bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First cases of Zika virus–infected US blood donors outside states with areas of active transmission
Authors: Williamson Phillip C. , Linnen Jeffrey M. , Kessler Debra A. , Shaz Beth H. , Kamel Hany , Vassallo Ralph R. , Winkelman Valerie , Gao Kui , Ziermann Rainer , Menezes Juscilene , Thomas Stephen , Holmberg Jerry A. , Bakkour Sonia , Stone Mars , Lu Kai , Simmons Graham , Busch Michael P.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted by Aedes mosquitos and can result in severe congenital and adult neurologic abnormalities. ZIKV has rapidly spread northward through Central America and the Caribbean and autochthonous cases have been identified in the continental United States. High rates of ZIKA RNA positivity were detected in blood donors during previous epidemics. ZIKV transmission by transfused blood from healthy donor components has been a growing concern.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Individual‐donation aliquots of plasma from volunteer blood donors were tested individually with an investigational Procleix ZIKV assay. Initially reactive samples were tested for ZIKV RNA in plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) and for ZIKV‐specific antibodies in serum. A confirmed positive classification required confirmation of RNA and/or detection of ZIKV antibodies in index and/or follow‐up samples.

RESULTS

Between September 19 and November 30, 2016, a total of 466,834 donations were screened for ZIKV RNA. Five donors (one in approx. 93,000) were reactive for ZIKV RNA by both the Procleix ZIKV assay and supplemental testing. The donations were collected outside areas considered as having active transmission, and all five donors had travel exposures. A lookback case demonstrated no infection despite transfusion of a Zika IgG–positive platelet (PLT) component with probable low levels of ZIKV RNA.

CONCLUSIONS

This report describes the first ZIKV‐positive donors detected outside areas with active transmission. These donors most likely represent travel‐acquired “tail‐end infections” with prolonged RBC‐associated ZIKV RNA. The lack of transmission to the recipient of an apheresis PLT may suggest that these units are not infectious.
Differential serotonergic modulation across the main and accessory olfactory bulbs
Authors: Huang Zhenbo , Thiebaud Nicolas , Fadool Debra Ann
Published: February 2017

Key points

There are serotonergic projections to both the main (MOB) and the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB).

Current‐clamp experiments demonstrate that serotonergic afferents are largely excitatory for mitral cells (MCs) in the MOB where 5‐HT2A receptors mediate a direct excitatory action.

Serotonergic afferents are predominately inhibitory for MCs in the AOB. There are two types of inhibition: indirect inhibition mediated through the 5‐HT2 receptors on GABAergic interneurons and direct inhibition via the 5‐HT1 receptors on MCs.

Differential 5‐HT neuromodulation of MCs across the MOB and AOB could contribute to select behaviours such as olfactory learning or aggression.

Mitral cells (MCs) contained in the main (MOB) and accessory (AOB) olfactory bulb have distinct intrinsic membrane properties but the extent of neuromodulation across the two systems has not been widely explored. Herein, we investigated a widely distributed CNS modulator, serotonin (5‐HT), for its ability to modulate the biophysical properties of MCs across the MOB and AOB, using an in vitro, brain slice approach in postnatal 15–30 day mice. In the MOB, 5‐HT elicited three types of responses in 93% of 180 cells tested. Cells were either directly excited (70%), inhibited (10%) or showed a mixed response (13%)– first inhibition followed by excitation. In the AOB, 82% of 148 cells were inhibited with 18% of cells showing no response. Albeit located in parallel partitions of the olfactory system, 5‐HT largely elicited MC excitation in the MOB while it evoked two different kinetic rates of MC inhibition in the AOB. Using a combination of pharmacological agents, we found that the MC excitatory responses in the MOB were mediated by 5‐HT2A receptors through a direct activation. In comparison, 5‐HT‐evoked inhibitory responses in the AOB arose due to a polysynaptic, slow‐onset inhibition attributed to 5‐HT2 receptor activation exciting GABAergic interneurons. The second type of inhibition had a rapid onset as a result of direct inhibition mediated by the 5‐HT1 class of receptors. The distinct serotonergic modulation of MCs between the MOB and AOB could provide a molecular basis for differential chemosensory behaviours driven by the brainstem raphe nuclei into these parallel systems.
Run for Your Life! Childhood Physical Activity Effects on Brain and Cognition
Authors: Hillman Charles H. , Erickson Kirk I. , Hatfield Bradley D.
Published: February 2017

The past two decades have uncovered the beneficial relation of physical activity and other health behaviors on brain and cognition, with the majority of data emerging from older adult populations. More recently, a similar research thread has emerged in school-aged children, which offers insight into the relation of physical activity to scholastic performance, providing a real-world application of the benefits observed in the laboratory. Technological advances have similarly furthered our understanding of physical activity effects on cognitive and brain health. Given this emerging body of work, this manuscript reviews the basic findings within the field, but more importantly suggests triggers or signals from the emerging literature that will shape the field in the near future. The overall goal of this body of research is to increase cognitive and brain health to promote effective functioning of individuals across the lifespan.
Exercise as Medicine for the Treatment of Brain Dysfunction: Evidence for Cortical Stroke, Cerebellar Ataxia, and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Tseng Yu-Ting , Khosravani Sanaz , Mahnan Arash , Konczak Jürgen
Published: February 2017

This review addresses the role of exercise as an intervention for treating neurological disease. It focuses on three major neurological diseases that either present in acute or neurodegenerative forms—Parkinson’s disease, cerebellar ataxia, and cortical stroke. Each of the diseases affects primarily different brain structures, namely the basal ganglia, the cerebellum, and the cerebrum. These structures are all known to be involved in motor control, and the dysfunction of each structure leads to distinct movement deficits. The review summarizes current knowledge on how exercise can aid rehabilitation or therapeutic efforts. In addition, it addresses the role of robotic devices in enhancing available therapies by reviewing how robot-aided therapies may promote the recovery for stroke survivors. It highlights recent scientific evidence in support of exercise as a treatment for brain dysfunction, but also outlines the still open challenges for unequivocally demonstrating the benefits of exercise.
Physiological Activation to Acute Mental Challenge: Implications for Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Acevedo Edmund O. , Slusher Aaron L.
Published: February 2017

The relationship between stress and disease, in particular cardiovascular disease, has long been recognized, whereas the study of the physiological mechanisms that explain this link has only more recently received attention. The acute response to stress is generally thought to be a critically important adaptation designed to activate the system in preparation to cope with the stressor. However, prolonged stimulation of the system (acute and chronic) can lead to deleterious adaptations including the release of inflammatory cytokines (small proteins important in cell signaling) that play a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. Scientists have therefore used a breadth of protocols and methods to identify the complexity of our fight-or-flight response and demonstrate the synergy between perception, the stress response, physical activity, and health. In addition, the critical assessment of cellular health, the gut microbiome, and genetic polymorphisms have further advanced our understanding of additional therapeutic targets against CVD.
The cytotoxic
Staphylococcus aureus
PSMα3 reveals a cross-α amyloid-like fibril
Authors: Tayeb-Fligelman Einav , Tabachnikov Orly , Moshe Asher , Goldshmidt-Tran Orit , Sawaya Michael R. , Coquelle Nicolas , Colletier Jacques-Philippe , Landau Meytal
Published: February 2017

What's in a fold?

Bacterially secreted peptides known as PSMs (phenol-soluble modulins) stimulate inflammatory responses, lyse human cells, and contribute to biofilm structuring. PSMα3 is a virulent 22-residue amyloid peptide secreted by
Staphylococcus aureus.
Tayeb-Fligelman
et al.
present a high-resolution structure encompassing the full length of the amyloid's sequence. This structure reveals an unexpected departure from the common amyloid cross-β folded architecture. Instead, PSMα3 forms amphipathic α-helices that are folded to stack perpendicular to the fibril axis into sheets. This unusual cross-α structure was important for fibril toxicity.

Science
, this issue p.
831
Combining polyethylene and polypropylene: Enhanced performance with PE/
i
PP multiblock polymers
Authors: Eagan James M. , Xu Jun , Di Girolamo Rocco , Thurber Christopher M. , Macosko Christopher W. , LaPointe Anne M. , Bates Frank S. , Coates Geoffrey W.
Published: February 2017

How to make opposites compatible

Polyethylene (PE) and isotactic polypropylene (
i
PP) are the two most
widely used commodity plastics and thus make up a large fraction of the waste stream.
However, the two plastics will not mix together, which limits options for dealing with
mixed waste and decreases the value of recycled products. Eagan
et al.
report the synthesis of multiblock copolymers of
i
PP and PE by using a
selective polymer initiator (see the Perspective by Creton). The high-molecular-weig ht
blocks could be used to reinforce the interface between
i
PP and PE and
allow blending of the two polymers.

Science
, this issue p.
814
; see also p.
797
Hepatitis C Virus-Specific T Cell Receptor mRNA-Engineered Human T Cells: Impact of Antigen Specificity on Functional Properties
Authors: Balasiddaiah Anangi , Davanian Haleh , Aleman Soo , Pasetto Anna , Frelin Lars , Sällberg Matti , Lohmann Volker , Koh Sarene , Bertoletti Antonio , Chen Margaret
Published: February 2017

Therapy with genetically modified autologous T cells has shown great promise in cancer therapy. For an efficient control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, cytotoxic T cells (CTL) are pivotal, but persistence of activated T cells may lead to liver toxicity. Here, anti-HCV T cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing the HCV nonstructural (NS) NS3 or NS5 viral peptide target were examined by mRNA transfection of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) derived from healthy donors as well as chronically infected HCV patients. Immunological analysis shows that while the CTLs expressing the NS5-specific TCR reduced HCV RNA replication by a noncytotoxic mechanism, the NS3-specific TCR-redirected CTLs were polyfunctional and inhibited HCV RNA replication through antigen-specific cytotoxicity. Transcriptome signatures from these two types of CTL responses revealed uniquely expressed gene clusters upon encountering hepatoma target cells presenting endogenously expressed HCV proteins. The NS3 TCR induced a rapid expression of apoptotic signaling pathways and formation of embryonic gene clusters, whereas the NS5A TCR activation induced extended proliferative and metabolic pathways as the HCV target cells survived. Our results provide detailed insights into basic HCV T cell immunology and have clinical relevance for redirecting T cells to target virally infected hepatoma cells.

IMPORTANCE
Due to the protective ability of HCV-specific T cells and the hepatotoxic potential that they possess, there is a great need for the understanding of the functional aspects of HCV-specific T cells. To circumvent the low level of precursor frequency in patients, we engineered primary CD8
+
T cells by mRNA TCR vectors to confer HCV specificity to new T cells. HCV TCRs that differ in antigen specificity and polyfunctionality were examined. mRNA TCR engineering of peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy donors or chronically infected HCV patients resulted in strikingly high levels of HCV TCR expression and HCV-specific responses. While a cytotoxicity response from a polyfunctional T cell activation caused hepatotoxicity and the rapid induction of apoptotic signaling pathways, the noncytotoxic T cell activation showed extended proliferative, metabolic pathways and persistence of HCV target cells. Our results provide detailed insights into basic HCV T cell immunology and have clinical relevance for immune protection of HCV-associated diseases.
Childhood academic ability in relation to cigarette, alcohol and cannabis use from adolescence into early adulthood: Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE)
Authors: Williams James , Hagger-Johnson Gareth
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Our aim was to determine the association between childhood academic ability and the onset and persistence of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use across adolescence in a representative sample of English schools pupils. Previous research has produced conflicting findings.

Design

Data from 7 years of the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE), 2004–2010 (age 13/14–19/20).

Setting

Self-completion questionnaires during home visits, face-to-face interviews and web-based questionnaires.

Participants

Data from 6059 participants (3093 females) with information on academic ability around age 11 and health behaviours from age 13/14 to 16/17 (early adolescence) and from age 18/19 to 19/20 (late adolescence).

Outcome measures

Regularity of cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and cannabis use from early to late adolescence.

Results

In multinomial logistic regression models adjusting for a range of covariates, the high (vs low) academic ability reduced the risk of persistent cigarette smoking (RR=0.62; CI 95% 0.48 to 0.81) in early adolescence. High (vs low) academic ability increased the risk of occasional (RR=1.25; CI 95% 1.04 to 1.51) and persistent (RR=1.83; CI 95% 1.50 to 2.23) regular alcohol drinking in early adolescence and persistent (RR=2.28; CI 95% 1.84 to 2.82) but not occasional regular alcohol drinking in late adolescence. High academic ability was also positively associated with occasional (RR=1.83; CI 95% 1.50 to 2.23) and persistent (RR=1.83; CI 95% 1.50 to 2.23) cannabis use in late adolescence.

Conclusions

In a sample of over 6000 young people in England, high childhood academic at age 11 is associated with a reduced risk of cigarette smoking but an increased risk of drinking alcohol regularly and cannabis use. These associations persist into early adulthood, providing evidence against the hypothesis that high academic ability is associated with temporary ‘experimentation’ with substance use.
Descriptive analysis of objectively assessed physical activity among talented soccer players: a study of three Norwegian professional football clubs
Authors: Sæther Stig Arve , Aspvik Nils Petter
Published: February 2017

Background

Talented football players are expected to overcome large training and match loads, indicating a high weekly level of physical activity (PA).

Aims

With the use of accelerometers, the aim of this study was to objectively describe the players’ total time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), vigorous PA (VPA) and very vigorous PA (VVPA) per day in 1 week. Since high-intensity PA has been highlighted as important in terms of overall PA load, we also included 2 and 4 min bouts of VPA.

Methods

Data were collected in three junior teams in professional football clubs in March (club 1: 2014, club 2: 2012 and club 3: 2011). A one-way analysis of variance was applied to analyse differences between the three respective clubs.

Results

The players averaged 77.2–86.2 min in MVPA, 14.9–18.5 min in VPA and 1.0–3.1 in VVPA per day. While there were no differences in total time spent in MVPA and VPA per day, VVPA was significantly higher in club 1 (p<0.01) compared with clubs 2 and 3. Moreover, when using the VPA bouts, club 3 (p<0.01) achieved significantly more time in this intensity compared with clubs 1 and 2.

Conclusion

This study acknowledges the importance of including both club-related and non-club-related PA when analysing talented football players’ PA level. We suggest that future studies examining players’ PA with accelerometers should emphasise time spent in high-intensity PA and how this is associated with physical overload, psychological burnout and risk of injury.
Practical guidance on the use of faecal calprotectin
Authors: Brookes Matthew J , Whitehead Simon , Gaya Daniel R , Hawthorne Antony Barney
Published: February 2017

Differentiation between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and functional gut disorders, and the determination of mucosal disease activity in established cases of IBD remain the cornerstones of disease diagnosis and management. Non-invasive, accurate biomarkers of gut inflammation are needed due to the variability of symptoms, the inaccuracies of currently available blood markers and the cost and invasive nature of endoscopy. Numerous biomarkers have been used and/or considered with some in current use. This article reviews the current evidence base around the indications for using biomarkers and their limitations, with a particular focus on faecal calprotectin.
Characterization of Pabpn1 Expansion Mutations in a Large Cohort of Mexican Patients with Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (Opmd)
Authors: Cruz-Aguilar Marisa , Guerrero-de Ferran Caroline , Tovilla-Canales Jose Luis , Nava-Castañeda Angel , Zenteno Juan C
Published: February 2017

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is an autosomal-dominant, adult-onset disorder defined by blepharoptosis, dysphagia, and proximal muscle weakness. OPMD arises from heterozygous expansions of a trinucleotide (GCN) tract situated at the 5′ region of the polyadenylate RNA binding protein 1 ( PABPN1) gene. The frequency of a particular (GCN) expansion in a given population of patients with OPMD is largely influenced by the occurrence of founder mutations. Analysis of large groups of patients with OPMD from different ethnic origins will help to estimate the relative contribution of each expanded allele to the disease. The purpose of this study was to characterize the type of PABPN1 expanded alleles in a large cohort of OPMD individuals from Mexico. Molecular analysis procedures included genomic DNA extraction from blood leukocytes in each patient followed by PCR amplification of PABPN1 exon 1, and direct nucleotide sequencing of PCR products. A total of 102 patients with OPMD were included in the study. Expanded PABPN1 gene alleles were demonstrated in all patients: 65% (66 out of 102) had a (GCN)15 expansion while the remaining 35% (36 out of 102) exhibited a (GCN)13 expansion. This is one of the largest series of molecularly confirmed patients with OPMD in a non-Caucasian population. Ethnic-specific differences in the prevalence of specific PABPN1 expansions must be considered for genetic screening of patients with OPMD.
The Use of Chinese Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Authors: Liao Yen-Nung , Hu Wen-Long , Chen Hsuan-Ju , Hung Yu-Chiang
Published: February 2017

In Oriental countries, combinations of Chinese herbal products (CHPs) are often utilized as therapeutic agents for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The effects of CHPs on COPD have been previously reported. This study aimed to analyze the frequency of prescription and usage of CHPs in patients with COPD in Taiwan. In this nationwide population-based cross-sectional study, 19,142 patients from a random sample of one million individuals in the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID 2000) of the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) were enrolled from 2000 to 2011. The multiple logistic regression method was used to evaluate the adjusted odds ratios for the utilization of CHPs. For patients with COPD, there was an average of 6.31 CHPs in a single prescription. The most frequently prescribed CHP for COPD was Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang (XQLT) (2.6%), and the most commonly used combination of two formula CHPs was XQLT with Ma-Xing-Gan-Shi-Tang (MXGST) (1.28%). The most commonly used single CHP for COPD was Bulbus Fritillariae (3.65%), and the most commonly used combination of two single CHPs was Bulbus Fritillariae with Puerariae Lobatae (1.09%). These results provide information regarding personalized therapies and may promote further clinical experiments and pharmacologic research on the use of CHPs for the management of COPD. Furthermore, we found that TCM usage was more prevalent among men, younger, manual workers, residents of Northern Taiwan, and patients with chronic bronchitis and asthma. This information on the distribution of TCM usage around the country is valuable to public health policymakers and clinicians.
The many guises of a neutral fermion singlet
Authors: Ma Ernest
Published: February 2017

The addition of a neutral fermion singlet to the Standard Model (SM) of particle interactions leads to many diverse possibilities. It is not necessarily a right-handed neutrino. I discuss many of the simplest and most interesting scenarios of possible new physics with this approach. In particular, I propose the possible spontaneous breaking of baryon number, resulting in the massless “sakharon”.
Time evolution of quantum correlations in superconducting flux-qubits under classical noises
Authors: Martin Tchoffo , Arthur Tsamouo Tsokeng , Collince Fouokeng Georges , Fai Lukong Cornelius
Published: February 2017

We analyze the dynamics of both entanglement and quantum discord (QD) in a system of two non-interacting flux-qubits initially prepared in a Bell's state and subjected to either static or random telegraph noises (RTNs). Both independent and common sources of system-environment coupling are considered either in the Markovian or non-Markovian regime and the results are compared to those of ordinary qubits. Under suitable conditions, both entanglement and QD are more robust in flux-qubit systems than classical ones. In the Markovian regime where the decay is monotonic, they are both stronger in different environment coupling than in common coupling, while the opposite is found in the non-Markovian regime where the dynamics is stressed by sudden death and revival phenomena, more robust in qubits than in flux-qubits under dynamical RTN. Weakness of revival amplitudes is interpreted as a noise spectrum-related induced interaction affecting quantum features of the system, while energy level non-degeneracy (at zero-splitting) of flux-qubits induces a phase factor that set conditions under which entangled states can be experimentally witnessed in flux-qubit systems. Note that the energy levels non-degeneracy has no particular effect on other entanglement measures apart from entanglement witnesses.
Inhibition of ROMK blocks macula densa tubuloglomerular feedback yet causes renal vasoconstriction in anesthetized rats
Authors: Araujo Magali , Welch William J. , Zhou Xiaoyan , Sullivan Kathleen , Walsh Shawn , Pasternak Alexander , Wilcox Christopher S.
Published: February 2017

The Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter (NKCC2) on the loop of Henle is the site of action of furosemide. Because outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK) inhibitors prevent reabsorption by NKCC2, we tested the hypothesis that ROMK inhibition with a novel selective ROMK inhibitor (compound C) blocks tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) and reduces vascular resistance. Loop perfusion of either ROMK inhibitor or furosemide caused dose-dependent blunting of TGF, but the response to furosemide was 10-fold more sensitive (IC50 = 10−6M for furosemide and IC50= 10−5M for compound C). During systemic infusion, both diuretics inhibited TGF, but ROMK inhibitor was 10-fold more sensitive (compound C: 63% inhibition; furosemide: 32% inhibition). Despite blockade of TGF, 1 h of constant systemic infusion of both diuretics reduced the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF) by 40–60% and increased renal vascular resistance (RVR) by 100–200%. Neither diuretic altered blood pressure or hematocrit. Proximal tubule hydrostatic pressures (PPT) increased transiently with both diuretics (compound C: 56% increase; furosemide: 70% increase) but returned to baseline. ROMK inhibitor caused more natriuresis (3,400 vs. 1,600% increase) and calciuresis (1,200 vs. 800% increase) but less kaliuresis (33 vs. 167% increase) than furosemide. In conclusion, blockade of ROMK or Na+-K+-2Cl−transport inhibits TGF yet increases renal vascular resistance. The renal vasoconstriction was independent of volume depletion, blood pressure, TGF, or PPT.
Food responsiveness regulates episodic behavioral states inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: McCloskey Richard J. , Fouad Anthony D. , Churgin Matthew A. , Fang-Yen Christopher
Published: February 2017

Animals optimize survival and reproduction in part through control of behavioral states, which depend on an organism’s internal and external environments. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans a variety of behavioral states have been described, including roaming, dwelling, quiescence, and episodic swimming. These states have been considered in isolation under varied experimental conditions, making it difficult to establish a unified picture of how they are regulated. Using long-term imaging, we examined C. elegans episodic behavioral states under varied mechanical and nutritional environments. We found that animals alternate between high-activity (active) and low-activity (sedentary) episodes in any mechanical environment, while the incidence of episodes and their behavioral composition depend on food levels. During active episodes, worms primarily roam, as characterized by continuous whole body movement. During sedentary episodes, animals exhibit dwelling (slower movements confined to the anterior half of the body) and quiescence (a complete lack of movement). Roaming, dwelling, and quiescent states are manifest not only through locomotory characteristics but also in pharyngeal pumping (feeding) and in egg-laying behaviors. Next, we analyzed the genetic basis of behavioral states. We found that modulation of behavioral states depends on neuropeptides and insulin-like signaling in the nervous system. Sensory neurons and the Foraging homolog EGL-4 regulate behavior through control of active/sedentary episodes. Optogenetic stimulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons induced dwelling, implicating dopamine as a dwell-promoting neurotransmitter. Our findings provide a more unified description of behavioral states and suggest that perception of nutrition is a conserved mechanism for regulating animal behavior.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY One strategy by which animals adapt to their internal states and external environments is by adopting behavioral states. The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans is an attractive model for investigating how behavioral states are genetically and neuronally controlled. Here we describe the hierarchical organization of behavioral states characterized by locomotory activity, feeding, and egg-laying. We show that decisions to engage in these behaviors are controlled by the nervous system through insulin-like signaling and the perception of food.
Heat Shock Protein HSP27 Secretion by Ovarian Cancer Cells Is Linked to Intracellular Expression Levels, Occurs Independently of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Pathway and HSP27’s Phosphorylation Status, and Is Mediated by Exosome Liberation
Authors: Stope Matthias B. , Klinkmann Gerd , Diesing Karoline , Koensgen Dominique , Burchardt Martin , Mustea Alexander
Published: February 2017

The heat shock protein HSP27 has been correlated in ovarian cancer (OC) patients with aggressiveness and chemoresistance and, therefore, represents a promising potential biomarker for OC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. Notably, secretion of soluble HSP27 has been described by a few cell types and may take place as well in OC cells. Therefore, we studied HSP27 secretion mechanisms under diverse cellular conditions in an OC cell model system. Secretion of HSP27 was characterized after overexpression of HSP27 by transfected plasmids and after heat shock. Intra- and extracellular HSP27 amounts were assessed by Western blotting and ELISA. Protein secretion was blocked by brefeldin A and the impact of the HSP27 phosphorylation status was analyzed overexpressing HSP27 phosphomutants. The present study demonstrated that HSP27 secretion by OVCAR-3 and SK-OV-3 cells depends on intracellular HSP27 concentrations. Moreover, HSP27 secretion is independent of the endoplasmic reticulum secretory pathway and HSP27 phosphorylation. Notably, analysis of OC cell-born exosomes not only confirmed the concentration-dependent correlation of HSP27 expression and secretion but also demonstrated a concentration-dependent incorporation of HSP27 protein into exosomes. Thus, secreted HSP27 may become more important as an extracellular factor which controls the tumor microenvironment and might be a noninvasive biomarker.
Differences in Surgical Management of Corneal Perforations, Measured over Six Years
Authors: Krysik Katarzyna , Dobrowolski Dariusz , Lyssek-Boron Anita , Jankowska-Szmul Judyta , Wylegala Edward A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose. To report the surgical approach, anatomical and functional results, and complications in the group of patients with corneal perforation. Materials and Methods. 247 eyes with corneal perforation were operated on between January 2010 and July 2016. The three surgical procedures, dependent on size and location of perforation, were performed: full-sized penetrating keratoplasty, corneoscleral patch graft, and anterior lamellar keratoplasty. The eyes underwent the minimum 6-month follow-up visit. Results. Between January 2010 and July 2016, 247 surgeries were performed: 116 penetrating keratoplasties, 117 corneoscleral patch grafts, and 14 anterior lamellar keratoplasties. More than one procedure was necessary in 32 eyes. Final improvement of the visual acuity, within a gain of 2 or more lines with the Snellen test, was achieved in 56 operated eyes. To achieve better final visual acuity, 75 eyes required successive surgical treatment. Complications of the surgery comprised persistent epithelial defect, glaucoma or ocular hypertension, corneal oedema, graft melting, loose corneal sutures, reinfection, anterior synechiae and fibrinoid membranes, and endophthalmitis. In 26 eyes, the treatment failure was reported. Conclusions. There is no one general-purpose surgical technique to treat corneal perforations. The complex nature of this pathology remains the individual, careful but also very distinct and multifactorial approach.
Case Study of Somaclonal Variation in Resistance GenesMloandPme3in Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimumL.) Induced by Nanoparticles
Authors: Kokina Inese , Mickeviča Ilona , Jermaļonoka Marija , Bankovska Linda , Gerbreders Vjačeslavs , Ogurcovs Andrejs , Jahundoviča Inese
Published: February 2017

Nanoparticles influence on genome is investigated worldwide. The appearance of somaclonal variation is a cause of great concern for any micropropagation system. Somaclonal variation describes the tissue-culture-induced phenotypic and genotypic variations. This paper shows the results of somaclonal variation in two resistance genes pectin methylesterase and Mlo-like protein in all tissue culture development stages, as donor plant, calluses, and regenerants ofLinum usitatissimuminduced by gold and silver nanoparticles. In this paper, it was essential to obtain DNA material from all tissue culture development stages from one donor plant to record changes in each nucleotide sequence. Gene region specific primers were developed for resistance genes such asMloandPme3to define the genetic variability in tissue culture ofL. usitatissimum. In recent years, utilization of gold and silver nanoparticles in tissue culture is increased and the mechanisms of changes in genome induced by nanoparticles still remain unclear. Obtained data show the somaclonal variation increase in calluses obtained from one donor plant and grown on medium supplemented by gold nanoparticles (Mlo14.68±0.98;Pme32.07±0.87) or silver nanoparticles (Mlo12.01±0.43;Pme310.04±0.46) and decrease in regenerants. Morphological parameters of calluses showed a number of differences between each investigated culture group.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis ofHelicobacter pyloriDiagnostic Methods in Patients with Atrophic Gastritis
Authors: Omata Fumio , Shimbo Takuro , Ohde Sachiko , Deshpande Gautam A. , Fukui Tsuguya
Published: February 2017

Background. There are several diagnostic methods forHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori)infection. A cost-effective analysis is needed to decide on the optimal diagnostic method. The aim of this study was to determine a cost-effective diagnostic method in patients with atrophic gastritis (AG).Methods. A decision-analysis model including seven diagnostic methods was constructed for patients with AG diagnosed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Expected values of cost and effectiveness were calculated for each test.Results. If the prevalence ofH. pyloriin the patients with AG is 85% and CAM-resistantH. pyloriis 30%, histology, stoolH. pyloriantigen (SHPAg), bacterial culture (BC), and urineH. pyloriantibody (UHPAb) were dominated by serumH. pyloriIgG antibody (SHPAb), rapid urease test (RUT), and urea breath test (UBT). Among three undominated methods, the incremental cost-effective ratios (ICER) of RUT versus SHPAb and UBT versus RUT were $214 and $1914, respectively. If the prevalence of CAM-sensitiveH. pyloriwas less than 55%, BC was not dominated, but itsH. pylorieradication success rate was 0.86.Conclusions. RUT was the most cost-effective at the current prevalence of CAM-resistantH. pylori. BC could not be selected due to its poor effectiveness even if CAM-resistantH. pyloriwas more than 45%.
Adverse Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extracts and the Major Components in the Stems of Impatiens balsamina L. on Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Jiang Hong-Fang , Zhuang Zi-Heng , Hou Bei-Wei , Shi Bao-Jun , Shu Cheng-Jie , Chen Lei , Shi Guo-Xin , Zhang Wei-Ming
Published: February 2017

Impatiens balsamina L. (Balsaminaceae), an annual herb found throughout China, has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, our knowledge regarding the adverse effects of I. balsamina in vivo is very limited. In this present study, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans model was employed to fully assess the adverse effects of hydroalcoholic (EtOH 55%) extracts of I. balsamina stems (HAEIBS) in vivo. After exposure to 10 mg/mL HAEIBS, the major organism‐level endpoints of C. elegans of percent survival, frequency of head thrash and body bends, and reproduction had decreased by 24%, 30%, and 25%, respectively. The lifespan of C. elegans was also greatly reduced after HAEIBS exposure compared to the controls. The active compounds in HAEIBS were separated using high speed countercurrent chromatograph (HSCCC) and characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Two compounds, lawsone and 2‐methoxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone (MNQ), and their adverse effects were then more thoroughly detailed in this study. It was found that lawsone is the major toxin in HAEIBS with a higher toxicity than MNQ in terms of negative impact on C. elegans mortality, locomotion, reproduction, and lifespan. Our data also suggests that the C. elegans model may be useful for assessing the possible toxicity of other Chinese medicines, plant extracts, and/or compounds.
An Unusual Clinical Presentation of Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the Oral Cavity
Authors: Morais Everton Freitas de , Moreira Deborah Gondim Lambert , Oliveira Viviane Alves De , Rodrigues Rodrigo Rodrigues , Germano Adriano Rocha , Freitas Roseana de Almeida
Published: February 2017

Solitary fibrous tumor is a rare neoplasm of mesenchymal origin that usually affects the pleura. This rarity becomes more relevant in the oral cavity since the clinical features are nonspecific. A 66-year-old female patient presented with a 3-month history of a swelling in the floor of the mouth, measuring 2 cm in greatest diameter, and pain symptomatology. Occlusal and panoramic radiographs showed no bone involvement. Ultrasonography of the submandibular and parotid salivary glands revealed normal morphology, dimensions, and echogenicity. During this exam, a nodular image of low echogenicity measuring about 2.7 × 1.8 cm was detected. An excisional biopsy was performed and histopathological analysis revealed a well-defined tumor-like lesion with alternation between hypercellular areas without a defined pattern and hypocellular areas. On immunohistochemistry, the tumor was positive for CD34 and CD99 and negative forα-SMA, S-100, and bcl-2. Combining the histopathological and immunohistochemical features, the diagnosis was solitary fibrous tumor. The patient is under periodical clinical follow-up and shows no signs of recurrence 7 months after surgical excision of the tumor. The combination of clinical-pathological and immunohistochemical features is necessary for the diagnosis.
Neisseria meningitidisInfecting a Prosthetic Knee Joint: A New Case of an Unusual Disease
Authors: Becerril Carral Berta , Alarcón Manoja Elvira , López Cárdenas Salvador , Canueto Quintero Jesús
Published: February 2017

Primary meningococcal meningitis is an infrequent but known disease. However, the infection of a prosthetic joint withNeisseria meningitidisis rare. We hereby describe the second case of an arthroplasty infected withNeisseria meningitidisthat responded favourably to prosthesis retention with surgical debridement, in combination with antibiotics treatment.
Ultrasound-Guided versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Deep Cervical Plexus Block for the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache
Authors: Wan Qing , Yang Haiyun , Li Xiao , Lin Caina , Ke Songjian , Wu Shaoling , Ma Chao
Published: February 2017

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided deep cervical plexus block with fluoroscopy-guided deep cervical plexus block for patients with cervicogenic headache (CeH). Methods. A total of 56 patients with CeH were recruited and randomly assigned to either the ultrasound-guided (US) or the fluoroscopy-guided (FL) injection group. A mixture of 2–4 mL 1% lidocaine and 7 mg betamethasone was injected along C2 and/or C3 transverse process. The measurement of pain was evaluated by patients’ ratings of a 10-point numerical pain scale (NPS) before and 2 wks, 12 wks, and 24 wks after treatments. Results. The blocking procedures were well tolerated. The pain intensity, as measured by NPS, significantly decreased at 2 wks after injection treatment in both US and FL groups, respectively, compared with that of baseline (P < 0.05). The blocking procedures had continued, and comparable pain relieving effects appeared at 12 wks and 24 wks after treatment in both US and FL groups. There were no significant differences observed in the NPS before and 2 wks, 12 wks, and 24 wks after treatment between US and FL groups. Conclusions. The US-guided approach showed similar satisfactory effect as the FL-guided block. Ultrasonography can be an alternative method for its convenience and efficacy in deep cervical plexus block for CeH patients without radiation exposure.
Protein and Metalloprotein Distribution in Different Varieties of Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): Effects of Cooking
Authors: Oliveira Aline P. , Andrade Geyssa Ferreira , Mateó Bianca S. O. , Naozuka Juliana
Published: February 2017

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are among the main sources of protein and minerals. The cooking of the grains is imperative, due to reduction of the effect of some toxic and antinutritional substances, as well as increase of protein digestibility. In this study, the effects of cooking on albumins, globulins, prolamins, and glutelins concentration and determination of Fe associated with proteins for different beans varieties and on phaseolin concentration in common and black beans were evaluated. Different extractant solutions (water, NaCl, ethanol, and NaOH) were used for extracting albumins, globulins, prolamins, and glutelins, respectively. For the phaseolin separation NaOH, HCl, and NaCl were used. The total concentration of proteins was determined by Bradford method; Cu and Fe associated with phaseolin and other proteins were obtained by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. Cooking promoted a negative effect on (1) the proteins concentrations (17 (glutelin) to 95 (albumin) %) of common beans and (2) phaseolin concentration (90%) for common and black beans. Fe associated with albumin, prolamin, and glutelin was not altered. In Fe and Cu associated with phaseolin there was an increase of 20 and 37% for the common and black varieties, respectively.
Genetic Analysis of Two Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus Variants-RelatedGyrovirusin Stray Mice and Dogs: The First Report in China, 2015
Authors: Fang Lichun , Li Yang , Wang Yixin , Fu Jiayuan , Cui Shuai , Li Xiaohan , Chang Shuang , Zhao Peng
Published: February 2017

Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) causes acute viral infection in chickens worldwide. It can infect chickens of all ages, but the disease is seen only in young chickens and is characterized by hemorrhagic lesions in the muscles, atrophic changes in the lymphoid organs, aplastic bone marrow, and immunosuppression causing increased mortality. Previous studies have demonstrated that CIAV can be isolated from blood specimens of humans and fecal samples of stray cats. In the present study, two variants of CIAV were isolated from fecal samples of mice (CIAV-Mouse) and stray dogs (CIAV-Dog), respectively. The genome of the two CIAV variants was sequenced and the results of the recombination detection program suggested that the CIAV-Dog strain could be a recombinant viral strain generated from parental CIAV strains, AB119448 and GD-1-12, with high confidence. Particularly, these findings were obtained from the comparison of genetic diversity and the relationship of CIAV between different hosts. This is the first report indicating that there is a significant difference in the number of transcription factor binding sites in CIAV noncoding regions from different hosts. Further studies are required to investigate the large geographic distribution of CIAV and monitor the variants, host range, and associated diseases.
iACT-CEL: A Feasibility Trial of a Face-to-Face and Internet-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for Chronic Pain in Singapore
Authors: Yang Su-Yin , Moss-Morris Rona , McCracken Lance M.
Published: February 2017

Psychological interventions are increasingly utilising online or mobile phone based platforms to deliver treatment, including that for people with chronic pain. The aims of this study were to develop an adapted form of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain in Singapore and to test the feasibility of elements of this treatment delivered via the internet and email. Methods. Thirty-three participants recruited from a tertiary pain management clinic and via the clinic website participated in this program over a period of five weeks with a 3-month follow-up. Treatment outcomes were assessed at three assessment time points. Results. 90.9% of participants completed the program, with 81.8% reporting high treatment satisfaction. Significant changes in depression, t=3.08, p=0.002 (baseline to posttreatment), t=3.28, p=0.001 (baseline to follow-up), and pain intensity, t=2.15, p=0.03 (baseline to follow-up) were found. Mainly small effect sizes (d=0.09–0.39) with a moderate effect size (d=0.51) for depression were found at posttreatment. Clinically meaningful improvement in at least one outcome was demonstrated in 75.8% of participants. Conclusions. An adaptation of ACT for people with chronic pain in Singapore appears promising. Optimal treatment design and more effective ways to target outcomes and processes measured here are required.
Quality of Life in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Marchetti Daniela , Carrozzino Danilo , Fraticelli Federica , Fulcheri Mario , Vitacolonna Ester
Published: February 2017

Background and Objective. Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) could significantly increase the likelihood of health problems concerning both potential risks for the mother, fetus, and child’s development and negative effects on maternal mental health above all in terms of a diminished Quality of Life (QoL). The current systematic review study is aimed at further contributing to an advancement of knowledge about the clinical link between GDM and QoL. Methods. According to PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies aimed at evaluating and/or improving levels of QoL in women diagnosed with GDM. Results. Fifteen research studies were identified and qualitatively analyzed by summarizing results according to the following two topics: GDM and QoL and interventions on QoL in patients with GDM. Studies showed that, in women with GDM, QoL is significantly worse in both the short term and long term. However, improvements on QoL can be achieved through different intervention programs by enhancing positive diabetes-related self-management behaviors. Conclusion. Future studies are strongly recommended to further examine the impact of integrative programs, including telemedicine and educational interventions, on QoL of GDM patients by promoting their illness acceptance and healthy lifestyle behaviors.
MicroRNAs Involvement in Radioresistance of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Ahmad Parwez , Sana Jiri , Slavik Marek , Slampa Pavel , Smilek Pavel , Slaby Ondrej
Published: February 2017

Resistance to the ionizing radiation is a current problem in the treatment and clinical management of various cancers including head and neck cancer. There are several biological and molecular mechanisms described to be responsible for resistance of the tumors to radiotherapy. Among them, the main mechanisms include alterations in intracellular pathways involved in DNA damage and repair, apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis. It has been found that regulation of these complex processes is often controlled by microRNAs. MicroRNAs are short endogenous RNA molecules that posttranscriptionally modulate gene expression and their deregulated expression has been observed in many tumors including head and neck cancer. Specific expression patterns of microRNAs have also been shown to predict prognosis and therapeutic response in head and neck cancer. Therefore, microRNAs present promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets that might overcome resistance to radiation and improve prognosis of head and neck cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the functional role of microRNAs in radioresistance of cancer with special focus on head and neck cancer.
Endotypes in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Biomarkers Based on a Mechanistic Insight for Targeted Treatment?
Authors: Wagenmann Martin , Scheckenbach Kathrin , Chaker Adam M.
Published: February 2017

Chronic rhinosinusitis is an umbrella term for several phenotypes and mechanistically distinct inflammatory diseases of the nose and the paranasal sinuses affecting around 11% of the population in Europe and the USA. Approximately 20% of the patients present with uncontrolled disease despite adequate treatment, and revision surgery is common. While a clinical characterization alone does not improve treatment results, novel but expensive biologics have increasingly become available, but they require a better understanding of the mechanism. Mechanistic markers of disease may help to allocate the optimal drug to a patient, thus reducing undesirable side effects and avoiding unnecessary treatment and costs with respect to potential non-responders, thereby increasing responder rates and compliance.