bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolite Transporter PEG344 Is Required for Full Virulence of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain hvKP1 after Pulmonary but Not Subcutaneous Challenge
Authors: Bulger Jeffrey , MacDonald Ulrike , Olson Ruth , Beanan Janet , Russo Thomas A.
Published: July 2017

Hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(hvKP) is an emerging pathotype that is capable of causing tissue-invasive and organ- and life-threatening infections in healthy individuals from the community. Knowledge on the virulence factors specific to hvKP is limited. In this report, we describe a new factor (PEG344) that increases the virulence of hvKP strain hvKP1.
peg-344
is present on the hvKP1 virulence plasmid, is broadly prevalent among hvKP strains, and has increased RNA abundance when grown in human ascites. An isogenic derivative of hvKP1 (hvKP1Δ
peg-344
) was constructed and compared with its wild-type parent strain in
in vitro
,
ex vivo
, and infection model studies. Both survival and competition experiments with outbred CD1 mice demonstrated that PEG344 was required for full virulence after pulmonary challenge but, interestingly, not after subcutaneous challenge.
In silico
analysis suggested that PEG344 serves as an inner membrane transporter. Compared to hvKP1, a small but significant decrease in the growth/survival of hvKP1Δ
peg-344
was observed in human ascites, but resistance to the bactericidal activity of complement was similar. These data suggested that PEG344 may transport an unidentified growth factor present in ascites. The data presented are important since they expand our limited knowledge base on virulence factors unique to hvKP, which is needed to lay the groundwork for translational approaches to prevent or treat these devastating infections.
A reminder ofEscherichia colisepsis-induced reversible cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lin Aung Naing , Shaikh Atif , Lin Sithu , Misra Deepika
Published: July 2017

Cardiomyopathy is a progressive disease of myocardium causing either mechanical or electrical disturbances. Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) is an entity of cardiomyopathy which is reversible in 1â€“2 weeks after recovery from sepsis or septic shock. SICM is thought to have unpredictable cumulative mortality towards sepsis but its exact mechanism remains elusive. We report a case ofEscherichia coliSICM in a 63-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of dyspnoea on exertion and orthopnoea following nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming Chinese foods. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed severely reduced global left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of <20%â€‰which returned back to normal LVEF of 57% after 10 days. Subsequent cardiac catheterisation showed non-obstructive coronaries. No specific therapy intended for reversal of SICM presents to date despite current sepsis survival guideline available for haemodynamic support. Initiation of beta blockers after recovery from septic shock has been beneficial.
Beetroot juice is more beneficial than sodium nitrate for attenuating muscle pain after strenuous eccentric-bias exercise
Authors: Clifford Tom , Howatson Glyn , West Daniel J. , Stevenson Emma J.
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of beetroot juice (BTJ) and a nitrate only drink (sodium nitrate; SN) on indices of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Thirty recreationally active males consumed either BTJ (n = 10), a nitrate-matched SN drink (n = 10), or an isocaloric placebo (PLA; n = 10) immediately and at 24 and 48 h after performing 100 drop jumps. To assess muscle damage, maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVCs), countermovement jumps (CMJs), pressure-pain threshold (PPT), creatine kinase (CK), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured before, immediately after and at 24, 48, and 72 h following the drop jumps. BTJ and SN increased serum nitric oxide, which peaked at 2 h post-ingestion (136 ± 78 and 189 ± 79 μmol·L−1, respectively). PPT decreased in all groups postexercise (P = 0.001), but was attenuated with BTJ compared with SN and PLA (P = 0.043). PPT was 104% ± 26% of baseline values at 72 h after BTJ, 94% ± 16% after SN, and 91% ± 19% after PLA. MIVC and CMJ were reduced following exercise (−15% to 25%) and did not recover to baseline by 72 h in all groups; however, no group differences were observed (P > 0.05). Serum CK increased after exercise but no group differences were present (P > 0.05). hsCRP levels were unaltered by the exercise protocol (P > 0.05). These data suggest that BTJ supplementation is more effective than SN for attenuating muscle pain associated with EIMD, and that any analgesic effects are likely due to phytonutrients in BTJ other than nitrate, or interactions between them.
Syntheses, characterization, and electrochemical behavior of alkylated 2-(2′-quinolylbenzimidazole) complexes of rhenium (I)
Authors: Hanson Samuel S. , Warren Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2017

A series of ClRe(CO)3-containing complexes with 1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinoline (Me-QuBIm), 1-benzyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinoline (Bn-QuBIm), and 2-(1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinoline (OMeBn-QuBIm) ligands were prepared and characterized. Each complex was characterized using 1H and 13C NMR, infrared, UV–vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies, and cyclic voltammetry. The physical properties of each complex are similar to the parent ClRe(CO)3(2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinoline) complex. However, the electrochemical behavior is distinct from the parent, showing reversible voltammograms and poor CO2 reduction activity. Addition of K+ or Mg2+ as Lewis acids modestly increases catalytic currents, but at large overpotentials. The work presented here is consistent with a mechanism that involves rhenium reduction and deprotonation of imidazole and benzimidazole prior to CO2 reduction electrocatalysis.
The role of advanced regeneration at time of partial harvest on tolerant hardwood stands development
Authors: Danyagri Gabriel , Baral Sharad Kumar , Girouard Monique , Adégbidi Hector Guy , Pelletier Gaëtan
Published: July 2017

In tolerant hardwood forests of eastern North America, multiple-aged silvicultural systems rely on advanced regeneration to restock the forests. Evaluation of the long-term influence of advanced regeneration on the mature stand is critical for improving management practices. We used a retrospective approach to evaluate the influence of advanced regeneration present at the time of harvest on the current (2012) stand structure and the quality of the growing stock. The study was carried out in partially harvested stands in northwestern New Brunswick, Canada. Trees were sampled from stands with varying degrees of harvest intensities, times since harvest, and site characteristics. Pre-existing advanced regeneration contributed the bulk of trees in the 10–19 cm diameter class across the stands. In stands with low-intensity harvest, the overstory was dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) that originated as advanced regeneration. In stands with high-intensity harvest, however, yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) pre-existing advanced regeneration dominated the overstory. The probability of sugar maple and yellow birch being acceptable growing stock peaked at a diameter at breast height (DBH) of about 30–40 cm, while other species combined peaked at a DBH of around 20–25 cm. Our results suggest that harvest intensities based on the dominant advanced regeneration composition and harvesting systems that minimize the risk of physical damage to advanced regeneration are required to achieve partial harvesting objectives.
On the origin of nonlocal damping in plasmonic monomers and dimers
Authors: Tserkezis Christos , Yan Wei , Hsieh Wenting , Sun Greg , Khurgin Jacob B. , Wubs Martijn , Mortensen N. Asger
Published: July 2017

The origin and importance of nonlocal damping is discussed through simulations with the generalized nonlocal optical response (GNOR) theory, in conjunction with time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations and equivalent circuit modeling, for some of the most typical plasmonic architectures: metal–dielectric interfaces, metal–dielectric–metal gaps, spherical nanoparticles and nanoparticle dimers. It is shown that diffusive damping, as introduced by the convective–diffusive GNOR theory, describes well the enhanced losses and plasmon broadening predicted by ab initio calculations in few-nm particles or few-to-sub-nm gaps. Through the evaluation of a local effective dielectric function, it is shown that absorptive losses appear dominantly close to the metal surface, in agreement with TDDFT and the mechanism of Landau damping due to generation of electron–hole pairs near the interface. Diffusive nonlocal theories provide therefore an efficient means to tackle plasmon damping when electron tunneling can be safely disregarded, without the need to resort to more accurate, but time-consuming fully quantum-mechanical studies.
Theory and method for weak signal detection in engineering practice based on stochastic resonance
Authors: Zhao Wenli , Wang Linze , Fan Jian
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the Kramers rate was derived using the Fokker–Planck (FP) equation with the condition of adiabatic approximation (the amplitude and frequency of signal detected are small [Formula: see text]) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was proved by means of Fourier transform and the power spectrum in bistable system. This is a concise and superior method to demonstrate the Kramers rate and SNR compared to the past methods. It is convenient for readers to understand. The SNR of the bistable system obtained shows that stochastic resonance (SR) can be used to realize energy transition from noise to a periodic signal under the adiabatic approximation condition. Therefore, SR could enhance the SNR of the output signal. The signal modulation technique was employed to transform the large frequency components into a small parameter signal to meet the adiabatic approximation requirement. Furthermore, we have designed the model of modulator. The simulation results show that the modulation method can generate SR in a bistable system and detect weak signals with large parameters from strong noise background.
Modelling basalt weathering at elevated CO
2
concentrations: implications for terminal to post-magmatic rifting in the Deccan Traps, Kachchh, India
Authors: Mitra Kaushik , Mitra Souvik , Gupta Saibal , Bhattacharya Satadru , Chauhan Prakash , Jain Nirmala
Published: July 2017

Deccan volcanism was synchronous with rifting along the west coast of India. Pre- and synmagmatic rifting has been widely reported in the Deccan Volcanic Province, but extension post-dating magmatism, and predating India–Eurasia collision, is less well known. A recent study in the Kachchh area of western India documented weathering of basalts to kaolinite at the base of Cenozoic rift basins, with rift flanks relatively less altered to smectites, and this was attributed to post-magmatic rifting. This study models basalt weathering under open- and closed-system conditions to simulate rainwater interacting with basalts either on topographical slopes (within rifts) or on flat-topped hills (flow tops). Both systems were modelled under

p

C

O

2

conditions ranging from low, present-day values to higher values more appropriate for the end-Cretaceous–early Paleocene time, after basalt emplacement. The results show that if

p

C

O

2

exceeded values of 10
−2.5
, basalts would be altered to kaolinite in both open and closed systems. Existing

p

C

O

2

estimates in the aftermath of Deccan volcanism fall below this value, implying that the differential basalt weathering was more likely to have been caused by terminal to post-magmatic rifting. This indicates that extensional tectonics along the Indian west coast in the Kachchh region continued even after cessation of Deccan volcanism.
FGF23 and Nutritional Metabolism
Authors: Pool Lindsay R. , Wolf Myles
Published: July 2017

The discovery of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has provided a more complete understanding of the regulation of phosphate and mineral homeostasis in health and in chronic kidney disease. It has also offered new insights into stratification of risk of cardiovascular events and death among patients with chronic kidney disease and the general population. In this review, we provide an overview of FGF23 biology and physiology, summarize clinical outcomes that have been associated with FGF23, discuss potential mechanisms for these observations and their public health implications, and explore clinical and population health interventions that aim to reduce FGF23 levels and improve public health.
Viruses with Circular Single-Stranded DNA Genomes Are Everywhere!
Authors: Shulman L.M. , Davidson I.
Published: July 2017

Circular single-stranded DNA viruses infect archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotic organisms. The relatively recent emergence of single-stranded DNA viruses, such as chicken anemia virus (CAV) and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), as serious pathogens of eukaryotes is due more to growing awareness than to the appearance of new pathogens or alteration of existing pathogens. In the case of the ubiquitous human circular single-stranded DNA virus family Anelloviridae, there is still no convincing direct causal relation to any specific disease. However, infections may play a role in autoimmunity by changing the homeostatic balance of proinflammatory cytokines and the human immune system, indirectly affecting the severity of diseases caused by other pathogens. Infections with CAV (family Anelloviridae, genus Gyrovirus) and PCV2 (family Circoviridae, genus Circovirus) are presented here because they are immunosuppressive and affect health in domesticated animals. CAV shares genomic organization, genomic orientation, and common features of major proteins with human anelloviruses, and PCV2 DNA may be present in human food and vaccines.
Visual Decision-Making in an Uncertain and Dynamic World
Authors: Gold Joshua I. , Stocker Alan A.
Published: July 2017

The right decision today may be the wrong decision tomorrow. We live in a world in which expectations, contingencies, and goals continually evolve and change. Thus, decisions do not occur in isolation but rather are tightly embedded in these streams of temporal dependencies. Accordingly, even relatively straightforward visual decisions must take into account not just the immediate sensory input but also past experiences and future goals and expectations. Here, we evaluate recent progress in understanding how the brain implements these dependencies. We show that visual decision-making relies on mechanisms of evidence accumulation and commitment that have been studied extensively under relatively static, isolated conditions but in general can operate much more flexibly. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms will require identifying the principles that govern this flexibility, which must operate across different timescales to produce effective decisions in uncertain and dynamic environments.
DAMPs Synergize with Cytokines or Fibronectin Fragment on Inducing Chondrolysis but Lose Effect When Acting Alone
Authors: Ding Lei , Buckwalter Joseph A. , Martin James A.
Published: July 2017

Objective and Design. To investigate whether endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) or alarmins originated from mitochondria or nucleus stimulates inflammatory response in articular chondrocytes to cause chondrolysis which leads to cartilage degradation featured in posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA).Materials. Primary cultures of bovine or human chondrocytes isolated from cartilage of weight-bearing joints.Treatment. Chondrocytes were subjected to mitochondrial DAMPs (MTDs) or HMGB1, a nuclear DAMP (NuD), with or without the presence of an N-terminal 29 kDa fibronectin fragment (Fn-f) or proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1βand TNF-α). Injured cartilage-conditioned culturing medium containing a mixture of DAMPs was employed as a control. After 24 hrs, the protein expression of cartilage degrading metalloproteinases and iNOS in culture medium or cell lysates was examined with Western blotting, respectively.Results. HMGB1 was synergized with IL-1βin upregulating expression of MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, ADAM-8, and iNOS. Moreover, a moderate synergistic effect was detected between HMGB1 and Fn-f or between MTDs and TNF-αon MMP-3 expression. However, when acting alone, MTDs or HMGB1 did not upregulate cartilage degrading enzymes or iNOS.Conclusion. MTDs or HMGB1 could only stimulate inflammatory response in chondrocytes with the presence of cytokines or Fn-f.
An Interactive Care System Based on a Depth Image and EEG for Aged Patients with Dementia
Authors: Dang Xin , Kang Bingbing , Liu Xuyang , Cui Guangyu
Published: July 2017

Due to the limitations of the body movement and functional decline of the aged with dementia, they can hardly make an efficient communication with nurses by language and gesture language like a normal person. In order to improve the efficiency in the healthcare communication, an intelligent interactive care system is proposed in this paper based on a multimodal deep neural network (DNN). The input vector of the DNN includes motion and mental features and was extracted from a depth image and electroencephalogram that were acquired by Kinect and OpenBCI, respectively. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm simplified the process of the recognition and achieved 96.5% and 96.4%, respectively, for the shuffled dataset and 90.9% and 92.6%, respectively, for the continuous dataset in terms of accuracy and recall rate.
HDAC1 Upregulation by NANOG Promotes Multidrug Resistance and a Stem-like Phenotype in Immune Edited Tumor Cells
Authors: Song Kwon-Ho , Choi Chel Hun , Lee Hyo-Jung , Oh Se Jin , Woo Seon Rang , Hong Soon-Oh , Noh Kyung Hee , Cho Hanbyoul , Chung Eun Joo , Kim Jae-Hoon , Chung Joon-Yong , Hewitt Stephen M. , Baek Seungki , Lee Kyung-Mi , Yee Cassian , Son Minjoo , Mao Chih-Ping , Wu T.C. , Kim Tae Woo
Published: July 2017

Cancer immunoediting drives the adaptation of tumor cells to host immune surveillance. Immunoediting driven by antigen (Ag)-specific T cells enriches NANOG expression in tumor cells, resulting in a stem-like phenotype and immune resistance. Here, we identify HDAC1 as a key mediator of the NANOG-associated phenotype. NANOG upregulated HDAC1 through promoter occupancy, thereby decreasing histone H3 acetylation on K14 and K27. NANOG-dependent, HDAC1-driven epigenetic silencing of cell-cycle inhibitors CDKN2D and CDKN1B induced stem-like features. Silencing of TRIM17 and NOXA induced immune and drug resistance in tumor cells by increasing antiapoptotic MCL1. Importantly, HDAC inhibition synergized with Ag-specific adoptive T-cell therapy to control immune refractory cancers. Our results reveal that NANOG influences the epigenetic state of tumor cells via HDAC1, and they encourage a rational application of epigenetic modulators and immunotherapy in treatment of NANOG+ refractory cancer types. Cancer Res; 77(18); 5039–53. ©2017 AACR.
Ultrasound-Guided Intrauterine Labeling of Rat Fetuses
Authors: Gumus Hatice Gulcin , Illa Miriam , Pla Laura , Gonzalez Anna , Demicheva Elena , Ley David , Crispi Fatima , Gratacos Eduard
Published: July 2017

Aim: To compare intra-amniotic versus fetal subcutaneous injections for selective fetal labeling in multifetal rat pregnancies. Methods: A total of 14 pregnant rats were randomized to receive intra-amniotic injections of dyes (including Fluorescein, Indigo Carmine, or Evans Blue) or fetal subcutaneous injections (of commercial tattoo ink) both guided by ultrasound at 15-17 days of gestation. Survival, injection, and labeling success rates of both techniques were compared. Results: Survival rates (84.4% for intra-amniotic injections vs. 90.9% for fetal subcutaneous injections) and injection success rates (94% for intra-amniotic injections vs. 100% for fetal subcutaneous injections) were similar among both groups. None of the neonates from the intra-amniotic injections group were labeled at birth, while 93% of the neonates from fetal subcutaneous injections group were tagged, showing a visible spot in the skin at birth. Conclusion: Our results suggest that ultrasound-guided fetal subcutaneous injections might be an adequate strategy for selectively labeling fetuses in multifetal pregnant animals.
Tumor Heterogeneity in Lymphomas: A Different Breed
Authors: Schürch Christian M. , Federmann Birgit , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Fend Falko
Published: July 2017

The facts that cancer represents tissues consisting of heterogeneous neoplastic, as well as reactive, cell populations and that cancers of the same histotype may show profound differences in clinical behavior have long been recognized. With the advent of new technologies and the demands of precision medicine, the investigation of tumor heterogeneity has gained much interest. An understanding of intertumoral heterogeneity in patients with the same disease entity is necessary to optimally guide personalized treatment. In addition, increasing evidence indicates that different tumor areas or primary tumors and metastases in an individual patient can show significant intratumoral heterogeneity on different levels. This phenomenon can be driven by genomic instability, epigenetic events, the tumor microenvironment, and stochastic variations in cellular function and antitumoral therapies. These mechanisms may lead to branched subclonal evolution from a common progenitor clone, resulting in spatial variation between different tumor sites, disease progression, and treatment resistance. This review addresses tumor heterogeneity in lymphomas from a pathologist's viewpoint. The relationship between morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic heterogeneity is exemplified in different lymphoma entities and reviewed in the context of high-grade transformation and transdifferentiation. In addition, factors driving heterogeneity, as well as clinical and therapeutic implications of lymphoma heterogeneity, will be discussed.
Clinical Manifestations and Prognostic Factors of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia without HIV
Authors: Asai Nobuhiro , Motojima Shinji , Ohkuni Yoshihiro , Matsunuma Ryo , Iwasaki Takuya , Nakashima Kei , Sogawa Keiji , Nakashita Tamao , Kaneko Norihiro
Published: July 2017

Introduction:Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) can occur in HIV patients but also in those without HIV (non-HIV PCP) but with other causes of immunodeficiency including malignancy or rheumatic diseases. Objective and Methods: To evaluate the clinical presentation and prognostic factors of non-HIV PCP, we retrospectively reviewed all patients diagnosed as having PCP without HIV at Kameda Medical Center, Chiba, Japan, from January 2005 until June 2012. For the purpose of examining a prognostic factor for non-HIV PCP with 30-day mortality, we compared the characteristics of patients, clinical symptoms, radiological images, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS), and the time from the onset of respiratory symptoms to the start of therapy, in both survival and fatality groups. Results: A total of 38 patients were eligible in this study. Twenty-five survived and 13 had died. The non-HIV PCP patients in the survivor group had a better PS and received anti-PCP therapy earlier than those in the nonsurvivor group. Rales upon auscultation and respiratory failure at initial visits were seen more frequently in the nonsurvivor group than in the survivor group. Lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein values tended to be higher in the nonsurvivor group, but this was not statistically significant. Multivariate analyses using 5 variables showed that a poor PS of 2-4 was an independent risk factor for non-HIV PCP patients and resulted in death (odds ratio 15.24; 95% confidence interval 1.72-135.21). Conclusion: We suggest that poor PS is an independent risk factor in non-HIV PCP, and a patient's PS and disease activity may correlate with outcome.
A Case of Adenocarcinoma of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium: An Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: Mori Hidetsugu , Takahashi Kanji
Published: July 2017

Purpose: Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) adenocarcinoma is a very rare malignant intraocular tumor. Herein we describe the histopathological features of RPE adenocarcinoma. Case: A 36-year-old male was referred to our clinic because of floaters in his left eye. The initial diagnosis was malignant melanoma of the choroid. We resected the tumor and studied it histopathologically. The tumor tissue was investigated by light microscopy including immunohistochemistry using antibodies against S-100, HMB-45, EMA, and AE-1. Electron microscopic examination was also performed. Results: The tumor arose from the RPE and contained intracytoplasmic vacuoles and abundant melanin pigment. There were no nevoid cells in the choroid. A small part of the tumor cells showed tubular or lobular proliferation and choroidal invasion. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining in tumor cells with 4 antibodies. Tight cellular junctions specific to the RPE were confirmed by electron microscopy. The final diagnosis was RPE adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: Most pigmented intraocular tumors are nevus and malignant melanomas of the choroid. It is easy to misdiagnose a RPE adenocarcinoma as a malignant melanoma of the choroid. An exact differential diagnosis should be determined by immunohistopathological and electron microscopic examination.
Selective Intra-Arterial Embolization for Advanced Extrascleral Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Villegas Víctor M. , Monagas Mariola , Campbell Joseph , Murray Timothy G. , Serrano Luis
Published: July 2017

Purpose: To report a treatment approach for advanced extrascleral uveal melanoma. Methods: We performed clinical examination including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, angiography, and histopathologic analysis. Case: A 49-year-old healthy woman presented with a 7-year history of an enlarging pigmented mass in her right orbit. Malignant melanoma was diagnosed after biopsy with immunohistochemical stains. Treatment included selective intra-arterial embolization. Results: A significant reduction in tumor burden was seen 3 months after intra-arterial embolization. No complications were associated with the treatment. Conclusion: Selective intra-arterial embolization may allow adequate palliative therapy in select cases of advanced extrascleral uveal melanoma.
Correlating the Genetic and Physical Map of Barley Chromosome 3H Revealed Limitations of the FISH-Based Mapping of Nearby Single-Copy Probes Caused by the Dynamic Structure of Metaphase Chromosomes
Authors: Bustamante Fernanda O. , Aliyeva-Schnorr Lala , Fuchs Jörg , Beier Sebastian , Houben Andreas
Published: July 2017

Genetic maps are based on the recombination frequency of molecular markers which often show different positions in comparison to the corresponding physical maps. To decipher the position and order of DNA sequences genetically mapped to terminal and interstitial regions of barley (Hordeum vulgare) chromosome 3H, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on mitotic metaphase chromosomes was performed with 16 genomic single-copy probes derived from fingerprinted BAC contigs. Long genetic distances at subterminal regions translated into short physical distances, confirming that recombination events occur more often at distal regions of chromosome 3H. Nonoverlapping FISH signals were frequently obtained for probes with a physical distance of at least 30-60 kb. Only 8% of the analyzed chromosomes showed a symmetric order of FISH signals on both sister chromatids. Due to the dynamic packing of metaphase chromatin, the order of 2 adjacent single-copy signals along the chromosome arms outside the (peri)centromeric region can only reliably be determined if the cytological distance is approximately 3%, corresponding to 21.6 Mb.
Effect of Neoadjuvant Nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine Therapy on Overall Survival in Patients with Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Phase II Trial (NAC-GA Trial)
Authors: Okada Ken-ichi , Shimokawa Toshio , Hirono Seiko , Kawai Manabu , Sho Masayuki , Satoi Sohei , Matsumoto Ippei , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Murakami Yoshiaki , Yamada Suguru , Doi Mariko , Yamaue Hiroki ,   the NAC-GA investigators
Published: July 2017

We conducted a prospective multicenter phase II trial of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic carcinoma to investigate the efficacy of neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine therapy on overall survival (OS). The clinical trial primarily evaluated OS time from the first day of protocol therapy as a primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were recurrence-free survival from the first day of protocol therapy, safety of the protocol therapy (adverse effect), morbidity based on the Clavien Dindo classification of more than III, response rate, preoperative/postoperative tumor marker (CA 19-9, CEA), rate of normalization, reduction rate of the maximum standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography-computed tomography (limited to institutions where positron emission tomography-computed tomography was available), chemotherapeutic effect grade based on Evans' classification, resection rate, R0 resection rate, surgical data (operative time, blood loss, transfusion, postoperative hospital day), overall morbidity rates (reoperation, rate of readmission, mortality), patient rate in postoperative adjuvant therapy (entry rate, completion rate), dose intensity, quality of life regarding fatigue and malaise assessed by the questionnaire of FACIT-F (Japanese version), and peripheral sensory neuropathy assessed by the questionnaire of the FACT/GOG-NTX subscale (version 4; Japanese version). Sixty patients were included in the study, and 18 leading Japanese institutions and hospitals (all high-volume centers in pancreatic surgery) participated in this trial.
Role of MiR-155 Signal Pathway in Regulating Podocyte Injury Induced by TGF-β1
Authors: Lin Xu , Zhen Xintng , Huang Haiting , Wu Haohao , You Yanwu , Guo Pengwei , Gu Xiangjun , Yang Fafen
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of inhibition of miR-155 on podocyte injury induced by TGF-β1 and to determine further molecular mediators involved in the effects of miR-155. Methods: Conditionally immortalized podocytes were cultured in vitro and they were divided into four groups: control; TGF-β1 treatment; TGF-β1 with miR-155 knockdown [using antisense oligonucleotides against miR-155 (ASO-miR-155)] and TGF-β1 with negative control antisense oligonucleotides (ASO-NC). Real time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were employed to determine the mRNA and protein expression of nephrin, desmin and caspase-9, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to examine the apoptotic rate of podocytes and DAPI fluorescent staining was used to determine apoptotic morphology. In addition, we examined the levels of miR-155, TGF-β1, nephrin, desmin and caspase-9 in glomerular tissues of nephropathy induced by intravenous injections of adriamycin in rats. Results: mRNA and protein expression of desmin and caspase-9 was increased in cultured TGF-β1-treated podocytes, whereas nephrin was decreased as compared with the control group. Importantly, miR-155 knockdown significantly attenuated upregulation of desmin and caspase-9, and alleviated impairment of nephrin induced by TGF-β1. Moreover, the number of apoptotic podocytes was increased after exposure to TGF-β1 and this was alleviated after miR-155 knockdown. Knocking down miR-155 also decreased an apoptosis rate of TGF-β1-treated podocytes. Note that negative control antisense oligonucleotides failed to alter an increase of the apoptosis rate in TGF-β1-treated podocytes. Consistent with in vitro results, expression of miR-155, TGF-β1, desmin and caspase-9 was increased and nephrin was decreased in glomerular tissues with nephropathy in vivo experiments. Conclusions: TGF-β1 impairs the protein expression of nephrin and amplifies the protein expression of desmin and caspase -9 via miR-155 signal pathway. Inhibition of miR-155 alleviates these changes in podocytes-treated with TGF-β1 and attenuated apoptosis of podocytes. Our data suggest that miR-155 plays a role in mediating TGF-β1-induced podocyte injury via nephrin, desmin and caspase-9. Results of the current study also indicate that blocking miR-155 signal has a protective effect on podocyte injury. Targeting one or more of these signaling molecules may present new opportunities for treatment and management of podocyte injury observed in glomerulosclerosis.
Аналіз ефективності інсуфляції кисню, субстанції “кд-234” і реамберину на процеси вільнорадикального окиснення при гострому респіраторному дистрес-синдромі в щурів
Authors: Marushchak M. I. , Savchuk S. O. , Gevko U. P. , Usinsky R. S.
Published: July 2017

Introduction. In previous studies, we have demonstrated the development of oxidative stress in case of experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which was characterized by a statistically significant increasing of active product soft hiobarbituric acid, dienic and triene conjugates concentration in liver tissues, decreasing of superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and the content of SH-groups in animals with different resistance to hypoxia.The aim of the study – to compare the effectiveness of the combination of oxygen insufflation, the substance "KD-234" and reamberin on oxidative stress level in rats with associated chest and both hip injuries.Research Methods. Experimental studies were performed on 92 white nonlinear adult male rats aged 6–8 months. The animals were selected according to their individual resistance to hypoxia. Resistance of rats to acute hypoxia was carried out according to the method of V. Ya. Berezovskyi. Depending on the resistance to hypoxia, all animals were divided into medium-resistant (MRH) and low-resistant (LRH). We used G. Mutute-Bello experimental model. In the second test group for the correction we used the substance "KD-234", which was diluted in distilled water for injections and injected intragastric through a probe at a dose of 50 mg / kg, in the third study group – reamberin, at a dose of 10 ml / kg was intraperitoneally administered to animals one hour before the ARDS simulation.Results and Discussion. The combination of oxygen insufflation with "KD-234" or reamberin had a significant positive effect on lipid peroxidation compared to oxygen insufflation, but the results were higher from the control level in animals with different resistance to hypoxia. The combined using of oxygen insufflation and "KD-234" substance in the experimental ARDS has a similar effect on the enzyme link of antioxidant protection, as in the case of oxygen insufflation, but it significantly increases the antioxidant-prooxidant index in the liver tissues, which is almost returns to the level of control in the groups of MRH- and LRH-animals.Conclusion. In acute respiratory distress syndrome, the combination of oxygen insufflation and the substance "KD-234" due to antioxidant and antiradical properties.
Мінеральний склад коренеплодів та плодів пастернаку посівного (PASTINACA SATIVA L.) сорту “Петрик”
Authors: Shimorova J. E. , Kyslychenko V. S. , Kuznietsova V. Yu.
Published: July 2017

Introduction. Human health preserving in an environment of eco-depending pathologies is the most important issue of modern medicine and pharmacy. The presence of certain mineral substances in the body in an appropriate quantity is one of the conditions for maintaining and preserving human health. Despite the fact that minerals do not have energy value, like proteins, fats and carbohydrates, many enzymatic processes in the body are impossible without their participation. Thus, the most important functions of a living organism are the realization of genetic information, the formation of subcellular structures, metabolic processes of energy production, the functioning of all organs and systems, depend on the quantitative and qualitative content of mineral substances in the body.The aim of the study – to determine macro- and microelement composition of parsnip`s roots and fruits of "Petrik" variety.Research Methods. Determination of the qualitative and quantitative composition of macro- and microelements of dried parsnip`s roots and fruits – Pastinaca sativa L. "Petrik" variety was carried out by atomic-emission spectroscopy with photographic registration in the State scientific institution "Institute for single crystals" of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.Results and Discussion. 19 elements were detected as a result of experimental studies. The roots predominantly contains potassium (2010.00 mg of /100 g), calcium (435.00 mg/100g), magnesium (300.00 mg/100g), sodium (270.00 mg /100 g), phosphorus (235.00 mg/100g); in fruits – potassium (1510.00 mg/kg). Roots are rich on zinc (13.40 mg/100g). Content of other elements are less than 0.1 mg /100 g.Conclusions. 19 elements were found in the roots and fruits of parsnip. Potassium (2010.00 mg/100g), calcium (435.00 mg/100g), magnesium (300.00 mg/100g) are dominated in the roots of parsnip; potassium is dominated in fruits (1510.00 mg/100 g). The results of the research will be used for further phytochemical studies of parsnip and the development of new drugs on it base.
High Prevalence of Multiple Arterial Bed Lesions in Patients With Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Plouin Pierre-François , Baguet Jean-Philippe , Thony Frédéric , Ormezzano Olivier , Azarine Arshid , Silhol François , Oppenheim Catherine , Bouhanick Béatrice , Boyer Louis , Persu Alexandre , Hammer Frank , Gosse Philippe , Mounier-Vehier Claire , Le Hello Claire , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Azizi Michel , Amar Laurence , Chatellier Gilles , Mousseaux Elie , Touzé; Emmanuel ,   the ARCADIA Investigators
Published: July 2017

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) commonly affects the renal and cervical arteries but has been described to affect other vascular beds as well. The prevalence of and clinical characteristics associated with multisite FMD (string-of-beds or focal stenoses affecting at least 2 vascular beds) are not known. In the prospective ARCADIA registry (Assessment of Renal and Cervical Artery Dysplasia), symptomatic patients with renal artery (RA) FMD underwent tomographic- or magnetic resonance-angiography from the aortic arch to the intracranial arteries and those with cervical FMD from the diaphragm to the pelvis. Of 469 patients (84.0% women), 225 (48.0%) had multisite FMD. In addition, 86 of 244 patients with single-site disease had dissections or aneurisms affecting other vascular beds, totaling 311 patients (66.3%) with lesions in >1 vascular bed. Among patients with a cerebrovascular presentation, the prevalence of RA lesions was higher in patients with than in those without hypertension (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.99–6.15). Among patients with a renal presentation, the prevalence of cervical lesions was higher in patients with bilateral than in those with unilateral RA lesions (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.99–3.57). In conclusion, FMD is a systemic arterial disease. At least 2 vascular beds were affected by dysplastic stenoses in 48.0% of cases and by dysplastic stenoses, aneurysms, and dissections in 66.1% of cases. RA imaging should be proposed to hypertensive patients with a cerebrovascular presentation. Cervical artery imaging should be considered in patients with a renal presentation and bilateral RA lesions.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
www.Clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02884141.
Prediction of Clinical Outcome After Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Dankbaar Jan W. , Horsch Alexander D. , van den Hoven Andor F. , Kappelle L. Jaap , van der Schaaf Irene C. , van Seeters Tom , Velthuis Birgitta K.
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose—

Early prediction of outcome in acute ischemic stroke is important for clinical management. This study aimed to compare the relationship between early follow-up multimodality computed tomographic (CT) imaging and clinical outcome at 90 days in a large multicenter stroke study.

Methods—

From the DUST study (Dutch Acute Stroke Study), patients were selected with (1) anterior circulation occlusion on CT angiography (CTA) and ischemic deficit on CT perfusion (CTP) on admission, and (2) day 3 follow-up noncontrast CT, CTP, and CTA. Follow-up infarct volume on noncontrast CT, poor recanalization on CTA, and poor reperfusion on CTP (mean transit time index ≤75%) were related to unfavorable outcome after 90 days defined as modified Rankin Scale 3 to 6. Four multivariable models were constructed: (1) only baseline variables (model 1), (2) model 1 with addition of infarct volume, (3) model 1 with addition of recanalization, and (4) model 1 with addition of reperfusion. Area under the curves of the receiver operating characteristic curves of the models were compared using the DeLong test.

Results—

A total of 242 patients were included. Poor recanalization was found in 21%, poor reperfusion in 37%, and unfavorable outcome in 44%. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve without follow-up imaging was 0.81, with follow-up noncontrast CT 0.85 (
P
=0.02), CTA 0.86 (
P
=0.01), and CTP 0.86 (
P
=0.01). All 3 follow-up imaging modalities improved outcome prediction compared with no imaging. There was no difference between the imaging models.

Conclusions—

Follow-up imaging after 3 days improves outcome prediction compared with prediction based on baseline variables alone. CTA recanalization and CTP reperfusion do not outperform noncontrast CT at this time point.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00880113.
The Reduplicative System of Ancient Greek and a New Analysis of Attic Reduplication
Authors: Zukoff Sam
Published: July 2017

The Ancient Greek perfect tense poses an interesting empirical puzzle involving reduplication. While consonant-initial roots display a phonologically regular alternation based on cluster type, vowel-initial roots display two distinct patterns whose distribution is not phonologically predictable. The reduplicative grammar that generates the consonantinitial patterns is directly compatible with the productive vowel-initial pattern, vowel lengthening. The minority vowel-initial pattern, “Attic reduplication,” both its shape and its distribution, can be explained as a phonotactic repair that operated at a prior stage of the language. This pattern was later reanalyzed, such that Attic reduplication is retained not as a phonotactic repair but through lexical indexation.
Beyond “Love Mysticism”
Authors: Cook Hamilton
Published: July 2017

In this article, I present and analyze what I call Yūnus Emre’s Sufi Theology of Selfhood conveyed in his Dīwān. In contrast to current one-dimensional approaches to Yūnus’ Sufi theology as “love mysticism,” on the basis of my research into what I call Yūnus’ Sufi Theology of Selfhood, I argue that Yūnus’ Sufism is multidimensional. Hence, it is deserving of a more broad-minded methodology. In part 1, I present a summary of Yūnus’ life and times, and offer a generic analysis of his poetry. To contextualize my study of selections from Yūnus’ Dīwān, I present a brief overview of the historical development of what I call a Sufi Theology of Selfhood in part 2. In part 3 of the article, I translate and scrutinize selections of Yūnus’ poems that I maintain best reflect his Sufi Theology of Selfhood from ontological-cosmological, epistemological, and experiential points of view.
Two new synonyms of Ligularia nelumbifolia (Asteraceae, Senecioneae)
Authors: ILLARIONOVA IRINA , WANG LONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: July 2017

Critical observations on both herbarium specimens (including type material) and living plants demonstrate that Ligularia duciformis, L. konkalingensis and L. nelumbifolia (Asteraceae, Senecioneae) are conspecific. We therefore place the former two names into the synonymy of L. nelumbifolia. Lectotypification is proposed for L. konkalingensis.
Puccinellia poecilantha (Poaceae) in Iran
Authors: NAQINEZHAD ALIREZA , HAMEDANI HAJAR
Published: July 2017

Puccinellia is one of the most taxonomically difficult grass genera in the Poeae tribe. The genus is represented by ten species in Iran confined mainly to saline habitats. Based on new collections from northeast Iran, we verify P. poecilantha as occurring in Iran. The specimen identified as P. poecilantha in the Flora Iranica was misidentified, and is corrected to P. gigantea.  Puccinellia poecilantha differs from P. bulbosa and P. gigantea, the two most morphologically similar species in Iran, by shape and sizes of their lemmas and glumes, and indumentum. Anatomical features of P. poecilantha are discussed and a distribution map for the new record is provided.
The identity of Eritrichium lasiocarpum and lectotypification of Hackelia minima (Boraginaceae)
Authors: HAO JIA-CHEN , WEI LAI , ZHOU YU , LIU QUAN-RU
Published: July 2017

Eritrichium lasiocarpum W.T.Wang is reduced as a new synonym of E. minimum (Brand) H.Hara, and the basionym of the letter, Hackelia minima Brand is lectotypified.
Neoplecostomus canastra, a new catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes) species from upper Rio Paraná basin
Authors: ROXO FÁBIO F. , SILVA GABRIEL S. C. , ZAWADZKI CLÁUDIO H. , OLIVEIRA CLAUDIO
Published: July 2017

In this study, we describe a new species of Neoplecostomus from córrego Tamborete, municipality of Capitólio, Minas Gerais state, upper rio Paraná basin. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the presence of conspicuous dark spots all over the body. Moreover, the new species can be diagnosed by the absence of moderate keels along each lateral series of plates, presence of developed adipose fin, absence of enlarged, fleshy folds between dentaries, dorsal-fin spinelet larger than dorsal-fin spine, lacking enlarged odontodes along lateral margins of snout and along ridges before eyes, having reduced number of dentary teeth, having two irregular and conspicuous rows of large and transversally-flattened papillae, just posterior to dentary teeth, smaller mandibullary width/head length, smaller Interorbital width/mandibullary width, smaller number of lateral-line plates, higher and lower number of dentary teeth depending of the species compared, absence of a conspicuous sexual dimorphism, absence of a conspicuous horseshoe-shaped light blotch posterior to the supraoccipital, with a central dark area which rarely contacts the edge of the light area, smaller mandibulary width/head length, smaller Interorbital width/Mandibullary width and a greater Caudal peduncle length/Caudal peduncle depth. Furthermore, we used DNA barcoding techniques of 2% threshold criteria and GMYC model to distinguish the new species from its congeners. These molecular techniques were unable to distinguish the new species from N. langeanii and N. selenae from N. botucatu, that were differentiated using external morphology.