bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal and long‐term patterns in litterfall in a Bornean tropical rainforest
Authors: Nakagawa Michiko , Ushio Masayuki , Kume Tomonori , Nakashizuka Tohru
Published: January 2019

The spatiotemporal characteristics of litterfall reflect important functional processes in a forest ecosystem, yet seasonal and long‐term patterns in litterfall and relationship between litterfall and climate seasonality have rarely been examined in the aseasonal Southeast Asian tropics. We monitored monthly litterfall and conducted meteorological measurements over 16 years in a lowland mixed dipterocarp forest in Borneo. The total annual litterfall averaged 7.02 Mg ha−1 year−1 and leaf fall contributed 67.9% of total litterfall. Fourier analyses detected a significant annual cycle in monthly leaf fall, although spatial variation was relatively high, and 57.5% of litter traps showed annual cycles at the litter trap level. Rainfall, mean temperature and solar radiation also showed distinct 12‐month cycles. Leaf fall was positively correlated with the daily mean air temperature of the same month, and negatively correlated with rainfall in the previous month. Leaf fall gradually increased during the study period. Our results suggest that a seasonal pattern in community‐level leaf fall is regulated by the annual cycle of meteorological factors, even in this aseasonal environment, which experiences no dry season. Further monitoring and analyses are required to clarify spatial variation and long‐term patterns in litterfall and their mechanisms.
Bioreduction of precious and heavy metals by Candida species under oxidative stress conditions
Authors: Moreno Abel , Demitri Nicola , Ruiz‐Baca Estela , Vega‐González Arturo , Polentarutti Maurizio , Cuéllar‐Cruz Mayra
Published: January 2019

The aim of the present work was to evaluate whether Candida species can reduce both precious and toxic pure metals from the respective molecular ions. From these results, the nanoparticles formed were studied using scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and synchrotron radiation. Our results showed that the metal ions were reduced to their corresponding metallic nanoconglomerate or nanoparticles by Candida species. This is the first report on how yeasts of this genus are capable of achieving homeostasis (resilience) in the presence of metal ions of both precious and toxic metals by reducing them to a metallic state.
Serum markers of B‐cell activation in pregnancy during late gestation, delivery, and the postpartum period
Authors: Lima Jorge , Cambridge Geraldine , Vilas‐Boas Andreia , Martins Catarina , Borrego Luís‐Miguel , Leandro Maria
Published: January 2019

Problem

B cells are vital for the normal evolution of pregnancy due to their humoral and possible regulatory activities. Our group and others have documented that circulating B‐cell subsets undergo changes from normal late pregnancy to the postpartum period. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Therefore, this study examined the degree of B‐cell activation in normal pregnancy by analyzing the levels of serum markers in healthy pregnant women during the third trimester of pregnancy, the day of delivery, and the postpartum period.

Method of study

A prospective study including pregnant and non‐pregnant women attending routine care was undertaken at a hospital clinic. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, along with peripheral blood samples. The serum levels of soluble CD23 (sCD23), B‐cell‐activating factor (BAFF), kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) free light chains (FLC), IgA, IgG, and IgM were quantified.

Results

Our study included 43 third trimester pregnant and 35 non‐pregnant women. In the pregnant women, the median levels of sCD23, BAFF, IgG, and κ FLC were significantly higher during the postpartum period than during the third trimester of pregnancy. Compared to the non‐pregnant women, the third trimester pregnant women had higher median BAFF levels and lower sCD23, IgA, IgG, and FLC levels.

Conclusion

Changes in serum markers of B‐cell kinetics that occur during pregnancy often persist into the postpartum period and affect the secretion of immunoglobulins from different classes. Further studies are needed to clarify the biological significance of our observations.
Cigarette smoking is associated with adverse pathological response and increased disease recurrence amongst patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer treated with cisplatin‐based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical cystectomy: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Boeri Luca , Soligo Matteo , Frank Igor , Boorjian Stephen A. , Thompson Robert H. , Tollefson Matthew , Quevedo Fernando J. , Cheville John C. , Karnes Robert Jeffrey
Published: January 2019

Objective

To investigate the association between smoking status and pathological response to cisplatin‐based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and survival outcomes in patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treated with radical cystectomy (RC).

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 201 patients treated with NAC and RC for cT2–cT4N0M0 BC between 01/1999 and 01/2015. Smoking status was categorised as: ‘never', ‘former', and ‘current' smoker. Pathological response to NAC was defined as: complete (ypT0N0), partial (ypTis/Ta/T1, N0), and no response (ypT2–4 or ypN+). Clinicopathological characteristics were analysed according to smoking status. Logistic regression analyses tested the association between smoking status and pathological response to NAC. Cox regression analyses tested risk factors associated with recurrence, overall (OM) and cancer‐specific mortality (CSM).

Results

Overall, there were 58 (28.9%) never smokers, 87 (43.3%) former smokers, and 56 (27.9%) current smokers. No response to NAC was more frequently noted in current smokers (73.2%; P = 0.007). Former smoker (odds ratio [OR] 2.28; P = 0.024) and current smoker statuses (OR 4.52; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with no response to NAC, after adjusting for age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and clinical stage. Similarly, current smoking status (hazard ratio [HR] 2.14; P = 0.03) and extravesical pathological tumour stage (HR 3.31; P < 0.001) were independently associated with an increased risk of recurrence after RC.

Conclusion

Cigarette smoking was significantly associated with adverse pathological response to cisplatin‐based NAC in patients with MIBC treated with RC. Current smokers were at significantly higher risk of disease recurrence as compared to former and never smokers.
Adipocyte expression of glucose transporter 1 and 4 in PCOS: Relationship to insulin‐mediated and non–insulin‐mediated whole‐body glucose uptake
Authors: Ezeh Uche , Chen Ida Y.‐D. , Chen Yen‐Hao , Azziz Ricardo
Published: January 2019

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine‐metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance (IR). In IR states, non–insulin‐mediated glucose uptake (NIMGU) may increase to compensate for declining insulin‐mediated glucose uptake (IMGU), although this does not appear to be the case in PCOS. The underlying molecular mechanisms for this deficiency remain unclear.

Objectives

To compare adipocyte glucose transporter 1 and 4 (GLUT‐1 and GLUT‐4) gene expression in PCOS women and matched controls, and to determine whether changes in GLUT‐1 and GLUT‐4 are associated with concomitant alterations in whole‐body glucose uptake.

Research design and methods

In this prospective cross‐sectional study, 23 women with PCOS (by NIH 1990 criteria) and 23 matched controls were studied for subcutaneous abdominal adipocyte GLUT‐1 and GLUT‐4 mRNA expression (by real‐time PCR), and basal whole‐body IR (by HOMA‐IR) and insulin secretion (by HOMA‐β%). A subset of six PCOS women and six matched controls also underwent a mFSIVGTT to determine dynamic state glucose uptake (by insulin sensitivity index [Si] and glucose effectiveness [Sg]) and insulin secretion (by the acute insulin response to glucose [AIRg] and the disposition index [Di]).

Results

For similar adiposity (BMI and waist‐hip ratio), PCOS women tended to have higher HOMA‐IR and lower Di and Si, and higher HOMA‐β% and lower GLUT‐4 than controls, while GLUT‐1 was similar. GLUT‐1 was positively associated with Sg (reflecting NIMGU) and GLUT‐4 positively with Si (reflecting IMGU). GLUT‐4 was associated negatively with HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐β% and positively with Di for the entire cohort but not with AIRg. Both GLUT‐1 and GLU‐4 were negatively associated with BMI, but not with each other.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that IR secondary to a lower IMGU and enhanced insulin secretion in PCOS is in part attributable to a reduction in adipocyte GLUT‐4 expression that is not accompanied by a compensatory increase in GLUT‐1 expression.
Comparison of clinical peri‐implant indices and crestal bone levels around narrow and regular diameter implants placed in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients: A 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Al‐Shibani Nouf , Al‐Aali Khulud Abdulrahman , Al‐Hamdan Rana Sulaiman , Alrabiah Mohammed , Basunbul Ghadeer , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: January 2019

Background

Studies evaluating and comparing clinical and radiographic peri‐implant indices around narrow diameter implants (NDIs; <3.3 mm) and regular diameter implants (RDIs) in type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non‐diabetic individuals are deficient.

Objective

To estimate and compare the clinical and radiographic indices around NDIs and RDIs placed in T2DM and non‐diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods

Eighty‐six patients requiring implant surgery in the posterior mandible were divided into two groups (42 T2DM and 44 non‐diabetic individuals). Patients were further categorized into two subgroups on the basis of diameter of implants: (1) patients with NDIs (3.3 mm ø) and (2) patients with RDIs (4.1 mm ø). Clinical indices evaluating plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and crestal bone levels (CBL) were recorded around all dental implants at 18 and 36 months follow up. Serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test was carried out for both groups to assess the profile of glycosylated hemoglobin at baseline, 18 and 36 months of follow up.

Results

The mean age of patients in T2DM group and non‐diabetic group was 45.2 and 41.6 years, respectively. At 18 and 36 months follow up, mean HbA1c levels were 6.5% and 4.5% and 6.7% and 4.5% in T2DM and non‐diabetic individuals, respectively. A statistically significant reduction in mean HbA1c levels from the baseline to respective follow‐up periods were seen in T2DM patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall mean scores of PI, BOP, PD, and CBL around NDIs and RDIs among T2DM and non‐diabetic patients at 18 and 36 months of follow up.

Conclusion

NDIs show reliable clinical stability and radiographic bone levels as RDIs placed in T2DM and non‐diabetic individuals, provided oral hygiene and glycemic status are strictly maintained.
Simultaneous‐count models to estimate abundance from counts of unmarked individuals with imperfect detection
Authors: Ryan Gerard Edward , Nicholson Emily , Eames Jonathan C. , Gray Thomas N. E. , Loveridge Robin , Mahood Simon P. , Sum Phearun , McCarthy Michael A.
Published: January 2019

We developed a method to estimate population abundance from simultaneous counts of unmarked individuals over multiple sites. We considered that at each sampling occasion, individuals in a population could be detected at 1 of the survey sites or remain undetected and used either multinomial or binomial simultaneous‐count models to estimate abundance, the latter being equivalent to an N‐mixture model with one site. We tested model performance with simulations over a range of detection probabilities, population sizes, growth rates, number of years, sampling occasions, and sites. We then applied our method to 3 critically endangered vulture species in Cambodia to demonstrate the real‐world applicability of the model and to provide the first abundance estimates for these species in Cambodia. Our new approach works best when existing methods are expected to perform poorly (i.e., few sites and large variation in abundance among sites) and if individuals may move among sites between sampling occasions. The approach performed better when there were >8 sampling occasions and net probability of detection was high (>0.5). We believe our approach will be useful in particular for simultaneous surveys at aggregation sites, such as roosts. The method complements existing approaches for estimating abundance of unmarked individuals and is the first method designed specifically for simultaneous counts.
Iatrogenic ureteral injuries and their prevention in colorectal surgery: results from a nationwide survey
Authors: Douissard J. , Meyer J. , Ris F. , Liot E. , Morel P. , Buchs N. C.
Published: January 2019

Aim

Iatrogenic ureteral injury (IUI) occurs rarely during colorectal surgery but is associated with significant mortality, morbidity and medicolegal issues. Few cases are reported, and recommendations regarding prevention are lacking. The aim of this study is to describe the current state of practice regarding IUI and its prevention among general surgeons in Switzerland.

Method

All Swiss general surgeons who are members of either the Swiss Association of Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery or the Swiss Surgical Society were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. Demographics, surgical practice, rate of IUI and methods used to prevent IUI were investigated.

Results

All participants were board‐certified general surgeons, 63.4% were certified visceral surgeons and 17.9% were certified colorectal surgeons. The mean level of experience in colorectal surgery was 15.6 ± 9.2 years. Formal ureter identification was considered mandatory during sigmoid or rectal surgery by 83.7% of participants, and 31.7% considered identification of the right ureter during right colectomy to be mandatory. In total, 61.8% of the participants and 78.4% of surgeons with more than 20 years of experience had encountered at least one IUI. Prophylactic ureteral stenting was considered useful in complex procedures by 93.5% of participants, and 56.9% had used stents at least once in the past 12 months. Noninvasive techniques for identifying ureters would be considered in regular daily practice by 54.5% of the participants.

Conclusion

Most general surgeons experience IUI. Ureter identification is widely integrated in colorectal procedures. Prophylactic stenting is widely used for difficult cases. Noninvasive methods to improve ureter identification are now needed.
Endoscopic full‐thickness resection of a colonic schwannoma
Authors: Ferreira Cardoso Mariana , Cai Ming‐Yan , Xu Mei‐Dong
Published: January 2019

Watch a video of this article
Basilaphelenchus gorganensis n. sp. (Aphelenchoidea, Tylaphelenchinae) from wood from northern Iran
Authors: Mirzaie Fouladvand Zeinab , Pourjam Ebrahim , Kanzaki Natsumi , Giblin‐Davis Robin M. , Pedram Majid
Published: January 2019

Basilaphelenchus gorganensis n. sp. is described and illustrated from wood and bark of a dead tree from northern Iran. The new species is characterized by female body length (415–559 µm), three‐lined lateral fields, a sclerotized cephalic vestibule and cephalic framework, thin stylet with three elongate backwardly directed knobs, small spherical to oval metacorpus, with small and posteriorly located valve, simple vulva without any flap apparatus, 59‐ to 79‐µm‐long post‐vulval uterine sac, functional rectum and anus and dorsally convex, ventrally concave, usually ventrally bent conical female tail with a sharp tip. Males are common, apparently functional and characterized by well‐curved spicules, three pairs of small caudal papillae and no bursa at tail tip. Molecular phylogenetic inferences using partial sequences of small and large subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU and LSU rDNA) from different isolates of the new species revealed it differs from currently sequenced species and belongs to the Tylaphelenchinae clade.
Safety of apnea testing for the diagnosis of brain death: a comprehensive study on neuromonitoring data and blood gas analysis
Authors: Salih F. , Hoffmann O. , Brandt S. A. , Masuhr F. , Schreiber S. , Weissinger F. , Rocco A. , Wolf S.
Published: January 2019

Background and purpose

Here, we studied the safety of apnea testing (AT) for the determination of brain death with regard to intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion and arterial blood gas parameters. We hypothesized that ICP only increases when cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) remains positive during AT.

Methods

A total of 34 patients who fulfilled brain death criteria were identified by chart review (2009–2017). We analysed ICP, CPP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) prior to AT, during AT and after AT, as well as arterial pH, paCO2, paO2 and arterial O2 saturation at the start and end of AT.

Results

Intracranial pressure was 87.9 ± 17.7 mmHg (mean ± SD) prior to AT, 89.9 ± 17.2 mmHg during AT and 86.4 ± 15.2 mmHg after AT (P = 0.9). CPP was −6.9 ± 12.8 mmHg prior to AT, −7.1 ± 13.7 mmHg during AT and −8.6 ± 13.0 mmHg after AT (P = 0.98), respectively. MAP was 82.9 ± 14.6 mmHg prior to AT, 84.7 ± 13.9 mmHg during AT and 79.7 ± 9.6 mmHg after AT (P = 0.57), respectively. A total of 10 patients had positive CPP (8.6 ± 4.3 mmHg), but ICP did not increase during AT. Arterial pH decreased from 7.43 ± 0.06 to 7.22 ± 0.06 (P < 0.05), paCO2 increased from 38.6 ± 4.2 to 69.6 ± 8.0 mmHg (P < 0.05), paO2 decreased from 416.3 ± 113.4 to 289.2 ± 146.5 mmHg (P < 0.05), and O2 saturation was stable at 99.8 ± 0.4% and 98.2 ± 3.2% (P = 0.39).

Conclusions

Apnea testing had no detrimental effect on ICP, CPP, MAP or oxygenation, regardless of the presence of an initially positive CPP. The lack of further ICP elevations is presumably explained by critical closing pressures above individual CPP levels during AT.
Pace‐of‐life: Relationships among locomotor activity, life history, and circadian rhythm in the assassin bug,Amphibolus venator
Authors: Matsumura Kentarou , Ito Ryohei , Miyatake Takahisa
Published: January 2019

The pace‐of‐life syndrome (POLS) hypothesis means that animal behavior is correlated with life history strategies. Studies have reported that the free‐running period of the circadian rhythm (length of the period) is correlated with life history strategies in some animals. Although the length of the circadian rhythm may be associated with the POLS hypothesis, few studies have investigated the relationships among animal behavior, life history traits, and circadian rhythm. We tested the POLS hypothesis in the assassin bug,Amphibolus venator,which shows individual variation in locomotor activity. We found higher repeatability of differences in locomotor activity between individuals. Moreover, we found a trade‐off between locomotor activity and developmental period such that active individuals developed faster. However, locomotor activity was not correlated with the length of the circadian rhythm inA. venator. Therefore, this study suggests that the length of the circadian rhythm inA. venatordoes not support the POLS hypothesis.
Ultrasound‐guided injection of the cranial tibial artery for stem cell administration in horses
Authors: Torrent A. , Spriet M. , Espinosa‐Mur P. , Clark K. C. , Whitcomb M. B. , Borjesson D. L. , Galuppo L. D.
Published: January 2019

Background

A technique for intra‐arterial injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has been established for front limbs with the use of the median artery. This approach has been proposed for treatment of soft tissue injuries of the equine distal limb. A technique has not been validated yet for hindlimb injection.

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of injection of the cranial tibial artery in horses, and to evaluate the distribution and persistence of MSC after injection.

Study design

In vivo experiment.

Methods

In a first phase, the cranial tibial arteries of both hindlimbs of three research horses were catheterised with ultrasound guidance under general anaesthesia and injected with iodinated contrast. In the second phase, iodinated contrast was injected in three standing sedated horses with ultrasound guidance. In the final phase, 99mTechnetium‐HMPAO labelled allogenic bone marrow derived equine MSC were injected under standing sedation with the same technique in three other horses. Scintigraphy was used to assess MSC distribution and persistence for 24 h. Ultrasound was performed 24 h after injection to assess vessel impairment.

Results

Arterial injection was achieved in all 18 limbs without any significant complications. Mild partial periarterial injection was observed in four limbs. Scintigraphic images demonstrated diffuse MSC distribution from the tarsal area to the foot. Persistence decreased over time but signal was still present at 24 h.

Main limitations

Limited retention of the radiolabel in the MSC.

Conclusions

Ultrasound‐guided injection of the cranial tibial artery can be performed both under general anaesthesia and standing sedation in horses. This technique could be used for MSC treatment of equine proximal suspensory desmopathy or other injuries in the distal hindlimb.
Vitamin D modulates the allergic phenotype of dendritic cells in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Cristi Francisca , Perez‐Mateluna Guillermo , Vera‐Kellet Cristián , Silva‐Valenzuela Sergio , Iturriaga Carolina , Hoyos‐Bachiloglu Rodrigo , Navarrete‐Dechent Cristián , Cifuentes Lorena , Camargo Carlos A. , Kalergis Alexis M. , Borzutzky Arturo
Published: January 2019

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency has been associated with increased incidence and severity of atopic dermatitis (AD), but the mechanisms through which VD may ameliorate AD are unclear. We compared the phenotypic characteristics of circulating myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (mDCs and pDCs, respectively) of children with AD vs healthy controls (HC) and evaluated if VD can modulate the allergic phenotype of circulating DCs in AD patients. Although there was no difference in frequency of circulating DCs between groups, among children with AD there was an inverse correlation between SCORAD and circulating total DCs and mDCs. In AD, serum IgE concentration correlated with FcεRI and surface‐bound IgE expression on mDCs and pDCs; pDCs expressing FcεRI and IgE were significantly increased compared to HC. Ex vivo, 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly decreased FcεRI expression on mDCs and surface‐bound IgE on mDCs and pDCs. Oral VD supplementation reduced expression of surface‐bound IgE on pDCs in children with AD. In summary, VD decreases the allergic phenotype of circulating DCs in children with AD, a potential mechanism for how VD supplementation may improve AD severity. Future studies are needed to further assess the role of VD supplementation as an immunomodulatory therapy for AD.
Cep128 associates with Odf2 to form the subdistal appendage of the centriole
Authors: Kashihara Hiroka , Chiba Shuhei , Kanno Shin‐ichiro , Suzuki Koya , Yano Tomoki , Tsukita Sachiko
Published: January 2019

The mother centriole in a cell has two appendages, the distal appendage (DA) and subdistal appendage (SDA), which have roles in generating cilia and organizing the cellular microtubular network, respectively. In the knockout (KO) cells of Odf2, the component of the DA and SDA, both appendages simultaneously disappear. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the DA and SDA form independently but close to each other downstream of Odf2 are unknown. Here, using super‐resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR‐SIM), we found that the signal for GFP‐tagged Odf2 overlapped considerably with that of immunofluorescently labeled Cep128. We further found that Cep128 knockdown (KD) caused the dissociation of other SDA components from the centriole, including centriolin, Ndel1, ninein and Cep170, whereas Odf2 was still associated with the centriole. In contrast, the DA components remained associated with the centriole in Cep128 KD cells. Consistent with this observation, we identified Cep128 as an Odf2‐interacting protein by immunoprecipitation. Taken with the finding that Cep128 deletion decreased the stability of centriolar microtubules, our results indicate that Cep128 associates with Odf2 in the hierarchical assembly of SDA components to elicit the microtubule‐organizing function.
The first observation of the association of Merkel cell polyomavirus and Merkel cell carcinoma in Brazil
Authors: Neto Cyro Festa , Oliveira Walmar R. P. , Costa Pedro V. A. , Cardoso Melina K. , Barreto Paula G. , Romano Camila M. , Urbano Paulo R.
Published: January 2019

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive primary cutaneous carcinoma with high mortality rates. The present study intends to delineate the epidemiological profile of patients with MCC seen at the Clinics Hospital of the Medical School at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and its association with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV).

Methods

This is a retrospective study. A search was performed in the hospital's medical index for all cases of MCC from January 1994 to December 2012. Among patients with MCC, the available tumoral skin specimens were analyzed with two different techniques of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (conventional and real‐time) for detection of MCPyV DNA. Additionally, paraffin‐embedded samples of patients with non‐MCC skin cancers were also analyzed. Analyses suitable for categorical data (i.e., x² of Fisher) were used to compare the proportion of patients in each group.

Results

Nineteen patients with MCC and 20 patients with non‐MCC skin cancers entered the study. All MCC samples available (13) tested positive for the presence of MCPyV DNA; however, in the non‐MCC skin cancer samples, the MCPyV DNA was detected in 4 of 20 samples (20%). MCPyV DNA detection rate was higher in patients with MCC than in the other group, and its analysis was statistically significant (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the association of MCPyV in Brazilian patients with MCC. However, further studies are necessary to determine the exact involvement of MCPyV in MCC pathogenesis and to define the significance of viral DNA detection in non‐MCC skin cancers.
Electrophysiological abnormalities in induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes generated from Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Eisen Binyamin , Ben Jehuda Ronen , Cuttitta Ashley J. , Mekies Lucy N. , Shemer Yuval , Baskin Polina , Reiter Irina , Willi Lubna , Freimark Dov , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Monserrat Lorenzo , Scherr Michaela , Hilfiker‐Kleiner Denise , Arad Michael , Michele Daniel E. , Binah Ofer
Published: January 2019

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X‐linked progressive muscle degenerative disease, caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene and resulting in death because of respiratory or cardiac failure. To investigate the cardiac cellular manifestation of DMD, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC‐derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC‐CMs) from two DMD patients: a male and female manifesting heterozygous carrier. Dystrophin mRNA and protein expression were analysed by qRT‐PCR, RNAseq, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. For comprehensive electrophysiological analysis, current and voltage clamp were used to record transmembrane action potentials and ion currents, respectively. Microelectrode array was used to record extracellular electrograms. X‐inactive specific transcript (XIST) and dystrophin expression analyses revealed that female iPSCs underwent X chromosome reactivation (XCR) or erosion of X chromosome inactivation, which was maintained in female iPSC‐CMs displaying mixed X chromosome expression of wild type (WT) and mutated alleles. Both DMD female and male iPSC‐CMs presented low spontaneous firing rate, arrhythmias and prolonged action potential duration. DMD female iPSC‐CMs displayed increased beat rate variability (BRV). DMD male iPSC‐CMs manifested decreased If density, and DMD female and male iPSC‐CMs showed increased ICa,L density. Our findings demonstrate cellular mechanisms underlying electrophysiological abnormalities and cardiac arrhythmias in DMD.
Listeria monocytogenes risk associated with chicken at slaughter and biocontrol with three new bacteriophages
Authors: Cufaoglu Gizem , Ayaz Naim Deniz
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to isolate Listeria monocytogenes from chicken neck skins and lytic bacteriophages from poultry slaughterhouse wastewaters, and following the characterization of the isolates, biocontrol of L. monocytogenes was investigated on chicken drumsticks with the isolated phages. L. monocytogenes prevalence was detected 12.3% in the chicken samples and the dominant serotype was determined as 1/2a (92.5%). Expression levels of major virulence genes were revealed by real‐time RT‐PCR. Ten different DNA profiles were detected by ERIC‐PCR fingerprinting. According to the MIC results, LM‐P75 was defined as MDR by showing resistance to antibiotics in six different groups. Besides, five lytic listeriophages were isolated from wastewaters and treated with Cla1 and Sac1. Taking EoP, TEM, in vitro, and in vivo analyses results into consideration, three bacteriophages were used for the biocontrol assay. The application of the bacteriophages on drumsticks achieved a reduction up to 3.3 log CFU/ml in L. monocytogenes count in 3 hr of incubation at 4°C.

Practical applications

Our results showed that in spite of the developments in hygiene practices during slaughtering, chicken meat is still a potential source for L. monocytogenes. On the other hand, the phage cocktail that used in this study can be an effective tool to reduce L. monocytogenes in chicken carcasses at final wash or at cooling step in poultry slaughtering process, as well as in decontamination of chicken meat parts.
MicroRNAs transcriptionally regulate promoter activity in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yang Guodong , Li Yuanyuan , Wu Binjiang , Zhang Kaiyue , Gao Lei , Zheng Chengchao
Published: January 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are vital regulators that repress gene expression in the cytoplasm in two main ways: mRNA degradation and translational inhibition. Several animal studies have shown that miRNAs also target promoters, thereby activating expression. Whether this miRNA action also occurs in plants is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that several miRNAs regulate target promoters in Arabidopsis thaliana. For example, miR5658 was predominantly present in the nucleus and activated the expression of AT3G25290 directly by binding to its promoter. Our observations suggest that this mode of action may be a general feature of plant miRNAs, and thus provide insight into the vital roles of plant miRNAs in the nucleus.
Age‐related survival disparity in stage IB and IIB cervical cancer patients
Authors: Sakakibara Atsuko , Matsui Kunihiko , Katayama Toshiro , Higuchi Toshihiro , Terakawa Koichi , Konishi Ikuo
Published: January 2019

Aim

Whether young cervical cancer patients have poorer prognosis compared to older ones has remained controversial over the past half century. The last three decades have seen a rise in morbidity and mortality among young Japanese women with cervical cancer. This reflects the fact that the importance of prevention has not been fully recognized due to limited clinical studies. We examined the relationship between age and prognosis in cervical cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively examined medical records of consecutive patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB and IIB cervical cancer at a hospital in Japan. Patients were divided into two age groups: less than or equal to 39 years (adolescent and young adult [AYA] group) and greater than or equal to 40 years (older adult group). We compared prognosis and clinical factors associated with prognosis between AYA and older adult patients.

Results

Data from 182 patients (AYA n = 71; older adults n = 111) treated between 2004 and 2011 were analyzed. The proportion of loss to follow‐up was 6.0%. Significant differences were observed in stage and lymph node metastasis between the two groups at baseline. However, despite the older adult group having a higher proportion of advanced cancer patients, the overall survival rate of stage IIB patients in the AYA group at the 3‐year follow‐up was significantly lower (AYA 53.6%, older adults 86.3%, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis adjusted for clinical factors revealed that AYA patients had a 3.7–3.9 times greater mortality risk compared to older adults.

Conclusion

AYA patients with stage IB and IIB cervical cancer may have a prognostic disadvantage.
Melatonin modulates daytime‐dependent synaptic plasticity and learning efficiency
Authors: Jilg Antje , Bechstein Philipp , Saade Anastasia , Dick Moritz , Li Tian Xiao , Tosini Gianluca , Rami Abdelhaq , Zemmar Ajmal , Stehle Jörg H.
Published: January 2019

Mechanisms of hippocampus‐related memory formation are time‐of‐day‐dependent. While the circadian system and clock genes are related to timing of hippocampal mnemonic processes (acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval of long‐term memory [LTM]) and long‐term potentiation (LTP), little is known about temporal gating mechanisms. Here, the role of the neurohormone melatonin as a circadian time cue for hippocampal signaling and memory formation was investigated in C3H/He wildtype (WT) and melatonin receptor‐knockout () mice. Immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses revealed the presence of melatonin receptors on mouse hippocampal neurons. Temporal patterns of time‐of‐day‐dependent clock gene protein levels were profoundly altered in mice compared to WT animals. On the behavioral level, WT mice displayed better spatial learning efficiency during daytime as compared to nighttime. In contrast, high error scores were observed in mice during both, daytime and nighttime acquisition. Day‐night difference in LTP, as observed in WT mice, was absent in mice and in WT animals, in which the sympathetic innervation of the pineal gland was surgically removed to erase rhythmic melatonin synthesis. In addition, treatment of melatonin‐deficient C57BL/6 mice with melatonin at nighttime significantly improved their working memory performance at daytime. These results illustrate that melatonin shapes time‐of‐day‐dependent learning efficiency in parallel to consolidating expression patterns of clock genes in the mouse hippocampus. Our data suggest that melatonin imprints a time cue on mouse hippocampal signaling and gene expression to foster better learning during daytime.
The effect of copper nanoparticles and copper (II) salt on redox reactions and epigenetic changes in a rat model
Authors: Ognik Katarzyna , Cholewińska Ewelina , Juśkiewicz Jerzy , Zduńczyk Zenon , Tutaj Krzysztof , Szlązak Radosław
Published: January 2019

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing different levels of Cu in two different chemical forms (carbonate and nanoparticles) on redox reactions and epigenetic changes in a rat model. For 4 weeks, five experimental groups (eight rats in each) were fed diets with two dosages of added Cu (standard—6.5 mg/kg or half of the standard dosage—3.25 mg/kg, and as a negative control no additional Cu in the mineral mixture) in two forms (standard—CuCO3 and copper nanoparticles). Addition of Cu nanoparticles resulted in higher Cp (ceruloplasmin) activity and LOOH (lipid peroxides) and MDA (malondialdehyde) content, as well as decrease the CAT (catalase) activity and level of PC (protein carbonyl), 3‐NT (3‐nitrotyrosine), 8‐OHdG (8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine), GSH + GSSG (total glutathione) and DNA methylation. Reducing the dose of copper resulted in a decrease in the level of LOOH and GSH + GSSG as well as CAT activity, but increased the level of PC and methylated DNA. Based on these evidence, we concluded that addition of copper nanoparticles in the diet reduces protein oxidation and nitration as well as DNA oxidation and methylation. Lowering the level of Cu in the diet increases the oxidation of proteins and DNA methylation.
Linking understory species diversity, community‐level traits and productivity in a Chinese boreal forest
Authors: Liu Bo , Chen Han Y. H. , Yang Jian
Published: January 2019

Question

The consensus has been growing over the past decade that functional traits and diversity are better to explain forest overstory diversity–productivity relationships (DPRs) than species diversity. Although the understory accounts for the majority of plant diversity in forests, it remains unclear how understory aboveground biomass production (UABP) is influenced by its species diversity and community‐level functional traits.

Location

Great Xing'an Mountains of ortheastern China.

Methods

We quantified the effects of species richness, community aggregated traits (community weighted mean trait values,CWM) and functional diversity (functional dispersion,FDis) onUABPusing structural equation modeling (SEM), which simultaneously accounted for the effects of overstory tree basal area, stand age, and soil fertility.

Results

In the full model, species richness had a negative direct, a positive indirect and no total effect onUABP. Furthermore,CWMandFDis, respectively, exhibited positive and no effect onUABP. Among the covariates, soil fertility, stand age, and overstory tree basal area had, respectively, positive, negative, and no effect onUABP. In the model without species richness, all trait variables had similar effects onUABPto those in the full model. In the richness‐only model without traits, species richness, soil fertility and stand age had no effect onUABP.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the selection effect largely determined understoryDPRs due to the stronger effects ofCWMonUABPthanof FDis. Soil fertility exhibited the strongest influence on understoryDPRs due to its parallel influences on traits, diversity, and productivity. The increase in resource availability induced by overstory tree litter‐fall likely promoted soil fertility as the main driver of the understoryDPRs. Stand age exhibited a negative effect onUABP, which may have contributed to the increases in shrub dominance and decreases in production due to limited resources.
Legislative Constraints on Executive Unilateralism in Separation of Powers Systems
Authors: Barber Michael , Bolton Alexander , Thrower Sharece
Published: January 2019

Can legislatures effectively check unilateral executive power? One prominent and counterintuitive finding in previous work is that executives pursue unilateralism less often under divided government. While executives see greater potential policy gains through unilateral action during divided government, we argue that their likelihood of acting unilaterally depends on an opposed legislature's ability to retaliate. When polarization is high and majorities are marginal, executives are freer to act unilaterally given the difficulties legislatures have in statutorily responding. Unilateralism is also more likely when facing opposition if legislatures lack nonstatutory means of punishment, such as regulatory review. In the largest analysis of gubernatorial executive unilateralism to date, we use a new data set of 24,232 executive orders in the 50 American states between 1993 and 2013 to evaluate this argument and find strong support for its predictions. These results provide insights into how legislative policymaking capacity can influence the functioning of separation of powers systems.
Molecular phylogeny and divergence times of Onosma (Boraginaceae s.s.) based on nrDNA ITS and plastid rpl32‐trnL(UAG) and trnH–psbA sequences
Authors: Nasrollahi Fatemeh , Kazempour‐Osaloo Shahrokh , Saadati Nasim , Mozaffarian Valeyollah , Zare‐Maivan Hassan
Published: January 2019

We analysed 87 species of Onosma (Boraginaceae) from throughout its distribution range to investigate its evolutionary history. Using nrDNA ITS and two plastid (rpl32‐trnL(UAG) and trnH–psbA) markers, we reconstructed phylogenetic relationships within Onosma by conducting maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and BEAST analyses. The analyses revealed that Onosma as currently circumscribed is not monophyletic. However, the vast majority of Onosma species appear to belong to a single clade, the so‐called Onosma s.s. Outside of this core clade is a clade containing O. rostellata, a subclade of Sino‐Indian species and Maharanga emodii. Podonosma orientalis (as O. orientalis) appear only distantly related to Onosma but is more closely related to Alkanna, as also suggested in previous molecular studies. The Onosma s.s. clade includes all representatives of O. sect. Onosma, and encompasses three subsections, i.e. Onosma, Haplotricha and Heterotricha, corresponding to asterotrichous, haplotrichous and heterotrichous groups, respectively, but none of these subsections was retrieved as monophyletic. We observed significant incongruence between nuclear and chloroplast phylogenies regarding the phylogenetic status of the heterotrichous group. A dozen of the Iranian haplotrichous species formed a lineage which may not hybridize with asterotrichous species. Divergence time estimates suggested that the early radiation of Onosma s.l. took place at the Oligocene‐Miocene boundary and the diversification within Onosma s.s. occurred during middle to late Miocene and Pliocene.
Interaction of cardiac implantable electronic device and patent foramen ovale in ischemic stroke: A case‐only study
Authors: Agboola Kolade M. , Lee Jin‐Moo , Liu Xiaoyan , Novak Eric , Cuculich Phillip S. , Cooper Daniel H. , Noheria Amit
Published: January 2019

Background

Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) leads are a nidus for right atrial thrombi. Right‐to‐left thromboembolism across a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a putative mechanism for ischemic stroke and PFO has been associated with stroke. We used a novel unbiased case‐only study design to assess the effect modification of PFO‐associated ischemic stroke risk by presence of CIED. We hypothesized that presence of CIED, as a nidus for right atrial thrombus formation, magnifies the PFO‐ischemic stroke relationship; therefore, among hospitalized ischemic stroke patients we would find a higher prevalence of CIED in patients with PFO.

Methods

We included consecutive first ischemic stroke patients admitted to our hospital from 2006 to 2015, who were enrolled in a prospectively maintained stroke registry. PFO was ascertained from documentation on echocardiography, and presence of CIED at time of stroke was determined from chest radiography reports at or prior to hospitalization. We measured distributions of CIED within PFO and control groups and used Fisher's exact test to evaluate the PFO‐CIED association among ischemic stroke patients.

Results

We included 7089 patients (age: 64.5 ± 14.9 years, 51% female). Echocardiography diagnosed PFO in 760 (10.7%) patients and CIED was reported on chest radiography in 752 (10.6%) patients. Prevalence of CIED was lower in the PFO (61/760, 8.0%) compared to control group (691/6329, 10.9%), P = 0.015.

Conclusion

Among admitted ischemic stroke patients, we did not find a higher prevalence of CIED in patients with PFO compared to controls. Therefore, in the underlying source population, the presence of CIED did not increase the PFO‐associated ischemic stroke risk.
Choice and vulnerability in aging societies: Understanding the impact of age on user capacity
Authors: Kjær Agnete Aslaug
Published: January 2019

One necessary condition for realizing the benefits of choice‐based models of public service provision is that the service users in a given sector are capable of exercising choice. However, along with population aging, critics may question the level of user capacity in the growing user group consisting of older citizens with healthcare needs. For the first time in an older‐aged sample (52 to 97 years, N ~ 10,000), this study examines the link between age and user capacity (public service efficacy). Our results from the hospital sector in Denmark reveal a negative age gradient, where those of advanced age and declining health report significantly lower public service efficacy. However, when examining this age gap, much is attributable to cohort differences in educational attainment. Thus, while current generations of older service users constitute a vulnerable group under choice‐based policies, this challenge is likely to diminish in the future.
Dressing the boundary: On soliton solutions of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation on the half‐line
Authors: Zhang Cheng
Published: January 2019

Based on the theory of integrable boundary conditions (BCs) developed by Sklyanin, we provide a direct method for computing soliton solutions of the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation on the half‐line. The integrable BCs at the origin are represented by constraints of the Lax pair, and our method lies on dressing the Lax pair by preserving those constraints in the Darboux‐dressing process. The method is applied to two classes of solutions: solitons vanishing at infinity and self‐modulated solitons on a constant background. Half‐line solitons in both cases are explicitly computed. In particular, the boundary‐bound solitons, which are static solitons bounded at the origin, are also constructed. We give a natural inverse scattering transform interpretation of the method as evolution of the scattering data determined by the integrable BCs in space.
Stigma Management and Resistance among High‐Achieving Undocumented Students
Authors: Yasuike Akiko
Published: January 2019

Based on 32 in‐depth interviews with undocumented students at four‐year colleges and college graduates in Southern California, this study examines the stigma management and resistance practices undocumented students employ in an educational context. Shock, shame, embarrassment, and fear of deportation initially cause them to employ a variety of stigma management methods to keep their status secret while accepting its negative societal evaluation. However, the experience of higher education facilitates the stigma resistance of redefining their identities, labeling the denial of their full participation in society as injustice, engaging in social activism (e.g., demanding passage of the DREAM Act or the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act), and publicly embracing an undocumented social identity. This study shows how undocumented college students develop academic resilience and motivation through stigma resistance their college experiences help them engage in.
Disabling of nephrogenesis in porcine embryos via CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated SIX1 and SIX4 gene targeting
Authors: Wang Junzheng , Liu Manling , Zhao Lihua , Li Yanru , Zhang Manling , Jin Yong , Xiong Qiang , Liu Xiaorui , Zhang Lining , Jiang Haibin , Chen Qiaoyu , Wang Chenyu , You Zhihuan , Yang Haiyuan , Cao Changchun , Dai Yifan , Li Rongfeng
Published: January 2019

SIX1 and SIX4 genes play critical roles in kidney development. We evaluated the effect of these genes on pig kidney development by generating SIX1−/− and SIX1−/−/SIX4−/− pig foetuses using CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer. We obtained 3 SIX1−/− foetuses and 16 SIX1−/−/SIX4−/− foetuses at different developmental stages. The SIX1−/− foetuses showed a migration block of the left kidney and a smaller size for both kidneys. The ureteric bud failed to form the normal branching and collecting system. Abnormal expressions of kidney development‐related genes (downregulation of PAX2, PAX8, and BMP4 and upregulation of EYA1 and SALL1) were also observed in SIX1−/− foetal kidneys and confirmed in vitro in porcine kidney epithelial cells (PK15) following SIX1 gene deletion. The SIX1−/−/SIX4−/− foetuses exhibited more severe phenotypes, with most foetuses showing retarded development at early stages of gestation. The kidney developed only to the initial stage of metanephros formation. These results demonstrated that SIX1 and SIX4 are key genes for porcine metanephros development. The creation of kidney‐deficient porcine foetuses provides a platform for generating human kidneys inside pigs using blastocyst complementation.