bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WD Repeat‐containing Protein 73, A Novel Gene Correlated with Gonad Development in Large Yellow Croaker, Larimichthys crocea
Authors: Zhang Dong L. , Yu Da H. , Luo Hui Y. , Wang Zhi Y.
Published: March 2016

The genome of Larimichthys crocea harbors more than 200 putative WD40 proteins. Yet, the function of these WD40 proteins remains unknown. Here a WD40 gene, wd73, was cloned and characterized in L. crocea (named as Lcwdr73). The cDNA is 1706 bp, including a 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of 51 bp, a 3′ UTR of 509 bp, and an open reading frame of 1146 bp encoding 381 amino acid residues. The putative LcWDR73 protein contains three WD40 domain motifs. The tissue expression profiles of both sexes revealed that Lcwdr73 was extremely highly expressed in testis and ovary, moderate in kidney and brain, and low in the other tissues by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Based on histology, the gonad development of L. crocea was divided into four phases: proliferative stage (Phase I), small developmental stage (Phase II), grand developmental stage (Phase III), and mature stage (Phase IV). With the gonad development, Lcwdr73 mRNA increased and reached a peak in Phase IV, and the expression in testes is significantly higher than that in ovaries, especially from Phase II to Phase IV, indicating that Lcwdr73 may play an important role during gonad development in L. crocea. The resutlts lay a foundation to control precocious puberty of L. crocea.
Hepatic miR‐33a/miR‐144 and their target gene ABCA1 are associated with steatohepatitis in morbidly obese subjects
Authors: Vega‐Badillo Joel , Gutiérrez‐Vidal Roxana , Hernández‐Pérez Hugo A. , Villamil‐Ramírez Hugo , León‐Mimila Paola , Sánchez‐Muñoz Fausto , Morán‐Ramos Sofía , Larrieta‐Carrasco Elena , Fernández‐Silva Itzel , Méndez‐Sánchez Nahúm , Tovar Armando R. , Campos‐Pérez Francisco , Villarreal‐Molina Teresa , Hernández‐Pando Rogelio , Aguilar‐Salinas Carlos A. , Canizales‐Quinteros Samuel
Published: March 2016

Background and Aim

Abnormal cholesterol metabolism may contribute to the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. miR‐33 and miR‐144 regulate adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter (ABCA1) and other target genes involved in cholesterol efflux, fatty acid oxidation and inflammation. We explored relationships between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the hepatic expression of ABCA1/ABCG1, as well as other target genes regulated by miR‐33 (carnitine O‐octanoyltransferase, CROT and hydroxyacyl‐CoA‐dehydrogenase β‐subunit, HADHB) and miR‐144 (toll‐like receptor‐2, TLR2). Moreover, we evaluated whether the expression of these genes is correlated with miR‐33a/b and miR‐144 expression in Mexican individuals with morbid obesity.

Methods

Eighty‐four morbidly obese subjects undergoing bariatric surgery were included in this study. Liver biopsies were obtained to measure hepatic triglyceride and free cholesterol contents, as well as ABCA1, ABCG1, CROT, HADHB, TLR2, miR‐33a/b and miR‐144 expression.

Results

Hepatic free cholesterol content was significantly increased in NASH as compared to non‐NASH subjects, while ABCA1 and ABCG1 protein levels significantly decreased with NASH and fibrosis progression. The relative expression of miR‐33a and miR‐144 correlated inversely with ABCA1 but not with ABCG1 protein levels. Moreover, both miRNAs increased significantly in NASH individuals. miR‐33 target genes CROT and HADHB correlated inversely with miR‐33a. However, the expression of these genes was not associated with NASH.

Conclusions

miR‐33a/144 and their target gene ABCA1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of NASH in morbidly obese subjects.
Genomics of local adaptation with gene flow
Authors: Tigano Anna , Friesen Vicki L.
Published: March 2016

Gene flow is a fundamental evolutionary force in adaptation that is especially important to understand as humans are rapidly changing both the natural environment and natural levels of gene flow. Theory proposes a multifaceted role for gene flow in adaptation, but it focuses mainly on the disruptive effect that gene flow has on adaptation when selection is not strong enough to prevent the loss of locally adapted alleles. The role of gene flow in adaptation is now better understood due to the recent development of both genomic models of adaptive evolution and genomic techniques, which both point to the importance of genetic architecture in the origin and maintenance of adaptation with gene flow. In this review, we discuss three main topics on the genomics of adaptation with gene flow. First, we investigate selection on migration and gene flow. Second, we discuss the three potential sources of adaptive variation in relation to the role of gene flow in the origin of adaptation. Third, we explain how local adaptation is maintained despite gene flow: we provide a synthesis of recent genomic models of adaptation, discuss the genomic mechanisms and review empirical studies on the genomics of adaptation with gene flow. Despite predictions on the disruptive effect of gene flow in adaptation, an increasing number of studies show that gene flow can promote adaptation, that local adaptations can be maintained despite high gene flow, and that genetic architecture plays a fundamental role in the origin and maintenance of local adaptation with gene flow.
Transcriptomic differences between euryhaline and stenohaline malaria vector sibling species in response to salinity stress
Authors: Uyhelji Hilary A. , Cheng Changde , Besansky Nora J.
Published: March 2016

Evolution of osmoregulatory systems is a key factor in the transition of species between fresh‐ and saltwater habitats. Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles merus are stenohaline and euryhaline malaria vector mosquitoes belonging to a larger group of sibling species, the Anopheles gambiae complex, which radiated in Africa within the last 2 million years. Comparative ecological genomics of these vector species can provide insight into the mechanisms that permitted the rapid radiation of this species complex into habitats of contrasting salinity. Here, we use RNA‐Seq to investigate gene expression differences between An. coluzzii and An. merus after briefly exposing both young and old larval instars of each species to either saltwater (SW) or freshwater (FW). Our study aims to identify candidate genes and pathways responsible for the greater SW tolerance of An. merus. Our results are congruent with the ability of gene induction to mediate salinity tolerance, with both species showing increasing amounts of differential gene expression between SW and FW as salt concentrations increase. Besides ion transporters such as AgAE2 that may serve as effectors for osmoregulation, we also find mitogen‐activated protein kinases that may serve in a phosphorylation signalling pathway responding to salinity, and report potential cross‐talk between the mosquito immune response and osmoregulation. This study provides a key step towards applying the growing molecular knowledge of these malaria vectors to improve understanding of their ecological tolerances and habitat occupancy.
The idea of a Jewish nation in the German discourse about emancipation
Authors: Avraham Doron
Published: March 2016

This article compares the German conservative conceptualization of Judaism and Jewish emancipation with that of liberals, from the Vormärz (1830–1848) to the Neue Ära (1858–1861). It argues that both conservatives and liberals understood Judaism not merely as a religion but also as a nationality. Yet while liberals acknowledged the national dimension of Judaism as a secularized culture, and even supported Jewish emancipation, conservatives developed a different concept. Since the 1830s, conservatives accommodated nationalism while investing the Christian State ideal with national meaning. This national‐religious construction was imposed on Judaism, which was similarly interpreted now as a synthesis between religion and nationality. In accordance with this conceptualization, conservatives rejected Jewish emancipation on national ground while advocating for the establishment of a Jewish nation‐state. This thesis diverges from the existing literature, in which the reluctance of conservatism to embrace nationalism until the 1870s stands as the consensual view.
Pyramids of species richness: the determinants and distribution of species diversity across trophic levels
Authors: Turney Shaun , Buddle Christopher M.
Published: March 2016

How species richness is distributed across trophic levels determines several dimensions of ecosystem functioning, including herbivory, predation, and decomposition rates. We perform a meta‐analysis of 72 large published food webs to investigate their trophic diversity structure and possible endogenous, exogenous, and methodological causal variables. Consistent with classic theory, we found that published food webs can generally be described as ‘pyramids of species richness’. The food webs were more predator‐poor, prey‐rich and hierarchical than is expected by chance or by the niche or cascade models. The trophic species richness distribution also depended on centrality, latitude, ecosystem‐type and methodological bias. Although trophic diversity structure is generally pyramidal, under many conditions the structure is consistently uniform or inverse‐pyramidal. Our meta‐analysis adds nuance to classic assumptions about food web structure: diversity decreases with trophic level, but not under all conditions, and the decrease may be scale‐dependent.

Synthesis

The distribution of species richness across trophic levels has not been evaluated in recent decades, despite improvement in food web resolution and the relevance of biodiversity distribution to ecosystem function. Our meta‐analysis of 72 large, recent food webs, illustrates that published food webs can generally be described as basal‐rich, top‐poor ‘pyramids of species richness’, consistent with classic theory. Although trophic diversity structure is generally pyramidal, under some environmental and ecological conditions the structure is uniform or inverse‐pyramidal. Our meta‐analysis confirms classic theory about food web structure, while adding nuance by describing conditions under which classic pyramid structure is not observed.
Ultrasound‐Guided Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study with Fluoroscopic Confirmation
Authors: Gofeld Michael , Lee Chuan‐Whei
Published: March 2016

Plancarte first described a fluoroscopy‐guided superior hypogastric plexus block to manage pelvic pain in 1990. Modifications have since been described using different imaging modalities. Ultrasound‐guided approach has been described in a clinical outcome study. However, the accuracy of an ultrasound‐guided method has never been validated by alternative imaging. We conducted an experiment aiming to develop ultrasound‐guided superior hypogastric plexus block using human cadavers in the supine position. Final needle position and spread of a radiopaque contrast was verified by fluoroscopy, a standard imaging tool. The needle approach to the L5 vertebral body was performed in the short axis as has been recommended. Injection of radiopaque contrast revealed unilateral and cephalad spread to the L5/S1 disk. Additional transabdominal long‐axis scanning of the lumbosacral segment was and the needle trajectory was modified to aim for the apex of the L5/S1 disk. Bilateral spread was achieved by strict midline placement of the needle tip and real‐time observation of injection. The modified ultrasound‐guided technique resulted in a similar spread of injectate as the traditional fluoroscopy‐guided technique that in a clinical scenario would offer complete block of the superior hypogastric plexus.
Early Mississippian sandy siltstones preserve rare vertebrate fossils in seasonal flooding episodes
Authors: Bennett Carys E. , Kearsey Timothy I. , Davies Sarah J. , Millward David , Clack Jennifer A. , Smithson Timothy R. , Marshall John E. A.
Published: March 2016

Flood‐generated sandy siltstones are under‐recognised deposits that preserve key vertebrate (actinopterygians, rhizodonts, and rarer lungfish, chondrichthyans and tetrapods), invertebrate and plant fossils. Recorded for the first time from the lower Mississippian Ballagan Formation of Scotland, more than 140 beds occur throughout a 490 m thick core succession characterised by fluvial sandstones, palaeosols, siltstones, dolostone ‘cementstones’ and gypsum from a coastal–alluvial plain setting. Sandy siltstones are described as a unique taphofacies of the Ballagan Formation (Scotland, UK); they are matrix‐supported siltstones with millimetre‐sized siltstone and very fine sandstone lithic clasts. Common bioclasts include plants and megaspores, fish, ostracods, eurypterids and bivalves. Fossils have a high degree of articulation compared with those found in other fossil‐bearing deposits, such as conglomerate lags at the base of fluvial channel sandstones. Bed thickness and distribution varies throughout the formation, with no stratigraphic trend. The matrix sediment and clasts are sourced from the reworking of floodplain sediments including desiccated surfaces and palaeosols. Secondary pedogenic modification affects 30% of the sandy siltstone beds and most (71%) overlie palaeosols or desiccation cracks. Sandy siltstones are interpreted as cohesive debris flow deposits that originated by the overbank flooding of rivers and due to localised floodplain sediment transport at times of high rainfall; their association with palaeosols and desiccation cracks indicates seasonally wet to dry cycles throughout the Tournaisian. Tetrapod and fish fossils derived from floodplain lakes and land surfaces are concentrated by local erosion and reworking, and are preserved by deposition into temporary lakes on the floodplain; their distribution indicates a local origin, with sediment transported across the floodplain in seasonal rainfall episodes. These deposits are significant new sites that can be explored for the preservation of rare non‐marine fossil material and provide unique insights into the evolution of early terrestrial ecosystems.
Health‐adjusted neuropsychological test norms based on 463 older Swedish car drivers
Authors: Bergman Ingvar , Johansson Kurt , Almkvist Ove , Lundberg Catarina
Published: March 2016

There is a need for improved normative information in particular for older persons. The present study provides neuropsychological test norms on seven cognitive tests used in a sample representing the general older driving population, when uncontrolled and controlled for physical health. A group of 463 healthy Swedish car drivers, aged 65 to 84 years, participated in a medical and neuropsychological examination. The latter included tests of visual scanning, mental shifting, visual spatial function, memory, reaction time, selective attention, and simultaneous capacity. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that, when uncontrolled for health, old age was associated with significant impairment on all seven tests. Education was associated with a significant advantage for all tests except most reaction time subtests. Women outperformed men on selective attention. Controlling for health did not consistently change the associations with education, but generally weakened those with age, indicating rises in normative scores of up to 0.36 SD (residual). In terms of variance explained, impaired health predicted on average 2.5%, age 2.9%, education 2.1% and gender 0.1%. It was concluded (1) that individual regression‐based predictions of expected values have the advantage of allowing control for the impact of health on normative scores in addition to the adjustment for various demographic and performance‐related variables and (2) that health‐adjusted norms have the potential to classify functional status more accurately, to the extent that these norms diverge from norms uncontrolled for physical health.
Subgroup Analysis with Time‐to‐Event Data Under a Logistic‐Cox Mixture Model
Authors: Wu Ruo‐fan , Zheng Ming , Yu Wen
Published: March 2016

Subgroup detection has received increasing attention recently in different fields such as clinical trials, public management and market segmentation analysis. In these fields, people often face time‐to‐event data, which are commonly subject to right censoring. This paper proposes a semiparametric Logistic‐Cox mixture model for subgroup analysis when the interested outcome is event time with right censoring. The proposed method mainly consists of a likelihood ratio‐based testing procedure for testing the existence of subgroups. The expectation–maximization iteration is applied to improve the testing power, and a model‐based bootstrap approach is developed to implement the testing procedure. When there exist subgroups, one can also use the proposed model to estimate the subgroup effect and construct predictive scores for the subgroup membership. The large sample properties of the proposed method are studied. The finite sample performance of the proposed method is assessed by simulation studies. A real data example is also provided for illustration.
Evaluation of two rapid screening assays for detecting hepatitis C antibodies in resource‐constrained settings
Authors: Kosack Cara S. , Nick Sigrid
Published: March 2016

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test from OraSure and the Multisure HCV antibody assay from MP Biomedicals.

Methods

Five seropanels from patients, intravenous drug users and blood donors with and without HCV infection were used on the two rapid immunochromatographic tests. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated. In addition, seropanels from 10 seroconverters were used to assess early identification of HCV infection. The study was undertaken in a laboratory at Paul Ehrlich Institute in Germany.

Results

Panel 1 contained of 55 positive and 25 negative samples. The OraQuick HCV test had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 93.5–100) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 86.3–100). The Multisure HCV test had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 93.5–100) and a specificity of 96% (95% CI: 79.6–99.9). Panel 2 consisted of 193 pre‐characterised anti‐HCV‐positive patient samples. The OraQuick HCV test identified 191 samples correctly and the Multisure HCV 192. The sensitivity was 99.0% (95% CI: 96.3–99.9) for the OraQuick HCV test and 99.5% (95% CI: 97.1–100) for the Multisure HCV test. Panel 3 was composed of seroconversion samples of 10 patients. The OraQuick HCV test detected all of these 10 infections while the Multisure HCV test detected six and was indeterminate on 2. Panel 4 included 53 anti‐HCV negative blood samples from blood donors. Both tests correctly identified all 53. Panel 5 consisted of 26 samples of HCV/HIV co‐infected patients. The sensitivity of the OraQuick HCV test was 65.2% (95% CI: 42.8–82.8) after 20 min and 73.9% (95% CI: 51.3–88.9) after 40 min of incubation. The Multisure HCV test had a sensitivity of 96.2% (95% CI: 80.4–99.9).

Conclusion

This evaluation revealed good sensitivity for both rapid screening assays. The detection of seroconverters, however, was lower in the MutiSure HCV test. Therefore the MultiSure test should be used with hesitation in high incidence settings. The OraQuick gave HCV false‐negative results in almost 25% of the HIV‐positive sera. Therefore may the OraQuick be less suited in HIV prevalent areas.
Salivary proteins of spider mites suppress defenses in Nicotiana benthamiana and promote mite reproduction
Authors: Villarroel Carlos A. , Jonckheere Wim , Alba Juan M. , Glas Joris J. , Dermauw Wannes , Haring Michel A. , Van Leeuwen Thomas , Schuurink Robert C. , Kant Merijn R.
Published: March 2016

Spider mites (Tetranychidae sp.) are widely occurring arthropod pests on cultivated plants. Feeding by the two‐spotted spider mite T. urticae, a generalist herbivore, induces a defense response in plants that mainly depends on the phytohormones jasmonic acid and salicylic acid (SA). On tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), however, certain genotypes of T. urticae and the specialist species T. evansi were found to suppress these defenses. This phenomenon occurs downstream of phytohormone accumulation via an unknown mechanism. We investigated if spider mites possess effector‐like proteins in their saliva that can account for this defense suppression. First we performed an in silico prediction of the T. urticae and the T. evansi secretomes, and subsequently generated a short list of candidate effectors based on additional selection criteria such as life stage‐specific expression and salivary gland expression via whole mount in situ hybridization. We picked the top five most promising protein families and then expressed representatives in Nicotiana benthamiana using Agrobacterium tumefaciens transient expression assays to assess their effect on plant defenses. Four proteins from two families suppressed defenses downstream of the phytohormone SA. Furthermore, T. urticae performance on N. benthamiana improved in response to transient expression of three of these proteins and this improvement was similar to that of mites feeding on the tomato SA accumulation mutant nahG. Our results suggest that both generalist and specialist plant‐eating mite species are sensitive to SA defenses but secrete proteins via their saliva to reduce the negative effects of these defenses.
A whole‐genome, radiation hybrid mapping resource of hexaploid wheat
Authors: Tiwari Vijay K. , Heesacker Adam , Riera‐Lizarazu Oscar , Gunn Hilary , Wang Shichen , Wang Yi , Gu Young Q. , Paux Etienne , Koo Dal‐Hoe , Kumar Ajay , Luo Ming‐Cheng , Lazo Gerard , Zemetra Robert , Akhunov Eduard , Friebe Bernd , Poland Jesse , Gill Bikram S. , Kianian Shahryar , Leonard Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2016

Generating a contiguous, ordered reference sequence of a complex genome such as hexaploid wheat (2n = 6x = 42; approximately 17 GB) is a challenging task due to its large, highly repetitive, and allopolyploid genome. In wheat, ordering of whole‐genome or hierarchical shotgun sequencing contigs is primarily based on recombination and comparative genomics‐based approaches. However, comparative genomics approaches are limited to syntenic inference and recombination is suppressed within the pericentromeric regions of wheat chromosomes, thus, precise ordering of physical maps and sequenced contigs across the whole‐genome using these approaches is nearly impossible. We developed a whole‐genome radiation hybrid (WGRH) resource and tested it by genotyping a set of 115 randomly selected lines on a high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. At the whole‐genome level, 26 299 SNP markers were mapped on the RH panel and provided an average mapping resolution of approximately 248 Kb/cR1500 with a total map length of 6866 cR1500. The 7296 unique mapping bins provided a five‐ to eight‐fold higher resolution than genetic maps used in similar studies. Most strikingly, the RH map had uniform bin resolution across the entire chromosome(s), including pericentromeric regions. Our research provides a valuable and low‐cost resource for anchoring and ordering sequenced BAC and next generation sequencing (NGS) contigs. The WGRH developed for reference wheat line Chinese Spring (CS‐WGRH), will be useful for anchoring and ordering sequenced BAC and NGS based contigs for assembling a high‐quality, reference sequence of hexaploid wheat. Additionally, this study provides an excellent model for developing similar resources for other polyploid species.
The apoptotic effect and the plausible mechanism of microwave radiation on rat myocardial cells
Authors: Zhu Wenhe , Cui Yan , Feng Xianmin , Li Yan , Zhang Wei , Xu Junjie , Wang Huiyan , Lv Shijie
Published: March 2016

Microwaves may exert adverse biological effects on the cardiovascular system at the integrated system and cellular levels. However, the mechanism underlying such effects remains poorly understood. Here, we report a previously uncharacterized mechanism through which microwaves damage myocardial cells. Rats were treated with 2450 MHz microwave radiation at 50, 100, 150, or 200 mW/cm2 for 6 min. Microwave treatment significantly enhanced the levels of various enzymes in serum. In addition, it increased the malondialdehyde content while decreasing the levels of antioxidative stress enzymes, activities of enzyme complexes I–IV, and ATP in myocardial tissues. Notably, irradiated myocardial cells exhibited structural damage and underwent apoptosis. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed significant changes in expression levels of proteins involved in oxidative stress regulation and apoptotic signaling pathways, indicating that microwave irradiation could induce myocardial cell apoptosis by interfering with oxidative stress and cardiac energy metabolism. Our findings provide useful insights into the mechanism of microwave-induced damage to the cardiovascular system.
A simple assessment on the hierarchy problem
Authors: Fabbri Luca
Published: March 2016

We consider the simplest extension of the standard model, where torsion couples to spinor as well as the scalar fields, and in which the cosmological constant problem is solved.
Double Pulse LIBS of Titanium-Based PVD-Coatings with Submicron Resolution
Authors: Ermalitskaia K. , Voropay E.
Published: March 2016

The possibility for double pulse LIBS in the process of a direct layer-by-layer analysis of the titanium-based PVD-coatings on polished flat blank samples of steel and silicon and also of the TiAlN/TiN-coating on a milling cutter is considered. A method is proposed to control thickness of the radiation evaporated layer by defocusing the laser beam with respect to the surface, making it possible to attain the depth resolution of 0.1 μm. The Ti and Ti-Zr-coatings produced using the ion-assisted condensation method and subjected to streams of the nitrogen plasma in a magnetic-plasma compressor are studied.
DNA Protection against Oxidative Damage Using the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Garcinia mangostana and Alpha‐Mangostin
Authors: Carvalho-Silva Ronaldo , Pereira Alanna Cibelle Fernandes , Santos Alves Rúbens Prince dos , Guecheva Temenouga N. , Henriques João A. P. , Brendel Martin , Pungartnik Cristina , Rios-Santos Fabrício
Published: March 2016

Garcinia mangostana, popularly known as “mangosteen fruit,” originates from Southeast Asia and came to Brazil about 80 years ago where it mainly grows in the states of Pará and Bahia. Although mangosteen or its extracts have been used for ages in Asian folk medicine, data on its potential genotoxicity is missing. We, therefore, evaluated genotoxicity/mutagenicity of hydroethanolic mangosteen extract [HEGM, 10 to 640 μg/mL] in established test assays (Comet assay, micronucleus test, and Salmonella/microsome test). In the Comet assay, HEGM‐exposed human leukocytes showed no DNA damage. No significant HEGM‐induced mutation in TA98 and TA100 strains of Salmonella typhimurium (with or without metabolic activation) was observed and HEGM‐exposed human lymphocytes had no increase of micronuclei. However, HEGM suggested exposure concentration‐dependent antigenotoxic potential in leukocytes and antioxidant potential in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. HEGM preloading effectively protected against H2O2‐induced DNA damage in leukocytes (Comet assay). Preloading of yeast with HEGM for up to 4 h significantly protected the cells from lethality of chronic H2O2‐exposure, as expressed in better survival. Absence of genotoxicity and demonstration of an antigenotoxic and antioxidant potential suggest that HEGM or some substances contained in it may hold promise for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical application.
Phlorizin, an Active Ingredient of Eleutherococcus senticosus, Increases Proliferative Potential of Keratinocytes with Inhibition of MiR135b and Increased Expression of Type IV Collagen
Authors: Choi Hye-Ryung , Nam Kyung-Mi , Lee Hyun-Sun , Yang Seung-Hye , Kim Young-Soo , Lee Jongsung , Date Akira , Toyama Kazumi , Park Kyoung-Chan
Published: March 2016

E. senticosus extract (ESE), known as antioxidant, has diverse pharmacologic effects. It is also used as an antiaging agent for the skin and phlorizin (PZ) is identified as a main ingredient. In this study, the effects of PZ on epidermal stem cells were investigated. Cultured normal human keratinocytes and skin equivalents are used to test whether PZ affects proliferative potential of keratinocytes and how it regulates these effects. Skin equivalents (SEs) were treated with ESE and the results showed that the epidermis became slightly thickened on addition of 0.002% ESE. The staining intensity of p63 as well as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is increased, and integrin α6 was upregulated. Analysis of ESE confirmed that PZ is the main ingredient. When SEs were treated with PZ, similar findings were observed. In particular, the expression of integrin α6, integrin β1, and type IV collagen was increased. Levels of mRNA for type IV collagen were increased and levels of miR135b were downregulated. All these findings suggested that PZ can affect the proliferative potential of epidermal cells in part by microenvironment changes via miR135b downregulation and following increased expression of type IV collagen.
Surface Potential Analysis of Nanoscale Biomaterials and Devices Using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Authors: Lee Hyungbeen , Lee Wonseok , Lee Jeong Hoon , Yoon Dae Sung
Published: March 2016

In recent years, Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) has emerged as a versatile toolkit for exploring electrical properties on a broad range of nanobiomaterials and molecules. An analysis using KPFM can provide valuable sample information including surface potential and work function of a certain material. Accordingly, KPFM has been widely used in the areas of material science, electronics, and biomedical science. In this review, we will briefly explain the setup of KPFM and its measuring principle and then survey representative results of various KPFM applications ranging from material analysis to device analysis. Finally, we will discuss some possibilities of KPFM on whether it is applicable to various sensor systems. Our perspective shed unique light on how KPFM can be used as a biosensor as well as equipment to measure electrical properties of materials and to recognize various molecular interactions.
Protective Role of Ramipril and Candesartan against Myocardial Ischemic Reperfusion Injury: A Biochemical and Transmission Electron Microscopical Study
Authors: Sheik Uduman Mohamed Saleem Thattakudian , Reddy Rajitha Bodd , Punuru Priyanka , Chakka Gopinath , Karunakaran Gauthaman
Published: March 2016

The present study was designed to investigate the role of combined administration of Ramipril and Candesartan againstin vitromyocardial ischemic reperfusion injury in rat. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups (n=6) and treated with saline (10 mL/kg), Ramipril (2 mg/kg), Candesartan (1 mg/kg), and the combination of both drugs, respectively 24 h before induction of global ischemia (5 min of stabilization, 9 min of global ischemia, and 12 min of reflow). Combination of Ramipril and Candesartan when compared to the monotherapy significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, catalase, and nitric oxide and decreased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. In addition, the superior protective role of combination of Ramipril and Candesartan on ischemia induced myocardial damage was further confirmed by well preserved myocardial tissue architecture in light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis studies. The combination was proved to be effective in salvaging the myocardial tissue against ischemic reperfusion injury when compared to the monotherapy of individual drugs and further investigations on protective mechanism of drugs by increasing the nitric oxide level at molecular levels are needed.
Is It Time to Phase Out the Austin Moore Hemiarthroplasty? A Propensity Score Matched Case Control Comparison versus Cemented Hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Fang Christian , Liu Rui-Ping , Lau Tak-Wing , Leung Anderson , Wong Tak-Man , Pun Terence , Leung Frankie
Published: March 2016

We compared the Austin Moore hemiarthroplasty versus cemented hemiarthroplasties using a propensity score matched cased control study. For a consecutive cohort of 450 patients with displaced intracapsular neck of femur fractures, 128 matched cases in each group were selected based on age, gender, walking status, nursing home residency, delays in surgery, ASA score, and the Charlson comorbidity score. At a mean follow-up of 16.3 months, we evaluated their outcomes. Significantly more patients with AMA experienced thigh pain (RR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.67–7.33,  p=0.000), overall complications (RR = 4.47, 95% CI: 1.77–11.3,p=0.000), and implant loosening (RR = 8.42, 95% CI: 2.63–26.95,p=0.000). There were no definite cement related deaths in this series. There was no significant difference in mortality, walking status, and the number of revisions between the groups. We support the routine use of cemented hemiarthroplasty instead of the Austin Moore for treating elderlies with displaced intracapsular neck of femur fractures.
Quality of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine Given as Antimalarial Prophylaxis in Pregnant Women in Selected Health Facilities in Central Region of Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Danny F. , Afoakwah Richmond , Nwaefuna Ekene K. , Verner Orish , Boampong Johnson N.
Published: March 2016

The use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as an intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) against malaria during pregnancy has become a policy in most sub-Sahara African countries and crucially depends on the efficacy of SP. This study sets out to evaluate the effectiveness of the SP given to the pregnant women in some selected health facilities in the Central Region of Ghana to prevent maternal malaria in pregnant women. A total of 543 pregnant women recruited from 7 selected health centres in Central Region of Ghana participated in the study. Parasite density ofPlasmodium falciparumwas determined from peripheral blood of the pregnant women using microscopy. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and dissolution tester were used to determine the quality of the SP. Malaria infection was recorded in 11.2% of pregnant women who had a history of SP consumption. SP failed the dissolution test. Pregnant women who did not receive IPT-SP were 44%. Low haemoglobin level was recorded in 73.5% of the pregnant women. The results indicated that SP was substandard. IPT-SP is ineffective in preventing malaria infection.
Brief Communication: Maternal Plasma Autoantibodies Screening in Fetal Down Syndrome
Authors: Charkiewicz Karol , Zbucka-Kretowska Monika , Goscik Joanna , Wolczynski Slawomir , Lemancewicz Adam , Laudanski Piotr
Published: March 2016

Imbalance in the metabolites levels which can potentially be related to certain fetal chromosomal abnormalities can stimulate mother’s immune response to produce autoantibodies directed against proteins. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of 9000 autoantibodies in maternal plasma to detect fetal Down syndrome.Method.We performed 190 amniocenteses and found 10 patients with confirmed fetal Down syndrome (15th–18th weeks of gestation). For the purpose of our control we chose 11 women without confirmed chromosomal aberration. To assess the expression of autoantibodies in the blood plasma, we used a protein microarray, which allows for simultaneous determination of 9000 proteins per sample.Results.We revealed 213 statistically significant autoantibodies, whose expression decreased or increased in the study group with fetal Down syndrome. The second step was to create a classifier of Down syndrome pregnancy, which includes 14 antibodies. The predictive value of the classifier (specificity and sensitivity) is 100%, classification errors, 0%, cross-validation errors, 0%.Conclusion.Our findings suggest that the autoantibodies may play a role in the pathophysiology of Down syndrome pregnancy. Defining their potential as biochemical markers of Down syndrome pregnancy requires further investigation on larger group of patients.
Taxonomic revision of Coniceromyia Borgmeier (Diptera: Phoridae), with the description of three new species from Brazil
Authors: AMENT DANILO CÉSAR , AMORIM DALTON DE SOUZA
Published: March 2016

The 55 known species of Coniceromyia are herein revised. Three new species from the Atlantic Forest in Brazil are described—C. apioneura, sp.nov., C. neofusca, sp.nov. and C. tanycrossa, sp.nov.—and fourteen species are redescribed. Most of the species have foreleg, wing, hind femur, and male terminalia illustrated. Characters previously unnoticed are described for the first time. Coniceromyia cubensis Brues, previously accepted as a synonym of C. latimana (Malloch), has its status reinstated. Taxonomic problems in the genus are addressed, including the condition of the damaged holotypes of C. boliviana Borgmeier and C. vespertilio Schmitz, and our inability to associate males with the female holotypes of C. arizonensis Borgmeier, C. fusca Borgmeier and C. grenadensis (Brues). The holotypes of Coniceromyia angularis Borgmeier & Prado and Coniceromyia laticosta Prado are considered to be lost.
Persuasive spaces: Translators’ prefaces to the Divine Comedy
Authors: Feltrin-Morris Marella
Published: March 2016

This essay posits translators’ prefaces as democratic spaces of individuality. Among the usually limited opportunities for translators to present their work and discuss its nuances, challenges, methods, and solutions, a translator’s preface affords the rare luxury of displaying one’s array of tools and, by establishing one’s credentials, convincing readers of the legitimacy of specific translatorial choices. However, the possibilities and expectations of a translator’s preface are strongly influenced by factors that hinder the translator’s freedom of expression and are, to some extent, enslaved to a strictly persuasive function. These pre-packaged topics seem to weigh even more on the translators of so-called ‘classic’ texts, who, on top of other real or perceived duties, need to pay homage to past translations and justify the need for an additional one. A close examination of various translators’ prefaces to Dante’s Divine Comedy will highlight recurring themes and persuasive strategies along with deviations from the norm that might suggest alternative avenues towards a more illuminating way of inhabiting this unique locus. By unveiling the points of contact between the space of the source text and the space of the translator’s individuality, the former is infused with renewed life and the latter with new meaning.
Evidence for the absence of visceral pain in C57BL6/N mice subjected to therapeutically relevant O3/O2-pneumoperitoneum
Authors: Bette Michael , Springmann Volker , Rossmann Annette , Weihe Eberhard , Schütz Burkhard
Published: March 2016

Each different gas that is used to induce a pneumoperitoneum (PP) exhibits individual effects within the peritoneal cavity. This might include adverse effects such as pain and/or inflammatory reactions. The acute effects of ozonized oxygen (O3/O2), a highly oxidative gas mixture, after being insufflated into the peritoneal cavity are analysed in this study. Using the abdominal constriction response (‘writhing’) assay of chemical nociception in C57BL6/N mice, O3/O2-PP was found not to be associated with visible pain responses and did not alter the c-fos expression in the spinal cord. In addition, mRNA expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, were found unaltered in the spleen 2 h after insufflation. In conclusion, O3/O2-PP is free of adverse pain and does not trigger inflammatory immune responses.
Studying skin tumourigenesis and progression in immunocompetent hairless SKH1-hr mice using chronic 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene topical applications to develop a useful experimental skin cancer model
Authors: Thomas Giju , Tuk Bastiaan , Song Ji-Ying , Truong Hoa , Gerritsen Hans C , de Gruijl Frank R , Sterenborg Henricus J C M
Published: March 2016

Previous studies have established that 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) can initiate skin tumourigenesis in conventional furred mouse models by acting on hair follicle stem cells. However, further cancer progression depends on repeated applications of tumour promoter agents. This study evaluated the timeline involved in skin tumourigenesis and progression in immunocompetent hairless SKH1-hr mice with dysfunctional hair follicles using only DMBA with no additional tumour promoter agents. The results showed that topical application of 30 µg (117 nmol) of DMBA over the back and flank regions of the mouse once a week and 15 µg (58.5 nmol) twice a week produced skin tumours after 7–8 weeks. However, by week 14 a heavy benign tumour load required the mice to be euthanized. Lowering the DMBA dose to 15 µg (58.5 nmol) once a week produced tumours more slowly and allowed the mice to be studied for a longer period to week 23. This low-dose DMBA regimen yielded a high percentage of malignant tumours (58.8%) after 23 weekly applications. Additionally DMBA-treated skin showed an increase in mean epidermal thickness in comparison to untreated and acetone-treated skin. Despite the aberrant hair follicles in SKH1-hr mice, this chemically driven skin cancer model in hairless mice can serve as a suitable alternative to the ultraviolet-induced skin cancer models and can be reliably replicated as demonstrated by both the pilot and main experiments.
Regular STI testing amongst men who have sex with men and use social media is suboptimal – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Frankis Jamie , Goodall Lisa , Clutterbuck Dan , Abubakari Abdul-Razak , Flowers Paul
Published: March 2016

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect men who have sex with men, with marked increases in most STIs in recent years. These are likely underpinned by coterminous increases in behavioural risks which have coincided with the development of Internet and geospatial sociosexual networking. Current guidelines advocate regular, annual sexually transmitted infection testing amongst sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM), as opposed to symptom-driven testing. This paper explores sexually transmitted infection testing regularity amongst MSM who use social and sociosexual media. Data were collected from 2668 men in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, recruited via social and gay sociosexual media. Only one-third of participants report regular (yearly or more frequent) STI testing, despite relatively high levels of male sex partners, condomless anal intercourse and high-risk unprotected anal intercourse. The following variables were associated with regular STI testing; being more ‘out’ (adjusted odds ratio = 1.79; confidence interval = 1.20–2.68), HIV-positive (adjusted odds ratio = 14.11; confidence interval = 7.03–28.32); reporting ≥10 male sex partners (adjusted odds ratio = 2.15; confidence interval = 1.47–3.14) or regular HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio = 48.44; confidence interval = 28.27–83.01). Men reporting long-term sickness absence from work/carers (adjusted odds ratio = 0.03; confidence interval = 0.00–0.48) and men aged ≤25 years (adjusted odds ratio = 0.36; 95% confidence interval = 0.19–0.69) were less likely to test regularly for STIs. As such, we identify a complex interplay of social, health and behavioural factors that each contribute to men’s STI testing behaviours. In concert, these data suggest that the syndemics placing men at elevated risk may also mitigate against access to testing and prevention services. Moreover, successful reduction of STI transmission amongst MSM will necessitate a comprehensive range of approaches which address these multiple interrelated factors that underpin MSM's STI testing.
Fc gamma receptor IIIb polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus: association with disease susceptibility and identification of a novel FCGR3B*01 variant
Authors: Santos V C , Grecco M , Pereira K M C , Terzian C C N , Andrade L E C , Silva N P
Published: March 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between Fc gamma receptor IIIb polymorphism and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus and clinical traits of the disease.

Methods

Genomic DNA was obtained from 303 consecutive systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 300 healthy blood donors from the southeastern region of Brazil. The polymorphic region of the FCGR3B gene was sequenced and the alleles FCGR3B* 01, FCGR3B* 02 and FCGR3B* 03 were analyzed.

Results

The FCGR3B* 01 allele was more frequent in systemic lupus erythematosus patients (43.1%) while the FCGR3B* 02 allele prevailed among controls (63.7%) ( P = 0.001). The FCGR3B* 03 allele was found equally in both groups. The FCGR3B* 01/* 01 (20.7%) and FCGR3B* 01/* 02 (41.1%) genotypes were more frequent among systemic lupus erythematosus patients ( P = 0.028 and P = 0.012, respectively) while the FCGR3B* 02/* 02 genotype was more frequent in controls (45.5%) ( P < 0.001). One variant of the FCGR3B* 01 allele previously described in Germany was found in only one control. A new variant of the FCGR3B*01 allele with two substitutions ( A227G/G277A) was found in one control . Three variants of the FCGR3B* 02 allele previously described in African-Americans, Brazilians, Chinese and Japanese were found in ten 10 patients and two controls. In addition, several single nucleotide polymorphisms at non-polymorphic positions were identified in both patients and controls .

Conclusion

Susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus was associated with the FCGR3B* 01 allele, as well as with the FCGR3B* 01/* 01 and FCGR3B* 01/* 02 genotypes . No association was found between FCGR3B genotypes and clinical manifestations, disease severity or the presence of autoantibodies.
Mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric acute ischemic stroke: Clinical outcomes and literature review
Authors: Madaelil Thomas P , Kansagra Akash P , Cross DeWitte T , Moran Christopher J , Derdeyn Colin P
Published: March 2016

There are limited data on outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for pediatric stroke using modern devices. In this study, we report two cases of pediatric acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy, both with good angiographic result (TICI 3) and clinical outcome (no neurological deficits at 90 days). In addition, we conducted a literature review of all previously reported cases describing the use of modern thrombectomy devices. Including our two cases, the aggregate rate of partial or complete vessel recanalization was 100% (22/22), and the aggregate rate of favorable clinical outcome was 91% (20/22). This preliminary evidence suggests that mechanical thrombectomy with modern devices may be a safe and effective treatment option in pediatric patients with acute ischemic stroke.