bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myenteric neuroprotective role of aspirin in acute and chronic experimental infections with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Oda J. Y. , Belém M. O. , Carlos T. M. , Gouveia R. , Luchetti B. F. C. , Moreira N. M. , Massocatto C. L. , Araújo S. M. , Sant´Ana D. M. G. , Buttow N. C. , Pinge‐Filho P. , Araújo E. J. A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Experimental and clinical studies have shown that myenteric neuron cell death during infection with Trypanosoma cruzi mainly occurs in the esophagus and colon, resulting in megaesophagus and megacolon, respectively. Evidence suggests that the cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX) is involved in the T. cruzi invasion process. The use of low‐dose aspirin (ASA), a COX‐1/COX‐2 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce infection with T. cruzi. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effects of treatment with low‐dose ASA on myenteric colonic neurons during murine infection with T. cruzi.

Methods

Swiss mice were assigned into groups treated with either phosphate‐buffered saline or low doses of ASA during the acute phase (20 mg/kg ASA) and chronic phase (50 mg/kg ASA) of infection with the Y strain of T. cruzi. Seventy‐five days after infection, colon samples were collected to quantify inflammatory foci in histological sections and also general (myosin‐V+), nitrergic, and VIPergic myenteric neurons in whole mounts. Gastrointestinal transit time was also measured.

Key Results

Aspirin treatment during the acute phase of infection reduced parasitemia (P<.05). Aspirin treatment during the acute or chronic phase of the infection reduced the intensity of inflammatory foci in the colon, protected myenteric neurons from cell death and plastic changes, and recovered the gastrointestinal transit of mice infected with T. cruzi (P<.05).

Conclusion & Inferences

Early and delayed treatment with low‐dose ASA can reduce the morphofunctional damage of colonic myenteric neurons caused by murine T. cruzi infection.
Determination of role of ceruloplasmin in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral malignancy—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shah P H , Venkatesh R , More C B
Published: May 2017

Objectives

In the process of carcinogenesis, lipid peroxidation and increased oxidative stress lead to changes in certain antioxidants. This study was aimed to assess and co‐relate serum levels of ceruloplasmin in oral premalignancies and oral cancer so as to gauge its possible association with the process of carcinogenesis and to determine its role as tumor marker.

Material and Methods

The study population comprised of 300 participants, equally divided into six study groups, that is, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral leukoplakia (OL), nicotina stomatitis (NS), oral malignancy (OM), controls (C), and healthy controls (HC); 5 ml of blood was collected from ante cubital vein from each participant. The serum was analyzed for ceruloplasmin levels using ERBA CHEM 5 PLUS semiautomated chemistry analyzer and diagnostic kit by turbidimetric immunoassay.

Results

There were total 242 males and 58 females, who were between 18 and 82 years of age, with a mean of 45.31 ± 13.97 years. The serum ceruloplasmin levels were significantly increased in OM, OSMF, OL, and NS groups as compared to C and HC groups (p < .001). No statistically significant difference was found in intragroup analysis of the disease groups (p > .05).

Conclusion

Serum ceruloplasmin can be used as diagnostic marker for oral premalignant and malignant lesions.
Cybersecurity and medical devices: A practical guide for cardiac electrophysiologists
Authors: Ransford Benjamin , Kramer Daniel B. , Foo Kune Denis , Auto de Medeiros Julio , Yan Chen , Xu Wenyuan , Crawford Thomas , Fu Kevin
Published: May 2017

Medical devices increasingly depend on software. While this expands the ability of devices to perform key therapeutic and diagnostic functions, reliance on software inevitably causes exposure to hazards of security vulnerabilities. This article uses a recent high‐profile case example to outline a proactive approach to security awareness that incorporates a scientific, risk‐based analysis of security concerns that supports ongoing discussions with patients about their medical devices.
Immunoregulatory protein B7‐H3 promotes growth and decreases sensitivity to therapy in metastatic melanoma cells
Authors: Flem‐Karlsen Karine , Tekle Christina , Andersson Yvonne , Flatmark Kjersti , Fodstad Øystein , Nunes‐Xavier Caroline E.
Published: May 2017

B7‐H3 (CD276) belongs to the B7 family of immunoregulatory proteins and has been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. In this study, we found that metastatic melanoma cells with knockdown expression of B7‐H3 showed modest decrease in proliferation and glycolytic capacity and were more sensitive to dacarbazine (DTIC) chemotherapy and small‐molecule inhibitors targeting MAP kinase (MAPK) and AKT/mTOR pathways: vemurafenib (PLX4032; BRAF inhibitor), binimetinib (MEK‐162; MEK inhibitor), everolimus (RAD001; mTOR inhibitor), and triciribidine (API‐2; AKT inhibitor). Similar effects were observed in melanoma cells in the presence of an inhibitory B7‐H3 monoclonal antibody, while the opposite was seen in B7‐H3‐overexpressing cells. Further, combining B7‐H3 inhibition with small‐molecule inhibitors resulted in significantly increased antiproliferative effect in melanoma cells, as well as in BRAFV600E mutated cell lines derived from patient biopsies. Our findings indicate that targeting B7‐H3 may be a novel alternative to improve current therapy of metastatic melanoma.
Importance of Group Therapeutic Support for Family Members of Children with Alopecia Areata: A Cross‐Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Aschenbeck Kelly A. , McFarland Sarah L. , Hordinsky Maria K. , Lindgren Bruce R. , Farah Ronda S.
Published: May 2017

Background/Objectives

The psychological effect of alopecia areata (AA) is well documented, but group interaction may help lessen this burden. We aimed to determine factors that draw patients with AA and their families to group events.

Methods

Surveys were administered at the annual alopecia areata bowling social in 2015 and 2016. This event is a unique opportunity for children with AA and their families to meet others with the disease and connect with local support group resources from the Minnesota branch of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Data from 2015 and 2016 were combined. Comparisons of subgroups were performed using Fisher exact tests for response frequencies and percentages and two‐sample t tests for mean values.

Results

An equal number of men and women participated in the study (n = 13 each). The average age was 41.1 years. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in survey responses based on respondent age or sex. Twenty‐three (88.5%) attendees sought to connect with others with AA and met three or more people during the event. Seventeen (65.4%) also attended other support group events. Twelve respondents (46.2%) came to support a friend or family member. One hundred percent of attendees identified socializing with others with AA as important.

Conclusions

Group interaction is an important source of therapeutic support for people with AA and their families.
Timing of susceptibility of highbush blueberry cultivars in northwestern Washington to Monilinia vaccinii‐corymbosi, the cause of mummy berry
Authors: Harteveld D. O. C. , Peever T. L.
Published: May 2017

Mummy berry, caused by Monilinia vaccinii‐corymbosi, causes significant yield losses in blueberry fields in the coastal region of the Pacific Northwest, including northwestern Washington (WA). Development of effective disease control strategies are hindered by lack of knowledge of disease epidemiology in this region. This study compared floral and vegetative bud development of four blueberry cultivars, Duke, Bluecrop, Liberty and Draper, by evaluating the timing and number of susceptible buds on plants during the ascospore release period in two counties in northwestern WA in 2015 and 2016. Ascospores were detected from early March until early April in both years. All four cultivars presented susceptible vegetative and floral buds during this period but susceptible floral buds were consistently more numerous and observed earlier than vegetative buds. The timing of peak numbers of susceptible floral buds was earlier in cultivars Bluecrop and Duke compared to Draper and Liberty and peak numbers of susceptible vegetative buds of Bluecrop were observed earlier compared to the other three cultivars. Differences in susceptibility of these cultivars in the field may therefore depend on the timing of ascospore release relative to host development rather than differences in innate susceptibility. The frequency and spatial distribution of primary infections was also examined and seasonal variation was found in the incidence between bud types and no significant association between canopy heights. The outcomes of this research will be used to develop targeted and effective methods to prevent primary mummy berry infections in WA.
Building Holistic Evidence for Social Media Impact
Authors: Mergel Ines
Published: May 2017

Social media measurement is important for understanding an organization's reach and engagement with its audiences. In response to Warren Kagarise and Staci M. Zavattaro's question about what works in social media measurement, this article discusses how public administration researchers and practitioners are using social media data that they can easily collect from social media platforms and contrasts these practices with data measurement efforts that can provide deeper insights for evidence‐based decision making. This evidence includes interactivity and connectivity among citizens, attributes of network actors, and network structures and positions to understand how content travels through the network and who are the influential actors.
Insulin‐like growth factor I enhances the developmental competence of yak embryos by modulating aquaporin 3
Authors: Chen P , Pan Y , Cui Y , Wen Z , Liu P , He H , Li Q , Peng X , Zhao T , Yu S
Published: May 2017

Contents

The objective of our present study was to determine the effects of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) on the development of yak (Bos grunniens) embryos after cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) vitrification and warming followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF). In Experiment 1, the yak COCs underwent vitrification and then IVF. Embryos were incubated in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) supplemented with four concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 200 ng/ml) of IGF‐I, while the yak COCs without vitrification or IGF‐I supplementation acted as the control group; the BAX, BCL‐2, AQP3mRNA and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) protein expression levels in the five groups of blastocysts were evaluated using quantitative real‐time PCR and immunofluorescence analyses. In Experiment 2, the groups described above were fertilized and incubated. The cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, total cell count per blastocyst and the rate of growth of the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) were evaluated. The results were as follows: (1) the AQP3 gene expression and protein expression in the control and 100 ng/ml IGF‐I treatment groups were the highest. (2) The BAX gene expression was the lowest and the BCL‐2 gene expression was the highest in the control and 100 ng/ml IGF‐I treatment groups. (3) The rates of cleavage and blastocysts in the control and 100 ng/ml IGF‐I groups were higher than those in the other three groups. The total cell count per blastocyst in the vitrified and warmed 100 ng/ml IGF‐I group (106.7 ± 4.9) and the control group (107.3 ± 4.2) was higher than that in the vitrified and warmed 0 ng/ml IGF‐I (91.2 ± 3.1), 50 ng/ml IGF‐I (92.3 ± 3.7) and 200 ng/ml IGF‐I (92.4 ± 3.7) groups. Therefore, we conclude that IGF‐I can improve yak blastocyst developmental ability, cytomembrane permeability and formation of the blastocyst cavity after COC vitrification by improving the BAX, BCL‐2 and AQP3 expression levels.
Longitudinal relations among parenting daily hassles, child rearing, and prosocial and aggressive behaviors in Turkish children
Authors: Gülseven Zehra , Carlo Gustavo , Streit Cara , Kumru Asiye , Selçuk Bilge , Sayıl Melike
Published: May 2017

The present study was designed to examine the longitudinal relations between parenting daily hassles and young children's later prosocial and aggressive behaviors, as well as the mediating role of parenting practices in a non‐Western society. The final sample was 159 middle class Turkish school age children (45.3% girls, Mage= 84.69 months, 76.9% from public school, 23.1% from private school in Bolu, Ankara, and İstanbul) and their mothers. Overall, we found longitudinal evidence that parenting daily hassles, warmth, and physical punishment were significantly and differentially associated with children's prosocial and aggressive behaviors 3 years later. The present findings extend our understanding of the interplay of parenting and stress in predicting children's prosocial and aggressive development in a non‐Western culture.
Teach a confidence interval for the median in the first statistics course
Authors: Howington Eric B.
Published: May 2017

Few introductory statistics courses consider statistical inference for the median. This article argues in favour of adding a confidence interval for the median to the first statistics course. Several methods suitable for introductory statistics students are identified and briefly reviewed.
Metastasis‐associated microRNA expression in canine uveal melanoma
Authors: Starkey M. P. , Compston‐Garnett L. , Malho P. , Dunn K. , Dubielzig R.
Published: May 2017

Background

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumour in dogs. There is no effective means of predicting whether a tumour will metastasize. microRNA (miRNA) metastasis signatures have been identified for several human cancers, including UM.

Aims

In this study we investigated whether metastasizing and non‐metastasizing canine UMs can be distinguished by miRNA expression levels.

Materials and Methods

miRNA microarray profiling was used to compare miRNA expression in 8 metastasizing and 12 non‐metastasizing formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) primary UM biopsies.

Results

Fourteen miRNAs exhibited statistically significant differences in expression between the metastasizing and non‐metastasizing tumours. Class prediction analysis pinpointed 9 miRNAs which categorized tumours as metastasizing or non‐metastasizing with an accuracy of 89%. Of the discriminating miRNAs, 8 were up‐regulated in metastasizing UM, and included 3 miRNAs implicated as potential “metastasis activators” in human cutaneous melanoma. The expression of 4 of the miRNAs was subsequently measured using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), and their up‐regulation in metastasizing tumours validated.

Conclusion

miRNA expression profiles may potentially be used to identify UMs that will metastasize, and miRNAs that are up‐regulated in metastasizing tumours may be targets for therapeutic intervention.
Effects of encapsulated porcine islets on glucose and C‐peptide concentrations in diabetic nude mice 6 months after intraperitoneal transplantation
Authors: Nishimura Masuhiro , Iizuka Naho , Fujita Yasutaka , Sawamoto Osamu , Matsumoto Shinichi
Published: May 2017

Background

In patients with type 1 diabetes, allogeneic islet transplantation can provide normal HbA1c concentrations, but it requires immunosuppression. Transplanting encapsulated islets into the peritoneal cavity could reduce or eliminate the need for immunosuppression. One of the uncertain features of intraperitoneal islet transplantation is the difficulty of measuring C‐peptide concentrations in peripheral blood, which is often used for the marker of islet function. We hypothesized that secreted C‐peptide from intraperitoneally transplanted islets was mostly consumed in the peritoneal cavity, which resulted in low C‐peptide concentrations in peripheral blood.

Methods

In each of two experiments, encapsulated neonatal porcine islets were intraperitoneally transplanted into four nude mice with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. Three diabetic nude mice without transplanted islets were used as diabetic controls, and three untreated healthy nude mice were used as normal controls. Islet functions were monitored for 2 months in the first experiment and 6 months in the second experiment. Encapsulated islets were retrieved after each experiment and evaluated by fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide tests for the viability and static glucose‐stimulated insulin release tests for the function. C‐peptide concentrations from the blood and from the intraperitoneal cavity at 6 months were compared.

Results

In both experiments, diabetes was reversed in all transplanted mice, and oral glucose tolerance test showed improved profiles. In general, retrieved islets were viable and functional. However, blood porcine C‐peptide concentrations were low at both 2 and 6 months, and concentrations in the ascites of peritoneal cavity were 40 times as high as those in blood.

Conclusions

The peripheral blood sampling for c‐peptide, though highly informative in vascularized grafts, may not be the primary tool for monitoring the health and function of encapsulated products when transplanted into intraperitoneal cavity. Our results might explain the clinical feature of the low C‐peptide blood concentrations after successful intraperitoneal encapsulated islet transplantation.
Cortical contributions to sensory gating in the ipsilateral somatosensory cortex during voluntary activity
Authors: Lei Yuming , Perez Monica A.
Published: May 2017

Key points

It has long been known that the somatosensory cortex gates sensory inputs from the contralateral side of the body. Here, we examined the contribution of the ipsilateral somatosensory cortex (iS1) to sensory gating during index finger voluntary activity.

The amplitude of the P25/N33, but not other somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) components, was reduced during voluntary activity compared with rest. Interhemispheric inhibition between S1s and intracortical inhibition in the S1 modulated the amplitude of the P25/N33. Note that changes in interhemispheric inhibition between S1s correlated with changes in cortical circuits in the ipsilateral motor cortex.

Our findings suggest that cortical circuits, probably from somatosensory and motor cortex, contribute to sensory gating in the iS1 during voluntary activity in humans.

An important principle in the organization of the somatosensory cortex is that it processes afferent information from the contralateral side of the body. The role of the ipsilateral somatosensory cortex (iS1) in sensory gating in humans remains largely unknown. Using electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings over the iS1 and electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the wrist, we examined somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs; P14/N20, N20/P25 and P25/N33 components) and paired‐pulse SSEPs between S1s (interhemispheric inhibition) and within (intracortical inhibition) the iS1 at rest and during tonic index finger voluntary activity. We found that the amplitude of the P25/N33, but not other SSEP components, was reduced during voluntary activity compared with rest. Interhemispheric inhibition increased the amplitude of the P25/N33 and intracortical inhibition reduced the amplitude of the P25/N33, suggesting a cortical origin for this effect. The P25/N33 receives inputs from the motor cortex, so we also examined the contribution of distinct sets of cortical interneurons by testing the effect of ulnar nerve stimulation on motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation over the ipsilateral motor cortex with the coil in the posterior–anterior (PA) and anterior–posterior (AP) orientation. Afferent input attenuated PA, but not AP, MEPs during voluntary activity compared with rest. Notably, changes in interhemispheric inhibition correlated with changes in PA MEPs. Our novel findings suggest that interhemispheric projections between S1s and intracortical circuits, probably from somatosensory and motor cortex, contribute to sensory gating in the iS1 during voluntary activity in humans.
Studying the Optimal Layout of Topological Graphs to Facilitate the Automatic Sketching of Kinematic Chains
Authors: Yang Wenjian , Ding Huafeng , He Yong , Wu Min
Published: May 2017

The sketching of kinematic chains is important in the conceptual design of mechanisms. In general, the process of sketching kinematic chains can be divided into two steps, namely sketching topological graphs and converting them into the corresponding kinematic chains. This paper proposes a new method to automatically sketch topological graphs including both planar and nonplanar graphs. First, two parameters called moving sign (MS) and moving sign string (MSS) are defined, based on which a new algorithm is proposed to acquire all feasible layouts of the contracted graph by moving inner edges. All topological graphs synthesized from the same contracted graph are identified to have the shared feasible layouts, and another algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal layout for each topological graph. Then, topological graphs are sketched automatically by determining the location of vertices. The method has low complexity and is easy to be programmed using computer language.
An Accurate Method for Determining Cutter-Workpiece Engagements in Five-Axis Milling With a General Tool Considering Cutter Runout
Authors: Li Zhou-Long , Zhu Li-Min
Published: May 2017

Cutter runout is universal and inevitable in milling process and has a direct impact on the shape of the in-process geometry. However, most of the works on the cutter-workpiece engagement (CWE) extraction neglect the cutter runout impact, which will result in a loss of precision. In this paper, an accurate method is presented to obtain CWE boundaries in five-axis milling with a general tool integrating the cutter runout impact. First, each flute's rotary surface is analytically derived. Then, by intersecting the section circle corresponding to the current flute with each of the rotary surface formed by previous flutes, a set of candidate feasible contact arcs (CFCAs) are obtained, and the valid feasible contact arc (VFCA) is defined as the common intersection of these CFCAs. Next, by intersecting the VFCA with the workpiece surfaces, the partial arc which locates inside the workpiece volume is extracted as the engagement arc. Finally, the CWE map is plotted by mapping a set of engagement arcs to a 2D space. To validate the proposed method, the CWE maps with/without integrating the cutter runout impact in five-axis milling of an axial compressor blisk are extracted and compared. The results reveal that the shape of CWE boundaries is changed a lot owing to the cutter runout impact. A cutting force comparison experiment has been carried out to show that the proposed method will lead to higher prediction accuracy especially in the finish milling process with low immersion angle.
A Coupled Peel and Shear Stress-Diffusion Model for Adhesively Bonded Single Lap Joints
Authors: Mazhari Emad , Nassar Sayed A.
Published: May 2017

In this study, the Fickian diffusion formulation is extended to the adhesive layer of a single lap joint (SLJ) model, in order to develop a coupled peel and shear stress-diffusion model. Constitutive equations are formulated for shear and peel stresses in terms of adhesive material properties that are time- and location-dependent. Numerical solution is provided for the effect of diffusion on shear and peel stresses distribution. Detailed discussion of the results is presented.
Single-step inductively coupled plasma etching of sputtered Nb2O5/SiO2 multilayer stacks using chromium etch mask
Authors: Taimoor Muhammad , Alatawi Abdullah , Reuter Sabrina , Hillmer Hartmut , Kusserow Thomas
Published: May 2017

This paper presents the dry etching characteristics of Nb2O5/SiO2 multilayer stacks deposited using ion beam sputtering. Dry etching is achieved by using a combination of CHF3 and Ar gases in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-reactive ion etching system. The effect of the etching parameters such as the gas ratio (CHF3/Ar), radio-frequency power, ICP power, chamber pressure, and temperature is investigated. An etching recipe is optimized to achieve a high etch rate, good selectivity, and optimum etch profile. The optimized etching recipe provides a single step etch solution for both dielectric materials. Furthermore, the deposition and structuring process of a chromium based etch mask is investigated.
Acoustic evaluation of concrete delaminations using ball-chain impact excitation
Authors: Sun Hongbin , Zhu Jinying , Ham Suyun
Published: May 2017

This letter presents an automated acoustic sensing device for rapid detection of delamination in concrete. The device consists of ball-chains for continual impact excitation and multi-channel microphones for acoustic sensing. A ball-chain is formed by multiple metal balls connected by flexible ropes and is dragged on concrete surface to excite vibration of delaminations. Compared to the conventional chain drag test, the ball-chain generates acoustic signals with higher signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) because the balls give isolated but continual impacts on concrete surface during dragging. The proposed method was validated on a concrete specimen with artificial delaminations.
The effect of visual distraction on auditory-visual speech perception by younger and older listeners
Authors: Cohen Julie I. , Gordon-Salant Sandra
Published: May 2017

Visual distractions are present in real-world listening environments, such as conversing in a crowded restaurant. This study examined the impact of visual distractors on younger and older adults' ability to understand auditory-visual (AV) speech in noise. AV speech stimuli were presented with one competing talker and with three different types of visual distractors. SNR50 thresholds for both listener groups were affected by visual distraction; the poorest performance for both groups was the AV + Video condition, and differences across groups were noted for some conditions. These findings suggest that older adults may be more susceptible to irrelevant auditory and visual competition in a real-world environment.
Performance of Alpine Touring Boots When Used in Alpine Ski Bindings
Authors: Campbell Jeffrey R. , Scher Irving S. , Carpenter David , Jahnke Bruce L. , Ching Randal P.
Published: May 2017

Alpine touring (AT) equipment is designed for ascending mountains and snow skiing down backcountry terrain. Skiers have been observed using AT boots in alpine (not made for Alpine Touring) ski bindings. We tested the effect on the retention-release characteristics of AT boots used in alpine bindings. Ten AT ski boots and 5 alpine ski boots were tested in 8 models of alpine ski bindings using an ASTM F504-05 (2012) apparatus. Thirty-one percent of the AT boots released appropriately when used in alpine ski bindings. One alpine binding released appropriately for all alpine and AT boots tested; 2 alpine ski bindings did not release appropriately for any AT boots. Altering the visual indicator settings on the bindings (that control the release torque of an alpine system) had little or no effect on the release torque when using AT boots in alpine ski bindings. Many combinations released appropriately in ski shop tests, but did not release appropriately in the more complex loading cases that simulated forward and backward falls; the simple tests performed by ski shops could produce a “false-negative” test result. These results indicate that using AT boots with alpine ski bindings could increase the likelihood of lower leg injuries.
Different Relationship Between Physical Activity, Arterial Stiffness, and Metabolic Status in Obese Subjects
Authors: Joo Hyung Joon , Cho Sang-A , Cho Jae-Young , Lee Seunghun , Park Jae Hyung , Yu Cheol Woong , Hong Soon Jun , Lim Do-Sun
Published: May 2017

Background:

Although the relationship between physical activity and arterial stiffness has been shown in healthy persons, it remains controversial in obese persons.

Methods:

From January 2014 to September 2014, we evaluated 795 obese subjects from 25 public health centers in Seoul, Korea. We compared physical activity and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) between obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) (MO) and obese subjects without MetS (NMO).

Results:

The MO group had more men, higher body mass index (BMI), higher fasting glucose level, lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, and higher triglyceride level. The mean physical activity levels were similar between the 2 groups. baPWV was higher in the MO group than the NMO group. MO group showed positive correlation between baPWV and physical activity (Ptrend = 0.04). Interestingly, baPWV was significantly higher in the MO group than in the NMO group in subjects with moderate and vigorous physical activity (1403.4 cm/sec vs 1349 cm/sec [95% CI 21.4 to 87.4], P < .05). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was apparently associated with age, BMI, blood pressure, and glucose level.

Conclusions:

In a community-based population, baPWV was higher in obese MetS group compared with obese non-MetS group. Physical activity showed different association with baPWV depending on metabolic status.
The Comparative Effects of Ankle Bracing on Functional Performance
Authors: Newman Thomas M. , Vairo Giampietro L. , Buckley William E.
Published: May 2017

Ankle sprains represent a common musculoskeletal injury that clinicians are tasked with preventing and treating. Because of the prevalence of this injury, ankle braces have been designed to prophylactically protect the joint and reduce the incidence of repetitive sprains. Although an abundance of literature exists focusing on the efficacy of braces in preventing ankle sprains in young, healthy, and physically active populations, there is a scarcity of evidence specific to the impact of these apparatuses on functional performance; therefore, the purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) is to investigate the effects of ankle braces on functional performance measures in such individuals. The outcomes of this CAT will assist sport rehabilitation specialists with informed clinical decision making in managing young, healthy, and physically active populations using ankle braces. Do ankle braces hinder functional performance measures when compared with an unbraced condition in a young, healthy, and physically active population? A minimum of level II evidence research studies were surveyed for this CAT. For this CAT, 1 randomized controlled trial and 3 prospective cohort studies were selected. One study found a statistically significant main effect of increased agility run times while participants wore ankle braces. Another study demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in vertical jump height and ankle range of motion while wearing braces. No other statistically significant findings were reported among studies comparing unbraced with braced conditions. Current data indicate that young, healthy, and physically active individuals may experience varied performance effects when executing specific functional performance tasks while wearing ankle braces. In general, bracing does not appear to significantly impair performance on most functional tasks; however, decrements were noted to increases in agility run time and decreases in vertical jump height. Subsequent analysis indicated that a brace may result in decreased ankle plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, eversion, and inversion range of motion, which may underpin noted performance deficits.
Effects of Volume Training on Strength and Endurance of Back Muscles: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shigaki Leonardo , Araújo Cynthia Gobbi Alves , Calderon Mariane Guizeline , Costa Thais Karoline Cezar , Aguiar Andreo Fernando , Costa Leonardo Oliveira Pena , da Silva Rubens A.
Published: May 2017

Context: Strength/resistance training volume has historically been supported in the American College of Sports Medicine recommendations. However, for the back muscles, exercise prescription related to the number of sets, such as single versus multiple, is not well established in the literature. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 training volumes on strength and endurance of back-extensor muscles in untrained young participants with regard to a repeated-measures design. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Laboratory of functional evaluation and human motor performance. Participants: Forty-four untrained young participants (mean age = 21 y) were randomized into single-set (n = 14), multiple-set (MSG, n = 15), and untrained control (n = 15) groups. Intervention: The single-set group and MSG underwent a 10-week progressive resistance training program (2 d/wk) using a 45° Roman chair. Main Outcome Measures: Back maximal strength (dynamometer) and isometric and dynamic endurance (time limit, trunk extension–flexion cycles, and electromyography muscle fatigue estimates). Results: The results showed differences between the MSG and control group for isometric endurance time (mean = 19.8 s; 95% confidence interval, −44.1 to 4.8), but without time intervention significance. Significant improvement after training (P < .05) was found predominantly during dynamic endurance (number of repetitions) for both the MSG (+61%) and single-set group (+26%) compared with preintervention, whereas the control group reported no benefit. There was no significant (P > .05) difference in either strength or electromyography estimates after training. Conclusions: Both multiple and single volume training were efficient in promoting better back endurance during dynamic performance based on mechanical variables (time and number of repetitions).
College Pitchers Demonstrate Directional Differences in Shoulder Joint Position Sense Compared With Controls
Authors: Badagliacco John Andrew , Karduna Andrew
Published: May 2017

Context: The relationship between overhead throwing and its effect on proprioception is not well understood. It is important to gain a better understanding of how these are related, to protect overhead athletes from an increased risk of injury. Objective: To investigate proprioceptive alterations in the overhead thrower’s shoulder. Design: Cross-sectional study. Independent variables are limb (dominant and nondominant), group (thrower or control), and target angle. Dependent variables are joint position sense and range of motion. Setting: An orthopedic biomechanics lab and university athletic training facility. Participants: Twelve Division I baseball pitchers and 13 nonthrowing control subjects. Intervention: Shoulder proprioception was assessed using an active joint repositioning task administered with an iPod Touch. Main Outcome Measure: Root mean square error and constant error of repositioning angles were used to assess accuracy and directional patterns, respectively. Results: Both groups demonstrated significantly higher joint acuity at the 80° external rotation target angle compared with 60° (1.5° [0.5°], P = .01). There were no differences in accuracy between groups. Constant error revealed differing repositioning patterns between limbs for the pitchers and also between groups for the dominant side. Although the throwing shoulder overshot the target angles by 0.4°, all nonthrowing shoulders undershot by an average of 2.7°. Conclusions: There is no difference in shoulder joint position sense accuracy between throwers and nonthrowers, although both groups display increased accuracy closer to their end range of external rotation. The throwing shoulder demonstrates a different repositioning pattern, overshooting the desired target angle, while all other shoulders undershoot.
Effect of Gastrocnemius Kinesio Taping on Countermovement Jump Performance and Vertical Stiffness Following Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Boozari Sahar , Sanjari Mohammad Ali , Amiri Ali , Ebrahimi Takamjani Ismail
Published: May 2017

Context: Kinesio tape (KT) is a widely used intervention in the fields of sports and rehabilitation. However, its effects on lower-extremity behavior during functional activities are not entirely known. Objective: To test the hypothesis that application of KT can change performance and vertical stiffness (VS) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) before and after a fatigue protocol. Design: A predesign and postdesign to study the effect of KT in 2 situations, prefatigue and postfatigue. In each fatiguing condition, there were 2 conditions with and without KT application on the gastrocnemius muscle. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Fifty healthy, nonathlete participants (26 females and 24 males). Interventions: KT application on the gastrocnemius muscle and a fatigue protocol to induce fatigue in plantar flexor muscles. Main Outcome Measures: Various jumping parameters, including jump height, maximum force, maximum power, rate of force development, eccentric lower-limb stiffness, and VS, were calculated using the vertical ground reaction force data. Eccentric lower-limb stiffness and VS were calculated using a mass-spring model. The studied variables can present lower-extremity elastic behavior and performance during CMJ. Results: The results of a 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance showed no significant effect for KT application. Fatigue resulted in lower values of jump height, maximum power, and VS. Moreover, male subjects showed greater values of jump height, maximum force, and maximum power than did females. Conclusions: The main finding of this study was that gastrocnemius KT has no effect on performance or elastic behavior of the lower-extremity during CMJ. Moreover, KT cannot reduce the adverse effect of fatigue in a functional activity such as CMJ. It seems that gastrocnemius KT is not effective for demanding activities.
An “eye” for rhythm
Authors: Haspel Jeffrey
Published: May 2017

A new analytical method allows reconstruction of circadian gene expression in human biopsy samples.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Emergent Recombinant GII.P16-GII.2 Norovirus Strain Associated with an Epidemic Spread in the Winter of 2016-2017 in Hong Kong, China
Authors: Chan Martin C. W. , Kwok Kirsty , Hung Tin-Nok , Chan Lok-Yi , Chan Paul K. S.
Published: May 2017

A new recombinant norovirus, GII.P16-GII.2, emerged in the winter of 2016-2017. Here, we report the complete genome of this strain (Hu/GII/HK/2016/GII.P16-GII.2/CUHK-NS-1082), which was collected from a patient hospitalized with gastroenteritis in September 2016 in Hong Kong, China, and sequenced using next-generation sequencing. This genome had a 95.2% nucleotide identity to the closest sequence in GenBank.
First Insights into the Genome Sequence of the Cellulolytic Bacterium Clostridium hungatei DSM 14427
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Funkner Katrina , Schüler Miriam A. , Daniel Rolf
Published: May 2017

Clostridium hungatei
is an obligate anaerobic and spore-forming bacterium, which was isolated from soil. It ferments carbohydrates, such as cellulose or
d
-glucose.
C. hungatei
is able to fix nitrogen. The draft genome consists of 1 chromosome (4.902 Mb) with 4,246 predicted protein-coding genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium abscessus Bamboo
Authors: Yee Michelle , Klinzing David , Wei Jun-Rong , Gengenbacher Martin , Rubin Eric J. , Dick Thomas
Published: May 2017

Mycobacterium abscessus
, an intrinsically multidrug-resistant pathogen, causes chronic incurable lung disease. New drugs for this emerging pathogen represent an urgent unmet medical need. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of
M. abscessus
Bamboo, a clinical isolate used as a screening strain for drug discovery.
The
Vibrio cholerae
VexGH RND Efflux System Maintains Cellular Homeostasis by Effluxing Vibriobactin
Authors: Kunkle Dillon E. , Bina X. Renee , Bina James E.
Published: May 2017

Resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily efflux systems have been widely studied for their role in antibiotic resistance, but their native biological functions remain poorly understood. We previously showed that loss of RND-mediated efflux in
Vibrio cholerae
resulted in activation of the Cpx two-component regulatory system, which mediates adaptation to stress resulting from misfolded membrane proteins. Here, we investigated the mechanism linking RND-mediated efflux to the Cpx response. We performed transposon mutagenesis screening of RND-deficient
V. cholerae
to identify Cpx suppressors. Suppressor mutations mapped to genes involved in the biosynthesis of the catechol siderophore vibriobactin. We subsequently demonstrated that vibriobactin secretion is impaired in mutants lacking the VexGH RND efflux system and that impaired vibriobactin secretion is responsible for Cpx system activation, suggesting that VexGH secretes vibriobactin. This conclusion was bolstered by results showing that
vexGH
expression is induced by iron limitation and that
vexH
-deficient cells exhibit reduced fitness during growth under iron-limiting conditions. Our results support a model where VexGH contributes to cellular homeostasis by effluxing vibriobactin. In the absence of
vexGH
, retained vibriobactin appears to chelate iron from iron-rich components of the respiratory chain, with the deferrated proteins functioning to activate the Cpx response. Our collective results demonstrate that a native function of the
V. cholerae
VexGH RND efflux system is in vibriobactin secretion and that vibriobactin efflux is critical for maintenance of cellular homeostasis.

IMPORTANCE
RND efflux systems are ubiquitous Gram-negative transporters that play critical roles in antimicrobial resistance. In addition to antimicrobial resistance, RND transporters also affect the expression of diverse phenotypes, including virulence, cell metabolism, and stress responses. The latter observations suggest that RND transporters fulfill unknown physiological functions in the cell independently of their role in antimicrobial resistance.
Vibrio cholerae
is representative of many Gram-negative bacteria in encoding multiple RND transporters that are redundant in antimicrobial resistance and affect multiple phenotypes. Here we describe a novel function of the
V. cholerae
VexGH RND transporter in vibriobactin secretion. We show that vibriobactin production in VexGH-deficient cells impacts cell homeostasis, leading to activation of the Cpx stress response and reduced fitness under iron-limiting conditions. Our results highlight a native physiological function of an RND transporter and provide insight into the selective forces that maintain what was thought to be a redundant multidrug transporter.
Intrinsic Toxin-Derived Peptides Destabilize and Inactivate
Clostridium difficile
TcdB
Authors: Larabee Jason L. , Bland Sarah J. , Hunt Jonathan J. , Ballard Jimmy D.
Published: May 2017

Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) is a major cause of hospital-associated, antibiotic-induced diarrhea, which is largely mediated by the production of two large multidomain clostridial toxins, TcdA and TcdB. Both toxins coordinate the action of specific domains to bind receptors, enter cells, and deliver a catalytic fragment into the cytosol. This results in GTPase inactivation, actin disassembly, and cytotoxicity. TcdB in particular has been shown to encode a region covering amino acids 1753 to 1851 that affects epitope exposure and cytotoxicity. Surprisingly, studies here show that several peptides derived from this region, which share the consensus sequence
1769
NVFKGNTISDK
1779
, protect cells from the action of TcdB. One peptide, PepB2, forms multiple interactions with the carboxy-terminal region of TcdB, destabilizes TcdB structure, and disrupts cell binding. We further show that these effects require PepB2 to form a higher-order polymeric complex, a process that requires the central GN amino acid pair. These data suggest that TcdB
1769–1779
interacts with repeat sequences in the proximal carboxy-terminal domain of TcdB (i.e., the CROP domain) to alter the conformation of TcdB. Furthermore, these studies provide insights into TcdB structure and functions that can be exploited to inactivate this critical virulence factor and ameliorate the course of CDI.

IMPORTANCE
Clostridium difficile
is a leading cause of hospital-associated illness that is often associated with antibiotic treatment. To cause disease,
C. difficile
secretes toxins, including TcdB, which is a multidomain intracellular bacterial toxin that undergoes conformational changes during cellular intoxication. This study describes the development of peptide-based inhibitors that target a region of TcdB thought to be critical for structural integrity of the toxin. The results show that peptides derived from a structurally important region of TcdB can be used to destabilize the toxin and prevent cellular intoxication. Importantly, this work provides a novel means of toxin inhibition that could in the future develop into a
C. difficile
treatment.
Structure-Based Mutations in the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Glycoprotein B Ectodomain Arm Impart a Slow-Entry Phenotype
Authors: Fan Qing , Kopp Sarah J. , Connolly Sarah A. , Longnecker Richard
Published: May 2017

Glycoprotein B (gB) is the conserved herpesvirus fusion protein, and it is required for the entry of herpesviruses. The structure of the postfusion conformation of gB has been solved for several herpesviruses; however, the gB prefusion crystal structure and the details of how the protein refolds from a prefusion to a postfusion form to mediate fusion have not been determined. Using structure-based mutagenesis, we previously reported that three mutations (I671A, H681A, and F683A) in the C-terminal arm of the gB ectodomain greatly reduced cell-cell fusion. This fusion deficit could be rescued by the addition of a hyperfusogenic mutation, suggesting that the gB triple mutant was not misfolded. Using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), we constructed two independent herpes simplex virus 1 mutant strains (gB 3A) carrying the three arm mutations. The gB 3A viruses have 200-fold smaller plaques than the wild-type virus and demonstrate remarkably delayed entry into cells. Single-step and multistep growth curves show that gB 3A viruses have delayed replication kinetics. Interestingly, incubation at 40°C promoted the entry of the gB 3A viruses. We propose that the gB 3A viruses’ entry deficit is due to a loss of interactions between residues in the gB C-terminal arm and the coiled-coil core of gB. The results suggest that the triple alanine mutation may destabilize the postfusion gB conformation and/or stabilize the prefusion gB conformation and that exposure to elevated temperatures can overcome the defect in gB 3A viruses.

IMPORTANCE
Because of its complexity, the mechanism of herpesvirus entry into cells is not well understood. Our study investigated one of the most important unanswered questions about herpesvirus entry; i.e., how does the herpesvirus fusion protein gB mediate membrane fusion? gB is an essential protein that is conserved in all herpesviruses and is thought to undergo a conformational change to provide the energy to fuse the viral and cellular membranes. Using our understanding of the structure of gB, we designed mutations in the gB “arm” region that we predicted would impede gB function. We introduced these mutations into herpes simplex virus 1 by using a bacterial artificial chromosome, and the mutant virus exhibited a drastically delayed rate of entry. This entry defect was rescued by incubation at elevated temperatures, supporting a hypothesis that the engineered mutations altered the energetics of gB refolding. This study supports our hypothesis that an interaction between the gB arm and the core of gB is critical for gB refolding and the execution of membrane fusion, thus providing key details about the function of gB in herpesvirus-mediated fusion and subsequent virus entry.