF-κB signaling is essential for osteoclast differentiation and skeletal homeostasis. We have reported recently that NUMB-like (NUMBL) protein modulates osteoclastogenesis by down regulating NF-κB activation. Herein, we decipher the mechanism underlying this phenomenon. We found that whereas NUMBL mRNA expression decreases upon stimulation of wild type (WT) bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) with RANKL, TAK1 deficiency in these cells leads to increased NUMBL and decreased TRAF6 and NEMO expression. These changes were restored upon WT-TAK1 expression, but not with catalytically inactive TAK1-K63W, suggesting that TAK1 enzymatic activity is required for these events. Forced expression of NUMBL inhibits osteoclast differentiation and function as evident by reduction in all hallmarks of osteoclastogenesis. Conversely, NUMBL-null BMMs, show increased osteoclast differentiation and mRNA expression of osteoclast marker genes. Post-translationally, K48-linked poly-ubiquitination of NUMBL is diminished in TAK1-null BMMs compared to elevated K48-poly-ubiquitination in WT cells, indicating increased stability of NUMBL in TAK1-null conditions. Further, our studies show that NUMBL directly interacts with TRAF6 and NEMO, and induces their K48-poly-ubiquitination mediated proteasomal degradation. Collectively, our data suggest that NUMBL and TAK1 are reciprocally regulated and that NUMBL acts as an endogenous regulator of NF-κB signaling and osteoclastogenesis by targeting the TAK1-TRAF6-NEMO axis.
PHEA-g-PMMA Well-Defined Graft Copolymer: ATRP Synthesis, Self-Assembly, and Synchronous Encapsulation of Both Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Guest Molecules
Authors: Ding Aishun , Xu Jie , Gu Guangxin , Lu Guolin , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: September 2017

A series of well-defined amphiphilic graft copolymer bearing a hydrophilic poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) backbone and hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) side chains was synthesized by successive reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) through the grafting-from strategy. A well-defined PHEA-based backbone with Cl-containing ATRP initiating group in every repeated unit (Mw/Mn = 1.08), poly(2-hydroxyethyl 2-((2-chloropropanoyloxy)methyl)acrylate) (PHECPMA), was first prepared by RAFT homopolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl 2-((2-chloropropanoyloxy)methyl)acrylate (HECPMA), a Cl-containing trifunctional acrylate. ATRP of methyl methacrylate was subsequently initiated by PHECPMA homopolymer to afford the target well-defined poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate)-graft-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PHEA-g-PMMA) graft copolymers (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.36) with 34 PMMA side chains and 34 pendant hydroxyls in PHEA backbone using CuCl/dHbpy as catalytic system. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the obtained graft copolymer was determined by fluorescence spectroscopy using N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine as probe while micellar morphologies in aqueous media were visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, PHEA-g-PMMA graft copolymer could self-assemble into large compound micelles rather than common spherical micelles, which can encapsulate hydrophilic rhodamine 6 G and hydrophobic pyrene separately or simultaneously.
Acinar cells in the neonatal pancreas grow by self-duplication and not by neogenesis from duct cells
Authors: Houbracken Isabelle , Bouwens Luc
Published: September 2017

Pancreatic acinar cells secrete digestive enzymes necessary for nutrient digestion in the intestine. They are considered the initiating cell type of pancreatic cancer and are endowed with differentiation plasticity that has been harnessed to regenerate endocrine beta cells. However, there is still uncertainty about the mechanisms of acinar cell formation during the dynamic period of early postnatal development. To unravel cellular contributions in the exocrine acinar development we studied two reporter mouse strains to trace the fate of acinar and duct cells during the first 4 weeks of life. In the acinar reporter mice, the labelling index of acinar cells remained unchanged during the neonatal pancreas growth period, evidencing that acinar cells are formed by self-duplication. In line with this, duct cell tracing did not show significant increase in acinar cell labelling, excluding duct-to-acinar cell contribution during neonatal development. Immunohistochemical analysis confirms massive levels of acinar cell proliferation in this early period of life. Further, also increase in acinar cell size contributes to the growth of pancreatic mass.We conclude that the growth of acinar cells during physiological neonatal pancreas development is by self-duplication (and hypertrophy) rather than neogenesis from progenitor cells as was suggested before.
Curcumin encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate frameworks as stimuli responsive drug delivery system and their interaction with biomimetic environment
Authors: Tiwari Ashish , Singh Ashutosh , Garg Neha , Randhawa Jaspreet K.
Published: September 2017

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit unique features of finely tunable pore structures, excellent chemical stability and flexible surface structural functionality, making them advantageous for a wide range of applications including energy storage, compound separation, catalysis, and drug delivery. The present work enlightens a novel approach of single step fabrication of CCM-ZIF-8 as a drug carrier and its application as stimuli responsive drug delivery systems via external stimuli involving change in pH and in presence of biomimetic cell membrane like environment using liposomes and SDS micelles. The methodology is devoid of any post synthesis drug loading steps. The synthesized curcumin encapsulated ZIF-8 frameworks demonstrate ultrahigh drug encapsulation efficiency (ca. 83.33%) and good chemical stability. In vitro drug release of curcumin was three times higher in acidic medium than in physiological pH. Cytotoxicity results demonstrated enhanced therapeutic effect of CCM-ZIF-8 than free curcumin. Confocal microscopy results confirmed the easy cellular internalization of CCM-ZIF-8 in HeLa cells. Intracellular distribution studies at various incubation times confirmed the clathrin-mediated endocytosis to lysosomal pathway of CCM-ZIF-8, but without mitochondria being an intracellular fate. The results signify that CCM-ZIF-8 is an efficient drug carrier for passive tumor therapy in future for cancer treatments.
Characterization of the promoter region of the bovine SIX1 gene: Roles of MyoD, PAX7, CREB and MyoG
Authors: Wei Da-wei , Ma Xue-yao , Zhang Song- , Hong Jie-yun , Gui Lin-sheng , Mei Chu-gang , Guo Hong-fang , Wang Li- , Ning Yue- , Zan Lin-sen
Published: September 2017

The SIX1 gene belongs to the family of six homeodomain transcription factors (TFs), that regulates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway and mediate skeletal muscle growth and regeneration. Previous studies have demonstrated that SIX1 is positively correlated with body measurement traits (BMTs). However, the transcriptional regulation of SIX1 remains unclear. In the present study, we determined that bovine SIX1 was highly expressed in the longissimus thoracis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in bovine SIX1 regulation, 2-kb of the 5′ regulatory region were obtained. Sequence analysis identified neither a consensus TATA box nor a CCAAT box in the 5′ flanking region of bovine SIX1. However, a CpG island was predicted in the region −235 to +658 relative to the transcriptional start site (TSS). An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay in combination with serial deletion constructs of the 5′ flanking region, site-directed mutation and siRNA interference demonstrated that MyoD, PAX7 and CREB binding occur in region −689/−40 and play important roles in bovine SIX1 transcription. In addition, MyoG drives SIX1 transcription indirectly via the MEF3 motif. Taken together these interactions suggest a key functional role for SIX1 in mediating skeletal muscle growth in cattle.