bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid genetic counseling and testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer: Patients’ and health professionals’ attitudes, experiences, and evaluation of effects on treatment decision making
Authors: Wevers Marijke R. , Aaronson Neil K. , Bleiker Eveline M. A. , Hahn Daniela E. E. , Brouwer Titia , van Dalen Thijs , Theunissen Evert B. , van Ooijen Bart , de Roos Marnix A. , Borgstein Paul J. , Vrouenraets Bart C. , Vriens Eline , Bouma Wim H. , Rijna Herman , Vente Johannes P. , Kuenen Marianne A. , van der Sanden‐Melis Jacoline , Witkamp Arjen J. , Rutgers Emiel J. Th. , Verhoef Senno , Ausems Margreet G. E. M.
Published: July 2017

Background

Rapid genetic counseling and testing (RGCT) in newly diagnosed high‐risk breast cancer (BC) patients may influence surgical treatment decisions. To successfully integrate RGCT in practice, knowledge of professionals’, and patients’ attitudes toward RGCT is essential.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2010, we performed a randomized clinical trial evaluating the impact of RGCT. Attitudes toward and experience with RGCT were assessed in 265 patients (at diagnosis, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up) and 29 medical professionals (before and after the recruitment period).

Results

At 6‐month follow‐up, more patients who had been offered RGCT felt they had been actively involved in treatment decision‐making than patients who had been offered usual care (67% vs 48%, P = 0.06). Patients who received DNA‐test results before primary surgery reported more often that RGCT influenced treatment decisions than those who received results afterwards (P < 0.01). Eighty‐seven percent felt that genetic counseling and testing (GCT) should preferably take place between diagnosis and surgery. Most professionals (72%) agreed that RGCT should be routinely offered to eligible patients. Most patients (74%) and professionals (85%) considered surgeons the most appropriate source for referral.

Conclusions

RGCT is viewed as helpful for newly diagnosed high‐risk BC patients in choosing their primary surgery and should be offered routinely by surgeons.
Silver ion coordination countercurrent chromatography: Separation of β‐elemene from the volatile oil of Curcumae Rhizoma
Authors: Lu Mengxia , Wang Xiaoping , Bu Zhisi , Lv Liqiong , Tong Shengqiang
Published: July 2017

In this work, the antitumor constituent β‐elemene was selectively separated from the volatile oil of the Curcumae Rhizoma by countercurrent chromatography with silver nitrate as selective reagent based on the formation of coordination complexes. A biphasic solvent system composed of n‐hexane/methanol/water (2:1.5:0.5, v/v/v) was selected, in which 0.15 mol/L of silver nitrate was added to the aqueous phase. The aqueous phase was used as the stationary phase for separation of β‐elemene by countercurrent chromatography after it was partially purified from the volatile oil by silica gel column chromatography. An enriched β‐elemene fraction was obtained by silica gel column chromatography to improve the percentage of β‐elemene from 16.5 to 46.1%. Subsequently, β‐elemene was further purified from 445 mg of the partially purified sample of volatile oil by countercurrent chromatography with silver nitrate as a selective reagent, yielding 145 mg of β‐elemene with greater than 99% purity, as determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The recovery of β‐elemene from the crude volatile oil through two steps was around 63.6%.
Efficient discovery and capture of new neuronal nitric oxide synthase–postsynaptic density protein‐95 uncouplers from herbal medicines using magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers as artificial antibodies
Authors: Gu Xiaoli , Huang Jiaojiao , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yu , Wang Chong‐Zhi , Sun Chenghong , Yao Dandan , Li Fei , Chen Lina , Yuan Chun‐Su
Published: July 2017

In the scope of stroke treatment, new neuronal nitric oxide synthase–postsynaptic density protein‐95 uncouplers from herbal medicines were discovered and captured. To do so, highly selective magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers with a core–shell structure were prepared as artificial antibodies. According to the results of computational simulations, we designed and synthesized various polymers with varying amounts and types of template, functional monomer, cross‐linker, and solvent. Characterization and performance tests revealed that the most appropriate artificial antibodies showed uniform spherical morphologies, large adsorption capacities, fast‐binding kinetics, high selectivity, and quick separation. These artificial antibodies were then used as sorbents for dispersive magnetic solid‐phase extraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to capture and identify structural analogs to ZL006 from extracts of Scutellariae radix, Psoraleae fructus, and Trifolium pratense. Furthermore, according to the neuroprotective effect and coimmunoprecipitation test, Baicalein, Neobavaisoflavone, Corylifol A, and Biochanin A can be the potential uncouplers of neuronal nitric oxide synthase–postsynaptic density protein‐95. Therefore, this present study contributes valuable information for the discovery of neuronal nitric oxide synthase–postsynaptic density protein‐95 uncouplers from herbal medicines.
Dialkylmagnesium‐Promoted Deprotonation of Protic Precursors for the Activated Anionic Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Epoxides
Authors: Roos Kévin , Wirotius Anne‐Laure , Carlotti Stéphane
Published: July 2017

Dialkylmagnesium (R2Mg) compounds are investigated as deprotonating agents of various protic functions to form reactive precursors for the anionic ring‐opening polymerization of epoxides, i.e., ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, and methyl glycidyl ether, activated by triisobutylaluminum (i‐Bu3Al). Experiments show a polymerizability of those monomers with the proposed system, short reaction times (hours), and a molar mass control up to 10 000 g mol−1. Protic moieties such as alcohol, thiol, amine, and alkyne are first deprotonated and then shown to initiate polyether chains. A precise study of the nature of the introduced groups in the α‐position of the polyether chains is presented. Monohydroxy terminated poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(dimethyl siloxane) are also used as macroinitiator after deprotonation by R2Mg for the polymerization of propylene oxide in the presence of i‐Bu3Al in order to get block copolymers.
Why in rugby union does “Toulouse” mean “to win”? Estimation of a production function of sports results (2011–2016)
Authors: Dubois Eric
Published: July 2017

The objective of this article is to understand more fully the determinants of sports performance. To do this, we estimate a production function of sports results that explains the results of the Toulouse rugby union team's matches expressed as the gap in points between it and its opponents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a production function has been estimated in rugby union. In addition, it is one of the few production functions specified at the match level. The study confirms the relevance of some variables already identified in the literature, such as home advantage, ranking, the role of the referee, and in‐match statistics. It also shows the influence of new variables, such as weather conditions and the relative strength of fielded teams measured by comparing the teams selected on match day to the ideal teams defined at the beginning of the season.
Investigation of lithium distribution in the rat brain ex vivo using lithium‐7 magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging at 17.2 T
Authors: Stout Jacques , Hanak Anne‐Sophie , Chevillard Lucie , Djemaï Boucif , Risède Patricia , Giacomini Eric , Poupon Joël , Barrière David André , Bellivier Frank , Mégarbane Bruno , Boumezbeur Fawzi
Published: July 2017

Lithium is the first‐line mood stabilizer for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. However, its mechanisms of action and transport across the blood–brain barrier remain poorly understood. The contribution of lithium‐7 magnetic resonance imaging (7Li MRI) to investigate brain lithium distribution remains limited because of the modest sensitivity of the lithium nucleus and the expected low brain concentrations in humans and animal models. Therefore, we decided to image lithium distribution in the rat brain ex vivo using a turbo‐spin‐echo imaging sequence at 17.2 T. The estimation of lithium concentrations was performed using a phantom replacement approach accounting for B1 inhomogeneities and differential T1 and T2 weighting. Our MRI‐derived lithium concentrations were validated by comparison with inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) measurements ([Li]MRI = 1.18[Li]MS, R = 0.95). Overall, a sensitivity of 0.03 mmol/L was achieved for a spatial resolution of 16 μL. Lithium distribution was uneven throughout the brain (normalized lithium content ranged from 0.4 to 1.4) and was mostly symmetrical, with consistently lower concentrations in the metencephalon (cerebellum and brainstem) and higher concentrations in the cortex. Interestingly, low lithium concentrations were also observed close to the lateral ventricles. The average brain‐to‐plasma lithium ratio was 0.34 ± 0.04, ranging from 0.29 to 0.39. Brain lithium concentrations were reasonably correlated with plasma lithium concentrations, with Pearson correlation factors ranging from 0.63 to 0.90.
Quantitative Structure–Retention Relationships for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and their Oligoalkynyl‐Substituted Derivatives
Authors: Rouillé Gaël , Jäger Cornelia , Huisken Friedrich , Henning Thomas , Czerwonka Regina , Theumer Gabriele , Börger Carsten , Bauer Ingmar , Knölker Hans‐Joachim
Published: July 2017

Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) has been carried out for a series of unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the corresponding ethynyl, 1,3‐butadiynyl, and 1,3,5‐hexatriynyl derivatives. Theoretical values of the isotropic polarizability and several polarity descriptors have been computed for each compound by using semiempirical models and density functional theory (DFT), with the aim of evaluating linear functions as quantitative structure–retention relationships (QSRRs). The polarity has been described by using either the permanent electric dipole moment, the subpolarity, or a topological electronic index. Three types of partial atomic charges have been used to calculate the subpolarity and a topological index. The choice of the theoretical model, of the polarity descriptor, and of the partial atomic charges is discussed and the resulting QSRRs are compared. Calculating the retention times from the polarizability and the topological electronic index (AM1, PM3, or DFT‐B3LYP/6–31+G(d,p)) gives the best agreement with the experimental values.
Thermoplastic polyurethanes derived from petrochemical or renewable resources: A comprehensive review
Authors: Datta Janusz , Kasprzyk Paulina
Published: July 2017

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) materials are obtained by the reaction of polyol (ether‐, ester‐, and carbonate‐based diols with average molecular weight in the range from 1,000 to 3,000 g/mol) with aliphatic or aromatic diisocyanates. Synthesized materials consist of the hard and soft segments which are separated in different level. All mechanical and thermal properties of TPUs depend on the chemical structure of used monomers, volume fraction, and interaction between the hard and soft segments. Presented work is the review of the synthesis and the structure–properties relationship analysis in the case of TPU. The most popular reactants used for the production of the TPUs have petrochemical‐based origin. A new alternative route in the area of TPUs synthesis is using of plant oils based polyols and diols and also partially natural diisocyanates. A comprehensive discussion provided for the chemical and physical characteristics of potential novel polyurethane monomers derived from natural resources used at synthesis of TPUs is presented. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:E14–E35, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Molecularly templated reaction for forming poly(dimethyl siloxane)–graphene oxide composite elastomers
Authors: Ha Heonjoo , Ha KiRyong , Ellison Christopher J.
Published: July 2017

This study explores the molecularly templated reaction of pyrene‐terminated telechelic poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) with graphene oxide (GO) to produce composite elastomers. These materials undergo chemical crosslinking between secondary amides near PDMS chain ends and epoxies on the surface of GO as confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, rheology, gel content, and mechanical property measurements. The incorporation of pyrene end groups introduces π–π interactions with GO surfaces that enhance the reaction efficacy of the nearby secondary amide groups. As a comparison, methoxy‐terminated telechelic PDMS containing the same secondary amides near the chain ends did not exhibit appreciable crosslinking with GO. Depending on the concentration of the amide groups, the pyrene‐terminated PDMS/GO elastomer can be highly crosslinked (e.g., up to 96 wt % gel) but highly extensible (e.g., extensional strains of more than 200%). This general strategy could be implemented using other amide containing polymers to produce a wide range of high‐performance thermosets and elastomers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1406–1413
Modifying the Wettability of Nitramine Explosives using Anionic, Cationic and Nonionic Surfactants
Authors: Doukkali Mouhcine , Gauthier Eric , Patel Rajen B. , Stepanov Victor , Hadim Hamid
Published: July 2017

Wetting behavior of energetic materials surface including cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX), cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) and hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) using nonionic (Triton‐X), anionic (SDS), and cationic (TTAB) surfactants has been studied by contact angle tensiometry. Results show that TTAB more significantly reduces the contact angle and improves wettability as compared to SDS and Triton‐X. The liquid‐vapor surface tension
was measured as a function of TTAB surfactant concentration in aqueous solutions and used to construct a Zisman plot to determine the critical surface tension of RDX, HMX and CL‐20. The results show that HMX displays the highest degree of wettability while RDX is most difficult to wet. The computed values of the work of spreading complement the previously discussed results where contact angle decreases with increasing surfactant concentration. They also indicate that RDX appears most impacted by the addition of TTAB surfactant. However, the addition of TTAB also has a significant impact on improving the wettability of HMX and CL‐20. This wettability study plays an important role in the formation of well‐wetted energetic surfaces needed for efficient wet milling, coating and granulation processes.
Insight into infection‐mediated prostate damage: Contrasting patterns of C‐reactive protein and prostate‐specific antigen levels during infection
Authors: Milbrandt Melissa , Winter Anke C. , Nevin Remington L. , Pakpahan Ratna , Bradwin Gary , De Marzo Angelo M. , Elliott Debra J. , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Isaacs William B. , Nelson William G. , Rifai Nader , Sokoll Lori J. , Zenilman Jonathan M. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Sutcliffe Siobhan
Published: July 2017

Background

To investigate mechanisms underlying our previous observation of a large rise in serum prostate‐specific antigen, a marker of prostate pathology, during both sexually transmitted and systemic infections, we measured serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, in our previous case‐control study of young, male US military members and compared our findings to those for PSA.

Methods

We measured hsCRP before and during infection for 299 chlamydia, 112 gonorrhea, and 59 non‐chlamydial, non‐gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU) cases; before and after infection for 55 infectious mononucleosis (IM) and 90 other systemic/non‐genitourinary cases; and for 220‐256 controls.

Results

Only gonorrhea cases were significantly more likely to have a large hsCRP rise (≥1.40 mg/L or ≥239%) during infection than controls (P < 0.01). However, gonorrhea, IM, and other systemic/non‐genitourinary cases were more likely to have a rise of any magnitude up to one year post‐diagnosis than controls (p = 0.038‐0.077).

Conclusions

These findings, which differ from those for PSA, suggest distinct mechanisms of elevation for hsCRP and PSA, and support both direct (eg, prostate infection) and indirect (eg, systemic inflammation‐mediated prostate cell damage) mechanisms for PSA elevation. Future studies should explore our PSA findings further for their relevance to both prostate cancer screening and risk.
Model averaging for robust assessment of QT prolongation by concentration‐response analysis
Authors: Dosne A.G. , Bergstrand M. , Karlsson M.O. , Renard D. , Heimann G.
Published: July 2017

Assessing the QT prolongation potential of a drug is typically done based on pivotal safety studies called thorough QT studies. Model‐based estimation of the drug‐induced QT prolongation at the estimated mean maximum drug concentration could increase efficiency over the currently used intersection‐union test. However, robustness against model misspecification needs to be guaranteed in pivotal settings. The objective of this work was to develop an efficient, fully prespecified model‐based inference method for thorough QT studies, which controls the type I error and provides satisfactory test power. This is achieved by model averaging: The proposed estimator of the concentration‐response relationship is a weighted average of a parametric (linear) and a nonparametric (monotonic I‐splines) estimator, with weights based on mean integrated square error. The desired properties of the method were confirmed in an extensive simulation study, which demonstrated that the proposed method controlled the type I error adequately, and that its power was higher than the power of the nonparametric method alone. The method can be extended from thorough QT studies to the analysis of QT data from pooled phase I studies.
Multi‐gene phylogenetic analysis reveals that shochu‐fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains form a distinct sub‐clade of the Japanese sake cluster
Authors: Futagami Taiki , Kadooka Chihiro , Ando Yoshinori , Okutsu Kayu , Yoshizaki Yumiko , Setoguchi Shinji , Takamine Kazunori , Kawai Mikihiko , Tamaki Hisanori
Published: July 2017

Shochu is a traditional Japanese distilled spirit. The formation of the distinguishing flavour of shochu produced in individual distilleries is attributed to putative indigenous yeast strains. In this study, we performed the first (to our knowledge) phylogenetic classification of shochu strains based on nucleotide gene sequences. We performed phylogenetic classification of 21 putative indigenous shochu yeast strains isolated from 11 distilleries. All of these strains were shown or confirmed to be Saccharomyces cerevisiae, sharing species identification with 34 known S. cerevisiae strains (including commonly used shochu, sake, ale, whisky, bakery, bioethanol and laboratory yeast strains and clinical isolate) that were tested in parallel. Our analysis used five genes that reflect genome‐level phylogeny for the strain‐level classification. In a first step, we demonstrated that partial regions of the ZAP1, THI7, PXL1, YRR1 and GLG1 genes were sufficient to reproduce previous sub‐species classifications. In a second step, these five analysed regions from each of 25 strains (four commonly used shochu strains and the 21 putative indigenous shochu strains) were concatenated and used to generate a phylogenetic tree. Further analysis revealed that the putative indigenous shochu yeast strains form a monophyletic group that includes both the shochu yeasts and a subset of the sake group strains; this cluster is a sister group to other sake yeast strains, together comprising a sake‐shochu group. Differences among shochu strains were small, suggesting that it may be possible to correlate subtle phenotypic differences among shochu flavours with specific differences in genome sequences. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic Significance of Lymphocyte Counts in Colon Cancer Patients Treated with FOLFOX Chemotherapy
Authors: Noh O Kyu , Oh Seung Yeop , Kim Young Bae , Suh Kwang Wook
Published: July 2017

Purpose

There is increasing interest in immune function in combination with chemotherapy for cancer treatment. However, the effects of chemotherapy on the human immune system remain to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of lymphocyte and neutrophil counts in colon cancer patients who were treated with curative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Two hundred thirty‐one patients with colon cancers who underwent curative surgery and FOLFOX adjuvant chemotherapy between November 2005 and December 2011 were included. Oncologic outcomes were analyzed with neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) before and after chemotherapy.

Results

The 5‐year DFS rate was lower in colon cancer patients with low lymphocyte count during chemotherapy (61.9 vs. 76.7%, P = 0.026). Cox multivariate analysis demonstrated that low lymphocyte count during chemotherapy was independently associated with poor disease‐free survival (HR 1.829; 95% CI 1.096–3.050; P = 0.021) in colon cancer patients who underwent FOLFOX adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Lymphocyte count during chemotherapy is a strong predictor of worse disease‐free survival in colon cancer patients who have undergone FOLFOX adjuvant chemotherapy.
Managing Incidentalomas Safely: Do Computed Tomography Requisitions Tell Us What We Need to Know?
Authors: Walker Matthew , Borgaonkar Joy , Manos Daria
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Technological advancements and the ever-increasing use of computed tomography (CT) have greatly increased the detection of incidental findings, including tiny pulmonary nodules. The management of many “incidentalomas” is significantly influenced by a patient's history of cancer. The study aim is to determine if CT requisitions include prior history of malignancy.

Methods

Requisitions for chest CTs performed at our adult tertiary care hospital during April 2012 were compared to a cancer history questionnaire, administered to patients at the time of CT scan. Patients were excluded from the study if the patient questionnaire was incomplete or if the purpose of the CT was for cancer staging or cancer follow-up.

Results

A total of 569 CTs of the chest were performed. Of the 327 patients that met inclusion criteria, 79 reported a history of cancer. After excluding patients for whom a history of malignancy could not be confirmed through a chart review and excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer, dysplasia, and in situ neoplasm, 68 patients were identified as having a history of malignancy. We found 44% (95% confidence interval [0.32-0.57]) of the chest CT requisitions for these 68 patients did not include the patient's history of cancer. Of the malignancies that were identified by patient questionnaire but omitted from the clinical history provided on the requisitions, 47% were malignancies that commonly metastasize to the lung.

Conclusions

A significant number of requisitions failed to disclose a history of cancer. Without knowledge of prior malignancy, radiologists cannot comply with current guidelines regarding the reporting and management of incidental findings.
Upward drift in cerebrospinal fluid amyloid β 42 assay values for more than 10 years
Authors: Schindler Suzanne E. , Sutphen Courtney L. , Teunissen Charlotte , McCue Lena M. , Morris John C. , Holtzman David M. , Mulder Sandra D. , Scheltens Philip , Xiong Chengjie , Fagan Anne M.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

The best‐established cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease are levels of amyloid β 42 (Aβ42), total tau (tau), and phosphorylated tau 181 (ptau). We examined whether a widely used commercial immunoassay for CSF Aβ42, tau, and ptau provided stable measurements for more than 10 years.

Methods

INNOTEST assay values for CSF Aβ42, tau, and ptau from Washington University in St. Louis and VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, were evaluated.

Results

Aβ42 values as measured by the INNOTEST assay drifted upward by approximately 3% per year over the past decade. Tau values remained relatively stable, whereas results for ptau were mixed.

Discussion

Assay drift may reduce statistical power or even confound analyses. The drift in INNOTEST Aβ42 values may reduce diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer's disease in the clinic. We recommend methods to account for assay drift in existing data sets and to reduce assay drift in future studies.
Buyer and Nonbuyer Barriers to Purchasing Local Food
Authors: Qi Lingqiao , Rabinowitz Adam N. , Liu Yizao , Campbell Benjamin
Published: July 2017

Policymakers and value chain members often use a one-size-fits-all strategy to increase local food consumption. Our results indicate this approach may not be effective; local food buyers and nonbuyers have differing barriers to purchasing more or accessing local food. We examine the effect of demographics, health indicators, shopping location, and zip code on those barriers. Prices and availability are barriers for both buyers and nonbuyers. Consumers with higher healthy diet scores are more likely to think about local food availability. Providing specific products is a more viable strategy than creating additional purchasing venues. These results are important, as governments seek to increase local food purchases and enhance local agriculture.
Transformation-Induced Bias: Unbiased Coefficients Do Not Imply Unbiased Quantities of Interest
Authors: Rainey Carlisle
Published: July 2017

Political scientists commonly focus on quantities of interest computed from model coefficients rather than on the coefficients themselves. However, the quantities of interest, such as predicted probabilities, first differences, and marginal effects, do not necessarily inherit the small-sample properties of the coefficient estimates. Indeed, unbiased coefficient estimates are neither necessary nor sufficient for unbiased estimates of the quantities of interest. I characterize this transformation-induced bias, calculate an approximation, illustrate its importance with two simulation studies, and discuss its relevance to methodological research.
Coprophilous fungi from dung of the Greater One-Horned Rhino in Kaziranga National Park, India and its implication to paleoherbivory and paleoecology
Authors: Basumatary Sadhan K. , McDonald H. Gregory
Published: July 2017

Fungal spores, especially those of coprophilous fungi, are present in dung middens ofRhinoceros unicornis(greater one-horned rhinoceros) in both forest and grassland areas of the Kaziranga National Park, India. The presence of coprophilous fungi on rhino dung, chieflySporormiella,Saccobolus,Ascodesmis,Cercophora, andSordaria, is documented for the first time. TheSporormiella–Ascodesmis–Saccobolusassemblage is abundant and characterizes the rhino dung in forest and grassland areas. The presence of coprophilous fungi spores allows for an examination of the relationship between rhinoceros ecology and the flora and other fauna in the region. The overall dataset is useful in interpreting the present and past distribution of rhino and other associated animals based on the relative abundance of different types of coprophilous fungi spores and their relationship to paleoherbivory and paleoecology in India and adjoining areas.
Modelling the influence of host community composition in a sylvatic Trypanosoma cruzi system
Authors: ERAZO DIANA , CORDOVEZ JUAN , CABRERA CAROLINA , CALZADA JOSE E. , SALDAÑA AZAEL , GOTTDENKER NICOLE L.
Published: July 2017

Species composition of wild reservoir hosts can influence the transmission and maintenance of multi-host vector borne pathogens. The ‘pace of life’ hypothesis proposes that the life history strategy of reservoir hosts can influence pathogen transmission of vector borne generalist pathogens. We use empirical data to parameterize a mathematical model that investigates the impacts of host life history traits on vector transmission dynamics of the vector-borne multi-host parasite Trypanosoma cruzi in habitats characterized by different degrees of deforestation and varying host community structure. The model considers susceptible and infected vector and host populations. When comparing the proportion of vectors infected with T. cruzi predicted by the model with empirical data, we found a trend of increasing vector infection as anthropogenic landscape disturbance increases for both data and model output. The model's vector infection rates were significantly lower than empirical results, but when incorporating host congenital transmission in the model, vector infection approaches field data. We conclude that intervened habitats associated with r-selected host species communities predict higher proportions of infected vectors.
Poor blood pressure control in adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta and hypertension: a register-based study of associated factors
Authors: Rinnström Daniel , Dellborg Mikael , Thilén Ulf , Sörensson Peder , Nielsen Niels-Erik , Christersson Christina , Ugander Martin , Johansson Bengt
Published: July 2017

Background

Arterial hypertension is common in adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta, and is associated with several severe complications.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of poorly controlled (⩾140/90 mmHg) blood pressure among patients with diagnosed hypertension and to identify associated factors.

Methods

In the national register for CHD, adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta and diagnosed hypertension – defined as a registry diagnosis and/or use of anti-hypertensive prescription medication – were identified. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with poorly controlled blood pressure.

Results

Of the 243 included patients, 27.2% were female, the mean age was 45.4±15.3 years, and 52.3% had poorly controlled blood pressure at the last registration. In a multivariable model, age (years) (OR 1.03, CI 1.01–1.06, p=0.008) was independently associated with poorly controlled blood pressure and so was systolic arm–leg blood pressure gradient in the ranges [10, 20] mmHg (OR 4.92, CI 1.76–13.79, p=0.002) to >20 mmHg (OR 9.93, CI 2.99–33.02, p<0.001), in comparison with the reference interval [0, 10] mmHg. Patients with poorly controlled blood pressure had, on average, more types of anti-hypertensive medication classes prescribed (1.9 versus 1.5, p=0.003).

Conclusions

Poorly controlled blood pressure is common among patients with repaired coarctation of the aorta and diagnosed hypertension, despite what seems to be more intensive treatment. A systolic arm–leg blood pressure gradient is associated with poorly controlled blood pressure, even at low levels usually not considered for intervention, and may be an indicator of hypertension that is difficult to treat.
Inter-Method Reliability of Pulse Volume Related Measures Derived Using Finger-Photoplethysmography
Authors: Matsumura Kenta , Shimizu Koichi , Rolfe Peter , Kakimoto Masanori , Yamakoshi Takehiro
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Pulse volume (PV) and its related measures, such as modified normalized pulse volume (mNPV), direct-current component (DC), and pulse rate (PR), derived from the finger-photoplethysmogram (FPPG), are useful psychophysiological measures. Although considerable uncertainties exist in finger-photoplethysmography, little is known about the extent of the adverse effects on the measures. In this study, we therefore examined the inter-method reliability of each index across sensor positions and light intensities, which are major disturbance factors of FPPG. From the tips of the index fingers of 12 participants in a resting state, three simultaneous FPPGs having overlapping optical paths were recorded, with their light intensity being changed in three steps. The analysis revealed that the minimum values of three coefficients of Cronbach’s α for ln PV, ln mNPV, ln DC, and PR across positions were .948, .850, .922, and 1.000, respectively, and that those across intensities were .774, .985, .485, and .998, respectively. These findings suggest that ln mNPV and PR can be used for psychophysiological studies irrespective of minor differences in sensor attachment positions and light source intensity, whereas and ln DC can also be used for such studies but under the condition of light intensity being fixed.
The Interpreted Mind: Understanding Acting
Authors: Goldstein Thalia R. , Filipe Aline
Published: July 2017

Acting is everywhere: TV, movies, and theater. Yet psychologists know surprisingly little about how acting is processed and understood by viewers. This is despite popular, scholarly, and journalistic obsession both with how actors are able to create characters with fully realized personalities, emotional arcs, physical attributes, and skills, and with whether actors and their characters merge during or after performance. Theoretically, there are several possibilities for how audience members process actors and acting: as literary fiction; as if someone is telling a lie; like essentialist traits and states; or like the personalities and emotions of real people in our every day lives. The authors consider each of these possibilities in turn. They then present 3 studies investigating the amount audiences conflate actors’ and characters’ characteristics ( N = 231) by asking participants directly how much they perceive actors as experiencing the characteristics they portray (Study 1), by showing short video clips of actors and asking participants how much they thought actors were experiencing what they portrayed (Study 2) and by asking participants to judge the overlap in personality characteristics between actors and characters (Study 3). Overall, audience members are conflating actors and their characters. However, how much depends on the characteristic being portrayed and the knowledge of the audience. We propose a theoretical model of when and how audience members think of actors and their characters as blended, and we lay out a research agenda to determine how acting and actors are understood.
Linc-DYNC2H1-4 promotes EMT and CSC phenotypes by acting as a sponge of miR-145 in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Gao Yuran , Zhang Zhicheng , Li Kai , Gong Liying , Yang Qingzhu , Huang Xuemei , Hong Chengcheng , Ding Mingfeng , Yang Huanjie
Published: July 2017

The acquisition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and/or existence of a sub-population of cancer stem-like cells (CSC) are associated with malignant behavior and chemoresistance. To identify which factor could promote EMT and CSC formation and uncover the mechanistic role of such factor is important for novel and targeted therapies. In the present study, we found that the long intergenic non-coding RNA linc-DYNC2H1-4 was upregulated in pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC-3-Gem with acquired gemcitabine resistance. Knockdown of linc-DYNC2H1-4 decreased the invasive behavior of BxPC-3-Gem cells while ectopic expression of linc-DYNC2H1-4 promoted the acquisition of EMT and stemness of the parental sensitive cells. Linc-DYNC2H1-4 upregulated ZEB1, the EMT key player, which led to upregulation and downregulation of its targets vimentin and E-cadherin respectively, as well as enhanced the expressions of CSC makers Lin28, Nanog, Sox2 and Oct4. Linc-DYNC2H1-4 is mainly located in the cytosol. Mechanically, it could sponge miR-145 that targets ZEB1, Lin28, Nanog, Sox2, Oct4 to restore these EMT and CSC-associated genes expressions. We proved that MMP3, the nearby gene of linc-DYNC2H1-4 in the sense strand, was also a target of miR-145. Downregulation of MMP3 by miR-145 was reverted by linc-DYNC2H1-4, indicating that competing with miR-145 is one of the mechanisms for linc-DYNC2H1-4 to regulate MMP3. In summary, our results explore the important role of linc-DYNC2H1-4 in the acquisition of EMT and CSC, and the impact it has on gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells.
RIP3 attenuates the pancreatic damage induced by deletion of ATG7
Authors: Zhou Xiaodong , Xie Li , Xia Leizhou , Bergmann Frank , Büchler Markus W , Kroemer Guido , Hackert Thilo , Fortunato Franco
Published: July 2017

Invalidation of pancreatic autophagy entails pancreatic atrophy, endocrine and exocrine insufficiency and pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether depletion of Rip3, which is involved in necroptotic signaling, may attenuate the pancreatic atrophy and pancreatitis resulting from autophagy inhibition. Autophagy and necroptosis signaling were evaluated in mice lacking expression of Rip3 in all organs and Atg7 in the pancreas. Acinar cell death, inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated by using of a compendium of immunofluorescence methods and immunoblots. Mice deficient for pancreatic Atg7 developed acute pancreatitis, which progressed to chronic pancreatitis. This phenotype reduces autophagy, increase apoptosis and necroptosis, inflammation and fibrosis, as well as premature death of the animals. Knockout of Rip3 exacerbated the apoptotic death of acinar cells, increased tissue damage, reduced macrophage infiltration and further accelerated the death of the mice with Atg7-deficient pancreas. The pancreatic degeneration induced by autophagy inhibition was exacerbated by Rip3 deletion.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a prototypic chemopreventative agent for protection against cisplatin-based ototoxicity
Authors: Borse Vikrant , Al Aameri Raheem F H , Sheehan Kelly , Sheth Sandeep , Kaur Tejbeer , Mukherjea Debashree , Tupal Srinivasan , Lowy Michelle , Ghosh Sumana , Dhukhwa Asmita , Bhatta Puspanjali , Rybak Leonard P , Ramkumar Vickram
Published: July 2017

Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is one of the major factors limiting cisplatin chemotherapy. Ototoxicity results from damage to outer hair cells (OHCs) and other regions of the cochlea. At the cellular level, cisplatin increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to cochlear inflammation and apoptosis. Thus, ideal otoprotective drugs should target oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms without interfering with cisplatin's chemotherapeutic efficacy. In this study, we show that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a prototypic agent exhibiting these properties of an effect otoprotective agent. Rats administered oral EGCG demonstrate reduced cisplatin-induced hearing loss, reduced loss of OHCs in the basal region of the cochlea and reduced oxidative stress and apoptotic markers. EGCG also protected against the loss of ribbon synapses associated with inner hair cells and Na+/K+ ATPase α1 in the stria vascularis and spiral ligament. In vitro studies showed that EGCG reduced cisplatin-induced ROS generation and ERK1/2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) activity, but preserved the activity of STAT3 and Bcl-xL. The increase in STAT3/STAT1 ratio appears critical for mediating its otoprotection. EGCG did not alter cisplatin-induced apoptosis of human-derived cancer cells or cisplatin antitumor efficacy in a xenograft tumor model in mice because of its inability to rescue the downregulation of STAT3 in these cells. These data suggest that EGCG is an ideal otoprotective agent for treating cisplatin-induced hearing loss without compromising its antitumor efficacy.
Impaired autophagosome clearance contributes to neuronal death in a piglet model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Cui Derong , Sun Dawei , Wang Xintao , Yi Liye , Kulikowicz Ewa , Reyes Michael , Zhu Junchao , Yang Zeng-Jin , Jiang Wei , Koehler Raymond C
Published: July 2017

To examine the temporal relationship of cortical autophagic flux with delayed neuronal cell death after hypoxia-ischemia (HI) in neonatal piglets. HI was produced with 45-min hypoxia and 7-min airway occlusion in 3–5-day-old piglets. Markers of autophagic, lysosomal and cell death signaling were studied via immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and histochemistry in piglet brains. In vitro, autophagy was impaired in cultured mouse cortical neurons treated with chloroquine with or without rapamycin for 1 d in the presence of Z-VAD-fmk, cyclosporine A, or vehicle control, and cell viability was assessed with the MTT assay. In vivo, neuronal cell death of sensorimotor cortex was delayed by 1–2 days after HI, whereas LC3-II, Beclin-1, PI3KC3, ATG12-ATG-5, and p-ULK1 increased by 1.5–6 h. Autophagosomes accumulated in cortical neurons by 1 d owing to enhanced autophagy and later to decreased autophagosome clearance, as indicated by LC3, Beclin-1, and p62 accumulation. Autophagy flux impairment was attributable to lysosomal dysfunction, as indicated by low lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2, cathepsin B, and cathepsin D levels at 1 d. Ubiquitin levels increased at 1 d. Autophagosome and p62 accumulated predominantly in neurons at 1 d, with p62 puncta occurring in affected cells. Beclin-1 colocalized with markers of caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptosis and necrosis in neurons. In vitro, mouse neonatal cortical neurons treated with rapamycin and chloroquine showed increased autophagosomes, but not autolysosomes, and increased cell death that was attenuated by cyclosporine A. Neonatal HI initially increases autophagy but later impairs autophagosome clearance, coinciding with delayed cortical neuronal death.
lncRNA MIAT functions as a competing endogenous RNA to upregulate DAPK2 by sponging miR-22-3p in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Zhang Wei , Jin Mengchao , Chen Jianchang , Xu Weiting , Kong Xiangqing
Published: July 2017

We previously established a rat model of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and found that the expression of long non-coding RNA myocardial infarction–associated transcript (MIAT) was significantly upregulated. The present study was aimed to determine the pathologic role of MIAT in the development of DCM. MIAT knockdown was found to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improve left ventricular function in diabetic rats. High glucose could increase MIAT expression and induce apoptosis in cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes. The results of luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay revealed that MIAT was targeted by miR-22-3p in an AGO2-dependent manner. In addition, the 3′-untranslated region of DAPK2 was fused to the luciferase coding region and transfected into HEK293 cells with miR-22-3p mimic, and the results showed that DAPK2 was a direct target of miR-22-3p. Our findings also indicated that MIAT overexpression could counteract the inhibitory effect of miR-22-3p on DAPK2. Moreover, MIAT knockdown was found to reduce DAPK2 expression and inhibit apoptosis in cardiomyocytes exposed to high glucose. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that MIAT may function as a competing endogenous RNA to upregulate DAPK2 expression by sponging miR-22-3p, which consequently leads to cardiomyocyte apoptosis involved in the pathogenesis of DCM.
Edaravone suppresses retinal ganglion cell death in a mouse model of normal tension glaucoma
Authors: Akaiwa Kei , Namekata Kazuhiko , Azuchi Yuriko , Guo Xiaoli , Kimura Atsuko , Harada Chikako , Mitamura Yoshinori , Harada Takayuki
Published: July 2017

Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, is characterized by progressive degeneration of optic nerves and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In the mammalian retina, excitatory amino-acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) is expressed in neural cells, including RGCs. Loss of EAAC1 leads to RGC degeneration without elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and exhibits glaucomatous pathology including glutamate neurotoxicity and oxidative stress. In the present study, we found that edaravone, a free radical scavenger that is used for treatment of acute brain infarction and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), reduces oxidative stress and prevents RGC death and thinning of the inner retinal layer in EAAC1-deficient (KO) mice. In addition, in vivo electrophysiological analyses demonstrated that visual impairment in EAAC1 KO mice was ameliorated with edaravone treatment, clearly establishing that edaravone beneficially affects both histological and functional aspects of the glaucomatous retina. Our findings raise intriguing possibilities for the management of glaucoma by utilizing a widely prescribed drug for the treatment of acute brain infarction and ALS, edaravone, in combination with conventional treatments to lower IOP.
The type VI secretion system sheath assembles at the end distal from the membrane anchor
Authors: Vettiger Andrea , Winter Julius , Lin Lin , Basler Marek
Published: July 2017

The bacterial Type VI secretion system (T6SS) delivers proteins into target cells using fast contraction of a long sheath anchored to the cell envelope and wrapped around an inner Hcp tube associated with the secreted proteins. Mechanisms of sheath assembly and length regulation are unclear. Here we study these processes using spheroplasts formed from ampicillin-treated Vibrio cholerae. We show that spheroplasts secrete Hcp and deliver T6SS substrates into neighbouring cells. Imaging of sheath dynamics shows that the sheath length correlates with the diameter of spheroplasts and may reach up to several micrometres. Analysis of sheath assembly after partial photobleaching shows that subunits are exclusively added to the sheath at the end that is distal from the baseplate and cell envelope attachment. We suggest that this mode of assembly is likely common for all phage-like contractile nanomachines, because of the conservation of the structures and connectivity of sheath subunits.
Precise inhibitory microcircuit assembly of developmentally related neocortical interneurons in clusters
Authors: Zhang Xin-Jun , Li Zhizhong , Han Zhi , Sultan Khadeejah T. , Huang Kun , Shi Song-Hai
Published: July 2017

GABA-ergic interneurons provide diverse inhibitions that are essential for the operation of neuronal circuits in the neocortex. However, the mechanisms that control the functional organization of neocortical interneurons remain largely unknown. Here we show that developmental origins influence fine-scale synapse formation and microcircuit assembly of neocortical interneurons. Spatially clustered neocortical interneurons originating from low-titre retrovirus-infected radial glial progenitors in the embryonic medial ganglionic eminence and preoptic area preferentially develop electrical, but not chemical, synapses with each other. This lineage-related electrical coupling forms predominantly between the same interneuron subtype over an extended postnatal period and across a range of distances, and promotes action potential generation and synchronous firing. Interestingly, this selective electrical coupling relates to a coordinated inhibitory chemical synapse formation between sparsely labelled interneurons in clusters and the same nearby excitatory neurons. These results suggest a link between the lineage relationship of neocortical interneurons and their precise functional organization.