bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verbal and Figural Fluency in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Does Hippocampal Sclerosis Affect Performance?
Authors: Zalonis Ioannis , Christidi Foteini , Artemiadis Artemios , Psarros Constantinos , Papadopoulos George , Tsivgoulis George , Gatzonis Stergios , Siatouni Anna , Velonakis Georgios , Karavasilis Efstratios , Kararizou Evangelia , Triantafyllou Nikolaos
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives:

Clinicians commonly use verbal and nonverbal measures to test fluency in patients with epilepsy, either during routine cognitive assessment or as part of pre- and postsurgical evaluation. We hypothesized that patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with hippocampal sclerosis would perform worse than patients with lateral TLE in both verbal and design fluency.

Methods:

We assessed semantic, phonemic, and nonverbal fluency in 49 patients with TLE: 31 with lateral TLE and 18 with mesial TLE plus hippocampal sclerosis. We also gave non-fluency cognitive measures: psychomotor speed, attentional set shifting, selective attention, abstract reasoning, verbal and visual episodic memory, and incidental memory.

Results:

Patients with mesial TLE performed significantly worse on figural fluency than patients with lateral TLE. Even though group differences on verbal fluency measures were not significant, the patients with mesial TLE had a pattern of poorer performance. The patients with mesial TLE scored significantly worse on measures of selective attention, verbal episodic memory, and incidental memory.

Conclusions:

Our study underlines differences in cognitive function between patients with mesial and lateral TLE, particularly in figural fluency. Although we cannot directly assess the role of the hippocampus in cognitive aspects of creative and divergent thinking related to figural fluency, the cognitive discrepancies between these two TLE groups could be ascribed to the mesial TLE hippocampal pathology shown in our study and addressed in the literature on hippocampal involvement in divergent thinking. Our findings could benefit cognitive rehabilitation programs tailored to the needs of patients with TLE.
Callosal Motor Impersistence: A Novel Disconnection Syndrome
Authors: Kim Hee Jin , Kim Dongyeop , Won Da-heen , Chin Juhee , Lee Kwang Ho , Seo Sang Won , Heilman Kenneth M. , Na Duk L.
Published: June 2017

Motor impersistence, an inability to sustain a certain position or movement, is a motor-intentional disorder, caused more often by right than left hemisphere lesions. Since the right hemisphere is dominant for mediating motor persistence, callosal lesions that disconnect the left hemisphere from the right may induce impersistence of the right upper and lower limbs. After an undiagnosed left callosal infarction, a 65-year-old right-handed man suddenly developed a transient loss of volitional movement of his left leg. Five days after onset, he was admitted to our hospital with signs of callosal disconnection: left-hand agraphia and apraxia, left-hand tactile anomia, failures on cross-replication of hand postures, and intermanual conflict. He had neither weakness nor ataxia of his upper or lower extremities, but when asked to keep his arms or legs extended he could not maintain his right arm and leg in the extended position, suggesting motor impersistence in his dominant limbs. When we examined him 3 months after onset, the motor impersistence had disappeared. In conclusion, motor impersistence of dominant limbs can result from isolated callosal injury that disconnects the left hemisphere from the right hemisphere’s frontal-subcortical networks.
Listeriolysin O: from bazooka to Swiss army knife
Authors: Osborne Suzanne E. , Brumell John H.
Published: June 2017

Listeria monocytogenes(Lm) is a Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen. Infections in humans can lead to listeriosis, a systemic disease with a high mortality rate. One important mechanism ofLmdissemination involves cell-to-cell spread after bacteria have entered the cytosol of host cells. Listeriolysin O (LLO; encoded by thehlygene) is a virulence factor present inLmthat plays a central role in the cell-to-cell spread process. LLO is a member of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) family of toxins that were initially thought to promote disease largely by inducing cell death and tissue destruction—essentially acting like a ‘bazooka’. This view was supported by structural studies showing CDCs can form large pores in membranes. However, it is now appreciated that LLO has many subtle activities duringLminfection of host cells, and many of these likely do not involve large pores, but rather small membrane perforations. It is also appreciated that membrane repair pathways of host cells play a major role in limiting membrane damage by LLO and other toxins. LLO is now thought to represent a ‘Swiss army knife’, a versatile tool that allowsLmto induce many membrane alterations and cellular responses that promote bacterial dissemination during infection.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Membrane pores: from structure and assembly, to medicine and technology’.
Vaccinia virus egress mediated by virus protein A36 is reliant on the F12 protein
Authors: Carpentier David C. J. , Van Loggerenberg Alexander , Dieckmann Nele M. G. , Smith Geoffrey L.
Published: June 2017

Egress of vaccinia virus from its host cell is mediated by the microtubule-associated motor kinesin-1, and three viral proteins, A36 and the F12/E2 complex, have been implicated in this process. Deletion of F12 expression causes a more severe reduction in egress than deletion of A36 but whether these proteins are involved in the same or different mechanisms of kinesin-1 recruitment is unknown. Here it is shown that a virus lacking both proteins forms a smaller plaque than mutants lacking either gene alone, indicating non-redundant functions. A36 not only links virions directly to kinesin-1 but also nucleates actin polymerization to propel surface virions away from the host cell. To address the relative importance of these functions for virus spread, a panel of recombinant viruses was constructed in which the ability of A36 to bind kinesin-1 or to nucleate actin polymerization was abrogated individually or together, in the presence or absence of F12 expression. Analysis of these viruses revealed that in the presence of the F12 protein, loss of kinesin-1 interaction made a greater contribution to plaque size than did the formation of actin tails. However in the absence of F12, the ability of A36 to promote egress was abrogated. Therefore, the ability of A36 to promote egress by kinesin-1 is reliant on the F12 protein.
Fine-mapping identifies causal variants for RA and T1D inDNASE1L3, SIRPG, MEG3, TNFAIP3andCD28/CTLA4loci
Authors: Westra Harm-Jan , Bonet Marta Martinez , Onengut Suna , Lee Annette , Luo Yang , Teslovich Nick , Worthington Jane , Martin Javier , Huizinga Tom , Klareskog Lars , Rantapaa-Dahlqvist Solbritt , Chen Wei-Min , Quinlan Aaron , Todd John A. , Eyre Steve , Nigrovic Peter A. , Gregersen Peter K. , Rich Stephen S , Raychaudhuri Soumya
Published: June 2017

We fine-mapped 76 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) loci outside of the MHC. After sequencing 799 1kb regulatory (H3K4me3) regions within these loci in 568 individuals, we observed accurate imputation for 89% of common variants. We fine-mapped1,2these loci in RA (11,475 cases, 15,870 controls)3, T1D (9,334 cases and 11,111 controls)4and combined datasets. We reduced the number of potential causal variants to ≤5 in 8 RA and 11 T1D loci. We identified causal missense variants in five loci (DNASE1L3,SIRPG,PTPN22,SH2B3andTYK2)and likely causal non-coding variants in six loci (MEG3, TNFAIP3, CD28/CTLA4,ANKRD55,IL2RA,REL/PUS10). Functional analysis confirmed allele specific binding and differential enhancer activity for three variants: theCD28/CTLA4rs117701653 SNP, theTNFAIP3rs35926684 indel, and theMEG3rs34552516 indel. This study demonstrates the potential for dense genotyping and imputation to pinpoint missense and non-coding causal alleles.
Significant metabolic improvement by a water extract of olives: animal and human evidence
Authors: Peroulis Nikolaos , Androutsopoulos Vasilis P. , Notas George , Koinaki Stella , Giakoumaki Elsa , Spyros Apostolos , Manolopoulou Εfstathia , Kargaki Sophia , Tzardi Maria , Moustou Eleni , Stephanou Euripides G. , Bakogeorgou Efstathia , Malliaraki Niki , Niniraki Maria , Lionis Christos , Castanas Elias , Kampa Marilena
Published: June 2017

Dyslipidemia and impaired glucose metabolism, are main health issues of growing prevalence and significant high Health Care cost, requiring novel prevention and/or therapeutic approaches. Epidemiological and animal studies revealed olive oil as an important dietary constituent for normolipidemia. However, no studies have specifically investigated the polyphenol rich water extract of olives (OLWPE), generated during olive oil production. Here, we explore OLPWE in animals and human metabolic parameters. High fat-fed rats developed a metabolic dysfunction, which was significantly impaired when treated with OLWPE, with decreased LDL and insulin levels and increased HDL. Moreover, they increased total plasma antioxidant capacity, while several phenolic compounds were detected in their blood. These findings were also verified in humans that consumed OLWPE daily for four weeks in a food matrix. Our data clearly show that OLWPE can improve glucose and lipid profile, indicating its possible use in the design of functional food and/or therapeutic interventions.
Free-living human cells reconfigure their chromosomes in the evolution back to uni-cellularity
Authors: Xu Jin , Peng Xinxin , Chen Yuxin , Zhang Yuezheng , Ma Qin , Liang Liang , Carter Ava C. , Lu Xuemei , Wu Chung-I
Published: June 2017

Cells of multi-cellular organisms evolve toward uni-cellularity in the form of cancer and, if humans intervene, continue to evolve in cell culture. During this process, gene dosage relationships may evolve in novel ways to cope with the new environment and may regress back to the ancestral unicellular state. In this context, the evolution of sex chromosomes vis-a-vis autosomes is of particular interest. Here, we report the chromosomal evolution in ~600 cancer cell lines. Many of them jettisoned either Y or the inactive X; thus, free-living male and female cells converge by becoming “de-sexualized”. Surprisingly, the active X often doubled, accompanied by the addition of one haploid complement of autosomes, leading to an X:A ratio of 2:3 from the extant ratio of 1:2. Theoretical modeling of the frequency distribution of X:A karyotypes suggests that the 2:3 ratio confers a higher fitness and may reflect aspects of sex chromosome evolution.
N-[1,4,4-Trimethyltricyclo[6.3.1.03,9]dodec-8(12)-en-2-yl]acetamide
Authors: Mazoir Noureddine , Benharref Ahmed , Daran Jean-Claude , Oukhrib Abdelouahd , Ait Elhad Mustapha , Berraho Moha
Published: June 2017

The title compound, C17H27NO, crystallizes with three independent molecules in the asymmetric unit with almost identical conformations. Each molecule is built up from a seven-membered ring to which a bridged six-membered ring is fused. In each of the three molecules, the seven-membered rings have a twist-chair conformation, while the cyclohexenyl rings display perfect boat conformations. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into zigzag chains running along theb-axis direction.
(Z)-4-n-Butyl-2-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3(4H)-one
Authors: Ellouz Mohamed , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Ouzidan Younes , Kaur Manpreet , Essassi El Mokhtar , Jasinski Jerry P.
Published: June 2017

In the title compound, C19H18ClNOS, the thiazin-3-one ring adopts a slightly distorted screw-boat conformation. An intramolecular C—H...S hydrogen bond encloses anS(6) ring and affects the overall conformation of the molecule. The dihedral angle between the two phenyl rings is 52.3 (2)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...O intermolecular interactions stabilize the crystal packing.
1-(1-Benzyl-2,5-dimethyl-4-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)ethanone
Authors: Louroubi Abdelhadi , Outouch Rachid , Ait Ali Mustapha , Spannenberg Anke , El Firdoussi Larbi
Published: June 2017

In the title compound, C21H21NO, the dihedral angles between the planes of the phenyl and pyrrole rings are 47.04 (5) and 79.27 (3)°. In the crystal, centrosymmetrically related molecules are linked into dimers by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming rings of graph-set motifR22(16).
Reassessing the link between risk aversion and entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Zhang Pingying , Cain Kevin W.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Entrepreneurial intention is regarded as a useful and practical approach to understanding actual entrepreneurial behavior. Planned behavior has been widely applied to examine entrepreneurial intention. Nevertheless, how risk aversion affects entrepreneurial intention using the model of planned behavior is not well understood. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated model based on planned behavior to examine the direct and indirect effect of risk aversion on entrepreneurial intention concurrently.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first uses factor analysis to study the latent constructs underlying determinants of planned behavior, risk aversion, and entrepreneurial intention. Then, it applies the technique of structural equation modeling to explore relationships among latent constructs. There are 306 survey responses collected from dental school students to run the analysis.

Findings

The determinants of planned behavior are positively associated with entrepreneurial intention. There is no direct relationship between risk aversion and entrepreneurial intention. Risk aversion only indirectly reduces entrepreneurial intention through determinants of planned behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the integrated model may be constrained by the sample context of dental students. Replicating the model by using other samples with various educational backgrounds can strengthen the implication of the study. Another limitation is the weakness of the cross-sectional study design, leaving room for improvement by using longitudinal data in the future.

Practical implications

Risk aversion only indirectly reduces entrepreneurial intention. To establish an environment with a strong entrepreneurial intention, a focus on developing a positive attitude and strengthening entrepreneurial skills are perhaps more fruitful than lowering risk aversion. This study also suggests that non-business students may need additional business education to improve the perception of self-efficacy.

Originality/value

The integrated model of this paper is original. The development of the model draws support from planned behavior adjusted to the context of starting a business.
Microbial richness and composition independently drive soil multifunctionality
Authors: Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Trivedi Pankaj , Trivedi Chanda , Eldridge David J. , Reich Peter B. , Jeffries Thomas C. , Singh Brajesh K.
Published: June 2017

Soil microbes provide multiple ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, decomposition and climate regulation. However, we lack a quantitative understanding of the relative importance of microbial richness and composition in controlling multifunctionality. This knowledge gap limits our capacity to understand the influence of biotic attributes in the provision of services and functions on which humans depend.

We used two independent approaches (i.e. experimental and observational), and applied statistical modelling to identify the role and relative importance of bacterial richness and composition in driving multifunctionality (here defined as seven measures of respiration and enzyme activities). In the observational study, we measured soil microbial communities and functions in both tree‐ and bare soil‐dominated microsites at 22 locations across a 1,200 km transect in southeastern Australia. In the experimental study we used soils from two of those locations and developed gradients of bacterial diversity and composition through inoculation of sterilized soils.

Microbial richness and the relative abundance of Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were positively related to multifunctionality in both the observational and experimental approaches; however, only Bacteroidetes was consistently selected as a key predictor of multifunctionality across all experimental approaches and statistical models used here. Moreover, our results, from two different approaches, provide evidence that microbial richness and composition are both important, yet independent, drivers of multiple ecosystem functions.

Overall, our findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning relationships between microbial diversity and ecosystem functionality in terrestrial ecosystems, and further suggest that information on microbial richness and composition needs to be considered when formulating sustainable management and conservation policies, and when predicting the effects of global change on ecosystem functions.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Function of bacterial community dynamics in the formation of cadaveric semiochemicals during in situ carcass decomposition
Authors: Pascual Javier , von Hoermann Christian , Rottler‐Hoermann Ann‐Marie , Nevo Omer , Geppert Alicia , Sikorski Johannes , Huber Katharina J. , Steiger Sandra , Ayasse Manfred , Overmann Jörg
Published: June 2017

The decomposition of dead mammalian tissue involves a complex temporal succession of epinecrotic bacteria. Microbial activity may release different cadaveric volatile organic compounds which in turn attract other key players of carcass decomposition such as scavenger insects. To elucidate the dynamics and potential functions of epinecrotic bacteria on carcasses, we monitored bacterial communities developing on still‐born piglets incubated in different forest ecosystems by combining high‐throughput Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry of volatiles. Our results show that the community structure of epinecrotic bacteria and the types of cadaveric volatile compounds released over the time course of decomposition are driven by deterministic rather than stochastic processes. Individual cadaveric volatile organic compounds were correlated with specific taxa during the first stages of decomposition which are dominated by bacteria. Through best‐fitting multiple linear regression models, the synthesis of acetic acid, indole and phenol could be linked to the activity of Enterobacteriaceae, Tissierellaceae and Xanthomonadaceae, respectively. These conclusions are also commensurate with the metabolism described for the dominant taxa identified for these families. The predictable nature of in situ synthesis of cadaveric volatile organic compounds by epinecrotic bacteria provides a new basis for future chemical ecology and forensic studies.
The CpxR/CpxA system contributes to Salmonella gold‐resistance by controlling the GolS‐dependent gesABC transcription
Authors: Cerminati Sebastián , Giri Germán F. , Mendoza Julián I. , Soncini Fernando C. , Checa Susana K.
Published: June 2017

Several regulatory systems contribute to bacterial resistance to heavy metals controlling the expression of factors required to eliminate the intoxicant and/or to repair the damage caused by it. In Salmonella, the response to Au ions is mediated by the specific metalloregulator GolS that, among other genes, controls the expression of the RND‐efflux pump GesABC. In this work, we demonstrate that CpxR/CpxA, a main cell‐envelope stress‐responding system, promotes gesABC transcription in the presence of Au ions at neutral pH. Deletion of either cpxA or cpxR, or mutation of the CpxR‐binding site identified upstream of the GolS‐operator in the gesABC promoter region reduces but does not abrogate the GolS‐ and Au‐dependent activation of gesABC. Au also triggers the activation of the CpxR/CpxA system and deletion of the cpxRA operon severely reduces survival in the presence of the toxic metal. Our results indicate that the coordinated action of GolS and CpxR/CpxA contribute to protecting the cell from severe Au damage.
Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing on Hen Egg Compounds and Egg Products
Authors: Naderi Nassim , House James D. , Pouliot Yves , Doyen Alain
Published: June 2017

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP), used alone or with other processes, is an emerging technology increasingly used in the food industry to improve microbial safety, and the functionality and bioactive properties of food products. HHP provides a way to reduce energy requirements for food processing and may contribute to improved energy efficiency in the food industry. Hen egg is used by the food industry to formulate many food products. To improve the microbiological safety of egg and egg‐derived products, HHP processing is an attractive alternative to heat‐ pasteurization and a potential technology. However, HHP treatment induces structural modifications of egg components (such as proteins) which could positively or negatively affect the physicochemical and functional properties of egg‐derived products. Improving our knowledge regarding the potential of HHP in the egg industry will add value to the final food products and increase profitability for egg producers and the food industry.
Validation of Reduced Reagent Volumes in the Implementation of the Quantifiler® Trio Quantification Kit
Authors: Cho Yoonjung , Kim Hyo Sook , Kim Min‐Hee , Park Moonhee , Kwon Hansol , Lee Yang Han , Lee Dong Sub
Published: June 2017

The Quantifiler® Trio Quantification Kit has been developed to quantify the total amount of amplifiable and human male DNA in samples and to estimate the extent of DNA degradation. To minimize the cost of DNA quantification, we evaluated kit performance using a reduced volume of reagents (1/10‐volume) using DNA samples of varying types and concentrations. Our results demonstrated concordance between the manufacturer's method and the low‐volume method for DNA quantification, DNA degradation index estimation, and human male DNA quantification. We confirmed the practical utility of the low‐volume method with 109 casework samples by evaluating short tandem repeat (STR) profiling success with respect to DNA quantity and quality. We also defined a cutoff value for DNA quantity to ensure reliable STR results. Using a reduced volume of reagents, 10 times more reactions per kit are possible; accordingly, this method reduces the cost of DNA quantification, while maintaining performance.
A Comparative Study Between Labeling and Reality: The Case of Phytochemical Composition of Commercial Pomegranate‐Based Products
Authors: Cano‐Lamadrid Marina , Lipan Leontina , Calín‐Sánchez Ángel , Hernández Francisca , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A.
Published: June 2017

Manufacturers are deeply involved in the development of new pomegranate‐based products, which have acquired great prestige due to many studies proving their potential health benefits. Commercial pomegranate products including capsules and supplements and juices and nectars were assayed. The contents of the key phytochemical compounds (punicalagin, ellagic acid, and total polyphenolic content) and the associated antioxidant capacity (DPPH•, ABTS•+, and FRAP) were analyzed. The experimental ranges of punicalagin and ellagic acid contents were 0.96 to 308 mg/g and 0.09 to 13.1 mg/g, respectively. Punicalagin content was positively correlated (P < 0.001) with DPPH• and total polyphenolic content values. No significant (P > 0.05) correlation was observed among ellagic acid with the antioxidant capacity. The labeling standardization of these products is necessary due to the wide variability among “theoretically” similar pomegranate‐based products.
Insights into the genomic plasticity of Pseudomonas putida KF715, a strain with unique biphenyl‐utilizing activity and genome instability properties
Authors: Suenaga Hikaru , Fujihara Hidehiko , Kimura Nobutada , Hirose Jun , Watanabe Takahito , Futagami Taiki , Goto Masatoshi , Shimodaira Jun , Furukawa Kensuke
Published: June 2017

Pseudomonas putida KF715 exhibits unique properties in both catabolic activity and genome plasticity. Our previous studies revealed that the DNA region containing biphenyl and salycilate metabolism gene clusters (termed the bph‐sal element) was frequently deleted and transferred by conjugation to closely related P. putida strains. In this study, we first determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the KF715 genome. Next, to determine the underlying cause of genome plasticity in KF715, we compared the KF715 genome with the genomes of one KF715 defective mutant, two transconjugants, and several P. putida strains available from public databases. The gapless KF715 genome sequence revealed five replicons: one circular chromosome, and four plasmids. Southern blot analysis indicated that most of the KF715 cell population carries the bph‐sal element on the chromosome whereas a small number carry it on a huge plasmid, pKF715A. Moreover, the bph‐sal element is present stably on the plasmid and did not integrate into the chromosome of its transconjugants. Comparative genome analysis and experiments showed that a number of diverse putative genetic elements are present in KF715 and are likely involved in genome rearrangement. These data provide insights into the genetic plasticity and adaptability of microorganisms for survival in various ecological niches.
Nonrandomised interventional study showed that early aggressive nutrition was effective in reducing postnatal growth restriction in preterm infants
Authors: Genoni Giulia , Binotti Marco , Monzani Alice , Bernascone Elena , Stasi Ilaria , Bona Gianni , Ferrero Federica
Published: June 2017

Aim

This study evaluated whether an early aggressive nutrition (EAN) strategy could limit extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in a cohort of preterm infants.

Methods

This prospective nonrandomised interventional study was carried out in the neonatal intensive care unit of an Italian hospital from January 2013 to December 2015. The prevalence of EUGR was assessed in 100 infants with a gestational age of ≤34 weeks, 50 after the introduction of an EAN regimen in October 2014 and 50 before.

Results

The prevalence of EUGR at discharge was significantly lower after the introduction of EAN than before for weight (34% vs. 66%), head circumference (22% vs. 42%) and length at discharge (20% vs. 48%). The Z‐scores for all measurements were significantly higher after the introduction of EAN. In the EAN group, weight velocity was significantly higher and maximum weight loss and negative changes in the Z‐scores from birth to discharge for weight were lower than in the pre‐intervention controls. In extremely low birthweight subjects, the weight Z‐score and weight velocity were significantly higher in the EAN group than the control group.

Conclusion

The use of EAN at a very early age reduced EUGR and improved auxological outcomes in preterm infants.
Evolution of ventral hernia repair
Authors: Faylona Jose Macario
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The aim of this review was to look at relevant data and research on the evolution of ventral hernia repair.

Methods

Resources including books, research, guidelines, and online articles were reviewed to provide a concise history of and data on the evolution of ventral hernia repair.

Results

The evolution of ventral hernia repair has a very long history, from the recognition of ventral hernias to its current management, with significant contributions from different authors. Advances in surgery have led to more cases of ventral hernia formation, and this has required the development of new techniques and new materials for ventral hernia management. The biocompatibility of prosthetic materials has been important in mesh development. The functional anatomy and physiology of the abdominal wall has become important in ventral hernia management. New techniques in abdominal wall closure may prevent or reduce the incidence of ventral hernia in the future.

Conclusion

The management of ventral hernia is continuously evolving as it responds to new demands and new technology in surgery.
Evaluation of the genetic structure of sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Japan's Kanto and Tanzawa mountain areas, based on microsatellite markers
Authors: Konishi Sayaka , Hata Shoko , Matsuda Sayumi , Arai Kazushi , Mizoguchi Yasushi
Published: June 2017

The browsing habits of sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Japan have caused serious ecological problems. Appropriate management of sika deer populations requires understanding the different genetic structures of local populations. In the present study, we used 10 microsatellite polymorphisms to explore the genetic structures of sika deer populations (162 individuals) living in the Kanto region. The expected heterozygosity of the Tanzawa mountain range population (Group I) was lower than that of the populations in the Kanto mountain areas (Group II). Our results suggest that moderate gene flow has occurred between the sika deer populations in the Kanto mountain areas (Group II), but not to or from the Tanzawa mountain range population (Group I). Also, genetic structure analysis showed that the Tanzawa population was separated from the other populations. This is probably attributable to a genetic bottleneck that developed in the Tanzawa sika deer population in the 1950s. However, we found that the Tanzawa population has since recovered from the bottleneck situation and now exhibits good genetic diversity. Our results show that it is essential to periodically evaluate the genetic structures of deer populations to develop conservation strategies appropriate to the specific structures of individual populations at any given time.
Estimating the Size of an Open Population Using Sparse Capture–Recapture Data
Authors: Huggins Richard , Stoklosa Jakub , Roach Cameron , Yip Paul
Published: June 2017

Sparse capture–recapture data from open populations are difficult to analyze using currently available frequentist statistical methods. However, in closed capture–recapture experiments, the Chao sparse estimator (Chao, 1989, Biometrics45, 427–438) may be used to estimate population sizes when there are few recaptures. Here, we extend the Chao (1989) closed population size estimator to the open population setting by using linear regression and extrapolation techniques. We conduct a small simulation study and apply the models to several sparse capture–recapture data sets.
Hydrogen sulphide as a signalling molecule regulating physiopathological processes in gastrointestinal motility
Authors: Jimenez M , Gil V , Martinez‐Cutillas M , Mañé N , Gallego D
Published: June 2017

The biology of H2S is a still developing area of research and several biological functions have been recently attributed to this gaseous molecule in many physiological systems, including the cardiovascular, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and central nervous system (CNS). H2S exerts anti‐inflammatory effects and can be considered an endogenous mediator with potential effects on gastrointestinal motility. During the last few years, we have investigated the role of H2S as a regulator of gastrointestinal motility using both animal and human tissues. The aim of the present work is to review published data regarding the potential role of H2S as a signalling molecule regulating physiopathological processes in gastrointestinal motor function. H2S is endogenously produced by defined enzymic pathways in different cell types of the intestinal wall including neurons and smooth muscle. Inhibition of H2S biosynthesis increases motility and H2S donors cause smooth muscle relaxation and inhibition of propulsive motor patterns. Impaired H2S production has been described in animal models with gastrointestinal motor dysfunction. The mechanism(s) of action underlying these effects may include several ion channels, although no specific receptor has been identified. At this time, even though there is much experimental evidence for H2S as a modulator of gastrointestinal motility, we still do not have conclusive experimental evidence to definitively propose H2S as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the gastrointestinal tract, causing nerve‐mediated relaxation.
Osteoblast migration in vertebrate bone
Authors: Thiel Antonia , Reumann Marie K. , Boskey Adele , Wischmann Johannes , von Eisenhart‐Rothe Rüdiger , Mayer‐Kuckuk Philipp
Published: June 2017

Bone formation, for example during bone remodelling or fracture repair, requires mature osteoblasts to deposit bone with remarkable spatial precision. As osteoblast precursors derive either from circulation or resident stem cell pools, they and their progeny are required to migrate within the three‐dimensional bone space and to navigate to their destination, i.e. to the site of bone formation. An understanding of this process is emerging based on in vitro and in vivo studies of several vertebrate species. Receptors on the osteoblast surface mediate cell adhesion and polarization, which induces osteoblast migration. Osteoblast migration is then facilitated along gradients of chemoattractants. The latter are secreted or released proteolytically by several cell types interacting with osteoblasts, including osteoclasts and vascular endothelial cells. The positions of these cellular sources of chemoattractants in relation to the position of the osteoblasts provide the migrating osteoblasts with tracks to their destination, and osteoblasts possess the means to follow a track marked by multiple chemoattractant gradients. In addition to chemotactic cues, osteoblasts sense other classes of signals and utilize them as landmarks for navigation. The composition of the osseous surface guides adhesion and hence migration efficiency and can also provide steering through haptotaxis. Further, it is likely that signals received from surface interactions modulate chemotaxis. Besides the nature of the surface, mechanical signals such as fluid flow may also serve as navigation signals for osteoblasts. Alterations in osteoblast migration and navigation might play a role in metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
Serious life events and the risk of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rasouli B. , Andersson T. , Carlsson P.‐O. , Hjort R. , Löfvenborg J. E. , Martinell M. , Groop L. , Tuomi T. , Carlsson S.
Published: June 2017

Aim

It has been suggested that experiencing serious life events may promote Type 1 diabetes in children. Studies in adults are lacking, as are studies on the interaction of life events with genetic factors. We aimed to investigate life events and the risk of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and Type 2 diabetes while taking into account HLA genotype.

Methods

Analysis was based on 425 incident cases of LADA, 1417 incident cases of Type 2 diabetes and 1702 population‐based controls recruited in Sweden between 2010 and 2016. Self‐reported information on life events including conflicts, divorce, illness/accidents, death and financial problems experienced during the 5 years preceding diagnosis/index year was used. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated by logistic regression and adjusted for age, sex, BMI, family history of diabetes, smoking, physical activity and education.

Results

Overall there was no association between experience of any life event and either LADA (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.68–1.08) or Type 2 diabetes (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.83–1.21). The results were similar for individual events as well as in separate analysis of men and women. Similar results were seen in more autoimmune LADA (glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies > median) [OR (any life event) 0.88, 95% CI 0.64–1.21] and in LADA carriers of the high‐risk HLADR4‐DQ8 genotype (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.61–1.29).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that experience of a serious life event, including the death of a family member, divorce or financial problems, is not associated with an increased risk of LADA, overall or in genetically susceptible individuals.
Zero‐Slack, Noncritical Paths
Authors: Simons Jacob V.
Published: June 2017

The critical path method/program evaluation and review technique method of project scheduling is based on the importance of managing a project's critical path(s). Although a critical path is the longest path through a network, its location in large projects is facilitated by the computation of activity slack. However, logical fallacies in oft‐repeated statements of the relationship between slack and the critical path make it easy to overlook the phenomenon of zero‐slack, noncritical paths. This article points out the fallacies and then describes and illustrates the phenomenon. We conclude with teaching recommendations to avoid suboptimal decisions in reducing project duration.
Synthesis of cross‐linked polymer microspheres and pyrolysis conversion to polymer‐derived ceramics
Authors: Sun Dandan , Chen Feng , Gao Yan , Wang Yiguang
Published: June 2017

The cross‐linked polysilazane spherical particles were synthesized via a solvothermal process from a liquid polysilazane precursor. We found that the average size of obtained cross‐linked polymer spheres is in the range of hundreds nanometer to about 10 μm by adjusting the amount of divinylbenzene cross‐linker. Spherical ceramic particles were synthesized via the polymer‐derived ceramics (PDCs) route. The XRD and SEM analysis on ceramic particles pyrolyzed below 1400°C showed that they were amorphous and maintained a smooth spherical morphology. When the polymer spherical particles were pyrolyzed at 1500°C, SiC/Si3N4 ceramics spheres were fabricated.
Incidence of melanoma and keratinocytic carcinomas in patients evaluated by store‐and‐forward teledermatology vs. dermatology clinic
Authors: Creighton‐Smith Malcolm , Murgia Robert D. , Konnikov Nellie , Dornelles Adriana , Garber Caren , Nguyen Bichchau T.
Published: June 2017

Background

It is unclear whether incidence of detected skin cancer in patients evaluated by store‐and‐forward teledermatology (SAF) vs. face‐to‐face consultation (F2F) significantly differs, and whether such differences are because of variations in patient demographics, diagnostic accuracy, or both.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compares patient skin cancer risk profile, pre‐post biopsy diagnostic accuracy, and detection rates of any skin cancer, melanoma, and keratinocytic carcinoma between all SAF teledermatology patients and a subset of randomly selected F2F consultations at VA‐Boston Healthcare System in 2014.

Results

Patients in the teledermatology (n = 434) and F2F visit cohorts (n = 587) had similar baseline demographics except a higher proportion of F2F patients had prior history of skin cancer, 22% (131/587) vs. 10% (45/434), P < 0.001, and received biopsies, 27.2% (160/587) vs. 11.5% (50/434), P < 0.001. When adjusted for age, immunosuppression, and personal and family history of skin cancer, there were no significant differences between the two cohorts in detection rates for any skin cancer (9.5% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.3), melanoma (0.6% vs. 0%, P = N/A), or keratinocytic carcinoma (8.5% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.7). The two cohorts also had similar pre‐post biopsy perfect diagnostic concordance, time from initial consult request to biopsy (45.5 d vs. 47.3 d, P = 0.8), and time from biopsy to definitive treatment (67.5 d vs. 65.4 d, P = 0.8).

Conclusion

F2F patients were more likely to have prior history of skin cancer and receive biopsies. When adjusted for presence of skin cancer risk factors, incidence of detected melanoma, keratinocytic carcinoma, and any skin cancer was similar between SAF teledermatology and F2F patients.
Broad‐scale variation in sexual dichromatism in songbirds is not explained by sex differences in exposure to predators during incubation
Authors: Matysioková Beata , Remeš Vladimír , Cockburn Andrew
Published: June 2017

The evolution of sexual dichromatism provoked one of the greatest disagreements between Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. According to Darwin the main driving force is sexual selection, whereby choosy females prefer showy males, leading to the evolution of conspicuous male plumage. On the other hand, Wallace suggested that dichromatism may arise because nest predation favors more cryptic females. To test the role of natural selection in the evolution of dichromatism we combined quantitative data on differences in parental share in nest attentiveness (representing the strength of natural selection on males vs females) with spectrophotometric measurements of dichromatism in 412 species of songbirds from 69 families. We expected to find stronger dichromatism in open‐nesting species with more divergent parental roles and in body parts exposed during incubation. Dichromatism was not related to the differences in parental share during incubation, but it was most pronounced in lekking species, migrants, and small species. Our results thus suggest that Wallace's hypothesis is not able to explain broad‐scale variation in the dichromatism of songbirds, but point to a role for sexual selection, mutual mate choice, and migration strategy in shaping the extraordinary variation in dichromatism exhibited by songbirds.
Using augmented reality to support a software editing course for college students
Authors: Wang Y.‐H.
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to explore whether integrating augmented reality (AR) techniques could support a software editing course and to examine the different learning effects for students using online‐based and AR‐based blended learning strategies. The researcher adopted a comparative research approach with a total of 103 college students participating in the study. The experimental group (E.G.) learned with the AR‐based contents, while the control group (C.G.) learned with the online‐based support. The findings demonstrated the potential of AR techniques for supporting students' learning motivation and peer learning interaction, and the AR‐based contents could be used as scaffolding to better support blended learning strategies. The AR‐based learning interaction could also be a trigger arousing learners' interest in becoming active learners and the students presented great learning involvement after the AR‐based supports were removed, while the learners in the C.G. were passive once the supports had been removed. Moreover, it was found that (1) their lack of experience with AR interaction and applications, (2) the slow speed of the Internet in the school, (3) the affordances of each learner's mobile learning devices, (4) the screen size of the learning interface and (5) the overloading of the learning information from the AR contents and teacher lectures might be the reasons why the learners were still more used to the online‐based support. It was therefore concluded that when integrating AR applications into a course, technology educational researchers should take into careful consideration the target learning content design, the amount of information displayed on the mobile screen and the affordances of the learning equipment and classroom environment so as to achieve a suitable learning scenario.
Folate deficiency disturbs hsa‐let‐7 g level through methylation regulation in neural tube defects
Authors: Wang Li , Shangguan Shaofang , Xin Yu , Chang Shaoyan , Wang Zhen , Lu Xiaolin , Wu Lihua , Niu Bo , Zhang Ting
Published: June 2017

Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is believed to be a high‐risk factor for neural tube defects (NTDs). Disturbed epigenetic modifications, including miRNA regulation, have been linked to the pathogenesis of NTDs in those with folate deficiency. However, the mechanism by which folic acid‐regulated miRNA influences this pathogenesis remains unclear. It is believed that DNA methylation is associated with dysregulated miRNA expression. To clarify this issue, here we measured the methylation changes of 22 miRNAs in 57 human NTD cases to explore whether such changes are involved in miRNA regulation in NTD cases through folate metabolism. In total, eight of the 22 miRNAs tested reduced their methylation modifications in NTD cases, which provide direct evidence of the roles of interactions between DNA methylation and miRNA level in these defects. Among the findings, there was a significant association between folic acid concentration and hsa‐let‐7 g methylation level in NTD cases. Hypomethylation of hsa‐let‐7 g increased its own expression level in both NTD cases and cell models, which indicated that hsa‐let‐7 g methylation directly regulates its own expression. Overexpression of hsa‐let‐7 g, along with its target genes, disturbed the migration and proliferation of SK‐N‐SH cells, implying that hsa‐let‐7 g plays important roles in the prevention of NTDs by folic acid. In summary, our data suggest a relationship between aberrant methylation of hsa‐let‐7 g and disturbed folate metabolism in NTDs, implying that improvements in nutrition during early pregnancy may prevent such defects, possibly via the donation of methyl groups for miRNAs.
Expression of PTEN‐long mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 can repress U87 cell proliferation
Authors: Fang Na , Gu Tingxuan , Wang Yahui , Wang Shuzhen , Wang Fengling , An Yang , Wei Wenqiang , Zhang Weijuan , Guo Xiangqian , Nazarali Adil J , Ji Shaoping
Published: June 2017

PTEN is a tumour suppressor that is frequently mutated in a variety of cancers. Hence, PTEN has significant potential as a therapeutic molecule. PTEN‐long is an alternative translation variant, with an additional 173 amino acids added to the N‐terminal of the canonical PTEN when CUG of the mRNA is utilized as the start codon. PTEN‐long is secreted into serum and can re‐enter cells throughout the body. One of the major barriers for gene therapy is to efficiently and specifically deliver DNA or RNA material to target cells. As an alternative approach, if a therapeutic protein can be directly delivered to target cell of interest, it should theoretically function well within the cells, particularly for genes that are deficiently expressed in vivo. Most therapeutic proteins are incapable of efficiently permeating the cell membrane. In this study, we have employed CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tool combined with single‐stranded template to edit CTG of PTEN‐long to ATG in the genome. Two guide RNAs close to CTG site were found to have similar efficiency in driving PTEN‐long expression. Furthermore, we detected PTEN‐long expression in transfected whole‐cell lysate and in concentrated culture media in Western blot. Interestingly, the culture media of PTEN‐long expression can reduce Akt phosphorylation level and repress U87 cell proliferation compared to wild‐type U87 or control media. Taken together, PTEN‐long driven by CRISPR/Cas9 imports and exports cells and represses nearby cell proliferation, indicating the PTEN‐long generated by CRISPR/Cas9 has potential to be an alternative strategy for PTEN gene therapy.
PTTG3P promotes gastric tumour cell proliferation and invasion and is an indicator of poor prognosis
Authors: Weng Weiwei , Ni Shujuan , Wang Yiqin , Xu Midie , Zhang Qiongyan , Yang Yusi , Wu Yong , Xu Qinghua , Qi Peng , Tan Cong , Huang Dan , Wei Ping , Huang Zhaohui , Ma Yuqing , Zhang Wei , Sheng Weiqi , Du Xiang
Published: June 2017

Pseudogenes play a crucial role in cancer progression. However, the role of pituitary tumour‐transforming 3, pseudogene (PTTG3P) in gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. Here, we showed that PTTG3P expression was abnormally up‐regulated in GC tissues compared with that in normal tissues both in our 198 cases of clinical samples and the cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. High PTTG3P expression was correlated with increased tumour size and enhanced tumour invasiveness and served as an independent negative prognostic predictor. Moreover, up‐regulation of PTTG3P in GC cells stimulated cell proliferation, migration and invasion both in vitro in cell experiments and in vivo in nude mouse models, and the pseudogene functioned independently of its parent genes. Overall, these results reveal that PTTG3P is a novel prognostic biomarker with independent oncogenic functions in GC.