bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of transdermal delivery of Cyclosporine A using plasma discharges
Authors: Kristof Jaroslav , Miyamoto Hideto , Tran An Nhat , Blajan Marius , Shimizu Kazuo
Published: May 2017

A study of the transdermal delivery of Cyclosporine A by atmospheric plasma irradiation was realized on the epidermal layer of the Hairless Yucatan micropig. Drug flux and the amount of drug penetrated through the skin were determined by a Franz cell diffusion experiment. After treatment of the skin by atmospheric plasma jet or microplasma dielectric barrier discharge, an increase in the permeability of the skin was observed. The authors did not observe drug penetration for samples that were not treated with plasma. There was no significant difference between treatments of skin by plasma jet or microplasma dielectric barrier discharge. Drug flux increased to its maximal value up to 3 h after the drug application, and then it decreased. This phenomenon could indicate a temporal effect of plasma on skin. A pharmacokinetic two-compartment model was developed to estimate the possibility of using plasma drug delivery of Cyclosporine A in medical praxis. Our model showed that it is possible to use this technique if a suitable treatment area and concentration of applied drug are chosen.
Structural and optical properties of alumina passivated amorphous Si slanted columnar thin films during electrochemical Li-ion intercalation and deintercalation observed by in situ generalized spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Sekora Derek , Lai Rebecca Y. , Schmidt Daniel , Schubert Mathias , Schubert Eva
Published: May 2017

The authors report on the structural and optical property changes of alumina passivated amorphous Si slanted columnar thin films during electrochemical Li-ion intercalation and deintercalation determined by in situ generalized spectroscopic ellipsometry. The cyclic voltammetry investigations versus Li/Li+ are performed at a rate of 1 mV/s, while Mueller matrix generalized spectroscopic ellipsometry data are collected. Through a best-match model analysis utilizing the homogeneous biaxial layer approach, temporal anisotropic optical constants are obtained. The authors observe a strong anisotropic electrochromic response with maximum changes of ∼18% in the anisotropic refractive indices and ∼750% in the anisotropic extinction coefficients. Furthermore, the thin films reversibly expand and contract by ∼35%. A comparative analysis of the temporal optical constant response to the changes in overall optical anisotropy of the electrode reveals six transient regions throughout the Li-ion intercalation and deintercalation cycle of the highly ordered three-dimensional nanostructures. The transients correspond to electrochemical potential regions which show limited charge transfer, metalization or demetalization, and swelling or deswelling of the nanostructures. Furthermore, the electrochemical potential regions in which the transients are observed here are very similar to those previously reported for Li-ion intercalation and deintercalation of silicon nanowires using structural analysis techniques, where four distinct phases of Li-Si alloy formation were revealed. The authors find that at low Li contributions, swelling and deswelling occur preferentially along the slanted columns, while at high Li contributions, swelling and deswelling occur preferentially within the intercolumnar space.
New technology reveals the role of giant larvaceans in oceanic carbon cycling
Authors: Katija Kakani , Sherlock Rob E. , Sherman Alana D. , Robison Bruce H.
Published: May 2017

Novel instrumentation reveals that mucus-filter-feeding deep-sea larvaceans play a large role in oceanic carbon cycling.
The long noncoding RNA SPRIGHTLY acts as an intranuclear organizing hub for pre-mRNA molecules
Authors: Lee Bongyong , Sahoo Anupama , Marchica John , Holzhauser Erwin , Chen Xiaoli , Li Jian-Liang , Seki Tatsuya , Govindarajan Subramaniam Shyamala , Markey Fatu Badiane , Batish Mona , Lokhande Sonali J. , Zhang Shaojie , Ray Animesh , Perera Ranjan J.
Published: May 2017

The lncRNA
SPRIGHTLY
interacts with the intronic regions of unprocessed mRNA precursors of its target mRNAs.
Decoupling of microbial carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling in response to extreme temperature events
Authors: Mooshammer Maria , Hofhansl Florian , Frank Alexander H. , Wanek Wolfgang , Hämmerle Ieda , Leitner Sonja , Schnecker Jörg , Wild Birgit , Watzka Margarete , Keiblinger Katharina M. , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie , Richter Andreas
Published: May 2017

Analysis of disturbance effects on multiple microbial processes elucidates response of biogeochemical cycling to climate extremes.
Congress trumps president in backing science
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey ,   Science News Staff
Published: May 2017

Legislators ignore Trump's call for cuts and give NIH, NASA research big
increases
DOE freezes millions in awards
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: May 2017

Scientists furious over ARPA-E funding hiatus, gag order
Dispersals and genetic adaptation of Bantu-speaking populations in Africa and North America
Authors: Patin Etienne , Lopez Marie , Grollemund Rebecca , Verdu Paul , Harmant Christine , Quach Hélène , Laval Guillaume , Perry George H. , Barreiro Luis B. , Froment Alain , Heyer Evelyne , Massougbodji Achille , Fortes-Lima Cesar , Migot-Nabias Florence , Bellis Gil , Dugoujon Jean-Michel , Pereira Joana B. , Fernandes Verónica , Pereira Luisa , Van der Veen Lolke , Mouguiama-Daouda Patrick , Bustamante Carlos D. , Hombert Jean-Marie , Quintana-Murci Lluís
Published: May 2017

Genetic analysis reveals the complex history of sub-Saharan Africans and African Americans.
Thermal processing of diblock copolymer melts mimics metallurgy
Authors: Kim Kyungtae , Schulze Morgan W. , Arora Akash , Lewis Ronald M. , Hillmyer Marc A. , Dorfman Kevin D. , Bates Frank S.
Published: May 2017

Ordered phases commonly found in metal alloys are formed in diblock copolymer melts through innovative thermal treatments.
Response to Comment on “Density functional theory is straying from the path toward the exact functional”
Authors: Medvedev Michael G. , Bushmarinov Ivan S. , Sun Jianwei , Perdew John P. , Lyssenko Konstantin A.
Published: May 2017

Kepp argues in his Comment, among other concerns, that the atomic densities we have considered are not relevant to molecular bonding. However, this does not change the main conclusion of our study, that unconstrained fitting of flexible functional forms can make a density functional more interpolative but less widely predictive.
Moving forward after the march
Authors: Holt Rush D.
Published: May 2017

On 22 April, many thousands of people took part in demonstrations, teach-ins, museum open houses, and science festivals in hundreds of places around the world—an unparalleled show of support for science. Some journalists have tried to portray the march as yet another political demonstration against President Trump and Congress. Yet, neither appeared to be the target for most marchers—not in the United States and even less so around the world. That the March for Science saw the scientific community and the wider public come together in unprecedented numbers signaled that the day was not just a protest by scientists with concerns about their funding or job security. The multitude of T-shirt slogans, placards, and impassioned remarks by marchers and speakers of all ages, backgrounds, and professions spoke volumes—something serious was going on.
A Simple Phosphate-Buffered-Saline-Based Extraction Method Improves Specificity of HIV Viral Load Monitoring Using Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Makadzange A. Tariro , Boyd F. Kathryn , Chimukangara Benjamin , Masimirembwa Collen , Katzenstein David , Ndhlovu Chiratidzo E.
Published: May 2017

Although Roche COBAS Ampliprep/COBAS TaqMan (CAP/CTM) systems are widely used in sub-Saharan Africa for early infant diagnosis of HIV from dried blood spots (DBS), viral load monitoring with this system is not practical due to nonspecific extraction of both cell-free and cell-associated viral nucleic acids. A simplified DBS extraction technique for cell-free virus elution using phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) may provide an alternative analyte for lower-cost quantitative HIV virus load (VL) testing to monitor antiretroviral therapy (ART). We evaluated the CAP/CTM v2.0 assay in 272 paired plasma and DBS specimens using the cell-free virus elution method and determined the level of agreement, sensitivity, and specificity at thresholds of target not detected (TND), target below the limit of quantification (BLQ) (<20 copies/ml in plasma or <400 copies/ml in DBS), and VL of <1,000 copies/ml, and VL of <5,000 copies/ml. Reported plasma VL ranged from TND, or <20, to 5,781,592 copies/ml, and DBS VL ranged from TND, or <400, to 467,600 copies/ml. At <1000 copies/ml, agreement between DBS and plasma was 96.7% (kappa coefficient, 0.93;
P
< 0.0001). The mean difference between DBS and plasma VL values was −1.06 log
10
copies/ml (95% confidence interval [CI], −1.17, −0.97;
P
< 0.0001). At a treatment failure threshold of >1,000 copies/ml, the sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) were 92.7%, 100%, 100%, and 94.3%, respectively. PBS elution of DBS offers a sensitive and specific method for monitoring plasma viremia among adults and children on ART at the WHO-recommended threshold of >1,000 copies/ml on the Roche CAP/CTM system.
Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals the Contribution of Long-Term Carriers in Staphylococcus aureus Outbreak Investigation
Authors: Gordon N. C. , Pichon B. , Golubchik T. , Wilson D. J. , Paul J. , Blanc D. S. , Cole K. , Collins J. , Cortes N. , Cubbon M. , Gould F. K. , Jenks P. J. , Llewelyn M. , Nash J. Q. , Orendi J. M. , Paranthaman K. , Price J. R. , Senn L. , Thomas H. L. , Wyllie S. , Crook D. W. , Peto T. E. A. , Walker A. S. , Kearns A. M.
Published: May 2017

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) makes it possible to determine the relatedness of bacterial isolates at a high resolution, thereby helping to characterize outbreaks. However, for
Staphylococcus aureus
, the accumulation of within-host diversity during carriage might limit the interpretation of sequencing data. In this study, we hypothesized the converse, namely, that within-host diversity can in fact be exploited to reveal the involvement of long-term carriers (LTCs) in outbreaks. We analyzed WGS data from 20 historical outbreaks and applied phylogenetic methods to assess genetic relatedness and to estimate the time to most recent common ancestor (TMRCA). The findings were compared with the routine investigation results and epidemiological evidence. Outbreaks with epidemiological evidence for an LTC source had a mean estimated TMRCA (adjusted for outbreak duration) of 243 days (95% highest posterior density interval [HPD], 143 to 343 days) compared with 55 days (95% HPD, 28 to 81 days) for outbreaks lacking epidemiological evidence for an LTC (
P
= 0.004). A threshold of 156 days predicted LTC involvement with a sensitivity of 0.875 and a specificity of 1. We also found 6/20 outbreaks included isolates with differing antimicrobial susceptibility profiles; however, these had only modestly increased pairwise diversity (mean 17.5 single nucleotide variants [SNVs] [95% confidence interval {CI}, 17.3 to 17.8]) compared with isolates with identical antibiograms (12.7 SNVs [95% CI, 12.5 to 12.8]) (
P
< 0.0001). Additionally, for 2 outbreaks, WGS identified 1 or more isolates that were genetically distinct despite having the outbreak pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pulsotype. The duration-adjusted TMRCA allowed the involvement of LTCs in outbreaks to be identified and could be used to decide whether screening for long-term carriage (e.g., in health care workers) is warranted. Requiring identical antibiograms to trigger investigation could miss important contributors to outbreaks.
The Poisoned Well: Enhancing the Predictive Value of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in the Era of Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Brennan-Krohn Thea , Smith Kenneth P. , Kirby James E.
Published: May 2017

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is a fundamental mission of the clinical microbiology laboratory. Reference AST methods are based on bacterial growth in antibiotic doubling dilution series, which means that any error in the reference method inherently represents at least a 2-fold difference. We describe the origins of current AST reference methodology, highlight the sources of AST variability, and propose ideas for improving AST predictive power.
Selective Activation of Type II Interferon Signaling by Zika Virus NS5 Protein
Authors: Chaudhary Vidyanath , Yuen Kit-San , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Chan Ching-Ping , Wang Pei-Hui , Cai Jian-Piao , Zhang Shuo , Liang Mifang , Kok Kin-Hang , Chan Chi-Ping , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Jin Dong-Yan
Published: May 2017

Severe complications of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection might be caused by inflammation, but how ZIKV induces proinflammatory cytokines is not understood. In this study, we show opposite regulatory effects of the ZIKV NS5 protein on interferon (IFN) signaling. Whereas ZIKV and its NS5 protein were potent suppressors of type I and type III IFN signaling, they were found to activate type II IFN signaling. Inversely, IFN-γ augmented ZIKV replication. NS5 interacted with STAT2 and targeted it for ubiquitination and degradation, but it had no influence on STAT1 stability or nuclear translocation. The recruitment of STAT1-STAT2-IRF9 to IFN-β-stimulated genes was compromised when NS5 was expressed. Concurrently, the formation of STAT1-STAT1 homodimers and their recruitment to IFN-γ-stimulated genes, such as the gene encoding the proinflammatory cytokine CXCL10, were augmented. Silencing the expression of an IFN-γ receptor subunit or treatment of ZIKV-infected cells with a JAK2 inhibitor suppressed viral replication and viral induction of IFN-γ-stimulated genes. Taken together, our findings provide a new mechanism by which the ZIKV NS5 protein differentially regulates IFN signaling to facilitate viral replication and cause diseases. This activity might be shared by a group of viral IFN modulators.

IMPORTANCEMammalian cells produce three types of interferons to combat viral infection and to control host immune responses. To replicate and cause diseases, pathogenic viruses have developed different strategies to defeat the action of host interferons. Many viral proteins, including the Zika virus (ZIKV) NS5 protein, are known to be able to suppress the antiviral property of type I and type III interferons. Here we further show that the ZIKV NS5 protein can also boost the activity of type II interferon to induce cellular proteins that promote inflammation. This is mediated by the differential effect of the ZIKV NS5 protein on a pair of cellular transcription factors, STAT1 and STAT2. NS5 induces the degradation of STAT2 but promotes the formation of STAT1-STAT1 protein complexes, which activate genes controlled by type II interferon. A drug that specifically inhibits the IFN-γ receptor or STAT1 shows an anti-ZIKV effect and might also have anti-inflammatory activity.
Immune Escape Variants of H9N2 Influenza Viruses Containing Deletions at the Hemagglutinin Receptor Binding Site Retain Fitness
In Vivo
and Display Enhanced Zoonotic Characteristics
Authors: Peacock Thomas P. , Benton Donald J. , James Joe , Sadeyen Jean-Remy , Chang Pengxiang , Sealy Joshua E. , Bryant Juliet E. , Martin Stephen R. , Shelton Holly , Barclay Wendy S. , Iqbal Munir
Published: May 2017

H9N2 avian influenza viruses are enzootic in poultry across Asia and North Africa, where they pose a threat to human health as both zoonotic agents and potential pandemic candidates. Poultry vaccination against H9N2 viruses has been employed in many regions; however, vaccine effectiveness is frequently compromised due to antigenic drift arising from amino acid substitutions in the major influenza virus antigen hemagglutinin (HA). Using selection with HA-specific monoclonal antibodies, we previously identified H9N2 antibody escape mutants that contained deletions of amino acids in the 220 loop of the HA receptor binding sites (RBSs). Here we analyzed the impact of these deletions on virus zoonotic infection characteristics and fitness. We demonstrated that mutant viruses with RBS deletions are able to escape polyclonal antiserum binding and are able to infect and be transmitted between chickens. We showed that the deletion mutants have increased binding to human-like receptors and greater replication in primary human airway cells; however, the mutant HAs also displayed reduced pH and thermal stability. In summary, we infer that variant influenza viruses with deletions in the 220 loop could arise in the field due to immune selection pressure; however, due to reduced HA stability, we conclude that these viruses are unlikely to be transmitted from human to human by the airborne route, a prerequisite for pandemic emergence. Our findings underscore the complex interplay between antigenic drift and viral fitness for avian influenza viruses as well as the challenges of predicting which viral variants may pose the greatest threats for zoonotic and pandemic emergence.

IMPORTANCE
Avian influenza viruses, such as H9N2, cause disease in poultry as well as occasionally infecting humans and are therefore considered viruses with pandemic potential. Many countries have introduced vaccination of poultry to try to control the disease burden; however, influenza viruses are able to rapidly evolve to escape immune pressure in a process known as “antigenic drift.” Previously, we experimentally generated antigenic-drift variants in the laboratory, and here, we test our “drifted” viruses to assess their zoonotic infection characteristics and transmissibility in chickens. We found that the drifted viruses were able to infect and be transmitted between chickens and showed increased binding to human-like receptors. However, the drift mutant viruses displayed reduced stability, and we predict that they are unlikely to be transmitted from human to human and cause an influenza pandemic. These results demonstrate the complex relationship between antigenic drift and the potential of avian influenza viruses to infect humans.
Preservation of Peripheral T Follicular Helper Cell Function in HIV Controllers
Authors: Buranapraditkun Supranee , Pissani Franco , Teigler Jeffrey E. , Schultz Bruce T. , Alter Galit , Marovich Mary , Robb Merlin L. , Eller Michael A. , Martin Jeff , Deeks Steven , Michael Nelson L. , Streeck Hendrik
Published: May 2017

The maturation process of high-affinity antibodies is a result of intricate interactions between B cells and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells occurring in lymphoid germinal centers. HIV infection induces significant chronic immune activation, phenotypic skewing, and inflammation driven by years of continuous viral replication. High levels of viremia as well as immune activation and dysfunction have been demonstrated to have a perturbing impact on the B cell memory compartment and contribute to B cell exhaustion. Counterintuitively, the factors associated with perturbation of the B cell compartment seem to be favorable for the generation of highly affinity-matured Env-specific antibodies in a minority of HIV-infected individuals. Thus, the impact of HIV antigenemia on B cells and Tfh cell interactions warrants further exploration. We therefore studied immunophenotypes of HIV-specific B cells in individuals with differing levels of viral control using HIV Env gp120 probes and characterized the functionality of matched T cells in peripheral blood. While CXCR5
+
CD4
+
T cells were significantly diminished in HIV progressors, we found that a small subset of gp120-specific interleukin-21 (IL-21)-secreting CXCR5
+
CD4
+
T cells were significantly associated with gp120-specific B cell frequencies. In contrast, neither bulk CXCR5
+
CD4
+
T cells nor other HIV antigen specificities were associated with gp120-specific B cell levels. HIV-specific B cells derived from elite controllers displayed greater amounts of gp120-specific B cells in the resting memory subset, whereas HIV-specific B cells in progressors accumulated in tissue-like and activated memory subsets. Furthermore, CXCR5
+
CD4
+
T cells from elite controllers showed a stronger
ex vivo
capacity to induce B cell maturation and immunoglobulin class switching than cells from HIV progressors.

IMPORTANCE
Dissecting the factors that are involved in B cell maturation and antibody development is important for HIV vaccine design. In this study, we found that HIV Env-specific CXCR5
+
CD4
+
T cells that secrete interleukin-21 are strongly associated with B cell memory phenotypes and function. Moreover, we found that the immune responses of HIV controllers showed intrinsically better helper activity than those of HIV progressors.
Atrioventricular block: an unusual complication of Graves’ disease
Authors: Adesokan Akintayo , Vigneswaran Trisha , Ajzensztejn Michal , Mathur Sujeev
Published: May 2017

We report the case of a 10-year-old girl treated with atenolol and carbimazole for tachycardia and hypertension associated with Graves’ disease who developed symptomatic 2:1 heart block. 2:1 heart block resolved following cessation of atenolol, reduction in carbimazole dose and treatment of suspected tonsillitis. First-degree atrioventricular block persisted, but gradually normalised following improvement in thyroid status.
Atraumatic chylous ascites: an unusual presentation of bladder cancer
Authors: Srinivasan Ashish , Apostolov Ross , Leong Amanda , Johnson Douglas
Published: May 2017

We describe a case of bladder cancer presenting with atraumatic chylous ascites, which remains an extremely rare presentation of this condition. A previously well, elderly ex-smoker with no prior history of abdominal surgery was referred for investigation of progressive dyspnoea, increasing peripheral oedema and new-onset ascites, on a background of long-standing alcohol consumption (four standard drinks daily). Liver biochemistry and coagulation profile were normal apart from marked hypoalbuminaemia. Doppler ultrasound of the liver demonstrated normal echotexture and patent vasculature. Abdominal paracentesis yielded 8 L of milk-coloured, triglyceride-rich fluid with abundant malignant cells. Urine cytology demonstrated malignant transitional cells, with radiological evidence of a large enhancing bladder mass, with evidence of adjacent lymphadenopathy and omental involvement. A diagnosis of metastatic stage IV transitional cell bladder cancer was made. The patient declined palliative chemotherapy and passed away 2 months after their initial presentation.
Seizure induced by sudden cessation of pregabalin in a patient with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Du Yang Timothy , Roberts Anthony P , Torpy David J
Published: May 2017

A middle-aged woman with diabetic nephropathy on pregabalin for neuropathic pain presented with a diarrhoeal illness. She was found to have acute on chronic renal impairment with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 10 mL/min, and her usual 150 mg/day of pregabalin was abruptly ceased. Although renal recovery to her baseline of eGFR 15 mL/min was achieved within 3 days, her pregabalin was not restarted. She suffered a tonic–clonic seizure 4 days later, thought to be due to pregabalin withdrawal as there were no other likely causes identified. She suffered no further seizures on recommencement of pregabalin at a renally adjusted dose of 75 mg/day.
Cytogenetically confirmed primary Ewing’s sarcoma of the pancreas
Authors: Golhar Ankush , Ray Samrat , Haugk Beate , Singhvi Suresh Kumar
Published: May 2017

Ewing’s sarcoma is a highly aggressive malignant tumour most commonly affecting long bones in children and adolescents. It is part of the Ewing’s sarcoma family of tumours (ESFTs) that also include peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour and Askin’s tumours. ESFTs share common cytogenetic aberrations, antigenic profiles and proto-oncogene expression with an overall similar clinical course. In 99% of ESFTs, genetic translocation with molecular fusion involves the EWSR1 gene on 22q12. Approximately 30% of ESFTs are extraosseous, most commonly occurring in the soft tissues of extremities, pelvis, retroperitoneum and chest wall. Primary presentation in solid organs is very rare but has been described in multiple sites including the pancreas. Accurate diagnosis of a Ewing’s sarcoma in a solid organ is critical in facilitating correct treatment. We report the case of a 17-year-old girl with cytogenetically confirmed primary pancreatic Ewing’s sarcoma and provide a brief review of the published literature.
First US experience with Pipeline Flex with Shield Technology using aspirin as antiplatelet monotherapy
Authors: Hanel Ricardo A , Aguilar-Salinas Pedro , Brasiliense Leonardo BC , Sauvageau Eric
Published: May 2017

Flow diversion has revolutionised the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, and the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) remains the only flow diverter (FD) approved in the USA. However, thromboembolic events remain an issue for FDs. Attempting to minimise these incidents, a newer PED has been developed with the use of covalent bonding of phosphorylcholine onto the Pipeline device that has been known as Shield Technology (PED Shield), which in vitro has demonstrated a significant reduction in material thrombogenicity. We report the first US experience of the PED Shield in the treatment of a ruptured fusiform aneurysm located in the right vertebral artery in an attempt to mitigate complications related to the use of dual-antiplatelet therapy and discuss our rationale for using the new FD, using aspirin only as the antiplatelet regimen.
CD177+neutrophils as functionally activated neutrophils negatively regulate IBD
Authors: Zhou Guangxi , Yu Lin , Fang Leilei , Yang Wenjing , Yu Tianming , Miao Yinglei , Chen Minhu , Wu Kaichun , Chen Feidi , Cong Yingzi , Liu Zhanju
Published: May 2017

Background

Neutrophils are accumulated in inflamed mucosa of IBD and play an important role in the pathogenesis. CD177 is expressed in neutrophils specifically and upregulated during inflammation. However, the role of CD177+neutrophils in pathogenesis of IBD remains elusive.

Materials and methods

Expression of CD177 was analysed in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa from patients with IBD using quantitative RT-PCR, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. CD177+and CD177−neutrophils were isolated to determine gene differences by RNA sequencing. Colitis was established in CD177−/−and wild-type mice in response to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) insults to determine the role of CD177+neutrophils in IBD.

Results

CD177+neutrophils were markedly increased in peripheral blood and inflamed mucosa from patients with active IBD compared with healthy controls. RNA sequencing revealed that differential gene expression between CD177+and CD177−neutrophils from patients with IBD was associated with response to bacterial defence, hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS). CD177+neutrophils produced lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines (ie, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A), but higher levels of IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β, and exhibited increased bactericidal activities (ie, ROS, antimicrobial peptides, neutrophil extracellular trap) compared with CD177−subset. CD177−/−mice developed more severe colitis on DSS insults compared with wild-type mice. Moreover, CD177 deficiency led to compromised intestinal barrier and impaired antibacterial immunity through decreased production of IL-22 by CD177−neutrophils.

Conclusions

CD177+neutrophils represent functionally activated population and play a protective role in IBD through increased bactericidal activity and IL-22 production. Targeting CD177+neutrophils may be beneficial for treatment of IBD.
Chelonian haematology 1. Collection and handling of samples
Authors: Perpiñán David
Published: May 2017

Chelonians have a unique anatomy that causes problems when it comes to using common techniques for assessing health status and diagnosing disease; for example, palpation, auscultation, radiography and exploratory laparotomy. As a result, blood analysis has been reported to be a valuable and non‐invasive diagnostic tool for assessing the health status of wild and captive tortoises and turtles. However, chelonian haematology is not as advanced as it is for mammals or birds, and there is great variability and subjectivity when obtaining and assessing blood results. This article, the first in a two‐part series, reviews and discusses the collection and handling of blood samples in turtles and tortoises. The second article, to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice, will describe the different blood cells found in turtles and tortoises, and discuss the main problems encountered with identification.
Identification of common equine cardiac murmurs
Authors: Jago Rachel , Keen John
Published: May 2017

Cardiac murmurs are commonly identified in horses as either an incidental finding during elective clinical examinations or when an animal is presented with clinical signs that may be consistent with cardiac disease; for example, poor performance evaluation and ventral subcutaneous oedema. To assess the significance of the identified murmur, the clinician needs to determine whether it is associated with normal physiological or pathological blood flow and, if the latter, whether it is likely to affect cardiac function and cause clinical signs. Of particular significance in equine cardiology compared to other companion animals is whether the horse is at risk of sudden death – an important consideration for rider safety. The answer to the majority of these questions can be obtained from a combination of a thorough clinical examination and meticulous auscultation. This article gives a brief guide to the cardiac cycle, describes how to perform a cardiovascular examination and discusses the common murmurs in adult horses and their significance.
Eurasian perch,Perca fluviatilis, spatial behaviour determines vulnerability independent of angler skill in a whole-lake reality mining experiment
Authors: Monk Christopher T. , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: May 2017

To understand the determinants of angling vulnerability arising from the interplay of fish and angler behaviour, we tracked 33 large Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis, with fine-scale acoustic telemetry at a whole-lake scale while simultaneously tracking boats of small groups of experimental anglers (n = 104) who varied by self-reported skill. We report two key findings. First, perch vulnerability was strongly related to a repeatable habitat choice behaviour, but unrelated to swimming activity as a personality trait; importantly, highly vulnerable perch were captured throughout the lake and not only in their preferred habitat, suggesting covariance between spatial habitat choice and a behavioural determinant of vulnerability. Second, catch per unit effort of large perch increased with self-reported angling skill, an effect unrelated to skill-dependent lure use or an angler’s ability to encounter perch. Importantly, high-skill anglers captured more fish but not different spatial behavioural phenotypes. Our study has implications for designing protected areas by showcasing that angling could systematically alter the habitat use of exploited populations at whole-ecosystem scales, without necessarily changing average swimming activity and home range extension.
A simple and efficient non-denaturing FISH method for maize chromosome differentiation using single-strand oligonucleotide probes
Authors: Zhu Minqiu , Du Pei , Zhuang Lifang , Chu Chenggen , Zhao Han , Qi Zengjun
Published: May 2017

Single-strand oligonucleotides (SSONs hereafter) as probes are becoming a powerful method of chromosome painting in many species. In this study, nine SSONs ((ACT)10, (ACT)19, Knob-1, Knob-2, Knob-3, CentC69-1, MR68-3, K10-72-1, and TR1-357-2) were developed and used for chromosome identification in 16 maize (Zea mays L., 2n = 20) inbred lines and hybrids by non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH). Each SSON produced clear signals on 2–10 chromosomes of inbred lines B73 and Mo17. A multiplex probe set containing four SSONs ((ACT)10, Knob-2, CentC69-1, and MR68-3) clearly characterized all maize chromosomes in the 16 lines by a single round of ND-FISH and revealed genetic variation at a chromosome level. For example, unique signals on chromosome 6 clearly distinguished all 16 genotypes. The SSONs and multiplex probe developed in this research will facilitate genotype identification and chromosome research in maize.
Combination forecasting method and application based on the fractal dimension weight
Authors: Leng Hua , Ao Pei , Zhu Ji-Ran , Tang Hai-Guo
Published: May 2017

Since weights have an important impact on the prediction results in the combination forecasting, a combination forecasting method based on the fractal dimension weight was proposed to improve the predictive accuracy in this paper. According to the fitting error sequences of the single forecasting models, the reciprocal of box dimension normalization results were taken as the weights of single forecasting models. By using the weighted average method, the results of single forecasting models were combined. Through predicting the concentration of conventional pollutants DO, COD and NH3-N, it is shown that the prediction accuracy of the proposed method in this paper is higher than the other single forecasting models. It is verified that the proposed method in this paper is effective.
3D information detection with novel five composite fringe patterns
Authors: Deng Huaxia , Deng Ji , Ma Mengchao , Zhang Jin , Yu Liandong , Wang Ziming
Published: May 2017

A novel phase unwrapping method with five composite fringe patterns and phase-shifting method was proposed for three-dimensional information detection. The composite fringe patterns were composed of phase-shifted sinusoidal and stair phase-coding fringe patterns. The fringe patterns are five step phase-shifted. The relative phase and the stair code-words can be obtained simultaneously based on the five step phase-shifting algorithm. The monochrome composite structure has the improvement on the measurement speed and has the potential of solving the problem of color coupling and color imbalance. Combined with the modified minimum phase map theory, this method can provide more code-words for the full field measurement. Simulation and experimental results were presented in the final part to verify the flexibility and feasibility of the proposed method.
Throughput optimization for dual collaborative spectrum sensing with dynamic scheduling
Authors: Cui Cuimei , Yang Dezhi
Published: May 2017

Cognitive radio technology is envisaged to alleviate both spectrum inefficiency and spectrum scarcity problems by exploiting the existing licensed spectrum opportunistically. However, cognitive radio ad hoc networks (CRAHNs) impose unique challenges due to the high dynamic scheduling in the available spectrum, diverse quality of service (QOS) requirements, as well as hidden terminals and shadow fading issues in a harsh radio environment. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a dynamic and variable time-division multiple-access scheduling mechanism (DV-TDMA) incorporated with dual collaborative spectrum sensing scheme for CRAHNs. This study involves the cross-layered cooperation between the Physical (PHY) layer and Medium Access Control (MAC) layer under the consideration of average sensing time, sensing accuracy and the average throughput of cognitive radio users (CRs). Moreover, multiple-objective optimization algorithm is proposed to maximize the average throughput of CRs while still meeting QOS requirements on sensing time and detection error. Finally, performance evaluation is conducted through simulations, and the simulation results reveal that this optimization algorithm can significantly improve throughput and sensing accuracy and reduce average sensing time.
Improvement of Stress Intensity Factor Analysis Using Overall Defined Basic Density Function on Crack Face
Authors: Hasib Md. Abdul , Sonobe Yohei , Saimoto Akihide
Published: May 2017

In this study, an improved technique for the evaluation of stress intensity factor (SIF) along the 3D planar crack front is proposed. In the present analysis, a planar triangular element is used to cover the total crack face. The stress field induced by a body force doublet in an infinite body is used for a fundamental solution. In the present analysis, overall defined basic density function of body force doublet is introduced. The crack problem is formulated as hypersingular boundary integral equations and the magnitudes of distributed point force doublets are determined through boundary conditions. The numerical SIF solution obtained using the present approach was compared with the solution obtained using the conventional basic density function. The results indicate that the proposed technique improves the accuracy of SIF. In addition, some numerical examples were examined to verify the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed technique.
Activation of stylolites as conduits for overpressured fluid flow in dolomitized platform carbonates
Authors: Martín-Martín J. D. , Gomez-Rivas E. , Gómez-Gras D. , Travé A. , Ameneiro R. , Koehn D. , Bons P. D.
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the Late Aptian–earliest Albian platform carbonates of the Benicàssim area (Maestrat Basin, Spain) in order to assess the relationship between bed-parallel stylolites and the flow of diagenetic fluids during dolomitization and subsequent hydrothermal alteration. Dolostones and burial dolomite and calcite cements were studied by a combination of field geology and standard petrographic and isotope analysis. Field data indicate that dolostones are closely associated with seismic-scale synsedimentary faults, preferentially replace grain-dominated facies and typically show wavy dolomitizing fronts that mostly correspond to bed-parallel stylolites. The dolostones are corroded and contain bed-parallel pores that are filled with hydrothermal saddle dolomite and blocky calcite cements. This late calcite cement frequently engulfs clasts of the host dolostones, suggesting that hydraulic brecciation likely associated with overpressured fluid occurred. Results indicate that stylolites play a key role in the distribution of dolostones and subsequent hydrothermal mineralization. During the replacement stage, stylolites acted as baffles for the dolomitzing fluids controlling lateral fluid flow and resulting in the stratabound dolostone distribution. During the post-dolomitization stage, stylolites became preferred pathways for overpressured hydrothermal corrosive and mineralizing fluids that likely came from the underlying basement, and increased bed-parallel stylolitic porosity and probably also permeability.
Circuits and Mechanisms for Surround Modulation in Visual Cortex
Authors: Angelucci Alessandra , Bijanzadeh Maryam , Nurminen Lauri , Federer Frederick , Merlin Sam , Bressloff Paul C.
Published: May 2017

Surround modulation (SM) is a fundamental property of sensory neurons in many species and sensory modalities. SM is the ability of stimuli in the surround of a neuron's receptive field (RF) to modulate (typically suppress) the neuron's response to stimuli simultaneously presented inside the RF, a property thought to underlie optimal coding of sensory information and important perceptual functions. Understanding the circuit and mechanisms for SM can reveal fundamental principles of computations in sensory cortices, from mouse to human. Current debate is centered over whether feedforward or intracortical circuits generate SM, and whether this results from increased inhibition or reduced excitation. Here we present a working hypothesis, based on theoretical and experimental evidence, that SM results from feedforward, horizontal, and feedback interactions with local recurrent connections, via synaptic mechanisms involving both increased inhibition and reduced recurrent excitation. In particular, strong and balanced recurrent excitatory and inhibitory circuits play a crucial role in the computation of SM.
Reduced carboxylesterase 1 is associated with endothelial injury in methamphetamine-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Orcholski Mark E. , Khurshudyan Artyom , Shamskhou Elya A. , Yuan Ke , Chen Ian Y. , Kodani Sean D. , Morisseau Christophe , Hammock Bruce D. , Hong Ellen M. , Alexandrova Ludmila , Alastalo Tero-Pekka , Berry Gerald , Zamanian Roham T. , de Jesus Perez Vinicio A.
Published: May 2017

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a complication of methamphetamine use (METH-PAH), but the pathogenic mechanisms are unknown. Given that cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) and carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) are involved in metabolism of METH and other amphetamine-like compounds, we postulated that loss of function variants could contribute to METH-PAH. Although no difference in CYP2D6 expression was seen by lung immunofluorescence, CES1 expression was significantly reduced in endothelium of METH-PAH microvessels. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that healthy pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) have the capacity to both internalize and metabolize METH. Furthermore, whole exome sequencing data from 18 METH-PAH patients revealed that 94.4% of METH-PAH patients were heterozygous carriers of a single nucleotide variant (SNV; rs115629050) predicted to reduce CES1 activity. PMVECs transfected with this CES1 variant demonstrated significantly higher rates of METH-induced apoptosis. METH exposure results in increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a compensatory autophagy response. Compared with healthy cells, CES1-deficient PMVECs lack a robust autophagy response despite higher ROS, which correlates with increased apoptosis. We propose that reduced CES1 expression/activity could promote development of METH-PAH by increasing PMVEC apoptosis and small vessel loss.
Sex-specific effects of stress on metabolic and cardiovascular disease: are women at higher risk?
Authors: Murphy Margaret O. , Loria Analia S.
Published: May 2017

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has traditionally been viewed as a male disease; however, the relative risk for obesity and hypertension morbidity and mortality, major risk factors for CVD, is higher for women in the United States. Emerging epidemiological data strongly support stressful experiences as a modifiable risk factor for obesity, insulin resistance, and heart disease in women at all ages. Therefore, primary prevention of these diseases may be associated with both identifying and increasing the knowledge regarding the sex differences in emotional functioning associated with physiological responses to stress. The purpose of this review is to highlight the growing body of clinical and experimental studies showing that stress, obesity-associated metabolic disturbances, and CVD comorbidities are more prevalent in females. Overall, this review reveals the need for investigations to decipher the early origins of these comorbidities. Targeting the sources of behavioral/emotional stress through the trajectory of life has the potential to reduce the alarming projected rates for chronic disease in women.
Experimental dyspnea as a stressor: differential cardiovegetative responses to inspiratory threshold loading in healthy men and women
Authors: Niérat Marie-Cécile , Laviolette Louis , Hudson Anna , Similowski Thomas , Sévoz-Couche Caroline
Published: May 2017

Dyspnea is associated with an emotional reaction that involves limbic activation. The inspiratory threshold load (ITL) is known to elicit a dyspneic response in healthy subjects. Laboratory-induced stress conditions have been shown to elicit sex-related differences in cardiovascular responses. The aim of this study was to evaluate how healthy men ( n = 8) and women ( n = 9) react and adapt to 5-min periods of ITL at three levels (low, medium, and high) in terms of heart rate (HR), temporal (RMSSD) and spectral (LF, HF, LF/HF ratio) HRV indexes, and rating of breathing discomfort. HR increased with low, medium, and high ITL in men, whereas it increased only with high ITL in women. LF/HF ratio increased at low ITL in both men and women. Modifications appear to depend essentially on increased LF in men and on reduced HF in women. In addition, HRV modifications differ between men and women, following the order of presentation of ITLs. Our results show a continuous and sustained stress in men (increased HR, LF, and LF/HF ratio across ITL presentation) and a stress adaptation in women. Subjective responses of breathing discomfort were not correlated with sympatho-vagal balance modifications for a subgroup of subjects ( n = 10). Breathing against the ITL induced autonomic modifications that are different between men and women, i.e., driven by sympathetic mediated responses in men, whereas women showed a greater parasympathetic modulation of cardiovascular activity. These results highlight the role of the mechanical inspiratory load in the heart rate variability seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Breathing against the ITL induced autonomic modifications driven by sympathetic mediated responses in men, whereas women showed a greater parasympathetic modulation of cardiovascular activity, even for low load. A stress circuit could be at the origin of autonomic modifications induced by ITL. Our results would underline the role of the mechanic inspiratory load in the abnormalities in heart rate variability seen in COPD patients.
Progression and variability of physiologic deterioration in an ovine model of lung infection sepsis
Authors: Yaghouby Farid , Daluwatte Chathuri , Fukuda Satoshi , Nelson Christina , Salsbury John , Kinsky Michael , Kramer George C. , Strauss David G. , Enkhbaatar Perenlei , Scully Christopher G.
Published: May 2017

In this study, a lung infection model of pneumonia in sheep ( n = 12) that included smoke inhalation injury followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus placement into the lungs was used to investigate hemodynamic and pulmonary dysfunctions during the course of sepsis progression. To assess the variability in disease progression, animals were retrospectively divided into survivor ( n = 6) and nonsurvivor ( n = 6) groups, and a range of physiological indexes reflecting hemodynamic and pulmonary function were estimated and compared to evaluate variability in dynamics underlying sepsis development. Blood pressure and heart rate variability analyses were performed to assess whether they discriminated between the survivor and nonsurvivor groups early on and after intervention. Results showed hemodynamic deterioration in both survivor and nonsurvivor animals during sepsis along with a severe oxygenation disruption (decreased peripheral oxygen saturation) in nonsurvivors separating them from survivor animals of this model. Variability analysis of beat-to-beat heart rate and blood pressure reflected physiologic deterioration during infection for all animals, but these analyses did not discriminate the nonsurvivor animals from survivor animals.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Variable pulmonary response to injury results in varying outcomes in a previously reported animal model of lung injury and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced sepsis. Heart rate and blood pressure variability analyses were investigated to track the varying levels of physiologic deterioration but did not discriminate early nonsurvivors from survivors.