bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac output during exercise is related to plasma atrial natriuretic peptide but not to central venous pressure in humans
Authors: Yoshiga Chie , Dawson Ellen Adele , Volianitis Stefanos , Warberg Jørgen , Secher Niels H.
Published: January 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is cardiac output during exercise dependent on central venous pressure?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The increase in cardiac output during both rowing and running is related to preload to the heart, as indicated by plasma atrial natriuretic peptide, but unrelated to central venous pressure. The results indicate that in upright humans, central venous pressure reflects the gravitational influence on central venous blood rather than preload to the heart.

We evaluated the increase in cardiac output (CO) during exercise in relationship to central venous pressure (CVP) and plasma arterial natriuretic peptide (ANP) as expressions of preload to the heart. Seven healthy subjects (four men; mean ± SD: age 26 ± 3 years, height 181± 8 cm and weight 76 ± 11 kg;) rested in sitting and standing positions (in randomized order) and then rowed and ran at submaximal workloads. The CVP was recorded, CO (Modelflow) calculated and arterial plasma ANP determined by radioimmunoassay. While sitting, (mean ± SD) CO was 6.2 ± 1.6 l min−1, plasma ANP 70 ± 10 pg ml−1 and CVP 1.8 ± 1.1 mmHg, and when standing decreased to 5.9 ± 1.0 l min−1, 63 ± 10 pg ml−1 and −3.8 ± 1.2 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.05). Ergometer rowing elicited an increase in CO to 22.5 ± 5.5 l min−1 as plasma ANP increased to 156 ± 11 pg ml−1 and CVP to 3.8 ± 0.9 mmHg (P < 0.05). Likewise, CO increased to 23.5 ± 6.0 l min−1 during running, albeit with a smaller (P < 0.05) increase in plasma ANP, but with little change in CVP (−0.9 ± 0.4 mmHg). The increase in CO in response to exercise is related to preload to the heart, as indicated by plasma ANP, but unrelated to CVP. The results indicate that in upright humans, CVP reflects the gravitational influence on central venous blood rather than preload to the heart.
Análisis de 1Clem 19,2.20,1-10: conexiones y diferencias
Authors: Pardo Felipe
Published: January 2019

El presente artículo revisa la cosmología de la Prima Clementis en 19,2.20,1-10, y la ubica en relación con aspectos de la cosmología de Aristóteles y de la Septuaginta. Dicho análisis cosmológico se centra en los conceptos de movimiento, causa del movimiento, estructura del universo y relación del mundo con la divinidad. Las razones que permiten el contacto de las tres cosmologías son, por una parte, la cercanía cronológica del autor de la Prima Clementis con Quintiliano, y por otra, la favorable recepción de la Septuaginta del autor de la Prima Clementis.
Cristianismo pós-moderno: midrash do tempo messiânico segundo a teologia de Carlos Mendoza Álvarez
Authors: Caldeiraa Cleusa
Published: January 2019

Partindo do pensamento de Carlos Mendoza Álvarez, descreve-se os traços constitutivos do cristianismo pós-moderno como um autêntico midrash da temporalidade messiânica. Pretendese responder a crucial pergunta: Como viver a esperança messiânica em meio à crescente espiral de violência que caracteriza os tempos pós-modernos? Trata-se de pensar a experiência cristã de Deus sob o signo irreversível da subjetividade autônoma e o fim da metafísica clássica, para pôr em relevo a pertinência e a significação do cristianismo no contexto da pós-modernidade. A questão da esperança enlaça-se à pergunta pelas “representações do divino” e da “vida teologal” credíveis sob a cultura do fragmento.
Lower-Extremity Energy Absorption During Side-Step Maneuvers in Females With Knee Valgus Alignment
Authors: Tamura Akihiro , Akasaka Kiyokazu , Otsudo Takahiro
Published: January 2019

Context: Excessive knee valgus on landing can cause anterior cruciate ligament injury. Therefore, knee valgus alignment may show characteristic energy absorption patterns during landings with lateral movement that impose greater impact forces on the knee joint compared with landings in other alignments. Objective: To investigate the energy absorption strategy in lower-extremities during side steps in females with knee valgus alignment. Design: Controlled laboratory study. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: A total of 34 female college students participated in this experiment. Interventions: Participants performed single-leg drop vertical jump and side steps. All participants were divided into valgus (n = 13), neutral (n = 9), and varus (n = 12) groups according to knee position during landing in single-leg drop vertical jumps. Main Outcome Measures: Lower-extremity joint angles, moments, and negative works were calculated during landing in side steps, and 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests were used to determine between-group differences. Results: Negative works of hip extensors, knee abductors, and ankle plantar flexors during landing in side steps were significantly smaller in the valgus than in the varus group; however, negative work of the knee extensors was significantly greater in the valgus group than in varus group. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that landing with knee valgus induced the characteristic energy absorption strategy in the lower-extremity. Knee extensors contributed more to energy absorption when landing in knee valgus than in knee varus alignment. Learning to land in knee varus alignment might reduce the impact on the knee joint by increasing the energy absorption capacities of hip extensors, knee abductors, and ankle plantar flexors.
New Tracking System of Human Scapula Using Ultrasonography and Motion Sensors: A Descriptive Test–Retest Design
Authors: Trinidad-Fernández Manuel , González-Sánchez Manuel , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio I.
Published: January 2019

Context: Several studies have shown that the kinematics of the scapula is altered in many disorders that affect the shoulder. Description of scapular motion in the chest continues to be a scientific and clinical challenge. Objective: To check the validity and reliability of a new, minimally invasive method of tracking the internal and external rotation of the scapula using ultrasound imaging combined with the signal provided by a 3-dimensional electromagnetic sensor. Design: A cross-sectional study with a repeated-measures descriptive test–retest design was employed to evaluate this new tracking method. The new method was validated in vitro and the reliability of data over repeated measures between scapula positions was calculated in vivo. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: A total of 30 healthy men and women. Main Outcome Measure: The validation of the scapula rotation tracking using the in vitro model was calculated by Pearson correlation test between a 2-dimensional cross-correlation algorithm of the new method and another software image. The reliability of the tracking of the scapula rotation was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: In the validation in vitro, the correlation of rotations obtained by the 2 methods was good (r = .77, P = .01). The reliability in vivo had excellent results (intraclass correlation coefficient = .88; 95% confidence interval, .82–.93) in the test–retest analysis of 8 measures. The intrarater analysis of variance test showed no significant differences between the measures (P = .85, F = 0.46). Conclusion: Ultrasound imaging combined with a motion sensor to track the scapula has been shown to be a reliable and valid method for measuring internal and external rotation during separation of the upper limb.
Dynamic Leap and Balance Test: Ability to Discriminate Balance Deficits in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Jaffri Abbis H. , Newman Thomas M. , Smith Brent I. , Vairo Giampietro L. , Denegar Craig R. , Buckley William E. , Miller Sayers J.
Published: January 2019

Context: The Dynamic Leap Balance Test (DLBT) is a new dynamic balance task that requires serial changes in base of support with alternating limb support and recovery of dynamic stability, as compared with the Y modification of the Star Excursion Balance Test (Y-SEBT), which assesses dynamic stability over an unchanging base of support. Objectives: To assess the dynamic balance performance in 2 different types of dynamic balance tasks, the DLBT and the SEBT, in subjects with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI) when compared with matched controls. The authors hypothesized that the DLBT score would significantly differ between the CAI involved and uninvolved limbs (contralateral and healthy matched) and demonstrate a modest (r = .50) association with the SEBT scores. Design: Case-control. Setting: Controlled laboratory. Participants: A total of 36 physically active adults, 18 with history of unilateral CAI and 18 without history of ankle injury, were enrolled in the study. CAI subjects were identified using the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability questionnaire. Interventions: The DLBT and the SEBT were performed in a randomized order on a randomly selected limb in CAI and healthy subjects. Main Outcome Measures: Time taken to complete the DLBT and the reach distances performed on the SEBT were compared between the CAI and the healthy subjects. Results: There were no statistically significant differences (P < .05) in SEBT reach distances between groups. The DLBT time was greater (P < .01) for unstable ankles compared with the stable ankle. The authors found no correlation (P > .05) between DLBT time and any of the SEBT reach distances suggesting that the DLBT provides unique information in the assessment of patients with CAI. Conclusion: The DLBT challenges the ability to maintain postural control in CAI subjects differently than the SEBT. There is a need of more dynamic balance assessment tools that are functional and clinically relevant.
Typical physics Ph.D. admissions criteria limit access to underrepresented groups but fail to predict doctoral completion
Authors: Miller Casey W. , Zwickl Benjamin M. , Posselt Julie R. , Silvestrini Rachel T. , Hodapp Theodore
Published: January 2019

Graduate admissions tests cannot identify the students most likely to complete a Ph.D. in physics.
Phenylacetonitrile in locusts facilitates an antipredator defense by acting as an olfactory aposematic signal and cyanide precursor
Authors: Wei Jianing , Shao Wenbo , Cao Minmin , Ge Jin , Yang Pengcheng , Chen Li , Wang Xianhui , Kang Le
Published: January 2019

Phenylacetonitrile acts as an aposematic signal and toxin precursor against predation in locusts.
Toll-Like Receptor 3–TRIF Pathway Activation by
Neospora caninum
RNA Enhances Infection Control in Mice
Authors: Miranda Vanessa dos Santos , França Flávia Batista Ferreira , da Costa Mylla Spirandelli , Silva Vanessa Resende Souza , Mota Caroline Martins , Barros Patrício da Silva Cardoso , Parreira Kleber Simônio , Santiago Fernanda Maria , Mineo Jose Roberto , Mineo Tiago Wilson Patriarca
Published: January 2019

Neospora caninum
is a protozoan parasite closely related to
Toxoplasma gondii
and has been studied for causing neuromuscular disease in dogs and abortions in cattle. It is recognized as one of the main transmissible causes of reproductive failure in cattle and consequent economic losses to the sector.
The GGDEF Domain of the Phosphodiesterase PdeB in
Shewanella putrefaciens
Mediates Recruitment by the Polar Landmark Protein HubP
Authors: Rossmann Florian M. , Rick Tim , Mrusek Devid , Sprankel Lasse , Dörrich Anja K. , Leonhard Tabea , Bubendorfer Sebastian , Kaever Volkhard , Bange Gert , Thormann Kai M.
Published: January 2019

c-di-GMP-dependent signaling affects a range of processes in many bacterial species. Most bacteria harbor a plethora of proteins with domains which are potentially involved in synthesis and breakdown of c-di-GMP. A potential mechanism to elicit an appropriate c-di-GMP-dependent response is to organize the corresponding proteins in a spatiotemporal fashion. Here, we show that a major contributor to c-di-GMP levels and flagellum-mediated swimming in
Shewanella
, PdeB, is recruited to the flagellated cell pole by the polar marker protein HubP. Polar recruitment involves a direct interaction between HubP and a GGDEF domain in PdeB, demonstrating a novel mechanism of polar targeting by the widely conserved HubP/FimV polar marker.
Determination of the Global Pattern of Gene Expression in Yeast Cells by Intracellular Levels of Guanine Nucleotides
Authors: Hesketh Andy , Vergnano Marta , Oliver Stephen G.
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates whether, independently of the supply of any specific nutrient, gene transcription responds to the energy status of the cell by monitoring ATP and GTP levels. Short pathways for the inducible and futile consumption of ATP or GTP were engineered into the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, and the effect of an increased demand for these purine nucleotides on gene transcription was analyzed. The resulting changes in transcription were most consistently associated with changes in GTP and GEC levels, although the reprogramming in gene expression during glucose repression is sensitive to adenine nucleotide levels. The results show that GTP levels play a central role in determining how genes act to respond to changes in energy supply and that any comprehensive understanding of the control of eukaryotic gene expression requires the elucidation of how changes in guanine nucleotide abundance are sensed and transduced to alter the global pattern of transcription.
Going Viral: a Novel Role for Bacteriophage in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Handley Scott A. , Devkota Suzanne
Published: January 2019

Microbiome-based signatures of disease have focused primarily on the bacterial component of the microbiome for numerous reasons, including ease of sample preparation and depth of the curated bacterial database. However, even more numerous than bacteria are the bacteriophages of the viral portion of the microbiome, which have emerged with identifiable disease signatures in other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases.
One Health Genomic Surveillance of Escherichia coli Demonstrates Distinct Lineages and Mobile Genetic Elements in Isolates from Humans versus Livestock
Authors: Ludden Catherine , Raven Kathy E. , Jamrozy Dorota , Gouliouris Theodore , Blane Beth , Coll Francesc , de Goffau Marcus , Naydenova Plamena , Horner Carolyne , Hernandez-Garcia Juan , Wood Paul , Hadjirin Nazreen , Radakovic Milorad , Brown Nicholas M. , Holmes Mark , Parkhill Julian , Peacock Sharon J.
Published: January 2019

The increasing prevalence of
E. coli
bloodstream infections is a serious public health problem. We used genomic epidemiology in a One Health study conducted in the East of England to examine putative sources of
E. coli
associated with serious human disease.
E. coli
from 1,517 patients with bloodstream infections were compared with 431 isolates from livestock farms and meat. Livestock-associated and bloodstream isolates were genetically distinct populations based on core genome and accessory genome analyses. Identical antimicrobial resistance genes were found in livestock and human isolates, but there was limited overlap in the mobile elements carrying these genes. Within the limitations of sampling, our findings do not support the idea that
E. coli
causing invasive disease or their resistance genes are commonly acquired from livestock in our region.
Assessment and clinical relevance of the dynamic parameters of ventricular repolarization in patients with grade I left ventricular diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Blackman Antoinette Oliveira , Sobral Neto José , Lima Melchior Luiz , Rodrigues Tânia Maria Andrade , Gomes Otoni Moreira
Published: January 2019

Imbalance in ventricular repolarization parameters are related to increased risk of severe arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. There is limited research regarding markers to detect patients at risk in this early stage. We aimed to assess the influence of grade I left ventricular diastolic dysfunction on repolarization parameters in asymptomatic patients. Ambulatory patients with grade I left ventricular diastolic dysfunction were studied and compared with a control group. We assessed the QT dispersion circadian variation, heart rate variability in the time and frequency domains, and dynamics of QT using a 12-lead Holter. In the diastolic dysfunction group, 8 (30%) patients had QT dispersion > 80 ms. One (3.8%) patient presented premature ventricular complex > 10/h. The comparison between the 2 groups showed that the difference between the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals and low frequency power in both groups was statistically significant. We therefore conclude that increased parameters of ventricular repolarization and depressed heart rate variability reflect an imbalance in autonomic responses in patients with grade I left ventricular diastolic dysfunction without cardiovascular symptoms, enabling the identification of patients that are at a higher risk for cardiovascular events.
SELECTING CORPORATE FIRMS FOR COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION: ENTREPRENEURIAL DECISION MAKING IN ASYMMETRIC PARTNERSHIPS
Authors: ALLMENDINGER MARTIN P. , BERGER ELISABETH S. C.
Published: January 2019

Large companies increasingly look for collaborations with new ventures to accelerate their innovation process, and researchers stress the potential of such partnerships to develop innovations. But when are entrepreneurs willing to engage in a partnership with a larger player? We seek to understand when founders of new ventures are willing to engage in such asymmetric partnerships through consideration of the characteristics of the entrepreneurial decision maker and the perceived attributes of the larger counterpart. The results of a conjoint experiment with 115 startup entrepreneurs suggest that among the partner selection criteria a high level of openness on the part of the large corporate company and concise contractual design signal trustworthiness to entrepreneurs, which has a positive impact on their willingness to engage in collaborative innovation. Our study also suggests that entrepreneurs’ self-efficacy reduces the willingness to partner and the positive impact of concise contractual designs. The results have implications for the self-concept and design of innovation and partner management of large firms, and for entrepreneurs who consider asymmetric partnerships a growth opportunity.
Soil Functions: Connecting Earth's Critical Zone
Authors: Banwart Steven A. , Nikolaidis Nikolaos P. , Zhu Yong-Guan , Peacock Caroline L. , Sparks Donald L.
Published: January 2019

Soil is the central interface of Earth's critical zone—the planetary surface layer extending from unaltered bedrock to the vegetation canopy—and is under intense pressure from human demand for biomass, water, and food resources. Soil functions are flows and transformations of mass, energy, and genetic information that connect soil to the wider critical zone, transmitting the impacts of human activity at the land surface and providing a control point for beneficial human intervention. Soil functions are manifest during bedrock weathering and, in fully developed soil profiles, correlate with the porosity architecture of soil structure and arise from the development of soil aggregates as fundamental ecological units. Advances in knowledge on the mechanistic processes of soil functions, their connection throughout the critical zone, and their quantitative representation in mathematical and computational models define research frontiers that address the major global challenges of critical zone resource provisioning for human benefit. ▪ Connecting the mechanisms of soil functions with critical zone processes defines integrating science to tackle challenges of climate change and food and water supply. ▪ Soil functions, which develop through formation of soil aggregates as fundamental eco-logical units, are manifest at the earliest stages of critical zone evolution. ▪ Global degradation of soil functions during the Anthropocene is reversible through positive human intervention in soil as a central control point in Earth's critical zone. ▪ Measurement and mathematical translation of soil functions and critical zone processes offer new computational approaches for basic and applied geosciences research.
Combined Fluoxetine and Metformin Treatment Potentiates Antidepressant Efficacy Increasing IGF2 Expression in the Dorsal Hippocampus
Authors: Poggini Silvia , Golia Maria Teresa , Alboni Silvia , Milior Giampaolo , Sciarria Livio Pepè , Viglione Aurelia , Matte Bon Gloria , Brunello Nicoletta , Puglisi-Allegra Stefano , Limatola Cristina , Maggi Laura , Branchi Igor
Published: January 2019

An increasing number of studies show that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) exert their therapeutic action, at least in part, by amplifying the influence of the living environment on mood. As a consequence, when administered in a favorable environment, SSRIs lead to a reduction of symptoms, but in stressful conditions, they show limited efficacy. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches able to neutralize the influence of the stressful environment on treatment are needed. The aim of our study was to test whether, in a mouse model of depression, the combined administration of SSRI fluoxetine and metformin, a drug able to improve the metabolic profile, counteracts the limited efficacy of fluoxetine alone when administered in stressful conditions. Indeed, metabolic alterations are associated to both the onset of major depression and the antidepressant efficacy. To this goal, adult C57BL/6 male mice were exposed to stress for 6 weeks; the first two weeks was aimed at generating a mouse model of depression. During the remaining 4 weeks, mice received one of the following treatments: vehicle, fluoxetine, metformin, or a combination of fluoxetine and metformin. We measured liking- and wanting-type anhedonia as behavioral phenotypes of depression and assessed the expression levels of selected genes involved in major depressive disorder and antidepressant response in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, which are differently involved in the depressive symptomatology. The combined treatment was more effective than fluoxetine alone in ameliorating the depressive phenotype after one week of treatment. This was associated to an increase in IGF2 mRNA expression and enhanced long-term potentiation, specifically in the dorsal hippocampus, at the end of treatment. Overall, the present results show that, when administered in stressful conditions, the combined fluoxetine and metformin treatment may represent a more effective approach than fluoxetine alone in a short term. Finally, our findings highlight the relevance of polypharmacological strategy as effective interventions to increase the efficacy of the antidepressant drugs currently available.
Examining the Effect of Alignment of the Rotor of the Emissions Exhaust Fan on Its Operating Parameters
Authors: Vojtko Imrich , Baron Petr , Pollák Martin , Kaščak Jakub
Published: January 2019

The paper describes research examining the trends in balancing rotary machines and the application of the sequence of steps in execution of the operational balancing of an impeller of the industrial furnace emissions fan. The balancing process is based on the correction of the weight distribution of the body with the given axis of rotation. In trial operation, vibrations (with the measurement of the oscillation phase) were measured on both emission fan rotor bearings. Since the measured vibration value was higher than recommended, it was necessary to take steps to balance the fan’s impeller. The first step of the operational balancing is to identify the initial vibration vector relative to the reference mark, arbitrarily located on the rotating wheel of the fan. In trial operation, the balancing weight mass was changed in the selected balancing level, resulting in the change of the vibration vector compared to the initial state. The size and the angular position of the balancing weight were determined from the vibration values measured. 15 months into operation after the impeller was balanced, the diagnosis of its current technical condition was performed. Total vibrations of the device were measured in the low- and high-frequency range, at four measuring points on the rotor and the drive engine. The measurement confirmed a satisfactory technical condition of the engine and the fan equipment. The effect of balancing has also been demonstrated in the case observed. Reduced bearing wear, elimination of recurrent defects, foundation damage, etc., have been observed.
Interaction of CD200 Overexpression on Tumor Cells with CD200R1 Overexpression on Stromal Cells: An Escape from the Host Immune Response in Rectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Bisgin Atil , Meng Wen-Jian , Adell Gunnar , Sun Xiao-Feng
Published: January 2019

CD200 imparts an immunoregulatory signal through its receptor, CD200R1, leading to the suppression of tumor specific immunity. The mechanism of CD200:CD200R1 signaling pathway is still uncertain. Our aim was to investigate the expression and localization of CD200 and its receptor CD200R1 and their clinical significance in rectal cancer patients. We examined the immunohistochemical expressions and localizations of CD200 and CD200R1 in 140 rectal cancer patients. Among the patients, 79 underwent the preoperative radiotherapy and the others were untreated prior to the surgery. In addition, 121 matched normal rectal mucosa samples were evaluated. The results of immunohistochemical analysis showed a strikingly high level of CD200 in tumor cells (p=0.001) and CD200R1 expression in normal mucosal epithelium and stromal cells. Importantly, CD200R1 was overexpressed in stromal cells of the metastatic cancer patients compared to patients without metastases (p=0.002). More than that, 87% of metastatic patients had a phenotype of upregulated CD200 in tumor cells accompanied by overexpressed CD200R1 in stromal cells. In addition, low levels of CD200 were correlated with improved overall survival in untreated patients. We showed that tumor-stroma communication through CD200 and its receptor interaction is selected in patients with high risk of relapse. High levels of these molecules support instigation of the far and local metastatic nest that provides solid ground for metastasis. Our current data also disclose a mechanism by which CD200:CD200R1 affects tumor progression and may strengthen the feasibility of targeting CD200 or CD200R1 as anticancer strategy.
Thioredoxin Reductase-1 Inhibition Augments Endogenous Glutathione-Dependent Antioxidant Responses in Experimental Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Wall Stephanie B. , Wood Rachael , Dunigan Katelyn , Li Qian , Li Rui , Rogers Lynette K. , Tipple Trent E.
Published: January 2019

Background. Aurothioglucose- (ATG-) mediated inhibition of thioredoxin reductase-1 (TXNRD1) improves alveolarization in experimental murine bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Glutathione (GSH) mediates susceptibility to neonatal and adult oxidative lung injury. We have previously shown that ATG attenuates hyperoxic lung injury and enhances glutathione- (GSH-) dependent antioxidant defenses in adult mice. Hypothesis. The present studies evaluated the effects of TXNRD1 inhibition on GSH-dependent antioxidant defenses in newborn mice in vivo and lung epithelia in vitro. Methods. Newborn mice received intraperitoneal ATG or saline prior to room air or 85% hyperoxia exposure. Glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) catalytic (Gclc) and modifier (Gclm) mRNA levels, total GSH levels, total GSH peroxidase (GPx) activity, and Gpx2 expression were determined in lung homogenates. In vitro, murine transformed club cells (mtCCs) were treated with the TXNRD1 inhibitor auranofin (AFN) or vehicle in the presence or absence of the GCL inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Results. In vivo, ATG enhanced hyperoxia-induced increases in Gclc mRNA levels, total GSH contents, and GPx activity. In vitro, AFN increased Gclm mRNA levels, intracellular and extracellular GSH levels, and GPx activity. BSO prevented AFN-induced increases in GSH levels. Conclusions. Our data are consistent with a model in which TXNRD1 inhibition augments hyperoxia-induced GSH-dependent antioxidant responses in neonatal mice. Discrepancies between in vivo and in vitro results highlight the need for methodologies that permit accurate assessments of the GSH system at the single-cell level.
Selectivity of Dietary Phenolics for Inhibition of Human Monoamine Oxidases A and B
Authors: Zhang Zhenxian , Hamada Hiroki , Gerk Phillip M.
Published: January 2019

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) regulate local levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin and thus have been targeted by drugs for the treatment of certain CNS disorders. However, recent studies have shown that these enzymes are upregulated with age in nervous and cardiac tissues and may be involved in degeneration of these tissues, since their metabolic mechanism releases hydrogen peroxide leading to oxidative stress. Thus, targeting these enzymes may be a potential anti-aging strategy. The purpose of this study was to compare the MAO inhibition and selectivity of selected dietary phenolic compounds, using a previously validated assay that would avoid interference from the compounds. Kynuramine metabolism by human recombinant MAO-A and MAO-B leads to formation of 4-hydroxyquinoline, with Vmax values of 10.2±0.2 and 7.35±0.69 nmol/mg/min, respectively, and Km values of 23.1±0.8μM and 18.0±2.3μM, respectively. For oral dosing and interactions with the gastrointestinal tract, curcumin, guaiacol, isoeugenol, pterostilbene, resveratrol, and zingerone were tested at their highest expected luminal concentrations from an oral dose. Each of these significantly inhibited both enzymes except for zingerone, which only inhibited MAO-A. The IC50 values were determined, and selectivity indices (MAO-A/MAO-B IC50ratios) were calculated. Resveratrol and isoeugenol were selective for MAO-A, with IC50values of 0.313±0.008 and 3.72±0.20μM and selectivity indices of 50.5 and 27.4, respectively. Pterostilbene was selective for MAO-B, with IC50of 0.138±0.013μM and selectivity index of 0.0103. The inhibition of resveratrol (MAO-A) and pterostilbene (MAO-B) was consistent with competitive time-independent mechanisms. Resveratrol 4’-glucoside was the only compound which inhibited MAO-A, but itself, resveratrol 3-glucoside, and pterostilbene 4’-glucoside failed to inhibit MAO-B. Additional studies are needed to establish the effects of these compounds on MAO-A and/or MAO-B in humans.
Isoliquiritigenin Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis by Inhibiting mitoNEET in a Reactive Oxygen Species-Dependent Manner in A375 Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Chen Xiao-Yu , Ren Huan-Huan , Wang Dan , Chen Ying , Qu Chuan-Jun , Pan Zhao-Hai , Liu Xiao-Na , Hao Wen-Jin , Xu Wen-Juan , Wang Ke-Jun , Li De-Fang , Zheng Qiu-Sheng
Published: January 2019

The mitochondrial protein mitoNEET is a type of iron-sulfur protein localized to the outer membrane of mitochondria and is involved in a variety of human pathologies including cystic fibrosis, diabetes, muscle atrophy, and neurodegeneration. In the current study, we found that isoliquiritigenin (ISL), one of the components of the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., could decrease the expression of mitoNEET in A375 melanoma cells. We also demonstrated that mitoNEET could regulate the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), by showing that the ISL-mediated increase in the cellular ROS content could be mitigated by the mitoNEET overexpression. We also confirmed the important role of ROS in ISL-treated A375 cells. The increased apoptosis rate and the decreased mitochondrial membrane potential were mitigated by the overexpression of mitoNEET in A375 cells. These findings indicated that ISL could decrease the expression of mitoNEET, which regulated ROS content and subsequently induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in A375 cells. Our findings also highlight mitoNEET as a promising mitochondrial target for cancer therapy.
A Synthetic DNA, Multi-Neoantigen Vaccine Drives Predominately MHC Class I CD8+ T-cell Responses, Impacting Tumor Challenge
Authors: Duperret Elizabeth K. , Perales-Puchalt Alfredo , Stoltz Regina , G.H. Hiranjith , Mandloi Nitin , Barlow James , Chaudhuri Amitabha , Sardesai Niranjan Y. , Weiner David B.
Published: January 2019

T-cell recognition of cancer neoantigens is important for effective immune-checkpoint blockade therapy, and an increasing interest exists in developing personalized tumor neoantigen vaccines. Previous studies utilizing RNA and long-peptide neoantigen vaccines in preclinical and early-phase clinical studies have shown immune responses predominantly driven by MHC class II CD4+ T cells. Here, we report on a preclinical study utilizing a DNA vaccine platform to target tumor neoantigens. We showed that optimized strings of tumor neoantigens, when delivered by potent electroporation-mediated DNA delivery, were immunogenic and generated predominantly MHC class I–restricted, CD8+ T-cell responses. High MHC class I affinity was associated specifically with immunogenic CD8+ T-cell epitopes. These DNA neoantigen vaccines induced a therapeutic antitumor response in vivo, and neoantigen-specific T cells expanded from immunized mice directly killed tumor cells ex vivo. These data illustrate a unique advantage of this DNA platform to drive CD8+ T-cell immunity for neoantigen immunotherapy.
Retinal Topography in Two Species of Baleen Whale (Cetacea: Mysticeti)
Authors: Lisney Thomas J. , Collin Shaun P.
Published: January 2019

Little is known about the visual systems of large baleen whales (Mysticeti: Cetacea). In this study, we investigate eye morphology and the topographic distribution of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in two species of mysticete, Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanglia). Both species have large eyes characterised by a thickened cornea, a heavily thickened sclera, a highly vascularised fibro-adipose bundle surrounding the optic nerve at the back of the eye, and a reflective blue-green tapetum fibrosum. Using stereology and retinal whole mounts, we estimate a total of 274,268 and 161,371 RGCs in the Bryde’s whale and humpback whale retinas, respectively. Both species have a similar retinal topography, consisting of nasal and temporal areas of high RGC density, suggesting that having higher visual acuity in the anterior and latero-caudal visual fields is particularly important in these animals. The temporal area is larger in both species and contains the peak RGC densities (160 cells mm–2 in the humpback whale and 200 cells mm–2 in Bryde’s whale). In the Bryde’s whale retina, the two high-density areas are connected by a weak centro-ventral visual streak, but such a specialisation is not evident in the humpback whale. Measurements of RGC soma area reveal that although the RGCs in both species vary substantially in size, RGC soma area is inversely proportional to RGC density, with cells in the nasal and temporal high-density areas being relatively more homogeneous in size compared to the RGCs in the central retina and the dorsal and ventral retinal periphery. Some of the RGCs were very large, with soma areas of over 2,000 µm2. Using peak RGC density and eye axial diameter (Bryde’s whale: 63.5 mm; humpback whale: 48.5 mm), we estimated the peak anatomical spatial resolving power in water to be 4.8 cycles/degree and 3.3 cycles/degree in the Bryde’s whale and the humpback whale, respectively. Overall, our findings for these two species are very similar to those reported for other species of cetaceans. This indicates that, irrespective of the significant differences in body size and shape, behavioural ecology and feeding strategy between mysticetes and odontocetes (toothed whales), cetacean eyes are adapted to vision in dim light and adhere to a common “bauplan” that evolved prior to the divergence of the two cetacean parvorders (Odontoceti and Mysticeti) over 30 million years ago.
Limbic Encephalitis following Guillain-Barré Syndrome Associated with Mycoplasma Infection
Authors: Yoshino Miwa , Muneuchi Jun , Terashi Eiko , Yoshida Yu , Takahashi Yukitoshi , Kusunoki Susumu , Takahashi Yasuhiko
Published: January 2019

A 12-year-old girl was admitted to the authors’ hospital due to muscle weakness, gait disturbance, dysarthria, dysphagia, and diplopia. She experienced prodromal fever 10 days before admission. On examination, deep tendon reflex was absent in the extremities, and nerve conduction velocity was decreased in the ulnar nerve. She was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Despite steroid pulse therapy following administration of intravenous high-dose γ-globulin, clinical manifestations remained unchanged. Therefore, plasma exchange was performed on day 10 of the illness. The titer of serum Mycoplasma immunoglobulin M level was increased. Immunological testing was positive for serum anti-galactocerebroside C antibody. On day 18 of the illness, however, she developed generalized convulsion. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed high intensity in the medial temporal lobes, including the hippocampus and thalamus on T2-weighted intensity imaging, which was consistent with limbic encephalitis. Further immunological tests revealed positivity for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptor antibody in the cerebrospinal fluid. She was treated with additional plasma exchange; however, she exhibited residual manifestations including short-term memory disorder, emotional incontinence, and convulsions. This article describes a notable case of limbic encephalitis following GBS associated with prodromal Mycoplasma infection. It is interesting that autoimmune encephalopathy is concomitant with autoimmune polyneuropathy subsequent to Mycoplasma infection.
PREVALENCE OF mcr-1 COLISTIN RESISTANT GENE IN Escherichia coli ALONG THE BROILER MEAT SUPPLY CHAIN IN INDONESIA
Authors: Palupi Maria Fatima , Wibawan I Wayan Teguh , Sudarnika Etih , Maheshwari Hera , Darusman Huda Shalahudin
Published: January 2019

Colistin is the last drug choice for dealing with the carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria; hence, this drug is very crucial to human health. The discovery of a plasmid-mediated colistin-resistant gene, the mobilized colistin resistance-1 (mcr-1), signals a significant global health threat. Colistin sulfate is an antimicrobial agent which has been approved for use in broilers in Indonesia. Thus, this study aimed to measure the prevalence of colistin-resistant E. coli and to detect the mcr-1 colistin-resistant gene in E. coli, and E. coli O157:H7 in the entire supply chain of broilers in Bogor Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. Samples were taken from 47 flocks that used colistin sulfate (47 samples of cloacal swabs, 47 samples of drinking water, and 47 samples of litters), seventy fresh meat samples and seven samples plucker swabs from seven small-scale poultry slaughterhouses, seventy fresh meat samples from seven traditional markets, and seventy cooked meat samples from seven small restaurants. The isolation of E. coli was done on each of the 358 samples, and 493 isolates were obtained. All the E. coli isolates were then tested for their susceptibility to colistin sulfate by using the agar dilution method. The detection of the mcr-1 gene from the colistin-resistant isolates (minimum inhibitory concentration > 2 Âµg/mL) was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence value of colistin-resistant E. coli in all the isolates was at 11.76% (CI 95%; CL 9.21â€“14.91%), and the prevalence of mcr-1 gene was at 10.55% CI 95%; CL 8.13â€“13.57%). Â A very good agreement correlation existed between the colistin-resistant phenotype and the mcr-1 gene (Ä¸ = 0.939). The mcr-1 gene was found in 89.66% colistin-resistant E. coli isolates. The two colistin-resistant and mcr-1 carrying gene isolates were identified as E. coli O157:H7 serotype. This research was the first study attempt on the mcr-1 gene in Indonesia, covering the entire supply chain of broiler meat from farms to consumers. The results indicated the necessity to reduce the use of colistin sulfate in broiler management and to improve biosecurity measures, not only in farms but also in the entire supply chain of broiler meat production.
Clinical Characteristics and Electrophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Brugada ECG in Patients With Severe Hyperkalemia
Authors: Rivera‐Juárez Allan , Hernández‐Romero Ismael , Puertas Carolina , Zhang‐Wang Serena , Sánchez‐Álamo Beatriz , Martins Raphael , Figuera Carlos , Guillem María S. , Climent Andreu M. , Fernández‐Avilés Francisco , Tejedor Alberto , Jalife José , Atienza Felipe
Published: January 2019

Background

Several metabolic conditions can cause the Brugada ECG pattern, also called Brugada phenotype (BrPh). We aimed to define the clinical characteristics and outcome of BrPh patients and elucidate the mechanisms underlying BrPh attributed to hyperkalemia.

Methods and Results

We prospectively identified patients hospitalized with severe hyperkalemia and ECG diagnosis of BrPh and compared their clinical characteristics and outcome with patients with hyperkalemia but no BrPh ECG. Computer simulations investigated the roles of extracellular potassium increase, fibrosis at the right ventricular outflow tract, and epicardial/endocardial gradients in transient outward current. Over a 6‐year period, 15 patients presented severe hyperkalemia with BrPh ECG that was transient and disappeared after normalization of their serum potassium. Most patients were admitted because of various severe medical conditions causing hyperkalemia. Six (40%) patients presented malignant arrhythmias and 6 died during admission. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that higher serum potassium levels (odds ratio, 15.8; 95% CI, 3.1–79;
P
=0.001) and male sex (odds ratio, 17; 95% CI, 1.05–286;
P
=0.045) were risk factors for developing BrPh ECG in patients with severe hyperkalemia. In simulations, hyperkalemia yielded BrPh by promoting delayed and heterogeneous right ventricular outflow tract activation attributed to elevation of resting potential, reduced availability of inward sodium channel conductance, and increased right ventricular outflow tract fibrosis. An elevated transient outward current gradient contributed to, but was not essential for, the BrPh phenotype.

Conclusions

In patients with severe hyperkalemia, a BrPh ECG is associated with malignant arrhythmias and all‐cause mortality secondary to resting potential depolarization, reduced sodium current availability, and fibrosis at the right ventricular outflow tract.
Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Digital Subtraction Angiography for Postclipping Aneurysm Obliteration Detection
Authors: Uricchio Matthew , Gupta Saksham , Jakowenko Nicholas , Levito Marissa , Vu Nguyen , Doucette Joanne , Liew Aaron , Papatheodorou Stefania , Khawaja Ayaz M. , Aglio Linda S. , Aziz-Sultan Mohammad Ali , Zaidi Hasan , Smith Timothy R. , Mekary Rania A.
Published: January 2019

Background and Purpose—

Digital subtraction angiography has been used as the gold standard to confirm successful aneurysmal obliteration after aneurysm clipping procedures using titanium or cobalt alloy clips. Computed tomographic angiography is a newer, less invasive imaging technique also used to confirm successful aneurysmal obliteration; however, its use compared with digital subtraction angiography remains controversial.

Methods—

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases through November 6, 2017, for studies that evaluated postclipping aneurysm obliteration with both computed tomographic angiography and digital subtraction angiography. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) were calculated using the bivariate random-effects model.

Results—

Out of 6916 studies, 13 studies met inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. A total of 510 patients with 613 aneurysms were included. Compared with digital subtraction angiography, which detected 87 residual aneurysms, computed tomographic angiography detected 58 resulting in a pooled sensitivity of 69% (95% CI, 54%–81%) and a pooled specificity of 99% (95% CI, 97%–99%). This corresponded to LR+ of 55.5 (95% CI, 23.6–130.9) and LR− of 0.31 (95% CI, 0.20–0.48). Univariate meta-regression revealed that the pooled sensitivity was worse in prospective designs (
P
interaction <0.05), and the pooled specificity was better in higher-quality studies and for postoperative aneurysm diameters of <2 mm (
P
interaction <0.001 for both).

Conclusions—

This meta-analysis revealed that computed tomographic angiography had a favorable LR+ but not a favorable LR−. Thus, this imaging modality may be applicable to rule in, but not rule out, residual aneurysms after clipping.
Catalogue of the Bolitophilidae and Diadocidiidae of the World (Insecta: Diptera)
Authors: BECHEV DIMITAR , CHANDLER PETER
Published: January 2019

The catalogue includes all available and unavailable names that apply to the recent and fossil members of the families Bolitophilidae and Diadocidiidae occurring in the world. Taxonomic references given after each name pertain to the original description with author, year and pages; type locality; type depository and chronological list of synonyms. Complete distributional information from the literature is listed for each species. A total of 81 species-group names in 2 genera are listed for Bolitophilidae, of which 65 are taxonomically valid. For Diadocidiidae, 31 species-group names in 2 genera are listed, of which 26 are taxonomically valid. The following taxonomic changes are made: Bolitophila pulveris Lewis, 1969 is removed from Bolitophilidae, Palaeodocidia Sasakawa, 2004 is treated as syn. nov. of Diadocidia Ruthe, 1831, Diadocidia bifurcata Fedotova & Perkovsky, 2004 is removed from Diadocidiidae and transferred to Cecidomyiidae.
Characterization of Pleurotinae, with review of Pleurota species close to P. aristella (Linnaeus) from Morocco (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Oecophoridae)
Authors: KAILA LAURI , MUTANEN MARKO , SIHVONEN PASI , TYLLINEN JUHA , TABELL JUKKA
Published: January 2019

Morphological traits characterizing and delimiting Pleurotinae (Oecophoridae) are provided and discussed. The evidence supports the validity of the subfamily as suggested by recent molecular studies. The Pleurota aristella (Linnaeus, 1767) species group is characterized, and six new species belonging to the group from Morocco are described: Pleurota tricolor Tabell, sp. nov., P. pellicolor Tabell, sp. nov., P. lacteella Tabell, sp. nov., P. moroccoensis Tabell, sp. nov., P. ochreopalpella Tabell, sp. nov., and P. atlasensis Tabell, sp. nov. Habitus images and label data are provided for the types of P. goundafella Zerny, 1935; P. insignella Zerny, 1935; P. ochreostrigella Baker, 1885; P. macrosella Rebel, 1900; P. staintoniella Baker, 1888; P. mauretanica Baker, 1888; and P. algeriella Baker, 1885. DNA barcodes of the new species are compared with all available Pleurotinae sequences (BIN n = 117) in BOLD.
Schismatothelinae spiders (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) from Colombia: four new species and an approach to their diversity
Authors: VALENCIA-CUÉLLAR DAYANA , PERAFÁN CARLOS , GUERRERO ROBERTO J. , GUADANUCCI JOSÉ PAULO LEITE
Published: January 2019

The spider subfamily Schismatothelinae from Colombia is revised. One new species of Euthycaelus Simon 1889 and three new species of Schismatothele Karsch 1879 are named, as well as new geographical records provided. E. guane sp. nov. from Santander, S. hacaritama sp. nov. from Norte de Santander, S. olsoni sp. nov. from Norte de Santander and Táchira (Venezuela), and S. weinmanni sp. nov. from Cundinamarca are herein described, diagnosed and illustrated. Schismatothele is newly recorded from Colombia. Morphological aspects and diversity of the Ischnocolinae and Schismatothelinae from Colombia are discussed. An identification key to species of these subfamilies from Colombia is provided.