bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron transfer between anatase TiO
2
and an O
2
molecule directly observed by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Setvin Martin , Hulva Jan , Parkinson Gareth S. , Schmid Michael , Diebold Ulrike
Published: March 2017

Significance

Molecular oxygen is an inert species, unable to enter chemical reactions. Activation occurs through the acceptance of an extra electron; this catalytic step plays a major role in applications such as heterogeneous catalysis and fuel cells. It is also used by all living organisms. We show that the two different charge states of O
2
can be easily distinguished by atomic force microscopy (AFM). We directly injected or removed electrons into/from the O
2
molecule by the AFM tip, switching the O
2
reactivity. These results open new possibilities for studying catalytic and photocatalytic processes.
Stability of Ar(H
2
)
2
to 358 GPa
Authors: Ji Cheng , Goncharov Alexander F. , Shukla Vivekanand , Jena Naresh K. , Popov Dmitry , Li Bing , Wang Junyue , Meng Yue , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Smith Jesse S. , Ahuja Rajeev , Yang Wenge , Mao Ho-kwang
Published: March 2017

Significance

Pressure-induced metallization of solid hydrogen is a problem of certain prominence in high-pressure physics. However, it is extremely challenging to be achieved experimentally. It was proposed that “chemical precompression” (introducing impurity atoms or molecules into hydrogen) may facilitate metallization under pressure. In this paper, we selected Ar(H
2
)
2
as a model system and explored the intermolecular interactions of H
2
molecules and the metallization of hydrogen in the presence of a weakly bound impurity (Ar). Combining our experimental data and theoretical calculations, we found that Ar does not facilitate the molecular dissociation and bandgap closure of H
2
, moreover it works in the opposite direction. Our work provides a solid basis for future searches of hydrogen-rich materials which facilitate metallization of hydrogen.
In vivo diagnostics of early abiotic plant stress response via Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Altangerel Narangerel , Ariunbold Gombojav O. , Gorman Connor , Alkahtani Masfer H. , Borrego Eli J. , Bohlmeyer Dwight , Hemmer Philip , Kolomiets Michael V. , Yuan Joshua S. , Scully Marlan O.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Feeding a population of 9 billion in 2050 coupled with the changing climate and environmental stresses motivate us to develop advances in plant science and technology. We present a high-throughput plant phenotyping platform for detection of abiotic stress. The proposed Raman spectroscopic technique for high-throughput stress phenotyping and early stress detection in vivo improves sensitivity with the ability to interrogate individual molecules simultaneously in plants. This technology holds promise for mobile automated systems and precision agriculture.
Persistence of the mitochondrial permeability transition in the absence of subunit c of human ATP synthase
Authors: He Jiuya , Ford Holly C. , Carroll Joe , Ding Shujing , Fearnley Ian M. , Walker John E.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Cellular powerhouses called mitochondria generate fuel known as adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, to sustain complex life. The capacity of mitochondria to do so depends on a supply of energy from oxidation of energy-rich compounds in foodstuffs to generate a chemical potential difference for hydrogen ions, called the proton motive force (pmf), across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Disruption of this membrane dissipates the pmf, and the cells die for lack of fuel. This event happens, for example, when the concentration of calcium ions inside human mitochondria is increased. The mitochondria respond by opening a pore, water enters, and the mitochondria swell and burst. The molecular identity of the pore is disputed, and we have disproved one proposal.
‘Only the people can defend this struggle’: the politics of the everyday, extrajudicial executions and civil society in Mathare, Kenya
Authors: Jones Peris S. , Kimari Wangui , Ramakrishnan Kavita
Published: March 2017

Though a perennial problem in postcolonial Kenya, extrajudicial executions (EJE) show few signs of ending and in recent years are even accelerating amongst young men in informal settlements. Avenues for legal, institutional and civil society redress, nominally expanded in recent years, display an ongoing tendency towards disconnection from the grassroots. A case study from Mathare, Nairobi, seeks explanations for the lack of urgency in addressing EJE and also the limited effectiveness of responses to them that are rooted in the political economy of interests of civil society actors, which tends to perpetuate these ‘excluded spaces’ of the slum. The authors do so, however, by exploring one particular struggle to show how frustration with civil society is being used by social justice activists to articulate ideas of ‘everyday’ violence to mobilise for change that disrupts the apparent normalisation of EJE.
The cognitive underpinnings of mental model construction in L1 and L2
Authors: O’Rourke Polly , Bunting Michael F.
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the ability to create mental models and the role of working memory in mental model ability in the first and second language with English–Spanish bilinguals using L1 and L2 versions of the Spatial Integration Task. Participants showed effects of continuity in accuracy in L1 and L2, but only in L1 did they show effects in the reading times. In L1, working memory capacity predicted identification accuracy for discontinuous descriptions in L1, as well as reading time for the critical discontinuous sentence. In L2, accuracy was predicted by L2 reading ability only and there were no significant predictors of reading times. The findings suggest that the lack of availability of working memory resources in L2 induces participants to rely primarily on verbal abilities to create mental models.
An engineered minimal chromosomal passenger complex reveals a role for INCENP/Sli15 spindle association in chromosome biorientation
Authors: Fink Sarah , Turnbull Kira , Desai Arshad , Campbell Christopher S.
Published: March 2017

The four-subunit chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), whose enzymatic subunit is Aurora B kinase, promotes chromosome biorientation by detaching incorrect kinetochore–microtubule attachments. In this study, we use a combination of truncations and artificial dimerization in budding yeast to define the minimal CPC elements essential for its biorientation function. We engineered a minimal CPC comprised of the dimerized last third of the kinase-activating Sli15/INCENP scaffold and the catalytic subunit Ipl1/Aurora B. Although native Sli15 is not oligomeric, artificial dimerization suppressed the biorientation defect and lethality associated with deletion of a majority of its microtubule-binding domain. Dimerization did not act through a physical clustering-based kinase activation mechanism but instead promoted spindle association, likely via a putative helical domain in Sli15 that is essential even when dimerized and is required to target kinetochore substrates. Based on the engineering and characterization of a minimal CPC, we suggest that spindle association is important for active Ipl1/Aurora B complexes to preferentially destabilize misattached kinetochores.
Some Dynamic Aspects of Food Standards
Authors: Swinnen Johan
Published: March 2017

Food standards have existed since the beginning of trade and exchange, but have increased and expanded in recent years, affecting global and local value chains. This has triggered vigorous debates on the impacts on trade and development. Standards may simultaneously enhance economic efficiency and redistribute rents, complicating policy analysis and implying that “the economics” and “the politics” of standards are often hard to separate. While substantial research has contributed important insights, dynamic aspects of standards have not received much attention. I present a framework to illustrate some dynamic economic and political aspects of standards in closed and open economies. This framework integrates changes over time in preferences, implementation costs, and protectionist pressures as determinants of standards, and suggests explanations for persistent differences in food standards across countries. Hysteresis in standards can persist due to protectionist motives, even if the initial standards were not introduced for protectionist reasons. I use some historical cases to document both the persistence and adjustment of standards over time and with international integration.
ConKit: a python interface to contact predictions
Authors: Simkovic Felix , Thomas Jens M H , Rigden Daniel J
Published: March 2017

Recent advances in protein residue contact prediction algorithms have led to the emergence of many new methods and a variety of file formats. We present ConKit, an open source, modular and extensible Python interface which allows facile conversion between formats and provides an interface to analyses of sequence alignments and sets of contact predictions.

Availability and Implementation

ConKit is available via the Python Package Index. The documentation can be found at http://www.conkit.org. ConKit is licensed under the BSD 3-Clause.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of predator-prey species interactions off western Canada
Authors: Fu Caihong , Olsen Norm , Taylor Nathan , Grüss Arnaud , Batten Sonia , Liu Huizhu , Verley Philippe , Shin Yunne-Jai
Published: March 2017

Ecosystem models are valuable tools for informing fisheries management due to their ability to simulate the spatial dynamics of modelled species, their trophic interactions, and their responses to fishing in an ecosystem context. In this study, we developed an OSMOSE (Object-oriented Simulator of Marine Ecosystems Exploitation) model for the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA) ecosystem off western Canada, which simulated the entire life cycle of six key species and for the first time integrated spatial population structure and “background” taxa. Background taxa are of secondary importance for the study at hand but have the potential to be important prey or predators of the key species. The primary aim of the study was to explore how the population dynamics of the key species differed over time and different management areas, with results focusing on Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) and Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus) that have been assessed on a single-species basis in the last 5 years. Results found that the population dynamics of a specific species varied in different management areas due to differences in species interactions particularly in the form of predation mortality, which supports the current area-specific assessment and management framework. The study also indicated that increasing predation mortality may have caused the decline of the Pacific Cod populations. By contrast, increasing starvation mortality was found to be a limiting factor for the Pacific Herring populations. The discoveries from these OSMOSE simulations provide important information for fisheries management within the PNCIMA ecosystem.
CD40–CD40L cross-talk drives fascin expression in dendritic cells for efficient antigen presentation to CD4+ T cells
Authors: Elizondo Diana M , Andargie Temesgen E , Kubhar Dineeta S , Gugssa Ayele , Lipscomb Michael W
Published: March 2017

Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that, among immune cells, is restricted to expression in dendritic cells (DCs). Previous reports have suggested that fascin plays an important role in governing DC antigen presentation to CD4+ T cells. However, no report has clearly linked the receptor–ligand engagement that can direct downstream regulation of fascin expression. In this study, bone marrow-derived DCs from wild-type versus CD40-knockout C57BL/6 mice were used to elucidate the mechanisms of fascin expression and activity upon CD40–CD40 ligand (CD40L) engagement. These investigations now show that CD40 engagement governs fascin expression in DCs to promote CD4+ T-cell cytokine production. Absence of CD40 signaling resulted in diminished fascin expression in DCs and was associated with impaired CD4+ T-cell responses. Furthermore, the study found that loss of CD40–CD40L engagement resulted in reduced DC–T-cell contacts. Rescue by ectopic fascin expression in CD40-deficient DCs was able to re-establish sustained contacts with T cells and restore cytokine production. Taken together, these results show that cross-talk through CD40–CD40L signaling drives elevated fascin expression in DCs to support acquisition of full T-cell responses.
A Mixed Infection of Lettuce chlorosis virus, Papaya ringspot virus, and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus-IL Detected in a Texas Papaya Orchard Affected by a Virus-Like Disease Outbreak
Authors: Alabi Olufemi J. , Al Rwahnih M. , Jifon J. L. , Sétamou M. , Brown J. K. , Gregg L. , Park J.-W.
Published: March 2017

Severe virus-like symptoms consisting of mosaic, distortion, yellowing, and brittleness were observed on papaya plants in a 20-ha orchard in South Texas during the 2014–15 growing season. Incidence of symptomatic plants increased from ∼40 to 100% within 6 months of the outbreak; the most severely affected plants were stunted, and fruit yield and quality were reduced compared with asymptomatic plants. The orchard papaya plant virome was explored using the Illumina NextSeq 500 platform and results were validated by Sanger DNA sequencing of complete viral genomes obtained by PCR amplification. The combined results revealed the presence of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV; Potyvirus), Lettuce chlorosis virus (LCV; Crinivirus), and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus-IL (TYLCV-IL; Begomovirus). The RT-PCR analyses of leaves from 51 randomly sampled papaya plants indicated the presence of PRSV, LCV, and TYLCV-IL in 100, 39.2, and 15.7% of the samples, respectively. Plants infected with PRSV, in combination with LCV and/or TYLCV-IL, exhibited more severe symptoms compared with plants infected with PRSV alone. Furthermore, successful whitefly-mediated transmission of TYLCV-IL and LCV was accomplished by exposing virus-free papaya seedlings to viruliferous Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) under greenhouse conditions. The results of this study document a new host record for LCV and the first successful whitefly-mediated transmission of TYLCV-IL and LCV to papaya. As a perennial crop, infected papaya serving as an over-seasoning reservoir for TYLCV-IL and LCV, presents a new challenge to viral disease management in papaya orchards.
Diffusion Model for Describing the Regional Spread of Huanglongbing from First-Reported Outbreaks and Basing an Area Wide Disease Management Strategy
Authors: Flores-Sánchez J. L. , Mora-Aguilera G. , Loeza-Kuk E. , López-Arroyo J. I. , Gutiérrez-Espinosa M. A. , Velázquez-Monreal J. J. , Domínguez-Monge S. , Bassanezi R. B. , Acevedo-Sánchez G. , Robles-García P.
Published: March 2017

Huanglongbing (HLB), a recent worldwide spreading disease on citrus, was detected in July 2009 in Yucatan State of Mexico. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fit of diffusion and classic disease gradient models to large-scale HLB spatial data originated from initial foci to improve sampling, monitoring, and control strategies for Diaphorina citri, vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), putative agent of HLB. Four transect routes were selected: Yuc-1, Yuc-2, QRoo-1, and QRoo-2, based on the directionality of the prevailing winds and foci location of HLB infected plants. In these routes, 35 sites, 5 to 20 km apart, were selected for monthly evaluation during a 12-month period. A 10-insect sample and disease incidence and severity of HLB, further confirmed by PCR, were assessed per site. Mexican lime was more vulnerable (67.5%) than sweet orange (14%). Also, leaf symptoms were mostly found with homogeneous distribution but rarely reaching 100% of the tree canopy during the 12-month period. The diffusion model provided the best fit among the family of time-gradient curves (r2 = 0.90 to 0.99) due to the flexibility of a three-parameter model. The gradients were well conformed to the model in a 25 to 82.6 km range, having the east-west direction the longest effect. Yuc-2 and QRoo-2 transects showed 82.6 and 43.9 km gradients with a diffusion coefficient (Do) of 0.15 and 0.09, respectively. This study constitutes the first quantitative evidence of the regional spread of CLas from a single focus and the application of a flexible model that improved the fit and allowed to better compare different gradients. These results are useful to determine the size of Regional Areas of Diaphorina citri Control (ARCO), a management program currently implemented in Mexico to combat HLB.
Oral Application of Magnesium-l-Threonate Attenuates Vincristine-induced Allodynia and Hyperalgesia by Normalization of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α/Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling
Authors: Xu Ting , Li Dai , Zhou Xin , Ouyang Han-Dong , Zhou Li-Jun , Zhou Hang , Zhang Hong-Mei , Wei Xu-Hong , Liu Guosong , Liu Xian-Guo
Published: March 2017

Background

Antineoplastic agents, including vincristine, often induce neuropathic pain and magnesium deficiency clinically, but the causal link between them has not been determined. No drug is available for treating this form of neuropathic pain.

Methods

Injection of vincristine (0.1 mg · kg-1 · day-1, intraperitoneally, for 10 days) was used to induce nociceptive sensitization, which was accessed with von Frey hairs and the plantar tester in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Magnesium-l- threonate was administered through drinking water (604 mg · kg-1 · day-1). Extracellular and intracellular free Mg2+ were measured by Calmagite chromometry and flow cytometry. Molecular biologic and electrophysiologic experiments were performed to expose the underlying mechanisms.

Results

Vincristine injection induced allodynia and hyperalgesia (n = 12), activated tumor necrosis factor-α/nuclear factor-κB signaling, and reduced free Mg2+ in cerebrospinal fluid by 21.7 ± 6.3% (mean ± SD; n = 13) and in dorsal root ganglion neurons by 27 ± 6% (n = 11). Reducing Mg2+ activated tumor necrosis factor-α/nuclear factor-κB signaling in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons. Oral application of magnesium-l-threonate prevented magnesium deficiency and attenuated both activation of tumor necrosis factor-α/nuclear factor-κB signaling and nociceptive sensitization (n = 12). Mechanistically, vincristine induced long-term potentiation at C-fiber synapses, up-regulated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor type 2B subunit of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, and led to peptidergic C-fiber sprouting in spinal dorsal horn (n = 6 each). The vincristine-induced pathologic plasticity was blocked by intrathecal injection of nuclear factor-κB inhibitor (n = 6), mimicked by tumor necrosis factor-α, and substantially prevented by oral magnesium-l-threonate (n = 5).

Conclusions

Vincristine may activate tumor necrosis factor-α/nuclear factor-κB pathway by reduction of intracellular magnesium, leading to spinal pathologic plasticity and nociceptive sensitization. Oral magnesium-l-threonate that prevents the magnesium deficiency is a novel approach to prevent neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy.
Experience of Home Telehealth Technology in Older Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Chang Chi-Ping , Lee Ting-Ting , Mills Mary Etta
Published: March 2017

The incidence of diabetes, a common chronic disease among older adults, is increasing annually. The lack of blood glucose regulation can result in severe diabetes-related complications and substantial healthcare costs, making self-care programs specific to this population especially important. Combined with reduced numbers of healthcare professionals, the integration of healthcare and information technology and the older adults' adoption of telehealth services have become increasingly important. This study used a qualitative method to interview 18 older study participants who used a telehealth service. Subject perceptions and suggestions regarding using such a service for diabetes management were investigated. Content analysis was used to examine the interview data and determine the older patients' acceptance and perceived benefits of telehealth service. Four main themes emerged: (1) initial trial encouragement from the doctors, nurses, and financial incentives; (2) enhanced self-management capability through continuous device use for better outcomes; (3) ambivalent feelings regarding dependence on others for problem solving; and (4) consideration for continual technology use for an uncertain future. These results serve as a reference for promoting, assessing, and verifying telehealth models for older patients with diabetes.
Clinical Use of Smartphones Among Medical and Nursing Staff in Greece
Authors: Stergiannis Pantelis , Intas Georgios , Toulia Georgia , Tsolakoglou Ioannis , Kostagiolas Petros , Christodoulou Eleni , Chalari Eleftheria , Kiriakopoulos Vasilios , Filntisis Georgios
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical use of smartphones among medical and nursing staff in Greece. This study used a 17-item questionnaire that was administered to the participants by the authors. The sample consists of 974 participants of 1200 who were asked to participate (ie, a response rate of 81.3%). The survey was open to all categories of medical and nursing staff (junior doctors, specialized doctors, assistant nurses, and RNs). In total, 167 participants (18.5%) were nurse assistants; 385 participants (42.6%), nurses; 154 participants (17%), specialized doctors; and 198 participants (21.9%), junior doctors. The data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics (version 21), and the significance level was set to .05. Medical doctors own smartphones on a higher percentage in comparison with nurses. Among smartphone owners, medical doctors use their devices for clinical issues more frequently compared with nurses. Although medical doctors believe that smartphones can be a great tool for their work, they state that they do not use it for clinical reasons. Nurses state that they do not use their smartphones for clinical reasons because they are not aware of the existence of applications that can be used to assist them in their daily clinical tasks.
Utility of Walk Tests in Evaluating Functional Status Among Participants in an Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Harris Kristie M. , Anderson Derek R. , Landers Jacob D. , Emery Charles F.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

Although walk tests are frequently used in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), no prior study has evaluated the capacity of these measures to predict peak oxygen uptake during exercise testing (

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o
2peak). This study evaluated the interrelationship of objective measures of exercise performance (walk and exercise testing) among patients entering CR as well as a novel measure of functional status assessment for use in CR.

Methods:

Forty-nine patients (33 males) referred to an outpatient CR program were evaluated with objective measures of ambulatory functional status (peak oxygen uptake [

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o
2peak], 6-minute walk test [6MWT], and 60-ft walk test [60ftWT]).

Results:

All measures of functional status were moderately to highly intercorrelated (r values from 0.50 to 0.88; P values < .05). The relationship among measures differed by sex, but not by age or diagnosis. Among men, results were generally consistent with the full sample. Among women, the magnitude of correlations was generally lower and there was no relationship between

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2peak and other measures.

Conclusions:

Measures of functional status, including

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2peak, 6MWT, and 60ftWT, were highly correlated among CR patients, suggesting the plausibility of using them interchangeably to fit the needs of the patient and testing environment. Among women, walk tests may not be appropriate substitutes for

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2peak. Because of the brevity of the 60ftWT, it may be particularly useful for measuring functional status in patients with greater symptoms and those with comorbidities limiting walking.
Effects of a 6-Week Aquatic Treadmill Exercise Program on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Walking Endurance in Subacute Stroke Patients
Authors: Han Eun Young , Im Sang Hee
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To assess the feasibility and safety of a 6-week course of water walking performed using a motorized aquatic treadmill in individuals with subacute stroke for cardiorespiratory fitness, walking endurance, and activities of daily living.

Methods:

Twenty subacute stroke patents were randomly assigned to aquatic treadmill exercise (ATE) or land-based exercise (LBE). The ATE group (n = 10) performed water-based aerobic exercise on a motorized aquatic treadmill, and the LBE group (n = 10) performed land-based aerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer. Both groups performed aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, 5 times per week for 6 weeks. Primary outcome measures were 6-minute walk test for walking endurance and cardiopulmonary fitness parameters of a symptom-limited exercise tolerance test, and secondary measures were Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) for activities of daily living. All variables were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention.

Results:

The ATE group showed significant improvements in 6-minute walk test (P = .005), peak oxygen uptake (

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2peak; P = .005), peak heart rate (P = .007), exercise tolerance test duration (P = .005), and K-MBI (P = .008). The LBE group showed a significant improvement only in K-MBI (P = .012). In addition, improvement in

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2peak was greater in the ATE than in the LBE group.

Conclusion:

This preliminary study showed that a 6-week ATE program improved peak aerobic capacity and walking endurance in patients with subacute stroke. The improvement in

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2peak after an ATE exercise program was greater than that observed after an LBE program. Therefore, ATE effectively improves cardiopulmonary fitness in patients with subacute stroke.
Cure Rate of Fungal Keratitis With Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Matoba Alice Y. , Barrett Ryan , Lehmann Anna E.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To study the cure rate of fungal keratitis with moxifloxacin 0.3% monotherapy.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients with culture-proven fungal keratitis who initially received moxifloxacin 0.3% monotherapy was performed.

Results:

Eleven patients with culture-proven fungal keratitis were initially treated with moxifloxacin. One case each of Curvularia and Alternaria keratitis resolved with moxifloxacin monotherapy (18%).

Conclusions:

Moxifloxacin may have a significant clinical therapeutic effect in a subset of patients with fungal keratitis. Review of the literature in combination with the current study suggests that in patients with clinical features suggestive of fungal keratitis, if rapid diagnostic tests are negative or not available, pending culture results, initial therapy should include a fluoroquinolone (moxifloxacin or gatifloxacin) and/or an aminoglycoside (tobramycin or gentamicin).
Assessing the Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Donor Corneal Endothelial Cell Density
Authors: Liaboe Chase A. , Aldrich Benjamin T. , Carter Pamela C. , Skeie Jessica M. , Burckart Kimberlee A. , Schmidt Gregory A. , Reed Cynthia R. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Greiner Mark A.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To quantify changes in endothelial cell density (ECD) of donor corneal tissue in relation to the presence or absence of a medical history of diabetes mellitus diagnosis, treatment, and complications.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed for all corneas collected at Iowa Lions Eye Bank between January 2012 and December 2015. For purposes of analysis, donor corneas were divided into 4 groups: nondiabetic, non–insulin-dependent diabetic, insulin-dependent diabetic without medical complications due to diabetes, and insulin-dependent diabetic with medical complications due to diabetes. ECD values (obtained through specular microscopy) and transplant suitability for endothelial transplantation (determined by the standard protocol of the eye bank) were compared among groups using linear mixed model analysis.

Results:

In total, 4185 corneas from 2112 donors were included for analysis. Insulin-dependent diabetic samples with medical complications due to diabetes (N = 231 from 119 donors) showed lower ECD values compared with nondiabetic samples (−102 cells/mm2, P = 0.049) and non–insulin-dependent diabetic samples (−117 cells/mm2, P = 0.031). ECD values did not differ significantly among the remaining groups. The likelihood of suitability for endothelial transplantation did not differ among all 4 groups.

Conclusions:

Corneas from donors with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and medical complications resulting from the disease have lower mean ECD values compared with other donors. However, our analysis suggests that these corneas are equally likely to be included in the donor pool for corneal transplantation. Additional studies are needed to determine the mechanism(s) contributing to cell loss in donors with advanced diabetes and to assess associated endothelial cell functional impairment.
Hyperalgesic priming (type II) induced by repeated opioid exposure: maintenance mechanisms
Authors: Araldi Dioneia , Ferrari Luiz F. , Levine Jon D.
Published: March 2017

We previously developed a model of opioid-induced neuroplasticity in the peripheral terminal of the nociceptor that could contribute to opioid-induced hyperalgesia, type II hyperalgesic priming. Repeated administration of mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists, such as DAMGO, at the peripheral terminal of the nociceptor, induces long-lasting plasticity expressed, prototypically as opioid-induced hyperalgesia and prolongation of prostaglandin E2–induced hyperalgesia. In this study, we evaluated the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of type II priming. Opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, induced hyperalgesia in DAMGO-primed paws. When repeatedly injected, naloxone-induced hyperalgesia, and hyperalgesic priming, supporting the suggestion that maintenance of priming involves changes in MOR signaling. However, the knockdown of MOR with oligodeoxynucleotide antisense did not reverse priming. Mitogen-activated protein kinase and focal adhesion kinase, which are involved in the Src signaling pathway, previously implicated in type II priming, also inhibited the expression, but not maintenance of priming. However, when Src and mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors were coadministered, type II priming was reversed, in male rats. A second model of priming, latent sensitization, induced by complete Freund's adjuvant was also reversed, in males. In females, the inhibitor combination was only able to inhibit the expression and maintenance of DAMGO-induced priming when knockdown of G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 30 (GPR30) in the nociceptor was performed. These findings demonstrate that the maintenance of DAMGO-induced type II priming, and latent sensitization is mediated by an interaction between, Src and MAP kinases, which in females is GPR30 dependent.
The Relationships Among Pain, Depression, and Physical Activity in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Haedtke Christine , Smith Marianne , VanBuren John , Klein Dawn , Turvey Carolyn
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

Increasing patients' physical activity levels holds many opportunities to facilitate health and well-being among those with heart failure (HF) by improving HF symptoms and decreasing depression and pain. Given low exercise participation rates, an essential first step to increase exercise rates is to evaluate how pain and depression may further influence engagement in exercise programs.

Aims:

The aims of this study were to describe the level of physical activity and exercise that patients with HF with depression achieve and to investigate the relationships among pain, depression, total activity time, and sitting time.

Methods:

In this correlational cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 61 participants with depression and New York Heart Association class II to IV HF.

Results and Conclusions:

The total time spent being active was less than 1 hour per day. Depressed patients with HF have much lower physical activity levels than the general public. Decreasing sitting time and increasing light activity levels hold promise to improve pain and depression symptoms.
Impact of Fatigue Characteristics on Quality of Life in Patients After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Chou Yu-Ying , Lai Yeur-Hur , Wang Shoei-Shen , Shun Shiow-Ching
Published: March 2017

Background:

Fatigue has been identified as a major symptom in heart transplant (HTx) patients; however, researchers have not examined the role of fatigue characteristics (ie, intensity, interference, and duration) in the quality of life (QOL) of HTx patients.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore differences in physical and mental aspects of QOL by patient characteristics, as well as the association between fatigue characteristics and QOL in HTx patients after considering other confounding factors (symptom distress and psychological distress).

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in which patients completed the Transplant Symptom Frequency and Symptom Distress Scale, the Fatigue Symptom Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey. Multiple regressions were used to identify factors significantly related to QOL.

Results:

A total of 126 patients reported moderate levels of fatigue intensity, mild fatigue interference, and low QOL scores in the physical and mental domains. Patients with better physical and cardiac function and lower symptom distress and fatigue interference had better scores on the physical aspect of QOL (explaining 30.7% of the variance); patients with lower fatigue interference, anxiety, and depression had better scores on the mental aspect of QOL (explaining 50% of the variance).

Conclusions:

Fatigue interference had a greater influence on QOL domains than fatigue intensity. The degree to which fatigue interferes with daily life should be assessed, and suitable interventions should be introduced in clinical settings to help patients manage their fatigue and improve their QOL.
Endoscopic Stapes Surgery: A Comparison With Microscopic Surgery
Authors: Sproat Rhona , Yiannakis Constantina , Iyer Arunachalam
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To investigate postoperative audiological outcomes and complication rates for fully endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery carried out by a single surgeon in one center.

Patients:

All patients having undergone endoscopic and non-endoscopic stapes surgery for otosclerosis from September 2009 to August 2016 under a single surgeon.

Intervention(s):

Stapedotomy using either an operating microscope or endoscope for visualization. Stapedotomy was carried out using a standard approach.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Pre- and postoperative audiometry and complications.

Results:

Thirty-four patients who underwent endoscopic stapes surgery and 47 patients who underwent non-endoscopic stapes surgery were included in this study. Seventy-nine percent of both endoscopic and non-endoscopic groups had the average air-bone gap closed to less than 10 dBHL, respectively; the difference was not significant (p = 0.940, χ
2 test). No patients with sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, or facial nerve paresis were reported. Two of 34 patients (6%) of the endoscopic group had the chorda tympani cut intraoperatively for access compared with 11 of 47 patients (23%) of the non-endoscopic group. Sixteen of 47 patients (34%) required an endaural incision for access in the non-endoscopic group; no endaural incisions were made in the endoscopic group.

Conclusion:

Air-bone gap closure and patient complications did not vary significantly between endoscopic and non-endoscopic groups in this study of 34 endoscopic procedures. There is a requirement for further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to fully gauge the safety and effectiveness of this technique.
Krüppel-like factors in endothelial cell biology
Authors: Chang Eugene , Nayak Lalitha , Jain Mukesh K.
Published: March 2017

Purpose of review

Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are a family of transcription factors that regulate integral functions of endothelial cells including inflammation, proliferation, growth, apoptosis, cell differentiation and plasticity, and migration. This review will focus on the role of KLFs in physiological activity and their loss in vascular pathology.

Recent findings

New studies have pointed at the role of microRNAs as repressors of KLFs in atherosclerotic areas providing another level of signaling regulation of KLFs.

KLFs are important regulators of almost all facets of endothelial biology, making them a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to fully characterize their functions.
Defense Mechanisms and Utilization in Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy
Authors: Porcerelli John H. , Cramer Phebe , Porcerelli Daniel J. , Arterbery V. Elayne
Published: March 2017

A group of 49 patients who had been diagnosed with cancer during the preceding year and who were receiving radiation therapy were assessed for their use of defense mechanisms, as well as for their level of psychological distress. In addition, their utilization of medical services was determined. It was predicted that the use of services that were under the patients' control—namely, requesting extra outpatient visits and making trips to the emergency department—would be related to the patients' use of defense mechanisms, whereas a treatment option not under the patients' control—overnight hospitalization based on physicians' assessment of condition—would not be related to defense use. The findings confirmed the hypotheses. Outpatient visits were strongly predicted by defense use, whereas hospitalization was determined by psychological distress. However, emergency department visits were determined by both defense use and psychological distress. In addition, an interaction between defense and distress was found to predict hospitalization.
Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors of the Female Genital Tract
Authors: Chiang Sarah , Snuderl Matija , Kojiro-Sanada Sakiko , Quer Pi-Sunyer Ariadna , Daya Dean , Hayashi Tohru , Bosincu Luisanna , Ogawa Fumihiro , Rosenberg Andrew E. , Horn Lars-Christian , Wang Lu , Iafrate A. John , Oliva Esther
Published: March 2017

Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the female genital tract is rare, and its proper classification remains unclear. The clinical, histologic, and immunophenotypic features as well as EWSR1 rearrangement status of 19 gynecologic PNETs, including 10 ovarian, 8 uterine, and 1 vulvar tumors, are herein reported. Patient age ranged from 12 to 68 years, with a median age of 20 and 51 years among those with ovarian and uterine PNETs, respectively. Morphologic features of central nervous system (CNS) tumors were seen in 15 PNETs, including 9 medulloblastomas, 3 ependymomas, 2 medulloepitheliomas, and 1 glioblastoma, consistent with central PNET. The remaining 4 PNETs were composed entirely of undifferentiated small round blue cells and were classified as Ewing sarcoma/peripheral PNET. Eight PNETs were associated with another tumor type, including 5 ovarian mature cystic teratomas, 2 endometrial low-grade endometrioid carcinomas, and a uterine carcinosarcoma. By immunohistochemistry, 17 PNETs expressed at least 1 marker of neuronal differentiation, including synaptophysin, NSE, CD56, S100, and chromogranin in 10, 8, 14, 8, and 1 tumors, respectively. GFAP was positive in 4 PNETs, all of which were of central type. Membranous CD99 and nuclear Fli-1 staining was seen in 10 and 16 tumors, respectively, and concurrent expression of both markers was seen in both central and Ewing sarcoma/peripheral PNETs. All tumors expressed vimentin, whereas keratin cocktail (CAM5.2, AE1/AE3) staining was only focally present in 4 PNETs. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was successful in all cases and confirmed EWSR1 rearrangement in 2 of 4 tumors demonstrating morphologic features of Ewing sarcoma/peripheral PNET and concurrent CD99 and Fli-1 expression. In conclusion, central and Ewing sarcoma/peripheral PNETs may be encountered in the female genital tract with central PNETs being more common. Central PNETs show a spectrum of morphologic features that overlaps with CNS tumors but lack EWSR1 rearrangements. GFAP expression supports a morphologic impression of central PNET and is absent in Ewing sarcoma/peripheral PNET. Ewing sarcoma/peripheral PNETs lack morphologic features of CNS tumors.
Acquired Constriction Ring
Authors: Meier Rahel , Haug Luzian , Surke Carsten , Mathys Lukas , Vögelin Esther
Published: March 2017

Rubber band syndrome is a rare entity seen in younger children mainly in communities where rubber bands are worn around the wrist for decorative purposes. When the band is worn for a long duration, it burrows through the skin and soft tissues resulting in distal edema, loss of function, and even damage to the neurovascular structures. These symptoms are difficult to relate to this rare but typical condition. We report a case of a 2¾-year-old girl with the history of a linear circumferential scar at the right wrist combined with the limited use of a swollen hand for several weeks. The child was taken to surgery with the purpose to release the red, indurated scar and eliminate the lymphatic congestion. A rubber band was found lying in a plane superficial to the flexor tendons but had cut through the superficial branch of the radial nerve and partially through the abductor pollicis longus tendon. The band was removed and the lacerated structures were repaired. The child had excellent recovery postoperatively. The cardinal features of a linear constricting scar around the wrist in the presence of a swollen hand should always alert the clinician to the possibility of a forgotten band around the wrist, which might have burrowed into the soft tissues for a period. Early recognition may be important to prevent further damage of essential structures.
The Association of Work Characteristics With Ovarian Cancer Risk and Mortality
Authors: Trudel-Fitzgerald Claudia , Poole Elizabeth M. , Idahl Annika , Lundin Eva , Sood Anil K. , Kawachi Ichiro , Kubzansky Laura D. , Tworoger Shelley S.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Ovarian cancer (OvCA) is a leading cause of cancer death for women. Depression and social isolation have been associated with a higher OvCA risk and poorer survival, but other forms of chronic psychosocial stress, including work-related characteristics, remain understudied.

Methods

Women from three prospective cohorts (Nurses' Health Study: n = 31,754; Nurses' Health Study II: n = 74,260; Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study: n
nested case–control study = 196) completed a job questionnaire, assessing demand and control at work, social support provided by coworkers and supervisor, and job security. Multivariate Cox and conditional logistic regression models estimated hazard ratios (Nurses' Health Study/Nurses' Health Study II) and odd ratios (Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study) of OvCA risk and mortality among cases. Random coefficient models were used for meta-analyses.

Results

There were 396 OvCA cases and 186 deaths during follow-up. Overall, job strain, strain chronicity, social support, and job security were not significantly associated with OvCA risk (e.g., pooled relative risk [RR]high demand/low control = 1.06, confidence interval [CI] = 0.72–1.55) or mortality (e.g., pooled RRhigh demand/low control = 1.08, CI = 0.64–1.82). When considered individually, compared with low levels, only moderate levels of demand were associated with a reduced OvCA risk (pooled RR = 0.66, CI = 0.49–0.90). Social support provided by the coworker or the supervisor did not moderate the association of job strain with either OvCA risk or overall mortality.

Conclusions

We did not observe clear associations between work characteristics and OvCA incidence or mortality, but further research with diverse populations is warranted.
Chlamydia trachomatis and chlamydia-like bacteria: new enemies of human pregnancies
Authors: Ammerdorffer Anne , Stojanov Miloš , Greub Gilbert , Baud David
Published: March 2017

Purpose of review

This review provides an update on the roles of Chlamydia trachomatis and the related Waddlia chondrophila and Parachlamydia acanthamoebae in miscarriage, stillbirths and preterm labour in humans. A broad audience, including microbiologist, infectiologists, obstetricians and gynaecologists, should be aware of the potential threat of these Chlamydiales for human reproduction.

Recent findings

Despite increasing laboratory techniques and possibilities to perform diagnostic tests, the cause of miscarriage is only identified in 50% of the cases. Intracellular bacteria, such as C. trachomatis and Chlamydia-related bacteria, are difficult to detect in routine clinical samples and could represent possible agents of miscarriages. C. trachomatis is considered the world largest sexual transmitted bacterial agent and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome in human. In the last decade Chlamydia-like organisms, such as W. chondrophila and P. acanthamoebae, have also been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in human and/or animals.

We review here the current evidences for a pathogenic role in humans, the diagnostic approaches and possible treatment options of C. trachomatis, W. chondrophila and P. acanthamoebae.
Redefining progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus after the discovery of antibodies to glycine receptors
Authors: Crisp Sarah J. , Balint Bettina , Vincent Angela
Published: March 2017

Purpose of review

This review highlights the recent discovery of antibodies to glycine receptor (GlyR-Ab) and discusses the relationship between these antibodies and neurological disorders.

Recent findings

Since the initial description in 2008 of antibodies to glycine receptors (GlyR-Abs) in a patient with progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM), these antibodies have been found in PERM and in some patients with a variety of stiff person spectrum (SPS) or related disorders. Patients with GlyR-Abs often improve with aggressive immunotherapy, and antibody titres correlate with disease severity. Around 25% of patients have another autoimmune condition and 10–20% have an underlying malignancy. GlyR-Abs bind to extracellular determinants, are mainly Immunoglobulin G1 subclass and induce GlyR internalization in Human embryonic kidney 293 cells, suggesting pathogenicity. The spectrum of neurological disease associated with GlyR-Abs has not been fully characterized, and lower titres may not be syndrome specific, but GlyR-Abs, like antibodies to other neuronal cell-surface antigens, define immunotherapy-responsive disease and are likely to be pathogenic. This distinguishes them from the glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies that can also be found at high titres in patients with classical stiff person syndrome which is more often chronic and relatively resistant to immunological treatments.

Irrespective of the clinical features, GlyR-Abs are helpful in the diagnosis of patients who very often have a subacute, progressive and life-threatening disorder which shows a favourable response to immunotherapy.