bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DGKδ triggers endoplasmic reticulum release of IFT88-containing vesicles destined for the assembly of primary cilia
Authors: Ding Jie , Shao Lei , Yao Yixing , Tong Xin , Liu Huaize , Yue Shen , Xie Lu , Cheng Steven Y.
Published: July 2017

The morphogenic factor Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signals through the primary cilium, which relies on intraflagellar transport to maintain its structural integrity and function. However, the process by which protein and lipid cargos are delivered to the primary cilium from their sites of synthesis still remains poorly characterized. Here, we report that diacylglycerol kinase δ (DGKδ), a residential lipid kinase in the endoplasmic reticulum, triggers the release of IFT88-containing vesicles from the ER exit sites (ERES), thereby setting forth their movement to the primary cilium. Encoded by the gene whose mutations originally implicated the primary cilium as the venue of Shh signaling, IFT88 is known to be part of the complex B that drives the anterograde transport within cilia. We show that IFT88 interacts with DGKδ, and is associated with COPII-coated vesicles at the ERES. Using a combination of RNAi silencing and gene knockout strategies, we further show that DGKδ is required for supporting Shh signaling both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating the physiological significance of this regulation.
Abnormal Paraventricular Nucleus of Hypothalamus and Growth Retardation Associated with Loss of Nuclear Receptor Gene COUP-TFII
Authors: Feng Su , Xing Can , Shen Tingyu , Qiao Yunbo , Wang Ran , Chen Jun , Liao Jiaoyang , Lu Zhuo , Yang Xiong , Abd-Allah Saber Mohamed , Li Jinsong , Jing Naihe , Tang Ke
Published: July 2017

The paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus plays important roles in the regulation of energy balance and fetal growth. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its formation and function have not been clearly elucidated. Various mutations in the human COUP-TFII gene, which encodes a nuclear receptor, result in growth retardation, congenital diaphragmatic hernia and congenital heart defects. Here, we show that COUP-TFII gene is expressed in the developing hypothalamus in mouse. The ventral forebrain-specific RXCre/+; COUP-TFIIF/F mutant mice display growth retardation. The development of the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus is compromised in the COUP-TFII mutant mainly because of increased apoptosis and mis-migration of the Brn2+ neurons. Moreover, hypoplastic anterior pituitary with blood cell clusters and shrunken posterior pituitary lacking AVP/OT neuron innervations are observed in the mutant, indicating the failure of formation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Mechanistic studies show that the expression of Bdnf and Nrp1 genes is reduced in the mutant embryo, and that Bdnf is a direct downstream target of the COUP-TFII protein. Thus, our findings provide a novel functional validation that COUP-TFII gene promotes the expression of Bdnf and Nrp1 genes to ensure the appropriate morphogenesis of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, especially the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus, and to prevent growth retardation.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide replenishment rescues colon degeneration in aged mice
Authors: Zhu Xudong , Shen Weiyan , Wang Ying , Jaiswal Amit , Ju Zhenyu , Sheng Qinsong
Published: July 2017

Susceptibility of gastrointestinal dysmotility increases with age-associated colonic degeneration. A paucity of remedies reversing colonic degeneration per se hinders the fundamental relief of symptoms. Here we discovered the correlation between colon degeneration and altered nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) level in aged mice. Compared to 3-month-old young controls, 2-year-old mice showed a spectrum of degenerative colonic phenotypes and exhibited a significant elongated transit time and slowed stool frequency in the context of Lomotil-induced slow-transit constipation. Despite upregulated colonic tryptophan hydroxylases expression, serotonin release and expression of colon-predominant type IV serotonin receptor, reduced viability of interstitial cells of Cajal while enhanced aquaporins (Aqp1, 3 and 11) led to a less colonic motility and increased luminal dehydration in aged mice. Notably, this colonic degeneration was accompanied with reduced key NAD+-generating enzyme expression and lowered NAD+/NADH ratio in aged colon. Three-month continuous administration of beta nicotinamide mononucleotide, a NAD+ precursor, elevated colonic NAD+ level and improved defecation in aged mice. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, the rate-limiting enzyme for NAD+ biosynthesis, induced a reduction in colonic NAD content and impaired gastrointestinal function in young mice. Taken together, these findings suggest the beneficial effect of NAD+ in maintaining colonic homoeostasis and reactivating NAD+ biosynthesis may represent a promising strategy to counteract age-related gastrointestinal degeneration.
Noninvasive photoacoustic measurement of glucose by data fusion
Authors: Zhang Ruochong , Gao Fei , Feng Xiaohua , Liu Siyu , Kishor Rahul , Luo Yunqi , Zheng Yuanjin
Published: July 2017

A novel method of noninvasive photoacoustic glucose measurement utilizing the amplitude and phase difference information.
A smartphone readable colorimetric sensing platform for rapid multiple protein detection
Authors: Wang Feiyang , Lu Yuexiang , Yang Jiacheng , Chen Ying , Jing Wenjie , He Liuying , Liu Yueying
Published: July 2017

We have developed a very simple colorimetric sensor array by using only unmodified gold nanoparticles and NaCl salt for discrimination of multiple proteins. The inexpensive and convenient sensor array and the ubiquitous smartphone are coupled to achieve an immediate point-of-care diagnosis without additional devices.
Transforming a chemically labile [2+3] imine cage into a robust carbamate cage
Authors: Hu Xin-Yue , Zhang Wen-Shan , Rominger Frank , Wacker Irene , Schröder Rasmus R. , Mastalerz Michael
Published: July 2017

Turning a pH labile porous cage into a highly pH stable porous organic cage by fixation with carbamate units.
Hydrogen- and halogen-bond cooperativity in determining the crystal packing of dihalogen charge-transfer adducts: a study case from heterocyclic pentatomic chalcogenone donors
Authors: Montis Riccardo , Arca Massimiliano , Aragoni M. Carla , Bauzá Antonio , Demartin Francesco , Frontera Antonio , Isaia Francesco , Lippolis Vito
Published: July 2017

A synergic cooperation between HB and XB interactions determines the supramolecular architectures in dihalogen CT adducts of hydantoin-like chalcogen donors.
Aqueous ionic liquids and their influence on peptide conformations: denaturation and dehydration mechanisms
Authors: Diddens Diddo , Lesch Volker , Heuer Andreas , Smiatek Jens
Published: July 2017

The influence of different aqueous ionic liquids on peptide conformations is studied by a combination of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, Kirkwood–Buff theory and free energy calculations.
Dynamics and resonances of the H(2S) + CH+(X1Σ+) reaction in the electronic ground state: a detailed quantum wavepacket study
Authors: Sundaram P. , Manivannan V. , Padmanaban R.
Published: July 2017

Initial state-selected and energy resolved channel-specific reaction probabilities, integral cross sections and thermal rate constants of the H(2S) + CH+(X1Σ+) reaction are calculated within the coupled states approximation by a time-dependent wave packet propagation method. The resonances formed during the course of the reaction are also identified.
Synthesis of methanol from CO2hydrogenation promoted by dissociative adsorption of hydrogen on a Ga3Ni5(221) surface
Authors: Tang Qingli , Shen Zhemin , Huang Liang , He Ting , Adidharma Hertanto , Russell Armistead G. , Fan Maohong
Published: July 2017

The presence of Ga promotes H2dissociation adsorption, and subsequently improves the process of CO2hydrogenation to CH3OH.
Influence of permittivity and energetic disorder on the spatial charge carrier distribution and recombination in organic bulk-heterojunctions
Authors: Albes Tim , Gagliardi Alessio
Published: July 2017

Gaining insight into the spatial charge carrier distribution and its relation to geminate and nongeminate recombination in bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells.
Insights into the limitations of solar cells sensitized with ruthenium dyes revealed in time-resolved spectroscopy studies
Authors: Gierszewski Mateusz , Grądzka Iwona , Glinka Adam , Ziółek Marcin
Published: July 2017

An important limitation in the photocurrent of solar cells sensitized with Ru dyes and filled with cobalt electrolyte is electron recombination between titania conduction band (CB) and oxidized dyes, which occurs on the sub-ns time scale.
Modulation of in:out and out:out conformations in [X.X′.X′′] phosphatranes by Lewis acids
Authors: Sánchez-Sanz Goar , Trujillo Cristina , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: July 2017

It has been found that P⋯P lone pair-hole intramolecular interactions in phosphatranes are enhanced by the presence of Lewis acid. Interestingly, in:out structures are favored with respect to the out:out ones. This finding opens a chemical way to modulate structural changes and the equilibrium between both structures.
Aromatic conjugated polymers for removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater: a short review
Authors: Dutta Kingshuk , De Sirshendu
Published: July 2017

Aromatic conjugated polymers-based adsorbents and filtration membranes for selective removal of toxic heavy metal ions from water.
Chlorogenic acid protects against aluminium-induced cytotoxicity through chelation and antioxidant actions in primary hippocampal neuronal cells
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Fan Xinguang , Yuan Shuzhi , Jiao Wenxiao , Liu Bangdi , Cao Jiankang , Jiang Weibo
Published: July 2017

The neuroprotective effects of chlorogenic acid protect against aluminium-induced oxidative damage by activating the Nrf2 signalling pathway.
Spectral reading of optical resonance-encoded cells in microfluidics
Authors: Humar Matjaž , Upadhya Avinash , Yun Seok Hyun
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale cell barcoding and identification using intracellular micro-resonators with different diameters.
Design and effective synthesis methods for high-performance polymer semiconductors in organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Shi Longxian , Guo Yunlong , Hu Wenping , Liu Yunqi
Published: July 2017

Design and effective synthesis methods for high-performance polymer semiconductor-based OFETs.
Non-leaching antibacterial cotton fabrics based on lipidated peptides
Authors: Opitakorn A. , Rauytanapanit M. , Waditee-Sirisattha R. , Praneenararat T.
Published: July 2017

A new set of lipidated peptides was in situ synthesised on cotton surface, resulting in non-leaching surfaces with high antibacterial activities in Gram-negative bacteria. These surfaces were also shown to be non-toxic to mammalian cells.
One-pot synthesis and first-principles elasticity analysis of polymorphic MnO2nanorods for tribological assessment as friction modifiers
Authors: Kumar Niraj , Bhaumik Shubrajit , Sen Arijit , Shukla A. Pooja , Pathak S. D.
Published: July 2017

XRD analysis of hydrothermally synthesized polymorphic MnO2nanorods and their frictional torque when added with palm oil as against pure palm oil.
Monitoring and manipulating single molecule rotors on the Bi(111) surface by the scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Tu Yu-Bing , Tao Min-Long , Sun Kai , Ni Chen , Xie Fang , Wang Jun-Zhong
Published: July 2017

MnPc rotors were started and stopped by controlling the intermolecular spacing with the STM tip.
Red-emitting p53-protected gold nanoclusters and their screening of anti-tumor agents from Chinese medicine
Authors: Yuan Xin-Xin , Jia Xiang-Yu , Li Hong-Wei , Yu Xu , Wu Yuqing
Published: July 2017

The synthesis route of red-emitting p53–AuNCs is straightforward and the products can be used to test for the anti-tumor agent myricetin.
Electric controlling of surface metal-insulator transition in the doped BaTiO3 film
Authors: Xun Wei , Hao Xiang , Pan Tao , Zhong Jia-Lin , Ma Chun-Lan , Hou Fang , Wu Yin-Zhong
Published: July 2017

Based on first-principles calculations, the BaTiO3(BTO) film with local La-doping is studied. For a selected concentration and position of doping, the surface metal-insulator transition occurs under the applied electric field, and the domain appears near the surface for both bipolar states. Furthermore, for the insulated surface state, i.e., the downward polarization state in the doped film, the gradient bandgap structure is achieved, which favors the absorption of solar energy. Our investigation can provide an alternative avenue in modification of surface property and surface screening effect in polar materials.
Spatial distributions of plasma parameters in inductively coupled hydrogen discharges with an expansion region
Authors: Gao Fei , Zhang Yu-Ru , Li Hong , Liu Yang , Wang You-Nian
Published: July 2017

Spatial distributions of plasma parameters have been investigated by a Langmuir probe in a hydrogen inductively coupled plasma with an expansion region. The influence of the gas pressure and the radio-frequency power on the electron energy probability function (EEPF), electron density, and electron temperature has been presented. The results indicate that the EEPF evolves from a bi-Maxwellian distribution in the discharge driver region to a Maxwellian distribution in the expansion region at low pressures, whereas it is always characterized by a Maxwellian distribution at high pressures. Moreover, the electron density exhibits a bell-shaped profile in the driver region, while the electron temperature shows a relatively uniform distribution there, and they decrease to low values in the expansion region. In order to verify the experimental results, we use the COMSOL simulation software to calculate the electron density and electron temperature at different powers at 2 Pa. The simulated and measured axial distributions of the plasma properties agree well except for the absolute value, i.e., the calculated electron temperature is higher at all the RF powers, and the calculated electron density is underestimated at 2 kW, while a better agreement is obtained at low RF power.
Two-dimensional turbulent convection
Authors: Mazzino Andrea
Published: July 2017

We present an overview of the most relevant, and sometimes contrasting, theoretical approaches to Rayleigh–Taylor and mean-gradient-forced Rayleigh–Bénard two-dimensional turbulence together with numerical and experimental evidences for their support. The main aim of this overview is to emphasize that, despite the different character of these two systems, especially in relation to their steadiness/unsteadiness, turbulent fluctuations are well described by the same scaling relationships originated from the Bolgiano balance. The latter states that inertial terms and buoyancy terms balance at small scales giving rise to an inverse kinetic energy cascade. The main difference with respect to the inverse energy cascade in hydrodynamic turbulence [R. H. Kraichnan, “Inertial ranges in two-dimensional turbulence,” Phys. Fluids 10, 1417 (1967)] is that the rate of cascade of kinetic energy here is not constant along the inertial range of scales. Thanks to the absence of physical boundaries, the two systems here investigated turned out to be a natural physical realization of the Kraichnan scaling regime hitherto associated with the elusive “ultimate state of thermal convection” [R. H. Kraichnan, “Turbulent thermal convection at arbitrary Prandtl number,” Phys. Fluids 5, 1374–1389 (1962)].
Surface plasmons and Bloch surface waves: Towards optimized ultra-sensitive optical sensors
Authors: Lereu A. L. , Zerrad M. , Passian A. , Amra C.
Published: July 2017

In photonics, the field concentration and enhancement have been major objectives for achieving size reduction and device integration. Plasmonics offers resonant field confinement and enhancement, but ultra-sharp optical resonances in all-dielectric multi-layer thin films are emerging as a powerful contestant. Thus, applications capitalizing upon stronger and sharper optical resonances and larger field enhancements could be faced with a choice for the superior platform. Here, we present a comparison between plasmonic and dielectric multi-layer thin films for their resonance merits. We show that the remarkable characteristics of the resonance behavior of optimized dielectric multi-layers can outweigh those of their metallic counterpart.
Effect of thickness of insulation coating on temperature of electrically exploded tungsten wires in vacuum
Authors: Shi Huantong , Zou Xiaobing , Wang Xinxin
Published: July 2017

This paper reports an interesting observation of great differences in the temperature of exploded wires with insulation coating of different thicknesses. Two kinds of polyimide-coated tungsten wires were used with the same conductive diameter 12.5 μm but a different thickness of coating, 0.75–2.25 μm and 2.25–4.25 μm, respectively. The specific energy reconstructed from the current and voltage signals was quite close for the tested wires. However, the exploding scenario, obtained from Mach-Zehnder interferograms, showed great differences: a neutral outer-layer was observed around the thick-coated wire, which was absent for the thin-coated wire; and the calculated electron density and local thermal equilibrium temperature were much higher for thick-coated wires. The heat-preserving neutral layer formed by the decomposition of the insulation was supposed to be the cause of this phenomenon.
Photoconductive and electro-optic effects in (Cd,Mg)Te single crystals measured in an experiment-on-chip configuration
Authors: Serafini John , Hossain A. , James R. B. , Guziewicz M. , Kruszka R. , Słysz W. , Kochanowska D. , Domagala J. Z. , Mycielski A. , Sobolewski Roman
Published: July 2017

We present our studies on both photoconductive (PC) and electro-optic (EO) responses of (Cd,Mg)Te single crystals. In an In-doped Cd0.92Mg0.08Te single crystal, subpicosecond electrical pulses were optically generated via a PC effect, coupled into a transmission line, and, subsequently, detected using an internal EO sampling scheme, all in the same (Cd,Mg)Te material. For photo-excitation and EO sampling, we used femtosecond optical pulses generated by the same Ti:sapphire laser with the wavelengths of 410 and 820 nm, respectively. The shortest transmission line distance between the optical excitation and EO sampling points was 75 μm. By measuring the transient waveforms at different distances from the excitation point, we calculated the transmission-line complex propagation factor, as well as the THz frequency attenuation factor and the propagation velocity, all of which allowed us to reconstruct the electromagnetic transient generated directly at the excitation point, showing that the original PC transient was subpicosecond in duration with a fall time of ∼500 fs. Finally, the measured EO retardation, together with the amount of the electric-field penetration, allowed us to determine the magnitude of the internal EO effect in our (Cd,Mg)Te crystal. The obtained THz-frequency EO coefficient was equal to 0.4 pm/V, which is at the lower end among the values reported for CdTe-based ternaries, apparently, due to the disorientation of the tested crystal that resulted in the non-optimal EO measurement condition.
Gamete cryopreservation of Australian 'old endemic' rodents – spermatozoa from the plains mouse (Pseudomys australis) and spinifex hopping mouse (Notomys alexis)
Authors: Ferres Kathrine M. , McPherson Nicole O. , Lane Michelle , Bakos Hassan W. , Kind Karen L. , Breed William G.
Published: July 2017

Most of the Australian ‘old endemic’ rodents have greatly reduced distributions with several species now threatened with extinction. Application of assisted reproductive technology has the potential to assist in their conservation programs in at least a few species. Here we describe an attempt to cryopreserve spermatozoa from two of these species – those of the plains mouse (Pseudomys australis) and spinifex hopping mouse (Notomys alexis), which have dramatic differences in sperm morphology. Slow and rapid freezing and three different cryoprotectant media with either raffinose, glycerol and/or skim milk were used and the results compared with those of house mouse sperm, which were used as controls. Sperm morphology, motility, membrane integrity and DNA damage were determined. Prior to cryopreservation there was a higher percentage of morphologically normal, motile, P. australis sperm than in those from N. alexis. Following cryopreservation, regardless of treatment, the percentage of motile sperm was low but it was higher when raffinose with skim milk was used as a cryoprotectant than in raffinose with glycerol albeit that minimal differences in membrane integrity or DNA damage were evident. Raffinose with skim milk should thus be used as a cryoprotectant for storing sperm of these Australian rodents in the future.
Sociobiological Bases of Information Structure
Authors: Masia Viviana
Published: July 2017

The book tackles the sociobiological bases of Information Structure (IS) inquiring both its evidential and neurobiological underpinnings in human communication. Its purpose is to delve into the epistemic and neurocognitive rationales behind the realization of informational hierarchies in a sentence. The book zooms in on an interplay, that between IS and evidentiality, that has never been explored in IS studies and seeks to recast IS phenomena in an epistemological perspective. The neurocognitive approaches discussed propose neurophysiological investigations on IS processing, both with ERP and ERS vs. ERD measurements. In its overall structure and general purposes, the book is conceived for interested scholars working in the fields of linguistics, neuropragmatics, experimental psychology, philosophy of language and cognitive sciences in general, and it adds some further contribution to ongoing psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic experimental research on the processing of topic-focus and presupposition-assertion dichotomies.
Meaning of loss in patients who have digestive stomas / Significado de la pérdida en personas portadoras de estomas digestivos
Authors: Capilla-Díaz Concepción , Martínez-Guerrero Juan-Manuel , Hernández-Zambrano Sandra-Milena , Montoya-Juárez Rafael , Pérez-Marfil Mͣ Nieves , Hueso-Montoro César
Published: July 2017

A qualitative systematic review was carried out with the purpose of exploring the meaning of loss experienced by patients who have digestive stomas. Seventy-seven studies were reviewed, of which 54 addressed the above objective. Studies show that the person’s body undergoes a resignification process, characterized by a sense of contradiction in regard to the stoma, as they experience it as a real loss while also believing it is an option to continue living.
Dynamic ubiquitin signaling in cell cycle regulation
Authors: Gilberto Samuel , Peter Matthias
Published: July 2017

The cell division cycle is driven by a collection of enzymes that coordinate DNA duplication and separation, ensuring that genomic information is faithfully and perpetually maintained. The activity of the effector proteins that perform and coordinate these biological processes oscillates by regulated expression and/or posttranslational modifications. Ubiquitylation is a cardinal cellular modification and is long known for driving cell cycle transitions. In this review, we emphasize emerging concepts of how ubiquitylation brings the necessary dynamicity and plasticity that underlie the processes of DNA replication and mitosis. New studies, often focusing on the regulation of chromosomal proteins like DNA polymerases or kinetochore kinases, are demonstrating that ubiquitylation is a versatile modification that can be used to fine-tune these cell cycle events, frequently through processes that do not involve proteasomal degradation. Understanding how the increasing variety of identified ubiquitin signals are transduced will allow us to develop a deeper mechanistic perception of how the multiple factors come together to faithfully propagate genomic information. Here, we discuss these and additional conceptual challenges that are currently under study toward understanding how ubiquitin governs cell cycle regulation.
Gating mass cytometry data by deep learning
Authors: Li Huamin , Shaham Uri , Stanton Kelly P , Yao Yi , Montgomery Ruth R , Kluger Yuval
Published: July 2017

Motivation

Mass cytometry or CyTOF is an emerging technology for high-dimensional multiparameter single cell analysis that overcomes many limitations of fluorescence-based flow cytometry. New methods for analyzing CyTOF data attempt to improve automation, scalability, performance and interpretation of data generated in large studies. Assigning individual cells into discrete groups of cell types (gating) involves time-consuming sequential manual steps, untenable for larger studies.

Results

We introduce DeepCyTOF, a standardization approach for gating, based on deep learning techniques. DeepCyTOF requires labeled cells from only a single sample. It is based on domain adaptation principles and is a generalization of previous work that allows us to calibrate between a target distribution and a source distribution in an unsupervised manner. We show that DeepCyTOF is highly concordant (98%) with cell classification obtained by individual manual gating of each sample when applied to a collection of 16 biological replicates of primary immune blood cells, even when measured across several instruments. Further, DeepCyTOF achieves very high accuracy on the semi-automated gating challenge of the FlowCAP-I competition as well as two CyTOF datasets generated from primary immune blood cells: (i) 14 subjects with a history of infection with West Nile virus (WNV), (ii) 34 healthy subjects of different ages. We conclude that deep learning in general, and DeepCyTOF specifically, offers a powerful computational approach for semi-automated gating of CyTOF and flow cytometry data.

Availability and implementation

Our codes and data are publicly available at https://github.com/KlugerLab/deepcytof.git.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effect of a New Matrix Therapy Agent in Persistent Epithelial Defects After Bacterial Keratitis Treated With Topical Fortified Antibiotics
Authors: Chappelet Marc-Antoine , Bernheim Diane , Chiquet Christophe , Aptel Florent
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of topical application of a matrix regenerating agent (RGTA) in subjects with a persistent epithelial defect after bacterial keratitis treated with topical fortified antibiotics.

Methods:

In this prospective case series of 14 subjects (14 eyes) with a persisting corneal ulcer after the cessation of fortified antibiotics, subjects were treated with an RGTA at a dose of 1 drop every other day. The main outcome measure was the proportion of subjects with complete corneal healing 1 month after initiation of treatment. The secondary outcome measures were the size and depth of corneal ulceration at 1 month, the duration from treatment initiation to complete healing, pain, and tolerability. The ulceration depth was measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Results:

Complete corneal healing was observed in 11 (78.6%) of the 14 patients after 1 month and in 14 of the 14 (100%) patients after 3 months. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 1.22 ± 0.59 at inclusion to 0.57 ± 0.68 at 1 month and to 0.55 ± 0.68 at 3 months (P < 0.01). Pain according to a visual analog scale decreased from 0.34 ± 0.25 to 0.05 ± 0.09 at 1 month and to 0 at 3 months (P < 0.001). Amniotic membrane transplantation was not required for any patients. There were no RGTA-related side effects, and none of the patients reported pain or discomfort during instillation of the drops.

Conclusions:

The RGTA seems to be efficient for the treatment of a persistent epithelial defect after bacterial keratitis treated with topical fortified antibiotics.
Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy: A Novel Treatment for Resistant Fusarium Keratitis
Authors: Amescua Guillermo , Arboleda Alejandro , Nikpoor Neda , Durkee Heather , Relhan Nidhi , Aguilar Mariela C. , Flynn Harry W. , Miller Darlene , Parel Jean-Marie
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of rose bengal PDAT for the management of a patient with multidrug-resistant Fusarium keratoplasticum keratitis unresponsive to standard clinical treatment.

Methods:

This case report presents a clinical case of F. keratoplasticum keratitis not responsive to standard medical care. In vitro studies from patients culture isolated responded to rose bengal PDAT. Patient received two treatments with rose bengal 0.1% and exposure to green light with a total energy of 2.7 J/cm2.

Results:

In vitro results demonstrated the efficacy of rose bengal PDAT a multidrug-resistant F. keratoplasticum species. There was complete fungal inhibition in our irradiation zone on the agar plates. In the clinical case, the patient was successfully treated with 2 sessions of rose bengal PDAT, and at 8-month follow-up, there was neither recurrence of infection nor adverse effects to report.

Conclusions:

Rose bengal PDAT is a novel treatment that may be considered in cases of aggressive infectious keratitis. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of PDAT in vivo.
Brain signature and functional impact of centralized pain: a multidisciplinary approach to the study of chronic pelvic pain (MAPP) network study
Authors: Kutch Jason J. , Ichesco Eric , Hampson Johnson P. , Labus Jennifer S. , Farmer Melissa A. , Martucci Katherine T. , Ness Timothy J. , Deutsch Georg , Apkarian A. Vania , Mackey Sean C. , Klumpp David J. , Schaeffer Anthony J. , Rodriguez Larissa V. , Kreder Karl J. , Buchwald Dedra , Andriole Gerald L. , Lai H. Henry , Mullins Chris , Kusek John W. , Landis J. Richard , Mayer Emeran A. , Clemens J. Quentin , Clauw Daniel J. , Harris Richard E. ,   for the MAPP Research Network
Published: July 2017

Chronic pain is often measured with a severity score that overlooks its spatial distribution across the body. This widespread pain is believed to be a marker of centralization, a central nervous system process that decouples pain perception from nociceptive input. Here, we investigated whether centralization is manifested at the level of the brain using data from 1079 participants in the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain Research Network (MAPP) study. Participants with a clinical diagnosis of urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) were compared to pain-free controls and patients with fibromyalgia, the prototypical centralized pain disorder. Participants completed questionnaires capturing pain severity, function, and a body map of pain. A subset (UCPPS N = 110; fibromyalgia N = 23; healthy control N = 49) underwent functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with UCPPS reported pain ranging from localized (pelvic) to widespread (throughout the body). Patients with widespread UCPPS displayed increased brain gray matter volume and functional connectivity involving sensorimotor and insular cortices (P < 0.05 corrected). These changes translated across disease diagnoses as identical outcomes were present in patients with fibromyalgia but not pain-free controls. Widespread pain was also associated with reduced physical and mental function independent of pain severity. Brain pathology in patients with centralized pain is related to pain distribution throughout the body. These patients may benefit from interventions targeting the central nervous system.
Chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Yang Dennis , Forsmark Chris E.
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

Summarize key clinical advances in chronic pancreatitis reported in 2016.

Recent findings

Early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis remains elusive. Recent studies suggest that endoscopic ultrasound may be less accurate than previously thought and new MRI techniques may be helpful. Genetic predisposition may independently affect the clinical course of chronic pancreatitis and the risk for pancreatic cancer. Cigarette smoking may have a greater negative impact on chronic pancreatitis than previously thought and moderate alcohol consumption may be protective. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the treatment of type 3 diabetes and nutritional deficiencies in chronic pancreatitis. Although endoscopic therapy remains a reasonable first-line option in treating chronic pancreatitis and its complications, early surgical intervention may be indicated for pain in select patients.

Newer endoscopic ultrasound and MRI techniques are being evaluated to help with the early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Both genetic predisposition and cigarette smoking are increasingly recognized as having a major impact in the course of the disease and the risk for pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic therapy is well tolerated and effective for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis and its complications although an early surgical approach for pain may be associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Survival and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Among Periviable Infants
Authors: Younge Noelle , Goldstein Ricki F. , Bann Carla M. , Hintz Susan R. , Patel Ravi M. , Smith P. Brian , Bell Edward F. , Rysavy Matthew A. , Duncan Andrea F. , Vohr Betty R. , Das Abhik , Goldberg Ronald N. , Higgins Rosemary D. , Cotten C. Michael
Published: July 2017

(Abstracted from N Engl J Med 2017;376:617–628)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes among periviable infants (born at 22–24 weeks of gestation) assessed at 18 to 22 months of corrected age. In the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network (NRN) alone, this improvement has been documented for over 2 decades now with increasing survival of infants born after 2008 at 23 to 24 weeks of gestation.
Predictive Accuracy of Serial Transvaginal Cervical Lengths and Quantitative Vaginal Fetal Fibronectin Levels for Spontaneous Preterm Birth Among Nulliparous Women
Authors: Esplin M. Sean , Elovitz Michal A. , Iams Jay D. , Parker Corette B. , Wapner Ronald J. , Grobman William A. , Simhan Hyagriv N. , Wing Deborah A. , Haas David M. , Silver Robert M. , Hoffman Matthew K. , Peaceman Alan M. , Caritis Steve N. , Parry Samuel , Wadhwa Pathik , Foroud Tatiana , Mercer Brian M. , Hunter Shannon M. , Saade George R. , Reddy Uma M.
Published: July 2017

(Abstracted from JAMA 2017;317(10):1047–1056)

Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth, a leading cause of infant mortality, depends in practice largely on a history of previous birth, and the risk for first time mothers and nulliparous women is more difficult to assess. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of serial transvaginal cervical length (CL) and quantitative fetal fibronectin (fFN) measurements in predicting spontaneous preterm birth (before 37 weeks) in a large, prospective cohort of nulliparous women.
Readmission and Reoperation After Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Hokenstad Erik D. , Glasgow Amy E. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Occhino John A.
Published: July 2017

(Abstracted from Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2017;23:131–135)

Unplanned hospital readmission and reoperation within 30 days of discharge in women who undergo pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery are associated with morbidity and mortality that are preventable in many cases. Reoperation subjects patients to postoperative complications.
The Clinical Significance of Posterior Insular Volume in Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Zucker Nancy L. , Kragel Philip A. , Wagner Henry Ryan , Keeling Lori , Mayer Emeran , Wang Joyce , Kang Min Su , Merwin Rhonda , Simmons W. Kyle , LaBar Kevin S.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The diagnostic criterion disturbance in the experience of the body remains a poorly understood and persistent feature of anorexia nervosa (AN). Increased sophistication in understanding the structure of the insular cortex—a neural structure that receives and integrates visceral sensations with action and meaning—may elucidate the nature of this disturbance. We explored age, weight status, illness severity, and self-reported body dissatisfaction associations with insular cortex volume.

Methods

Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 21 adolescents with a history of AN and 20 age-, sex-, and body mass index–matched controls. Insular cortical volumes (bilateral anterior and posterior regions) were identified using manual tracing.

Results

Volumes of the right posterior insula demonstrated the following: (a) a significant age by clinical status interaction (β = −0.018 [0.008]; t = 2.32, p = .02) and (b) larger volumes were associated with longer duration of illness (r = 0.48, p < .04). In contrast, smaller volumes of the right anterior insula were associated with longer duration of illness (r = −0.50, p < .03). The associations of insular volume with body dissatisfaction were of moderate effect size and also of opposite direction, but a statistical trend in right posterior (r = 0.40, p < .10 in right posterior; r = −0.49, p < .04 in right anterior).

Conclusions

In this exploratory study, findings of atypical structure of the right posterior insular cortex point to the importance of future work investigating the role of visceral afferent signaling in understanding disturbance in body experience in AN.
An Unusual Bullet Trajectory: Entered Through the Face and Ended Up in the Neck
Authors: Bayram Ali , Kaya Altan , Kalkan Mehmet , Özcan Ibrahim , Mutlu Cemil
Published: July 2017

The authors describe a case of gunshot injury in a 26-year-old male patient with an unusual bullet trajectory. The bullet had an entry hole just near the right lateral alar cartilage of the nose, and the trajectory descended through the left side of the neck by route of the hard palate, soft palate, and posterior pharyngeal wall, respectively. Surgical removal of the bullet was achieved with neck exploration. Gunshot injuries of the head and neck necessitate a thorough clinical and radiological evaluation due to the possibility of an unusual bullet trajectory.
FIGL1 and its novel partner FLIP form a conserved complex that regulates homologous recombination
Authors: Fernandes Joiselle Blanche , Duhamel Marine , Séguéla-Arnaud Mathilde , Froger Nicole , Girard Chloé , Choinard Sandrine , De Winne Nancy , De Jaeger Geert , Gevaert Kris , Guerois Raphael , Kumar Rajeev , Mercier Raphael
Published: July 2017

Homologous recombination is central to repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), either accidently arising in mitotic cells or in a programed manner at meiosis. Crossovers resulting from the repair of meiotic breaks are essential for proper chromosome segregation and increase genetic diversity of the progeny. However, mechanisms regulating CO formation remain elusive. Here, we identified through protein-protein interaction and genetic screens FIDGETIN-LIKE-1 INTERACTING PROTEIN (FLIP) as a new partner of the previously characterized anti-crossover factor FIDGETIN-LIKE-1 (FIGL1) inArabidopsis thaliana. We showed that FLIP limits meiotic crossover together with FIGL1. Further, FLIP and FIGL1 form a protein complex conserved from Arabidopsis to Human. FIGL1 interacts with the recombinases RAD51 and DMC1, the enzymes that catalyze the DNA stand exchange step of homologous recombination. Arabidopsisflipmutants recapitulates thefigl1phenotype, with enhanced meiotic recombination associated with change in DMC1 dynamics. Our data thus suggest that FLIP and FIGL1 form a conserved complex that regulates the crucial step of strand invasion in homologous recombination.
Using Structural Equation Modeling to Jointly Estimate Maternal and Foetal Effects on Birthweight in the UK Biobank
Authors: Warrington Nicole M , Freathy Rachel , Neale Michael C. , Evans David M
Published: July 2017

Background

To date, 60 genetic variants have been robustly associated with birthweight. It is unclear whether these associations represent the effect of an individual’s own genotype on their birthweight, their mother’s genotype, or both.

Methods

We demonstrate how structural equation modelling (SEM) can be used to estimate both maternal and foetal effects when phenotype information is present for individuals in two generations and genotype information is available on the older individual. We conduct an extensive simulation study to assess the bias, power and type 1 error rates of the SEM and also apply the SEM to birthweight data in the UK Biobank study.

Results

Unlike simple regression models, our approach is unbiased when there is both a maternal and foetal effect. The method can be used when either the individual’s own phenotype or the phenotype of their offspring is not available, and allows the inclusion of summary statistics from additional cohorts where raw data cannot be shared. We show that the type 1 error rate of the method is appropriate, there is substantial statistical power to detect a genetic variant that has a moderate effect on the phenotype, and reasonable power to detect whether it is a foetal and/or maternal effect. We also identify a subset of birth weight associated SNPs that have opposing maternal and foetal effects in the UK Biobank.

Conclusions

Our results show that SEM can be used to estimate parameters that would be difficult to quantify using simple statistical methods alone.

Key Messages

We describe a structural equation model to estimate both maternal and foetal effects when phenotype information is present for individuals in two generations and genotype information is available on the older individual.

Using simulation, we show that our approach is unbiased when there is both a maternal and foetal effect, unlike simple linear regression models. Additionally, we illustrate that the structural equation model is largely robust to measurement error and missing data for either the individual’s own phenotype or the phenotype of their offspring.

We describe how the flexibility of the structural equation modelling framework will allow the inclusion of summary statistics from studies that are unable to share raw data.

Using the structural equation model to estimate the maternal and foetal effects of known birthweight associated loci in the UK Biobank, we identify three loci that have primary effects through the maternal genome and six loci that have opposite effects in the maternal and foetal genomes.
Genotype, nitrogen and herbivory shape plant defense: the case of a vitamin-enriched maize
Authors: Ardanuy Agnès , Pastor Victoria , Glauser Gaëtan , Christou Paul , Turlings Ted C. J. , Albajes Ramon
Published: July 2017

The cultivation of crops with novel traits could interfere with ecosystem services delivered by arthropods through bottom-up effects. Here we tested the hypothesis that a vitamin enriched maize (CarolightR) is similar in terms of plant-arthropod interactions to its wild type when compared in controlled environment and under field conditions. In order to assess the robustness of their equivalence we tested two nitrogen availability regimes. We used arthropod field abundance, the behavior and fitness of a keystone maize herbivore - the leafhopperZyginidia scutellaris- and above ground chemistry of maize plants (volatile, hormone and metabolite profiling) as indicators of potential changes in plant-insect interactions. Nitrogen availability was the key driver of herbivore abundance and behavior, and determined direct and indirect chemical defense in maize plants. Both genotypes presented similar constitutive and inducible phytohormone profiles independently of the nitrogen regime. However, feeding by the herbivore suppressed the levels of JA-Ile and JA, without impairing the release of induced plant volatiles. CarolightRand M37W differed to some degree in the concentrations of phenolics (hydroxycinnamic acids and lignans) and in the abundance of a volatile compound. Overall the effect of maize genotype on the herbivores was smaller than the effect of nitrogen fertilization.

HIGHLIGHT

We show the separate and interactive effects of nitrogen availability and genotype on the performance and behavior of a herbivore, and related these changes to constitutive and inducible maize defenses.
SAXS4COLL: an integrated software tool for analysing fibrous collagen-based tissues
Authors: Abass Ahmed , Bell James S. , Spang Martin T. , Hayes Sally , Meek Keith M. , Boote Craig
Published: July 2017

This article provides an overview of a new integrated software tool for reduction and analysis of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data from fibrous collagen tissues, with some wider applicability to other cylindrically symmetric scattering systems.SAXS4COLLcombines interactive features for data pre-processing, bespoke background subtraction, semi-automated peak detection and calibration. Both equatorial and meridional SAXS peak parameters can be measured, and the former can be deconstructed into cylinder and lattice contributions. Finally, the software combines functionality for determination of collagen spatial order parameters with a rudimentary orientation plot capability.
Crystal structure of unsymmetrical α-diimine palladium(II) complex cis-[{ArN=C(Me)–(Et)C=NAr}PdCl2] [Ar = 2,6-(iPr)2C6H3]
Authors: Ellandula Shravan Kumar , Opoku Amoako Cosmos , Mague Joel T. , Chandrasekaran Perumalreddy
Published: July 2017

The unsymmetrical α-diimine ligand N-{2-[2,6-bis(propan-2-yl)phenylimino]pentan-3-ylidene}-2,6-bis(propan-2-yl)aniline, [ArN=C(Me)—(Et)C=NAr] [Ar = 2,6-(iPr)2C6H3], (I), and the corresponding palladium complex, cis-(N-{2-[2,6-bis(propan-2-yl)phenylimino]pentan-3-ylidene}-2,6-bis(propan-2-yl)aniline)dichloridopalladium(II) 1,2-dichloroethane monosolvate, [PdCl2(C29H42N2)]·C2H4Cl2 or cis[PdCl2{I}], (II), have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal and molecular structure of the palladium(II) complex have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallized along with a 1,2-dichloroethane solvent of crystallization. The coordination plane of the PdII atom shows a slight tetrahedral distortion from square-planar, as indicated by the dihedral angle between the PdCl2 and PdN2 planes of 4.19 (8)°. The chelate ring is folded along the N...N vector by 7.1 (1)°.
Syntheses and crystal structures of two adamantyl-substituted 1,2,4-triazole-5-thione N-Mannich bases
Authors: Al-Alshaikh Monirah A. , Al-Mutairi Aamal A. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , El-Emam Ali A. , Abdelbaky Mohammed S. M. , Garcia-Granda Santiago
Published: July 2017

In the title N-Mannich bases, 3-(adamantan-1-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-thione (C29H34FN5S) (I), and 3-(adamantan-1-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-methyl}-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-thione (C30H36FN5OS) (II), fluorophenyl, adamantane and piperazine moieties are linked to a planar triazole ring. There is an additional phenyl ring on the piperazine ring in (I) and a methoxyphenyl ring in (II). In compound (I), the fluorophenyl and phenyl rings are inclined to the triazole ring by 86.55 (13) and 60.52 (12)°, respectively, and the two aryl rings are inclined to one another by 66.37 (13)°. In compound (II), the corresponding dihedral angles are 83.35 (13), 71.38 (15) and 11.97 (16)°, respectively. The crystal structure of (I) shows pairs of C—H...F hydrogen bonds forming inversion dimers, while in the crystal of compound (II), in addition to the C—H...F hydrogen bonds that generate chains parallel to the b axis, there are C—H...π interactions present that link the chains to form layers parallel to the ab plane.