bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Angular Velocity and Training Status on the Dynamic Control Equilibrium
Authors: Alt Tobias , Knicker Axel , Strueder Heiko
Published: January 2017

Thigh muscle imbalances may impair sports performance and cause injuries. Common diagnostic parameters of knee muscle balance lack practical applicability. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the effects of angular velocity and training status on the dynamic control ratio at the equilibrium point representing the intersection of eccentric knee flexion and concentric knee extension moment-angle curves. 58 trained and 58 untrained male participants (22.1 years, 82.4 kg) performed concentric and eccentric knee flexions (prone position) and extensions (supine position) on an isokinetic dynamometer operating at 30 and 150°/s. Trained participants had significantly higher DCRe moments at all angular velocities compared with their untrained counterparts (trained30,150: 1.86, 1.90 Nm/kg; untrained30,150: 1.56, 1.60 Nm/kg; p<0.001, partial η²=0.345). Dynamic control equilibrium moments rose with increasing velocity (p=0.001, partial η²=0.095), whereas dynamic control equilibrium angles (trained30,150: 28.9, 30.8°; untrained30,150: 26.1, 27.0°) were influenced by training status (p=0.004, partial η²=0.072), but not by angular velocity (p=0.241, partial η²=0.012). Dynamic control equilibrium parameters detect thigh muscle balance and reflect the trained participants’ capacity to resist high eccentric knee flexor moments, especially during fast movements. Direct links to muscular loading during sprinting are conceivable, but warrant further investigation. The assessment of dynamic control equilibrium moments and angles might help physiotherapists and coaches to improve functional muscle screening, injury prevention and purposeful return to sport.
Temporal and spatial variations of three dimethylated sulfur compounds in the Changjiang Estuary and its adjacent area during summer and winter
Authors: Gao Nan , Yang Gui-Peng , Zhang Hong-Hai , Liu Long
Published: January 2017

Environmental contextDimethylsulfide is a biogeochemically important sulfur gas emitted from the oceans that can lead to aerosol formation, thereby affecting earth albedo and climate. Studies on the biogeochemistry of dimethylsulfide and its precursors and oxidation products in coastal waters can link the atmospheric chemistry of dimethylsulfide with the bioavailable organic sulfur pool in the oceans. The ensuing information is essential for understanding the biogeochemical dynamics of sulfur and its global cycles. AbstractThe spatiotemporal distribution patterns of dimethylsulfide (DMS), dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and chlorophyll a (Chl-a), as well as the oceanographic parameters influencing the concentrations of DMS, DMSP and DMSO, were measured in the Changjiang Estuary and its adjacent area during two cruises from 21 February to 10 March 2014 and from 10 to 22 July 2014. The concentrations of DMS and DMSP showed significant seasonal variation, i.e. higher values in summer than in winter. This result corresponded well with the seasonal change in Chl-a in the study area. The distribution of dissolved DMSO (DMSOd) decreased significantly with distance from shore, suggesting a primary source of terrestrial and riverine inputs. The seasonal variations of both DMSOd and particulate DMSO (DMSOp) were weaker than other sulfur compounds. Significant relationships were observed between DMS, particulate DMSP (DMSPp), DMSOp and Chl-a, suggesting that phytoplankton biomass plays an important role in controlling the distributions of DMS, DMSP and DMSO in the study area. The positive relationship between DMSPp and DMSOp suggested similar sources and cellular functions in algae, whereas the oxidation of DMS to DMSOd appeared to be a predominant source of DMSOd in winter in the area adjacent to the river mouth. The average sea-to-air fluxes of DMS in the Changjiang Estuary and its adjacent area were 0.37 and 1.70 µmol m–2 day–1 in winter and summer respectively; these values are much lower than those in other continental shelf seas.
Structural insights into alternative splicing-mediated desensitization of jasmonate signaling
Authors: Zhang Feng , Ke Jiyuan , Zhang Li , Chen Rongzhi , Sugimoto Koichi , Howe Gregg A. , Xu H. Eric , Zhou Mingguo , He Sheng Yang , Melcher Karsten
Published: January 2017

Significance

Jasmonate (JA) is a plant hormone involved in regulating defense response, growth, and development. A mechanistic understanding of JA signaling has great importance in agriculture, especially for enhancing plant resilience against biotic stresses and optimizing defense and growth in crop fields. This study reports the crystal structure of a key protein complex (MYC3–CMID
JAZ10
) involved in the desensitization of JA signaling. Desensitization of JA signaling after an effective JA response is necessary to re-establish signal homeostasis and prevent JA signaling from running out of control, which could lead to severe growth and fitness penalties. The MYC3–CMID
JAZ10
desensitization complex structure reported here closes a major gap in our understanding of one of the most important hormone signaling pathways in plants.
The Eph-related tyrosine kinase ligand Ephrin-B1 marks germinal center and memory precursor B cells
Authors: Laidlaw Brian J. , Schmidt Timothy H. , Green Jesse A. , Allen Christopher D.C. , Okada Takaharu , Cyster Jason G.
Published: January 2017

Identification of germinal center (GC) B cells is typically reliant on the use of surface activation markers that exhibit a wide range of expression. Here, we identify Ephrin-B1, a ligand for Eph-related receptor tyrosine kinases, as a specific marker of mature GC B cells. The number of Ephrin-B1+ GC B cells increases during the course of an immune response with Ephrin-B1+ GC B cells displaying elevated levels of Bcl6, S1pr2, and Aicda relative to their Ephrin-B1– counterparts. We further identified a small proportion of recently dividing, somatically mutated Ephrin-B1+ GC B cells that have begun to down-regulate Bcl6 and S1pr2 and express markers associated with memory B cells, such as CD38 and EBI2. Transcriptional analysis indicates that these cells are developmentally related to memory B cells, and likely represent a population of GC memory precursor (PreMem) B cells. GC PreMem cells display enhanced survival relative to bulk GC B cells, localize near the edge of the GC, and are predominantly found within the light zone. These findings offer insight into the significant heterogeneity that exists within the GC B cell population and provide tools to further dissect signals regulating the differentiation of GC B cells.
Determinants of Off‐Farm Labor Force Participation: Implications for Low Income Farm Families
Authors: Reddy Venkateshwar K. , Findeis Jill L.
Published: January 2017

Using Current Population Survey (CPS) data, off‐farm labor participation models are developed for U.S. farm operators and spouses for 1978 and 1984. Actual data for a sample of low income farm households are used in conjunction with the estimated models to determine if these families possess characteristics conducive to off‐farm work. Members of low income farm families are less likely to work off‐farm. Participation in off‐farm work among older farm families is constrained by the farm operator's education and the ages of both spouses. Among younger farm families, the presence of young children and regional location represent important constraints.
Anticoagulation vs Antiplatelet Treatment in Patients with Carotid and Vertebral Artery Dissection: A Study of 370 Patients and Literature Review
Authors: Daou Badih , Hammer Christine , Mouchtouris Nikolaos , Starke Robert M. , Koduri Sravanthi , Yang Steven , Jabbour Pascal , Rosenwasser Robert , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Dissection of the carotid and vertebral arteries is an important cause of stroke in young patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare antithrombotic treatments in patients with carotid and vertebral dissections.

METHODS: Three hundred seventy patients with carotid and vertebral artery dissections were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to analyze the association between treatment and new or recurrent events and clinical outcome.

RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 24.3 months. In patients with spontaneous dissection, 55% received antiplatelets, 29.4% anticoagulation, and 12.6% combined treatment. New or recurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic events occurred in 9.6% of patients on antiplatelets, 10.4% on anticoagulation, and 13.3% on combined treatment. For traumatic dissection, 58.3% received antiplatelets, 26.9% anticoagulation, and 10.2% combined treatment. New or recurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic events occurred in 6.9% on antiplatelets, 11.1% on anticoagulation, and 20% on combined treatment. In patients with intracranial dissection, 63.1% were started on antiplatelets, 19.7% on anticoagulation, and 14.5% on combined treatment. Ischemic and hemorrhagic events occurred in 8.5% on antiplatelet treatment, 15.4% on anticoagulation, and 18.2% on combined treatment. In patients with extracranial dissection, 54.4% were on antiplatelets, 28.9% on anticoagulation, and 11.2% on combined treatment. Ischemic and hemorrhagic events occurred in 10.1% on antiplatelet treatment, 9.3% on anticoagulation, and 13.8% on combined treatment. The association between antithrombotic treatment and ischemic/hemorrhagic events and clinical outcome was not significant for all subtypes of dissection.

CONCLUSION: The rate of new or recurrent events is similar with antiplatelet and anticoagulation treatment in treating intracranial and extracranial carotid and vertebral artery dissection.
A cardiac implantable device infection by Raoultella planticola in an immunocompromized patient
Authors: Adjodah Chandra , D'Ivernois Chistophe , Leyssene David , Berneau Jean-Baptiste , Hemery Yann
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Infection of cardiac implantable electronic devices is a severe condition associated with high mortality, particularly in patients who are dependent upon heart-pacing devices. Staphylococci are found in 70 % of reported cases.

Case presentation. We report the case of a cardiac-pacemaker infection in a 79-year-old man, cumulating a history of rheumatoid arthritis treated by corticosteroids and methotrexate by a recently identified micro-organism: Raoultella planticola. He presented local signs of infection on his VVI pacemaker implantation site and underwent urgent pocket device replacement under cefamandole antibioprophylaxis. On incision thick pus oozed out. It was necessary to perform a complete hardware extraction comprising the pulse generator and the ancient lead. Pus was inoculated into aerobic and anaerobic culture vials and Gram staining unveiled Gram-negative rods. Microbiology analysis identified the organism as R. planticola. A new pacing device was inserted on the contrlateral pectoral region. Ciprofloxacin enabled full recovery. A literature review concerning this pathogen revealed that it is involved in severe infections such as bloodstream infections, peritonitis, cellulitis, pneumonia and lung abscesses, and urinary tract infections. In these case reports, underlying co-morbidities were identified such as solid active neoplasia, recent chemotherapy, corticosteroids, solid-organ-recipient patients and recent open surgery.

Conclusion.
R. planticola is a serious emerging pathogen and contributes to the burden of various infectious conditions. Its pathogenicity and occurrence should be known by clinicians and a high level of awareness is necessary to precisely identify it provide the correct antibiotic regimen.
Bounds to Parapatric Speciation: A Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibility model involving autosomes, X chromosomes and mitochondria
Authors: Höellinger Ilse , Hermisson Joachim
Published: February 2017

We investigate the conditions for the origin and maintenance of postzygotic isolation barriers, so called (Bateson-)Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibilities or DMIs, among populations that are connected by gene flow. Specifically, we compare the relative stability of pairwise DMIs among autosomes, X chromosomes, and mitochondrial genes. In an analytical approach based on a continent-island framework, we determine how the maximum permissible migration rates depend on the genomic architecture of the DMI, on sex bias in migration rates, and on sex-dependence of allelic and epistatic effects, such as dosage compensation. Our results show that X-linkage of DMIs can enlarge the migration bounds relative to autosomal DMIs or autosome-mitochondrial DMIs, in particular in the presence of dosage compensation. The effect is further strengthened with male-biased migration. This mechanism might contribute to a higher density of DMIs on the X chromosome (large X-effect) that has been observed in several species clades. Furthermore, our results agree with empirical findings of higher introgression rates of autosomal compared to X-linked loci.
Systematic Conservation Planning for Intraspecific Genetic Diversity
Authors: Paz-Vinas Ivan , Loot Géraldine , Hermoso Virgilio , Veyssiere Charlotte , Poulet Nicolas , Grenouillet Gaël , Blanchet Simon
Published: February 2017

Intraspecific diversity informs the demographic and evolutionary histories of populations, and should be a main conservation target. Although approaches exist for identifying relevant biological conservation units, attempts to identify priority conservation areas for intraspecific diversity are scarce, especially within a multi-specific framework. We used neutral molecular data on six European freshwater fish species (Squalius cephalus,Phoxinus phoxinus, Barbatula barbatula,Gobio occitaniae,Leuciscus burdigalensisandParachondrostoma toxostoma) sampled at the riverscape scale (i.e. the Garonne-Dordogne River basin, France) to determine hot- and cold-spots of genetic diversity, and to identify priority conservation areas using a systematic conservation planning approach. We demonstrate that systematic conservation planning is efficient for identifying priority areas representing a predefined part of the total genetic diversity of a whole landscape. With the exception of private allelic richness, classical genetic diversity indices (allelic richness, genetic uniqueness) were poor predictors for identifying priority areas. Moreover, we identified weak surrogacies among conservation solutions found for each species, implying that conservation solutions are highly species-specific. Nonetheless, we showed that priority areas identified using intraspecific genetic data from multiple species provide more effective conservation solutions than areas identified for single species or on the basis of traditional taxonomic criteria.
Takeover times for a simple model of network infection
Authors: Ottino-Löffler Bertrand , Scott Jacob G. , Strogatz Steven H.
Published: February 2017

We study a stochastic model of infection spreading on a network. At each time step a node is chosen at random, along with one of its neighbors. If the node is infected and the neighbor is susceptible, the neighbor becomes infected. How many time stepsTdoes it take to completely infect a network ofNnodes, starting from a single infected node? An analogy to the classic “coupon collector” problem of probability theory reveals that the takeover timeTis dominated by extremal behavior, either when there are only a few infected nodes near the start of the process or a few susceptible nodes near the end. We show that forN≫ 1, the takeover timeTis distributed as a Gumbel for the star graph; as the sum of two Gumbels for a complete graph and an Erdős-Rényi random graph; as a normal for a one-dimensional ring and a two-dimensional lattice; and as a family of intermediate skewed distributions ford-dimensional lattices withd≥ 3 (these distributions approach the sum of two Gumbels asdapproaches infinity). Connections to evolutionary dynamics, cancer, incubation periods of infectious diseases, first-passage percolation, and other spreading phenomena in biology and physics are discussed.
Chromatin tethering to the nuclear envelope by nuclear actin filaments: a novel role of the actin cytoskeleton in theXenopusblastula
Authors: Oda Haruka , Shirai Natsuki , Ura Naoko , Ohsumi Keita , Iwabuchi Mari
Published: February 2017

TheXenopusoocyte is known to accumulate filamentous or F-actin in the nucleus, but it is currently unknown whether F-actin also accumulates in embryo nuclei. Using fluorescence-labeled actin reporters, we examined the actin distribution inXenopusembryonic cells and found that F-actin accumulates in nuclei during the blastula stage but not during the gastrula stage. To further investigate nuclear F-actin, we devised aXenopusegg extract that reproduces the formation of nuclei in which F-actin accumulates. Using this extract, we found that F-actin accumulates primarily at the sub-nuclear membranous region and is essential to maintain chromatin binding to the nuclear envelope in well-developed nuclei. We also provide evidence that nuclear F-actin increases the structural stability of nuclei and contributes to chromosome alignment on the mitotic spindle at the following M phase. These results suggest the physiological importance of nuclear F-actin accumulation in rapidly dividing, largeXenopusblastula cells.
The Dense-Core Vesicle Maturation Protein CCCP-1 Binds RAB-2 and Membranes through its C-terminal Domain
Authors: Cattin-Ortolá Jérôme , Topalidou Irini , Dosey Annie , Merz Alexey J. , Ailion Michael
Published: February 2017

Dense-core vesicles (DCVs) are secretory organelles that store and release modulatory neurotransmitters from neurons and endocrine cells. Recently, the conserved coiled-coil protein CCCP-1 was identified as a component of the DCV biogenesis pathway in the nematodeC. elegans. CCCP-1 binds the small GTPase RAB-2 and colocalizes with it at the trans-Golgi. Here we report a structure-function analysis of CCCP-1 to identify domains of the protein important for its localization, binding to RAB-2, and function in DCV biogenesis. We find that the CCCP-1 C-terminal domain (CC3) has multiple activities. CC3 is necessary and sufficient for CCCP-1 localization and for binding to RAB-2, and is required for the function of CCCP-1 in DCV biogenesis. Additionally, CCCP-1 binds membranes directly through its CC3 domain, indicating that CC3 may comprise a previously uncharacterized lipid-binding motif. We conclude that CCCP-1 is a coiled-coil protein that binds an activated Rab and localizes to the Golgi via its C-terminus, properties similar to members of the golgin family of proteins. CCCP-1 also shares biophysical features with golgins; it has an elongated shape and forms oligomers.

Synopsis statement

CCCP-1 is a coiled-coil protein important for dense-core vesicle (DCV) biogenesis. A structure-function analysis of CCCP-1 shows that its C-terminal domain is required for (1) localization to membrane compartments near the trans-Golgi, (2) binding to activated RAB-2, (3) function in DCV biogenesis, and (4) direct binding to membranes. CCCP-1 has an elongated shape and forms oligomers. These findings suggest that CCCP-1 resembles members of the golgin family of proteins that act as membrane tethers.
Impact of hypoxia induced VEGF and its signaling during caudal fin regeneration in Zebrafish
Authors: Vivek sagayaraj.R , Malathi R.
Published: February 2017

Hypoxia is known to play important role during various cellular process, including regeneration. Regeneration is a complex process involving wound healing and tissue repair. We propose that hypoxia might mediate regeneration through angiogenesis involving angiogenic factors such as VEGF, VEGF-R2, NRP1a during the wound healing process. We have chosen Zebrafish model to study the role of hypoxia induced regeneration. Unlike mammals Zebrafish has the ability to regenerate. Hypoxic condition was mimicked using inorganic salt cobalt chloride to study caudal fin regeneration in adult Zebrafish. Intense blood vessel formation, with increased tail fin length experimented at various time points have been observed when adult zebrafish caudal fin partially amputated were exposed to 1% CoCl2. Regeneration is enhanced under hypoxia, with increased VEGF expression. To study the significance of VEGF signaling during wound healing and tissue regeneration, sunitinib well known inhibitor of VEGF receptor is used against CoCl2-induced caudal fin regeneration. Diminished fin length, lowering of blood vessel formation was documented using angioquant software, reduction in mRNA level of hypoxia inducible factors, VEGF and other pro-angiogenic genes such as VEGF, VEGF-R2, NRP1A, FGFR2, ANGPT1 were observed, while reduction in VEGF protein was demonstrated using western blot analysis. Genistein inhibitor of HIF-1α completely arrested regeneration, with suppression of VEGF highlighting the significance of hypoxia induced VEGF signaling during fin regeneration. Our results suggest that hypoxia through HIF-1α might lead to angiogenesis involving VEGF signaling during wound healing and this might throw light on therapeutic efficacy of cobalt chloride during regeneration.
Patterns of genomic variation in the opportunistic pathogenCandida glabratasuggest the existence of mating and a secondary association to the human host
Authors: Carreté Laia , Ksiezopolska Ewa , Pegueroles Cinta , Gómez-Molero Emilia , Saus Ester , Iraola-Guzmán Susana , Loska Damian , Bader Oliver , Fairhead Cecile , Gabaldón Toni
Published: February 2017

Candida glabratais an opportunistic fungal pathogen that ranks as the second most common cause of systemic candidiasis. Despite its genus name, this yeast is more closely related to the model yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaethan to otherCandidapathogens, and hence its ability to infect humans is thought to have emerged independently. Morover,C. glabratahas all the necessary genes to undergo a sexual cycle, but it is considered an asexual organism due to the lack of direct evidence of sexual reproduction. Here, we assessed genomic and phenotypic variation across 33 globally-distributedC. glabrataisolates. We cataloged extensive copy number variation, which particularly affects genes encoding cell-wall associated proteins, including adhesins. The observed level of genetic variation inC. glabratais significantly larger than that found inCandida albicans. This variation is structured in seven deeply divergent clades, which show recent geographical dispersion and large within-clade genomic and phenotypic differences. We show compelling evidence of recent admixture between differentiated lineages, and of purifying selection on mating genes, which provide fist evidence for the existence of a sexual cycle in this yeast. Altogether, our data point to a recent global spread of previously genetically isolated populations and suggest that humans are only a secondary niche for this yeast.
A conserved signaling network monitors delivery of sphingolipids to the plasma membrane in budding yeast
Authors: Clarke Jesse , Dephoure Noah , Horecka Ira , Gygi Steven , Kellogg Douglas
Published: February 2017

In budding yeast, cell cycle progression and ribosome biogenesis are dependent upon plasma membrane growth, which ensures that events of cell growth are coordinated with each other and with the cell cycle. However, the signals that link the cell cycle and ribosome biogenesis to membrane growth are poorly understood. Here, we used proteome-wide mass spectrometry to systematically discover signals associated with membrane growth. The results suggest that membrane trafficking events required for membrane growth generate sphingolipid-dependent signals. A conserved signaling network plays an essential role in signaling by responding to delivery of sphingolipids to the plasma membrane. In addition, sphingolipid-dependent signals control phosphorylation of protein kinase C (Pkc1), which plays an essential role in the pathways that link the cell cycle and ribosome biogenesis to membrane growth. Together, these discoveries provide new clues to how growth-dependent signals control cell growth and the cell cycle.
Lipid order degradation in autoimmune demyelination probed by polarization resolved coherent Raman microscopy
Authors: Gasecka Paulina , Jaouen Alexandre , Bioud Fatma-Zohra , de Aguiar Hilton B. , Duboisset Julien , Ferrand Patrick , Rigneault Hervé , Balla Naveen K. , Debarbieux Franck , Brasselet Sophie
Published: February 2017

Myelin around axons is currently widely studied by structural analyses and large scale imaging techniques, with the goal to decipher its critical role in neuronal protection. While there is strong evidence that in myelin, lipid composition and lipid membrane morphology are affected during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, there is no quantitative method yet to report its ultrastructure in tissues at both molecular and macroscopic levels, in conditions potentially compatible within vivoobservations. In this work, we study and quantify molecular order of lipids in myelin at sub-diffraction scales, using label-free polarization resolved Coherent Anti Stokes Raman (PR-CARS), which exploits CARS sensitivity to coupling between light polarization and oriented molecular vibrational bonds. Importantly, the method does not use anya prioriparameters in the sample such as lipid type, orientational organization and composition. We show that lipid molecular order of myelin in the mouse spinal cord is significantly reduced throughout the progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for multiple sclerosis, even in myelin regions that appear morphologically unaffected. This technique permits to unravel molecular-scale perturbations of lipid layers at early stage of the demyelination progression, while the membrane architecture at the mesoscopic scale (here about 100 nm) seems much less affected. Such information cannot be brought by pure morphological observation and opens new prospectives towards molecular-scale understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.
Effect of fracture fill on frequency‐dependent anisotropy of fractured porous rocks
Authors: Kong Liyun , Gurevich Boris , Zhang Yan , Wang Yibo
Published: January 2017

In fractured reservoirs, seismic wave velocity and amplitude depend on frequency and incidence angle. Frequency dependence is believed to be principally caused by the wave‐induced flow of pore fluid at the mesoscopic scale. In recent years, two particular phenomena, i.e., patchy saturation and flow between fractures and pores, have been identified as significant mechanisms of wave‐induced flow. However, these two phenomena are studied separately. Recently, a unified model has been proposed for a porous rock with a set of aligned fractures, with pores and fractures filled with two different fluids. Existing models treat waves propagating perpendicular to the fractures. In this paper, we extend the model to all propagation angles by assuming that the flow direction is perpendicular to the layering plane and is independent of the loading direction. We first consider the limiting cases through poroelastic Backus averaging, and then we obtain the five complex and frequency‐dependent stiffness values of the equivalent transversely isotropic medium as a function of the frequency. The numerical results show that, when the bulk modulus of the fracture‐filling fluid is relatively large, the dispersion and attenuation of P‐waves are mainly caused by fractures, and the values decrease as angles increase, almost vanishing when the incidence angle is 90° (propagation parallel to the fracture plane). While the bulk modulus of fluid in fractures is much smaller than that of matrix pores, the attenuation due to the “partial saturation” mechanism makes the fluid flow from pores into fractures, which is almost independent of the incidence angle.
Xenografting of isolated equine (Equus caballus) testis cells results in de novo morphogenesis of seminiferous tubules but not spermatogenesis
Authors: Zeng W. , Alpaugh W. , Stefanovski D. , Schlingmann K. , Dobrinski I. , Turner R. M.
Published: February 2017

The study of spermatogenesis in the horse is challenging because of the absence of an in vitro system that is capable of reproducing efficient spermatogenesis and because of the difficulties and costs associated with performing well‐controlled studies in vivo. In an attempt to develop novel methods for the study of equine spermatogenesis, we tested whether cells from enzymatically digested pre‐pubertal equine testicular tissue were capable of de novo tissue formation and spermatogenesis following xenografting under the back skin of immunocompromised mice. Testes were obtained from normal pre‐pubertal colts and dissociated into cell suspensions using trypsin/collagenase digestion. Resulting cell pellets, consisting of both somatic and germ cells, were injected into fascial pockets under the back skin of immunocompromised, castrated mice and maintained for between 1 and 14 months. Mice were killed and grafts were recovered and analyzed. As has been reported for testis cell suspensions from pigs, mice, cattle, and sheep, de novo formation of equine testicular tissue was observed, as evidenced by the presence of seminiferous tubules and an interstitial compartment. There was an increased likelihood of de novo testicular formation as grafting period increased. Using indirect immunofluorescence, we confirmed the presence of spermatogonia in de novo formed seminiferous tubules. However, we found no evidence of meiotic or haploid cells. These results indicate that dissociated pre‐pubertal equine testis cells are capable of reorganizing into the highly specialized endocrine and spermatogenic compartments of the testis following ectopic xenografting. However, in spite of the presence of spermatogonia within the seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis does not occur. Although this technique does allow access to the cells within the seminiferous tubule and interstitial compartments of the equine testis prior to reaggregation, the absence of spermatogenesis will limit its use as a method for the study of testicular function in the horse.
Corneal profile in primary congenital glaucoma
Authors: Doozandeh Azadeh , Yazdani Shahin , Ansari Shabnam , Pakravan Mohammad , Motevasseli Tahmineh , Hosseini Bagher , Yasseri Mehdi
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To investigate biomechanical and ultrastructural corneal parameters and ocular biometrics in the affected eyes of patients with unilateral primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) as compared to unaffected fellow eyes and age‐matched healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 12 patients with treated unilateral PCG and 10 normal subjects were evaluated. LENSTAR was performed to determine biometric parameters; the ocular response analyser was employed to determine biomechanical properties and slit‐scanning confocal microscopy was used for evaluation of corneal ultrastucture.

Results

Axial length was significantly higher and mean keratometry in affected eyes was significantly flatter in affected eyes as compared to fellow eyes and normal controls (p < 0.05), and a negative correlation was present between axial length and mean keratometry (p < 0.05). Mean aqueous depth and anterior chamber depth were increased in affected eyes as compared to fellow eyes and normal controls (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in central corneal thickness (CCT) among affected eyes, fellow eyes and normal controls. Corneal hysteresis (CH) was significantly reduced in affected eyes (p < 0.05) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) was also reduced in the affected eyes as compared to fellow eyes and normal controls, although not statistically significant. Mean endothelial cell density was reduced in the affected eyes compared to fellow eyes and normal controls (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Corneal biometrics, biomechanical parameters and ultrastructural features are altered in eyes affected with PCG despite clinically normal and clear corneas. These findings should be considered in the preoperative assessment of intraocular or corneal surgery in these patients.
Attenuated phenotype of Costello syndrome and early death in a patient with an HRAS mutation (c.179G>T; p.Gly60Val) affecting signalling dynamics
Authors: Gripp K.W. , Kolbe V. , Brandenstein L.I. , Rosenberger G.
Published: January 2017

Costello syndrome (CS) is caused by heterozygous germline HRAS mutations. Most patients share the HRAS mutation c.34G>A (p.Gly12Ser) associated with the typical, relatively homogeneous phenotype. Rarer mutations occurred in individuals with an attenuated phenotype. Although many disease‐associated HRAS alterations trigger constitutive activation of HRAS‐dependent signalling pathways, additional pathological consequences exist. An infant with failure‐to‐thrive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had a novel de novo HRAS mutation (c.179G>T; p.Gly60Val). He showed subtle dysmorphic findings consistent with attenuated CS and died from presumed cardiac cause. Functional studies revealed that amino acid change p.Gly60Val impairs HRAS binding to effectors PIK3CA, phospholipase C1, and RAL guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator. In contrast, interaction with effector rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF) and regulator NF1 GTPase‐activating protein was enhanced. Importantly, expression of HRAS p.Gly60Val in HEK293 cells reduced growth factor sensitivity leading to damped RAF‐MAPK and phosphoinositide 3‐kinases‐AKT signalling response. Our data support the idea that a variable range of dysregulated HRAS‐dependent signalling dynamics, rather than static activation of HRAS‐dependent signal flow, may underlie the phenotypic variability in CS.
Outcomes of preterm birth: a lifespan perspective
Authors: Taylor H Gerry
Published: February 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Breeman et al. on pages 477–483 of this issue.
Time and travelling costs during chick‐rearing in relation to habitat quality in Little OwlsAthene noctua
Authors: Staggenborg Julia , Schaefer H. Martin , Stange Christian , Naef‐Daenzer Beat , Grüebler Martin U.
Published: February 2017

In many bird species, parents adjust their home‐ranges during chick‐rearing to the availability and distribution of food resources, balancing the benefits of energy intake against the costs of travelling. Over recent decades, European agricultural landscapes have changed radically, resulting in the degradation of habitats and reductions in food resources for farmland birds. Lower foraging success and longer foraging trip distances that result from these changes are often assumed to reduce the reproductive performance of parents, although the mechanisms are not well understood. We tested the behavioural response of chick‐rearing Little OwlsAthene noctuato variation in habitat diversity in an agricultural landscape. We equipped females withGPSloggers and received adequate range‐use data for 19 individuals (6063–14 439 locations per bird). In habitats dominated by homogeneous cropland habitats, home‐ranges were over 12 ha in size, whereas in highly diverse habitats they were below 2 ha. Large home‐ranges were associated with increased flight activity (117% of that of birds in small home‐ranges) and distances travelled per night (152%), increased duration of foraging trips (169%) covering larger distances (246%), and reduced nest visiting rates (81%). The study therefore provides strong correlative evidence that Little Owls breeding in monotonous farmland habitats expend more time and energy for a lower benefit in terms of feeding rates than do birds in more heterogeneous landscapes. As nestling food supply is the main determinant of chick survival, these results suggest a strong impact of farmland characteristics on local demographic rates. We suggest that preserving and creating islands of high habitat diversity within uniform open agricultural landscapes should be a key target in the conservation of Little Owl populations.
EVALUATING THE SOCIAL OPTIMALITY OF DURABLE PUBLIC GOOD PROVISION USING THE HOUSING PRICE RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INVESTMENT
Authors: Coate Stephen , Ma Yanlei
Published: February 2017

Recent empirical work in public finance uses the housing price response to public investment to assess the efficiency of local durable public good provision. This article explores the theoretical justification for this technique. It points out that the logic justifying the technique for evaluating nondurable public good provision does not translate to the durable case. A model in which investment is determined by the interaction between a budget‐maximizing bureaucrat and a community's residents is used to demonstrate that the technique can falsely predict underprovision, falsely predict overprovision, or perform without error.
INFORMATION, RISK SHARING, AND INCENTIVES IN AGENCY PROBLEMS
Authors: Xie Jia
Published: February 2017

This article studies the use of information for incentives and risk sharing in agency problems. When the principal is risk neutral or the outcome is contractible, risk sharing is unnecessary or dealt with by a contract on the outcome, so information systems are used for incentives only. When the outcome is noncontractible, a risk‐averse principal relies on imperfect information for both incentives and risk sharing. Under the first‐order approach, this article relaxes Gjesdal's criterion for ranking information systems and finds conditions justifying the first‐order approach when the principal is risk averse and the outcome is noncontractible.
The relationships among Muslim Uyghur and Kazakh disabled elders' life satisfaction, activity of daily living, and informal family caregiver's burden, depression, and life satisfaction in far western China: A structural equation model
Authors: Wang Wen Ting , He Bin , Wang Yu Huan , Wang Mei Yan , Chen Xue Feng , Wu Fu Chen , Yang Xue
Published: January 2017

This study explored the interrelationships of disabled elders' life satisfaction and activities of daily living, caregivers' factors (burden, depression, and life satisfaction) through a structural equation model. In total, 621 dyads of disabled elders and informal family caregivers completed questionnaires during face‐to‐face interviews in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region from September 2013 to January 2014. Activity of daily living exerted a direct effect on life satisfaction of disabled elders and 30.4% indirect effect through caregivers' factors. Caregiver burden had a 60.0% direct effect on life satisfaction of disabled elders and a 40.0% indirect effect through the caregiver depression. Caregiver depression showed 76% direct effect on life satisfaction of disabled elders and 24% indirect effect through caregivers' life satisfaction. Direct relationships between activity of daily living and caregiver burden, caregiver burden and caregiver depression, and caregiver depression and caregivers' life satisfaction were observed. Activity of daily living had a 91.3% indirect effect on caregiver depression mediated by caregiver burden; caregiver burden had a 40.0% indirect effect on caregivers' life satisfaction mediated by caregiver depression. Results provide useful information for nurses and policymakers and shed light on the need to consider caregivers' factors in improving care recipients' life satisfaction.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy and offspring adiposity and cardiometabolic traits in childhood
Authors: Chatzi L. , Rifas‐Shiman S. L. , Georgiou V. , Joung K. E. , Koinaki S. , Chalkiadaki G. , Margioris A. , Sarri K. , Vassilaki M. , Vafeiadi M. , Kogevinas M. , Mantzoros C. , Gillman M. W. , Oken E.
Published: February 2017

Background

In adults, adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been inversely associated with cardiovascular risk, but the extent to which diet in pregnancy is associated with offspring adiposity is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between adherence to Mediterranean diet in pregnancy and offspring cardiometabolic traits in two pregnancy cohorts.

Methods

We studied 997 mother–child pairs from Project Viva in Massachusetts, USA, and 569 pairs from the Rhea study in Crete, Greece. We estimated adherence to the Mediterranean diet with an a priori defined score (MDS) of nine foods and nutrients (0 to 9). We measured child weight, height, waist circumference, skin‐fold thicknesses, blood pressure, and blood levels of lipids, c‐reactive protein and adipokines in mid‐childhood (median 7.7 years) in Viva, and in early childhood (median 4.2 years) in Rhea. We calculated cohort‐specific effects and pooled effects estimates with random‐effects models for cohort and child age.

Results

In Project Viva, the mean (SD, standard deviation) MDS was 2.7 (1.6); in Rhea it was 3.8 (1.7). In the pooled analysis, for each 3‐point increment in the MDS, offspring BMI z‐score was lower by 0.14 units (95% CI, −0.15 to −0.13), waist circumference by 0.39 cm (95% CI, −0.64 to −0.14), and the sum of skin‐fold thicknesses by 0.63 mm (95% CI, −0.98 to −0.28). We also observed lower offspring systolic (−1.03 mmHg; 95% CI, −1.65 to −0.42) and diastolic blood pressure (−0.57 mmHg; 95% CI, −0.98 to −0.16).

Conclusion

Greater adherence to Mediterranean diet during pregnancy may protect against excess offspring cardiometabolic risk.
Induction of Hepatic CYP2B in Foetal and Neonatal Rats after Maternal Administration of Phenobarbital
Authors: Asoh Masako , Tateishi Tomonori , Kumai Toshio , Kobayashi Shinichi
Published: February 2017

Abstract: We examined hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction in rat foetuses and neonates by phenobarbital administered through placenta or breast feeding. In an intraperitoneal study, phenobarbital was administered intraperitoneally to mother rats once a day for 7 consecutive days before delivery. The livers were removed from foetuses, neonates, and mothers just before and 5 and 10 days after delivery. In oral administration study, water containing phenobarbital was given orally ad libitum from day 13 of pregnancy to 3 weeks after delivery (end of lactation). The livers were removed from neonates and mothers just before and one week after delactation. Phenobarbital administered intraperitoneally increased both the activity and the protein expression of CYP2B in 5‐day‐old neonates, even though the administration ended before delivery. This increase had disappeared in 10‐day‐old neonates. In mother rats, phenobarbital increased CYP2B just before and 5 days after delivery, while no increase was detected 10 days after delivery. Phenobarbital administered orally also increased both the activity and the protein expression of CYP2B of neonates and mothers during lactation and this increase also disappeared 1 week after delactation. Neither activity nor protein expression of CYP3A were induced in perinates at any age examined in either administration route. In mother rats, increase in CYP3A was found only just before delivery in the peritoneal administration study. Our results suggest that phenobarbital administered through placenta or breast milk transiently induces hepatic CYP2B in newborn rats but that the influence of phenobarbital does not last long.
A Comparison of the Efficacy of Acetylcholinesterase Reactivators against Cyclohexyl Methylphosphonofluoridate (GF Agent) by in vitro and in vivo Methods
Authors: Kassa Jiří , Cabal Jiří
Published: February 2017

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of a new acetylcholinesterase reactivator, designated BI‐6 (1‐(2‐hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)‐4‐(4‐carbamoylpyridinium)‐2‐butene dibromide), with presently used oximes (pralidoxime, obidoxime, methoxime) and H‐oximes (HI‐6, HLü‐7) by in vitro and in vivo methods. In vitro, methoxime seems to be the most efficacious reactivator of GF agent‐inhibited acetylcholinesterase because the phosphonylation of acetylcholinesterase by GF agent markedly increases its affinity for the enzyme. The oxime BI‐6 is more efficacious than other presently used oximes (pralidoxime, obidoxime) but its reactivating efficacy does not reach the efficacy of H‐oximes tested. On the other hand, obidoxime and pralidoxime appear to be very poor reactivators of GF agent‐inhibited acetylcholinesterase because the phosphonylation of acetylcholinesterase by GF agent markedly decreases their affinity to the enzyme. In vivo, H oximes (HI‐6, HLü‐7) are the most efficacious antidotes for the treatment of acute poisoning with GF agent in rats while the presently used oximes such as pralidoxime and obidoxime are practically ineffective. BI‐6 and methoxime are more efficacious than pralidoxime and obidoxime, nevertheless their therapeutic efficacy does not reach the efficacy of H oximes. Our results show that the ability of oximes to reactivate GF agent‐inhibited acetylcholinesterase in vitro usually corresponds to their therapeutic effects against GF agent in vivo.
Association between platelet to lymphocyte ratio, plateletcrit and the presence and severity of hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Tayfur Cift , Burcu Dincgez Cakmak , Gulten Ozgen , Betul Dundar , Tugberk Guclu , Onur Ozdenoglu , Engin Korkmazer , Orcun Ozdemir
Published: February 2017

Aim

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) can be defined as intractable nausea and vomiting leading to electrolyte imbalance, ketonuria, nutrition deficiency and weight loss. Inflammation is known to play a crucial role in HG and many inflammatory markers have been studied to achieve early diagnosis. We investigated the association of the platelet to lymphocyte ratio and plateletcrit with the presence and severity of HG.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 433 pregnant women with a diagnosis of HG and 160 gestational age matched healthy pregnant women, who were admitted to a large tertiary research and training hospital between January and December 2015. Patients were divided into three groups: mild (n = 147), moderate (n = 153) and severe (n = 133), according to HG severity. Age, gestational age, gravida, parity, height, weight and laboratory parameters, including complete blood count, were recorded from patients’ medical records.

Results

The platelet to lymphocyte ratio and plateletcrit were both higher in the HG groups compared with controls (p < 0.001). There was statistically significant difference in plateletcrit between the mild–moderate and moderate–severe HG groups (p < 0.001). The area under curve for neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio and plateletcrit were 0.64, 0.68 and 0.68, respectively, with p < 0.001. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio > 3.9, platelet to lymphocyte ratio > 121.2 and plateletcrit > 0.20 were significantly related with an increased risk of HG.

Conclusion

The platelet to lymphocyte ratio and plateletcrit are effective inflammatory markers for predicting the presence of HG. Plateletcrit level could also be used to determine HG severity.