bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of dexamethasone in the context ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection
Authors: ZHANG JING , QIN XIN , ZHU YU , ZHANG SHUANG , ZHANG XUE-WEI , LU HE
Published: June 2017

Toxoplasmosis is a serious zoonoses disease and opportunistic, and can be life-threatening. Dexamethasone (DEX) is widely used in the clinic for treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, long-term use of DEX is often easy to lead to acute toxoplasmosis in patients, and the potential molecular mechanism is still not very clear. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of DEX on proliferation of Toxoplasma and its molecular mechanisms, and to establish the corresponding control measures. All the results showed that dexamethasone could enhance the proliferation ofToxoplasma gondiitachyzoites. After 72 h of DEX treatment, 566 (±7) tachyzoites were found in 100 host cells, while only 86 (±8) tachyzoites were counted from the non-treated control cells (P< 0·01). Gas chromatography (GC) analysis showed changes in level and composition of fatty acids in DEX-treated host cells, andT. gondii. Fish oil was added as a modulator of lipid metabolism in experimental mice. It was found that mice fed with fish oil did not develop the disease after infection withT. gondii, and the structure of fatty acids in plasma changed significantly. The metabolism of fatty acid in the parasites was limited, and the desaturase gene expression was downregulated. These results indicate that the molecular mechanism of dexamethasone to promote the proliferation ofT. gondiimay be that dexamethasone induces the change of fatty acids composition of tachyzoites and host cells. Therefore, we recommend supplementation of fatty acid in immunosuppressive and immunocompromised patients in order to inhibit toxoplasmosis.
Können schriftliche Informationen oder eine Beratung (WOMAN-PRO II Programm) bei Frauen mit vulvären Neoplasien die Patientenzufriedenheit und den Versorgungsprozess verbessern?
Authors: Gehrig Larissa , Kobleder Andrea , Werner Birgit , Denhaerynck Kris , Senn Beate
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Patientinnen mit vulvären Neoplasien berichten über Informationsmangel, fehlende Förderung des Selbstmanagements und Lücken im Versorgungsprozess. Fragestellung: Können schriftliche Informationen oder eine Beratung basierend auf dem WOMAN-PRO II Programm bei Frauen mit vulvären Neoplasien die Patientenzufriedenheit sowie den Versorgungsprozess aus Sicht des Behandlungspersonals verbessern? Methode: Die Patientenzufriedenheit und der Versorgungsprozess wurden innerhalb der multizentrischen randomisiert kontrollierten Phase II-Studie (Clinical Trial ID: NCT01986725) als sekundäre Outcomes erfasst. Die Patientenzufriedenheit bewerteten 49 Frauen nach schriftlicher Information (n = 13) und Beratung (n = 36), in vier Spitälern (CH, AUT) mittels PACIC-S11. Den Versorgungsprozess bewerteten zehn Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) mittels G-ACIC vor und nach der Implementierung der Beratung. Ergebnisse: Es konnten keine signifikanten Gruppenunterschiede identifiziert werden (p = 0,25). Nur wenige Aspekte wurden von allen Frauen hoch bewertet, z. B. die Gesamtzufriedenheit (M = 80,3 %) und die Zufriedenheit mit der Organisation (M = 83,0 %). Die Beurteilung der APNs des Versorgungsprozesses bei Patientinnen, die eine Beratung erhielten, verbesserte sich signifikant (p = 0,031). Schlussfolgerung: Es gibt Hinweise, dass die Interventionen in der Praxis zu einer höheren Patientenzufriedenheit und die Beratung zu einer optimierten Versorgung beitragen könnten. Die tief bewerteten Aspekte im PACIC-S11 und G-ACIC weisen auf Optimierungsmöglichkeiten im Versorgungsprozess hin.
The increasing threat to stratospheric ozone from dichloromethane
Authors: Hossaini Ryan , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Montzka Stephen A. , Leeson Amber A. , Dhomse Sandip S. , Pyle John A.
Published: June 2017

It is well established that anthropogenic chlorine-containing chemicals contribute to ozone layer depletion. The successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol has led to reductions in the atmospheric concentration of many ozone-depleting gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons. As a consequence, stratospheric chlorine levels are declining and ozone is projected to return to levels observed pre-1980 later this century. However, recent observations show the atmospheric concentration of dichloromethane—an ozone-depleting gas not controlled by the Montreal Protocol—is increasing rapidly. Using atmospheric model simulations, we show that although currently modest, the impact of dichloromethane on ozone has increased markedly in recent years and if these increases continue into the future, the return of Antarctic ozone to pre-1980 levels could be substantially delayed. Sustained growth in dichloromethane would therefore offset some of the gains achieved by the Montreal Protocol, further delaying recovery of Earth’s ozone layer.
Task relevance modulates the cortical representation of feature conjunctions in the target template
Authors: Reeder Reshanne R. , Hanke Michael , Pollmann Stefan
Published: June 2017

Little is known about the cortical regions involved in representing task-related content in preparation for visual task performance. Here we used representational similarity analysis (RSA) to investigate the BOLD response pattern similarity between task relevant and task irrelevant feature dimensions during conjunction viewing and target template maintenance prior to visual search. Subjects were cued to search for a spatial frequency (SF) or orientation of a Gabor grating and we measured BOLD signal during cue and delay periods before the onset of a search display. RSA of delay period activity revealed that widespread regions in frontal, posterior parietal, and occipitotemporal cortices showed general representational differences between task relevant and task irrelevant dimensions (e.g., orientation vs. SF). In contrast, RSA of cue period activity revealed sensory-related representational differences between cue images (regardless of task) at the occipital pole and additionally in the frontal pole. Our data show that task and sensory information are represented differently during viewing and during target template maintenance, and that task relevance modulates the representation of visual information across the cortex.
Blocking autophagy improves the anti-tumor activity of afatinib in lung adenocarcinoma with activating EGFR mutations in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hu Xiangxiang , Shi Si , Wang Huan , Yu Xiaochen , Wang Qian , Jiang Shanshan , Ju Dianwen , Ye Li , Feng Meiqing
Published: June 2017

Afatinib, a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has been approved for the treatment of advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, afatinib’s clinical application is still hampered by acquired resistance. Recently, autophagy is considered as an important mechanism of resistance to TKI. Herein, we investigated the autophagy induction as well as its influence on anti-lung adenocarcinoma activity of afatinib in two activating EGFR-mutants H1975 and H1650 cells. First, Growth inhibition and caspase-dependent apoptosis were observed in afatinib-treated H1975 and H1650 cells. Then we confirmed afatinib-induced autophagy in H1975 and H1650 cells. Importantly, autophagy inhibition using chloroquine (CQ) and 3-MA enhanced the cytotoxicity of afatinib, elucidating the cytoprotective role of autophagy in lung adenocarcinoma therapy with afatinib. Further study suggested that Akt/mTOR and Erk signaling pathways were involved in afatinib-induced autophagy, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) acted as an intracellular transducer regulating both autophagy and apoptosis in afatinib-treated H1975 and H1650 cells. Moreover, the in vivo experiment in xenograft model using H1975 cell line confirmed the enhanced anti-lung adenocarcinoma efficacy of afatinib when combined with autophagy inhibitor CQ. Thus, blocking autophagy may be a promising strategy to overcome resistance and increase sensitivity to afatinib in lung adenocarcinoma harboring activating EGFR mutations.
Citrate Suppresses Tumor Growth in Multiple Models through Inhibition of Glycolysis, the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle and the IGF-1R Pathway
Authors: Ren Jian-Guo , Seth Pankaj , Ye Huihui , Guo Kun , Hanai Jun-ichi , Husain Zaheed , Sukhatme Vikas P.
Published: June 2017

In this study we have tested the efficacy of citrate therapy in various cancer models. We found that citrate administration inhibited A549 lung cancer growth and additional benefit accrued in combination with cisplatin. Interestingly, citrate regressed Ras-driven lung tumors. Further studies indicated that citrate induced tumor cell differentiation. Additionally, citrate treated tumor samples showed significantly higher infiltrating T-cells and increased blood levels of numerous cytokines. Moreover, we found that citrate inhibited IGF-1R phosphorylation. In vitro studies suggested that citrate treatment inhibited AKT phosphorylation, activated PTEN and increased expression of p-eIF2a. We also found that p-eIF2a was decreased when PTEN was depleted. These data suggest that citrate acts on the IGF-1R-AKT-PTEN-eIF2a pathway. Additionally, metabolic profiling suggested that both glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle were suppressed in a similar manner in vitro in tumor cells and in vivo but only in tumor tissue. We reproduced many of these observations in an inducible Her2/Neu-driven breast cancer model and in syngeneic pancreatic tumor (Pan02) xenografts. Our data suggests that citrate can inhibit tumor growth in diverse tumor types and via multiple mechanisms. Dietary supplementation with citrate may be beneficial as a cancer therapy.
PAX2 is dispensable for in vitro nephron formation from human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Kaku Yusuke , Taguchi Atsuhiro , Tanigawa Shunsuke , Haque Fahim , Sakuma Tetsushi , Yamamoto Takashi , Nishinakamura Ryuichi
Published: June 2017

The kidney is formed by reciprocal interactions between the nephron progenitor and the ureteric bud, the former of which gives rise to the epithelia of nephrons consisting of glomeruli and renal tubules. The transcription factor PAX2 is essential for this mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition of nephron progenitors, as well as ureteric bud lineage development, in mice. PAX2 mutations in humans cause renal coloboma syndrome. We previously reported the induction of nephron progenitors and three-dimensional nephron structures from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Here we generate iPS cells lacking PAX2, and address the role of PAX2 in our in vitro induction protocol. While PAX2-null human nephron progenitors were properly formed, they unexpectedly became epithelialised to form glomeruli and renal tubules. However, the mutant glomerular parietal epithelial cells failed to transit to the squamous morphology, retaining the shape and markers of columnar epithelia. Therefore, PAX2 is dispensable for mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition of nephron progenitors, but is required for morphological development of glomerular parietal epithelial cells, during nephron formation from human iPS cells in vitro.
Serial femtosecond crystallography structure of cytochrome c oxidase at room temperature
Authors: Andersson Rebecka , Safari Cecilia , Dods Robert , Nango Eriko , Tanaka Rie , Yamashita Ayumi , Nakane Takanori , Tono Kensuke , Joti Yasumasa , Båth Petra , Dunevall Elin , Bosman Robert , Nureki Osamu , Iwata So , Neutze Richard , Brändén Gisela
Published: June 2017

Cytochrome c oxidase catalyses the reduction of molecular oxygen to water while the energy released in this process is used to pump protons across a biological membrane. Although an extremely well-studied biological system, the molecular mechanism of proton pumping by cytochrome c oxidase is still not understood. Here we report a method to produce large quantities of highly diffracting microcrystals of ba3-type cytochrome c oxidase from Thermus thermophilus suitable for serial femtosecond crystallography. The room-temperature structure of cytochrome c oxidase is solved to 2.3 Å resolution from data collected at an X-ray Free Electron Laser. We find overall agreement with earlier X-ray structures solved from diffraction data collected at cryogenic temperature. Previous structures solved from synchrotron radiation data, however, have shown conflicting results regarding the identity of the active-site ligand. Our room-temperature structure, which is free from the effects of radiation damage, reveals that a single-oxygen species in the form of a water molecule or hydroxide ion is bound in the active site. Structural differences between the ba3-type and aa3-type cytochrome c oxidases around the proton-loading site are also described.
A healable thermo-reversible functional polymer prepared via RAFT polymerization and ultrafast ‘click’ chemistry using a triazolinedione derivative
Authors: Mondal Prantik , Behera Prasanta Kumar , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: June 2017

The synthesis of a thermo-reversible self-healable functional polymer based on the indole functionality via RAFT polymerization followed by an ultrafast Alder-ene ‘click’ reaction using 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (TAD) chemistry is reported.
Enzyme activity evaluation by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry
Authors: de Souza João C. P. , Silva Wanderson O. , Lima Fabio H. B. , Crespilho Frank N.
Published: June 2017

A broad mass spectrometry technique with bioelectrochemical control provides new insight into the enzyme kinetics and mechanisms.
Anisotropic coordination star polymers realized by self-sorting core modulation
Authors: Hosono Nobuhiko , Omoto Kenichiro , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: June 2017

Anisotropic coordination star polymers with metal–organic polyhedral cores have been synthesized through a self-sorting core modulation approach.
DNA or protein? Capillary zone electrophoresis–mass spectrometry rapidly elucidates metallodrug binding selectivity
Authors: Artner Christian , Holtkamp Hannah U. , Kandioller Wolfgang , Hartinger Christian G. , Meier-Menches Samuel M. , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: June 2017

A novel capillary zone electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CZE–MS) approach allows the characterization and quantification of the binding preferences of metal-based anticancer agents to biomolecules.
Prediction of metallic nanotube reactivity for H2O activation
Authors: Fajín José L. C. , Cordeiro M. Natália D. S. , Gomes José R. B.
Published: June 2017

The reactivity of metallic nanotubes toward the catalysis of water dissociation, a key step in the water gas shift reaction (WGSR), was analyzed from density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Inhibition of GNNQQNY prion peptide aggregation by trehalose: a mechanistic view
Authors: Katyal Nidhi , Deep Shashank
Published: June 2017

Trehalose delays the aggregation process by increasing the sampling of small sized aggregates that lacked β-sheet conformation.
Chemical physics of electroactive materials – the oft-overlooked faces of electrochemistry
Authors: Kostiuchenko Zinaida A. , Glazer Piotr J. , Mendes Eduardo , Lemay Serge G.
Published: June 2017

Electroactive materials and their applications are enjoying renewed attention, in no small part motivated by the advent of nanoscale tools for their preparation and study. While the fundamentals of charge and mass transport in electrolytes on this scale are by and large well understood, their interplay can have subtle manifestations in the more complex situations typical of, for example, integrated microfluidics-based applications. In particular, the role of faradaic processes is often overlooked or, at best, purposefully suppressed via experimental design. In this introductory article we discuss, using simple illustrations from our laboratories, some of the manifestations of electrochemistry in electroactive materials.
Fabrication, characterisation and stability of oil-in-water emulsions stabilised by solid lipid particles: the role of particle characteristics and emulsion microstructure upon Pickering functionality
Authors: Zafeiri I. , Smith P. , Norton I. T. , Spyropoulos F.
Published: June 2017

Emulsifier-mediated wettability of solid lipid particles promotes the Pickering functionality in oil-in-water emulsions.
High pressure water-initiated ring opening polymerization for the synthesis of well-defined α-hydroxy-ω-(carboxylic acid) polycaprolactones
Authors: Dzienia A. , Maksym P. , Tarnacka M. , Grudzka-Flak I. , Golba S. , Zięba A. , Kaminski K. , Paluch M.
Published: June 2017

A novel method to produce polyesters of a well-defined chemical structure, and narrow molecular weight distributions by using a combination of high pressure, temperature and water was proposed.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates as biomaterials
Authors: Thorat Gadgil Bhagyashri S. , Killi Naresh , Rathna Gundloori V. N.
Published: June 2017

Polyhydroxyalkanoates are being explored exponentially for biomedical application. The collative reported information on polyhydroxyalkanoates may serve as a guide to attain novel biomaterials.
Carbon quantum dots with intrinsic mitochondrial targeting ability for mitochondria-based theranostics
Authors: Hua Xian-Wu , Bao Yan-Wen , Chen Zhan , Wu Fu-Gen
Published: June 2017

A novel type of carbon quantum dot with intrinsic mitochondrial-targeting ability was prepared for mitochondria-targeted imaging and drug delivery.
Luminescent detection of the lipopolysaccharide endotoxin and rapid discrimination of bacterial pathogens using cationic platinum(ii) complexes
Authors: Zhu Yiwen , Xu Chen , Wang Yu , Chen Yaqing , Ding Xiaokang , Yu Bingran
Published: June 2017

A luminescence probe based on chloroplatinum(ii) complexes ([Pt(N^N^N)Cl]+) was reported for sensing of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin and rapid discrimination of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial pathogens.
Predictive modeling and validation of arsenite removal by a one pot synthesized bioceramic buttressed manganese doped iron oxide nanoplatform
Authors: Dhiman Nitesh , Markandeya Markandeya , Fatima Faimy , Saxsena Prem N. , Roy Somendu , Rout Prashant K. , Patnaik Satyakam
Published: June 2017

Arsenite removal by a one pot synthesized bioceramic buttressed manganese doped iron oxide nanoplatform.
A facile conversion of a Ni/Fe coordination polymer to a robust electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Huang Lieyuan , Ge Xingbo , Dong Shuai
Published: June 2017

A spinel NiFe2O4 dominated mixed oxide prepared from Ni hexacyanometallate (NiHCF) was found to be effective for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solution.
A comparative study of the main constituents and antidepressant effects of raw and vinegar-baked Bupleuri Radix in rats subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress
Authors: Lei Tianli , Wang Yadan , Li Mingxiao , Zhang Xin , Lv Chongning , Jia Lingyun , Wang Jing , Lu Jincai
Published: June 2017

Bupleuri Radix (BR) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) widely used in Asian nations, which originates fromBupleurum chinenseDC orBupleurum scorzonerifoliumWilld.
Essential oil eugenol: sources, extraction techniques and nutraceutical perspectives
Authors: Khalil Anees Ahmed , Rahman Ubaid ur , Khan Moazzam Rafiq , Sahar Amna , Mehmood Tariq , Khan Muneeb
Published: June 2017

Graphical representation regarding sources, extraction techniques and nutraceutical perspectives of eugenol.
Oriented perylene incorporated optically anisotropic 2D silica films
Authors: Sriramulu Deepa , Turaga Shuvan Prashant , Bettiol Andrew Anthony , Valiyaveettil Suresh
Published: June 2017

Structurally oriented, optically anisotropic silica films prepared at the liquid–liquid interface.
An alternative, faster and simpler method for the formation of hierarchically porous ZnO particles and their thermoelectric performance
Authors: Virtudazo Raymond V. Rivera , Guo Quansheng , Wu Rudder , Takei Toshiaki , Mori Takao
Published: June 2017

A thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of 0.075 at ∼750 K (C) has been achieved, due to the synthesized micro/nanoporous ZnO powder.
Indole diterpenoid natural products as the inspiration for new synthetic methods and strategies
Authors: Corsello Michael A. , Kim Junyong , Garg Neil K.
Published: June 2017

This minireview showcases the role indole diterpenoids have played in inspiring the development of clever synthetic strategies and new chemical reactions.
An overview of a novel concept in biomass pyrolysis: microwave irradiation
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , Rajagopalan Kishore , Lei Hanwu , Ruan Roger , Sharma Brajendra K.
Published: June 2017

Advances in biomass pyrolysis using microwave irradiation: a perspective and review of recent progress.
New insights into the characterization of the electrode/electrolyte interfaces within LiMn2O4/Li4Ti5O12 cells, by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning Auger microscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Gieu Jean-Baptiste , Winkler Volker , Courrèges Cécile , El Ouatani Loubna , Tessier Cécile , Martinez Hervé
Published: June 2017

This work aims to study the electrode/electrolyte interfaces in a Li4Ti5O12 (LTO)/LiMn2O4 (LMO) cell assembled with a VC-containing electrolyte and operating at 60 °C.
Substrate influence on the polarization dependence of SERS in crossed metal nanowires
Authors: Chen Weigen , Shi Haiyang , Wan Fu , Wang Pinyi , Gu Zhaoliang , Li Wenhao , Ke Liao , Huang Yingzhou
Published: June 2017

The polarization dependence of SERS in crossed nanowires (NWs) on metal or dielectric films was investigated both experimentally and theoretically.
Adiponectin improves coronary no-reflow injury by protecting the endothelium in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Han Xue , Wu Ye , Liu Xin , Ma Lu , Lv Tingting , Sun Qi , Xu Wenli , Zhang Suli , Wang Ke , Wang Wen , Ma Xinliang , Liu Huirong
Published: July 2017

To determine the effect of adiponectin (APN) on the coronary no-reflow (NR) injury in rats with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 80 male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed with a high-sugar–high-fat diet to build a T2DM model. Rats received vehicle or APN in the last week and then were subjected to myocardial ischemia reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of the thoracic aorta was significantly decreased and serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were noticably increased in T2DM rats compared with rats without T2DM. Serum APN was positively correlated with the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, but negatively correlated with the serum level of ET-1. Treatment with APN improved T2DM-induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, recovered cardiac function, and decreased both NR size and the levels of ET-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Hypoadiponectinemia was associated with the aggravation of coronary NR in T2DM rats. APN could alleviate coronary NR injury in T2DM rats by protecting the endothelium and improving microcirculation.
Hypercholesterolaemia and vascular dementia
Authors: Appleton Jason P. , Scutt Polly , Sprigg Nikola , Bath Philip M.
Published: July 2017

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second commonest cause of dementia. Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults in developed countries, the second major cause of dementia and the third commonest cause of death. Traditional vascular risk factors–diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and smoking–are implicated as risk factors for VaD. The associations between cholesterol and small vessel disease (SVD), stroke, cognitive impairment and subsequent dementia are complex and as yet not fully understood. Similarly, the effects of lipids and lipid-lowering therapy on preventing or treating dementia remain unclear; the few trials that have assessed lipid-lowering therapy for preventing (two trials) or treating (four trials) dementia found no evidence to support the use of lipid-lowering therapy for these indications. It is appropriate to treat those patients with vascular risk factors that meet criteria for lipid-lowering therapy for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and in line with current guidelines. Managing the individual patient in a holistic manner according to his or her own vascular risk profile is recommended. Although the paucity of randomized controlled evidence makes for challenging clinical decision making, it provides multiple opportunities for on-going and future research, as discussed here.
Current epigenetic aspects the clinical kidney researcher should embrace
Authors: Witasp Anna , Van Craenenbroeck Amaryllis H. , Shiels Paul G. , Ekström Tomas J. , Stenvinkel Peter , Nordfors Louise
Published: July 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), affecting 10–12% of the world’s adult population, is associated with a considerably elevated risk of serious comorbidities, in particular, premature vascular disease and death. Although a wide spectrum of causative factors has been identified and/or suggested, there is still a large gap of knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms and the complexity of the CKD phenotype. Epigenetic factors, which calibrate the genetic code, are emerging as important players in the CKD-associated pathophysiology. In this article, we review some of the current knowledge on epigenetic modifications and aspects on their role in the perturbed uraemic milieu, as well as the prospect of applying epigenotype-based diagnostics and preventive and therapeutic tools of clinical relevance to CKD patients. The practical realization of such a paradigm will require that researchers apply a holistic approach, including the full spectrum of the epigenetic landscape as well as the variability between and within tissues in the uraemic milieu.
Video Game Rehabilitation of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction: A Case Series
Authors: Cler Gabriel J. , Mittelman Talia , Braden Maia N. , Woodnorth Geralyn Harvey , Stepp Cara E.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Video games provide a promising platform for rehabilitation of speech disorders. Although video games have been used to train speech perception in foreign language learners and have been proposed for aural rehabilitation, their use in speech therapy has been limited thus far. We present feasibility results from at-home use in a case series of children with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) using an interactive video game that provided real-time biofeedback to facilitate appropriate nasalization.

Method

Five participants were recruited across a range of ages, VPD severities, and VPD etiologies. Participants completed multiple weeks of individual game play with a video game that provides feedback on nasalization measured via nasal accelerometry. Nasalization was assessed before and after training by using nasometry, aerodynamic measures, and expert perceptual judgments.

Results

Four participants used the game at home or school, with the remaining participant unwilling to have the nasal accelerometer secured to his nasal skin, perhaps due to his young age. The remaining participants showed a tendency toward decreased nasalization after training, particularly for the words explicitly trained in the video game.

Conclusion

Results suggest that video game–based systems may provide a useful rehabilitation platform for providing real-time feedback of speech nasalization in VPD.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5116828
Performing the Brain Death Examination and the Declaration of Pediatric Brain Death
Authors: Porter Melissa , Martin Susan
Published: June 2017

Declaration of brain death is a clinical diagnosis made by the absence of neurological function in a comatose patient secondary to a known irreversible cause. Brain death determination is not an infrequent process in pediatric intensive care units. It is important that pediatric intensive care providers understand the definition of brain death and intensivists are able to implement brain death testing. The following is a narration detailing the process of brain death determination by physical examination. First, the prerequisites that determine patients' eligibility for brain death testing will be outlined. Next, each part of the physical exam, including the apnea test, will be described in detail. Finally, how the declaration of brain death is made is stated. In addition, special considerations and ancillary testing will be briefly highlighted.
Solanum tuberosum aegrotans
Authors: Müller H.V.
Published: June 2017

Das ziemlich in Vergessenheit geratene AMB von Solanum tuberosum aegrotans, der pilzerkrankten Kartoffel, wird ausführlich dargestellt und zwei Beispiele der praktischen Anwendung angeführt, einmal die Anwendung bei einem herzerkrankten älteren Mann und dann die mit einer Psychoanamnese verbundene Therapie bei einer jungen von vielerlei Ängsten geplagten jüngeren Patientin.
Entkrampfung
Authors: Leers Hans
Published: June 2017

This case of a 49 yrs. old woman, teacher, mentally very tense and physically clenched, with spastic constipation, flatulent colics, car-dial insufficiency etc. is characterized by weakness before menses (1400), Perspiration during anxiety (1287) andfrom pain (mag.-c), restless-ness after menses (50). She took mag-c. C 30. With exception of hercardial insufficiency, the patient was very improved, the constipation rested cured.
Coral isotopes track the rise of anthropogenic nitrogen
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: July 2017

Coal use in China has jumped sharply over the past 15 years. The concomitant nitrogen oxide emissions have left their subtle mark on a remote island.
Pulsar timing arrays are poised to reveal gravitational waves
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: July 2017

Radio observatories are accumulating data to detect mergers of supermassive black holes.
Surprises from the spin Hall effect
Authors: Sinova Jairo , Jungwirth Tomas
Published: July 2017

The spin Hall effect and its companion, the inverse spin galvanic effect, have evolved from topics of academic interest to efficient means for fabricating microelectronic magnetic memories.
Emotion shapes the diffusion of moralized content in social networks
Authors: Brady William J. , Wills Julian A. , Jost John T. , Tucker Joshua A. , Van Bavel Jay J.
Published: June 2017

Significance

Twitter and other social media platforms are believed to have altered the course of numerous historical events, from the Arab Spring to the US presidential election. Online social networks have become a ubiquitous medium for discussing moral and political ideas. Nevertheless, the field of moral psychology has yet to investigate why some moral and political ideas spread more widely than others. Using a large sample of social media communications concerning polarizing issues in public policy debates (gun control, same-sex marriage, climate change), we found that the presence of moral-emotional language in political messages substantially increases their diffusion within (and less so between) ideological group boundaries. These findings offer insights into how moral ideas spread within networks during real political discussion.
Antagonistic BMP–cWNT signaling in the cnidarian
Nematostella vectensis
reveals insight into the evolution of mesoderm
Authors: Wijesena Naveen , Simmons David K. , Martindale Mark Q.
Published: June 2017

Significance

Definitive mesoderm (e.g., muscle cells) evolved in the ancestor of the bilateria but is not present in their sister group, Cnidaria. Forward transcriptomics and gene knockdown in the anthozoan
Nematostella vectensis
show that both cWnt and BMP 2/4 signaling pathways reciprocally regulate components of the endomesodermal gene regulatory network (GRN) during development to set up distinct regional territories prior to the onset of gastrulation. Furthermore, the conserved “kernel” of the bilaterian heart mesoderm GRN is operational in the endomesoderm of the anthozoan
N. vectensis
. This GRN fails to have a “lockdown” feedback loop found in bilaterian GRNs that may help explain the highly regenerative potential of adult cnidarian endomesoderm, suggesting that the endoderm and mesoderm arose from the bifunctional endomesoderm.
Neighbor detection at the leaf tip adaptively regulates upward leaf movement through spatial auxin dynamics
Authors: Pantazopoulou Chrysoula K. , Bongers Franca J. , Küpers Jesse J. , Reinen Emilie , Das Debatosh , Evers Jochem B. , Anten Niels P. R. , Pierik Ronald
Published: June 2017

Significance

Plants often grow at high plant densities where they risk being shaded by surrounding plants. Neighbors are detected through changes in the composition of reflected light, and plants respond to such changes by growing their photosynthetic organs away from their competitors. This research shows thatArabidopsisplants first detect these light cues in the tips of their leaves and that this information then is transmitted through the mobile plant hormone auxin to the very base of the organ, where it induces an upward leaf movement response. 3D computational models show that this spatial separation in signal detection and response is adaptive for plant performance in dense stands.
Local auxin production underlies a spatially restricted neighbor-detection response inArabidopsis
Authors: Michaud Olivier , Fiorucci Anne-Sophie , Xenarios Ioannis , Fankhauser Christian
Published: June 2017

Significance

Being photoautotrophic, plant growth is exquisitely sensitive to the light environment. In response to light cues from potential competitors, plants initiate a neighbor-proximity response favoring direct access to sunlight. This response includes elevation of the leaf (hyponasty) that is rapidly triggered following perception of neighbors. Light signals emanating from surrounding vegetation are heterogeneous; however, it is unknown how plants trigger a localized response in such conditions. We show that auxin synthesis in the leaf blade coupled with transport into the petiole induces a hyponastic response restricted to the leaf perceiving the signal. Moreover, we identify a branch of auxin signaling controlling petiole elevation while not affecting elongation. Our work uncovers a mechanism underlying plant responses to a heterogeneous environment.
X-ray crystal structure of a reiterative transcription complex reveals an atypical RNA extension pathway
Authors: Murakami Katsuhiko S. , Shin Yeonoh , Turnbough Charles L. , Molodtsov Vadim
Published: June 2017

Significance

Under certain conditions during transcription, a single base of the template DNA specifies multiple bases in the RNA transcript due to slippage between the transcript and template. This noncanonical form of RNA synthesis is called “reiterative transcription,” and it plays key regulatory roles in bacteria, eukaryotes, and viruses. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of a bacterial RNA polymerase engaged in reiterative transcription. Our study found a completely unexpected RNA extension pathway during reiterative transcription and uncovered an atypical mechanism for the transition from the open promoter complex to the transcription elongation complex. These findings represent a major advancement in understanding the mechanics and flexibility of transcription.
Vascular disease-causing mutation, smooth muscle α-actin R258C, dominantly suppresses functions of α-actin in human patient fibroblasts
Authors: Liu Zhenan , Chang Audrey N. , Grinnell Frederick , Trybus Kathleen M. , Milewicz Dianna M. , Stull James T. , Kamm Kristine E.
Published: June 2017

Significance

Point mutations in the
ACTA2
gene encoding smooth muscle (SM) α-actin cause familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections and predispose to premature coronary artery disease, stroke, and moyamoya disease. Studies on the mechanistic basis of these diseases are partly hampered by inability to collect affected tissues from living patients. Fibroblasts cultured from minimally invasive patient skin biopsies allowed study of
ACTA2–
R258C mutation-induced derangement in cell growth and interrogation of dysfunctional consequences of the mutation after induction of SM α-actin. Results show that R258C dominantly disrupts cytoskeletal properties attributed to SM α-actin and are consistent with deficiencies in multiple cytoskeletal functions. Information gathered from the patient-derived, cell-based assay strategies described herein has potential to facilitate understanding of disease progression mechanisms.
High-speed acoustic communication by multiplexing orbital angular momentum
Authors: Shi Chengzhi , Dubois Marc , Wang Yuan , Zhang Xiang
Published: June 2017

Significance

Acoustic communication is critical for underwater application such as deep-ocean scientific explorations and off-shore industrial controls. This is because other techniques using electromagnetic waves are difficult for underwater applications due to the strong absorption of water. Optical communication, on the other hand, suffers from the light scattering, making long-range underwater optical communication very challenging. Therefore, using acoustic waves to transmit information is currently the dominant technique for underwater applications. However, the low-frequency bandwidth available limits the data transmission rate and information capacity. We propose and experimentally demonstrate an approach using the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of acoustic vortex beams, which provides an independent channel that enhances the data transmission rate. This OAM multiplexing method will significantly impact future underwater communications.
Structure of human nSMase2 reveals an interdomain allosteric activation mechanism for ceramide generation
Authors: Airola Michael V. , Shanbhogue Prajna , Shamseddine Achraf A. , Guja Kip E. , Senkal Can E. , Maini Rohan , Bartke Nana , Wu Bill X. , Obeid Lina M. , Garcia-Diaz Miguel , Hannun Yusuf A.
Published: June 2017

Significance

Ceramide is a bioactive lipid involved in numerous cellular functions and disease states that are critically dependent on its site of generation. nSMase2 generates ceramide at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane and is a therapeutic target for cancer and neurological disorders. Although much is known about the cellular functions of nSMase2, there is limited insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating its activity. Here we present the crystal structure of nSMase2 and identify the lipid-binding N-terminal domain as an allosteric activation domain. Key to activation is a catalytic motif termed the “DK switch,” whose conformation is allosterically gated. This study reveals one mechanism for nSMase2 regulation by lipids and will help guide structure-based development of nSMase2-targeted therapeutics.
Theory of long binding events in single-molecule–controlled rotation experiments on F
1
-ATPase
Authors: Volkán-Kacsó Sándor , Marcus Rudolph A.
Published: June 2017

Significance

The treatment of nucleotide (ATP and ADP) binding and release in our previous papers is now extended to include a much wider range of rotor angles. It now treats composite events associated with ATP hydrolysis and ADP release and, in the reverse direction, ATP synthesis and release. A method of treating composite events is formulated and used to extract reaction rate constants in the system and to predict the lifetime distribution of long binding events that can be compared with and used to analyze future experimental data.
Development of Anticorrosive Polymer Nanocomposite Coating for Corrosion Protection in Marine Environment
Authors: Mardare L , Benea L
Published: June 2017

The marine environment is considered to be a highly aggressive environment for metal materials. Steels are the most common materials being used for shipbuilding. Corrosion is a major cause of structural deterioration in marine and offshore structures. Corrosion of carbon steel in marine environment becomes serious due to the highly corrosive nature of seawater with high salinity and microorganism. To protect metallic materials particularly steel against corrosion occurrence various organic and inorganic coatings are used. The most used are the polymeric protective coatings. The nanostructured TiO2 polymer coating is able to offer higher protection to steel against corrosion, and performed relatively better than other polymer coatings.
A retrospective study of fatty acid composition in Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) caught at three locations in the Baltic Sea (1973–2009)
Authors: Lind Ylva , Huovila Tiina , Käkelä Reijo
Published: June 2017

Fatty acids (FAs) were analysed in Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) stored in the Swedish Environmental Specimen Bank for up to 40 years. The purpose was to evaluate the retrospective use of FA signatures to detect temporal and spatial changes in the Baltic ecosystem. Fish from northern and central Baltic captured in the 1970s, the 1980s, in 1990, 2000, and 2009 and stored at − 25 °C were analysed. From the 1980s and onward herring from the south Baltic were included. A total of 55 FA and 4 alkenyl chains (detected as dimethyl acetals) were identified, and 28 of these (present at > 0.5% by weight) were used in evaluation of the data. The amount of some 20–22 carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was related to time with lower amounts in older samples while other PUFAs were not related to time. Principal component analysis with saturated FAs and monounsaturated FAs showed similar sample groupings as the one obtained by including the PUFAs. The differences found in herring FA in this longitudinal study could be attributed to location of sampling, year of collection and storage time. However, the clearly distinguishable pattern in the FA composition in herrings from different locations in the Baltic Sea seen at all decades indicate that this technique can be used retrospectively.
Detailed Transmission Network Analysis of a Large Opiate-Driven Outbreak of HIV Infection in the United States
Authors: Campbell Ellsworth M , Jia Hongwei , Shankar Anupama , Hanson Debra , Luo Wei , Masciotra Silvina , Owen S Michele , Oster Alexandra M , Galang Romeo R , Spiller Michael W , Blosser Sara J , Chapman Erika , Roseberry Jeremy C , Gentry Jessica , Pontones Pamela , Duwve Joan , Peyrani Paula , Kagan Ron M , Whitcomb Jeannette M , Peters Philip J , Heneine Walid , Brooks John T , Switzer William M
Published: June 2017

We demonstrate that integration of laboratory, phylogenetic, and epidemiologic data sources allow detailed reconstruction of an outbreak. High-resolution reconstruction of outbreak phylodynamics allows prevention and intervention strategies to be tailored to community needs.
Feasibility of Protective Ventilation During Elective Supratentorial Neurosurgery: A Randomized, Crossover, Clinical Trial
Authors: Ruggieri Francesco , Beretta Luigi , Corno Laura , Testa Valentina , Martino Enrico A. , Gemma Marco
Published: July 2017

Background:

Traditional ventilation approaches, providing high tidal volumes (V
t), produce excessive alveolar distention and lung injury. Protective ventilation, employing lower V
t and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), is an attractive alternative also for neuroanesthesia, when prolonged mechanical ventilation is needed. Nevertheless, protective ventilation during intracranial surgery may exert dangerous effects on intracranial pressure (ICP). We tested the feasibility of a protective ventilation strategy in neurosurgery.

Materials and Methods:

Our monocentric, double-blind, 1:1 randomized, 2×2 crossover study aimed at studying the effect size and variability of ICP in patients undergoing elective supratentorial brain tumor removal and alternatively ventilated with V
t 9 mL/kg—PEEP 0 mm Hg and V
t 7 mL/kg—PEEP 5 mm Hg. Respiratory rate was adjusted to maintain comparable end-tidal carbon dioxide between ventilation modes. ICP was measured through a subdural catheter inserted before dural opening.

Results:

Forty patients were enrolled; 8 (15%) were excluded after enrollment. ICP did not differ between traditional and protective ventilation (11.28±5.37, 11 [7 to 14.5] vs. 11.90±5.86, 11 [8 to 15] mm Hg; P=0.541). End-tidal carbon dioxide (28.91±2.28, 29 [28 to 30] vs. 28.00±2.17, 28 [27 to 29] mm Hg; P<0.001). Peak airway pressure (17.25±1.97, 17 [16 to 18.5] vs. 15.81±2.87, 15.5 [14 to 17] mm Hg; P<0.001) and plateau airway pressure (16.06±2.30, 16 [14.5 to 17] vs. 14.19±2.82, 14 [12.5 to 16] mm Hg; P<0.001) were higher during protective ventilation. Blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature did not differ between ventilation modes. Dural tension was “acceptable for surgery” in all cases. ICP differences between ventilation modes were not affected by ICP values under traditional ventilation (coefficient=0.067; 95% confidence interval, −0.278 to 0.144; P=0.523).

Conclusions:

Protective ventilation is a feasible alternative to traditional ventilation during elective neurosurgery.
Radiotherapy Alone or With Chemotherapy in the Management of Carcinoma of the Supraglottic Larynx
Authors: Rao Amy R. , Jones Daniel A. , Mendenhall Charles M. , Rizvi Syed N. , Kirwan Jessica , Morris Christopher G. , Johns Andrew , McAfee William J. , Mendenhall William M.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review outcomes for patients treated with definitive radiotherapy for carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx at a community hospital and to compare our results with the literature.

Materials and Methods:

Treatment records of 46 patients with localized carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx treated from January 1987 through January 2012 were reviewed. Overall, 18 (39%) presented with stage I or II disease, whereas 28 (61%) presented with stage III to IV. In total, 30 patients (65%) were treated using hyperfractionation, whereas 16 (35%) received once-daily fractionation. Twelve patients (26%) received concurrent chemotherapy with weekly cisplatin. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess outcomes.

Results:

The median follow-up for the living patients was 6.7 years (range, 1.7 to 23.1 y). At 5 years, the local-regional control (LRC), ultimate LRC, laryngeal preservation, and overall survival (OS) rates were 70%, 82%, 65%, and 53%, respectively. At 5 years, disease-free survival and cause-specific survival rates were 75% and 76%, respectively. The 5-year OS rates by American Joint Committee on Cancer stage were as follows: I to II, 61%; III, 51%; and IV, 44%. For those receiving concurrent chemotherapy, there was no improvement in 5-year LRC (83% vs. 66%; P=0.4081) or OS (55% vs. 50%; P=0.7697). For those receiving hyperfractionation, there was no improvement in 5-year LRC (75% vs. 63%; P=0.3369) or OS (55% vs. 50%; P=0.4161).

Conclusions:

Our outcomes are similar to those reported in the literature. Neither hyperfractionation nor chemotherapy appeared to confer a benefit for disease control or OS possibly owing to small sample size and the inherent bias of a retrospective review.
PI3Ks in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Mingchuan , Murabito Alessandra , Ghigo Alessandra , Hirsch Emilio
Published: June 2017

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a heart disease in diabetic patients, identified as ventricular dysfunction in the absence of coronary artery disease and hypertension. The molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic cardiomyopathy are still poorly understood. The protein and lipid kinase phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) have been suggested to regulate cardiac injury during diabetes. In this review, we will summarize the role of different PI3K isoforms and of their downstream signaling in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy, including the regulation of cardiac metabolism, contractility, hypertrophy, myocardial cell death, and inflammation.