bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional responses of Streptococcus gordonii and Fusobacterium nucleatum to coaggregation
Authors: Mutha Naresh V. R. , Mohammed Waleed K. , Krasnogor Natalio , Tan Geok Y. A. , Choo Siew W. , Jakubovics Nicholas S.
Published: October 2018

Cell‐cell interactions between genetically distinct bacteria, known as coaggregation, are important for the formation of mixed‐species biofilms such as dental plaque. Interactions lead to gene regulation in the partner organisms that may be critical for adaptation and survival in mixed‐species biofilms. Here, gene regulation responses to coaggregation between Streptococcus gordonii and Fusobacterium nucleatum were studied using dual RNA‐Seq. Initially, S. gordonii was shown to coaggregate strongly with F. nucleatum in buffer or human saliva. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, cells of different species were shown to be evenly distributed throughout the coaggregate and were closely associated with one another. This distribution was confirmed by serial block face sectioning scanning electron microscopy, which provided high resolution three‐dimensional images of coaggregates. Cell‐cell sensing responses were analysed 30 minutes after inducing coaggregation in human saliva. By comparison with monocultures, 16 genes were regulated following coaggregation in F. nucleatum whereas 119 genes were regulated in S. gordonii. In both species, genes involved in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism were strongly affected by coaggregation. In particular, one 8‐gene operon in F. nucleatum encoding sialic acid uptake and catabolism was up‐regulated 2‐ to 5‐fold following coaggregation. In S. gordonii, a gene cluster encoding functions for phosphotransferase system‐mediated uptake of lactose and galactose was down‐regulated up to 3‐fold in response to coaggregation. The genes identified in this study may play key roles in the development of mixed‐species communities and represent potential targets for approaches to control dental plaque accumulation.
A comparison of midazolam and zolpidem as oral premedication in children, a prospective randomized double‐blinded clinical trial
Authors: Hanna Amgad H. , Ramsingh Davinder , Sullivan‐Lewis Whitney , Cano Sarah , Leiter Patrick , Wallace Desiree , Andrews Gerald , Austin Briahnna , Applegate Richard L.
Published: October 2018

Background

Anxiety associated with pediatric surgery can be stressful. Midazolam is a well‐accepted anxiolytic in this setting. However, there are cases in which this medication is not effective. Zolpidem is a short‐acting nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drug that is administered orally and has quick onset of action (~15 minutes), and 2‐3 hour duration.

Aims

Based on the theory that impaired perception following oral zolpidem administration would suppress the development of anxiety, we sought to compare zolpidem to midazolam for pediatric preoperative anxiety.

Methods

This prospective randomized double‐blinded clinical trial was designed to compare the effectiveness of oral midazolam and zolpidem for anxiety premedication. Eighty ASA class I‐II pediatric patients between 2 and 9 years old, surgery >2 hours, and at least 23 hours postoperative admission were included in the study. Randomization was done with 0.5 mg/kg midazolam or 0.25 mg/kg zolpidem administered orally. The primary outcome measure was between group difference in patient anxiety at the time of separation using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. Secondary outcomes included emergence delirium and mask acceptance at induction.

Results

There was no significant difference in Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale scores at separation between midazolam (median/interquartile range = 26.7/23.3‐36.6) and zolpidem (median/interquartile range = 30.0/23.3‐56.6) groups, difference 0.01 (95% CI −3E−5, 3E−2; P = 0.07). Mask acceptance score was significantly better in the midazolam group. There was no significant difference in emergence delirium scores between groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that zolpidem, as dosed, was similar to midazolam with regard to anxiety scoring, and inferior with regard to mask acceptance scores.
Integrated transcriptome, small RNA and degradome sequencing approaches provide insights into Ascochyta blight resistance in chickpea
Authors: Garg Vanika , Khan Aamir W. , Kudapa Himabindu , Kale Sandip M. , Chitikineni Annapurna , Qiwei Sun , Sharma Mamta , Li Chuanying , Zhang Baohong , Xin Liu , Kishor P.B. Kavi , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: October 2018

Ascochyta blight (AB) is one of the major biotic stresses known to limit the chickpea production worldwide. To dissect the complex mechanisms of AB resistance in chickpea, three approaches, namely, transcriptome, small RNA and degradome sequencing were used. The transcriptome sequencing of 20 samples including two resistant genotypes, two susceptible genotypes and one introgression line under control and stress conditions at two time points (3rd and 7th day post inoculation) identified a total of 6767 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs were mainly related to pathogenesis‐related proteins, disease resistance genes like NBS‐LRR, cell wall biosynthesis and various secondary metabolite synthesis genes. The small RNA sequencing of the samples resulted in the identification of 651 miRNAs which included 478 known and 173 novel miRNAs. A total of 297 miRNAs were differentially expressed between different genotypes, conditions and time points. Using degradome sequencing and in silico approaches, 2131 targets were predicted for 629 miRNAs. The combined analysis of both small RNA and transcriptome datasets identified 12 miRNA‐mRNA interaction pairs that exhibited contrasting expression in resistant and susceptible genotypes and also, a subset of genes that might be post‐transcriptionally silenced during AB infection. The comprehensive integrated analysis in the study provides better insights into the transcriptome dynamics and regulatory network components associated with AB stress in chickpea and, also offers candidate genes for chickpea improvement.
Towards new Triple Helix organisations? A comparative study of competence centres as knowledge, consensus and innovation spaces
Authors: Meyer Martin , Kuusisto Jari , Grant Kevin , De Silva Muthu , Flowers Stephen , Choksy Umair
Published: October 2018

This contribution explores new organisational forms facilitating Triple Helix relations. Analysts have pointed to the blurring of institutional boundaries and the emergence of hybrid organisations at the interface between university, industry and government. Starting out from the notion that Triple Helix organisations develop and maintain knowledge, consensus and innovation spaces, we explore four cases of competence centres that operate in this context. Comparing them, we identify Finnish SHOK centres as the most radical departure from more traditional forms of university–industry collaboration. These can be characterised as independent legal entities that are involved in integrating a large, possibly cluster‐level or technology‐focused network, defining the agenda for specific specialisation areas by engaging in all or most of the Triple Helix spaces. We argue they could be better positioned than existing intermediary organisations to deliver the Triple Helix concept.
Implications of the diagnostic criteria of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in clinical practice: Analysis from the Australian Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry
Authors: Jo Helen E. , Glaspole Ian , Goh Nicole , Hopkins Peter M.A. , Moodley Yuben , Reynolds Paul N. , Chapman Sally , Walters Eugene Haydn , Zappala Christopher , Allan Heather , Macansh Sacha , Grainge Christopher , Keir Gregory J. , Hayen Andrew , Henderson Douglas , Klebe Sonja , Heinze Stefan B. , Miller Anne , Rouse Hannah C. , Duhig Edwina , Cooper Wendy A. , Mahar Annabelle M. , Ellis Samantha , McCormack Samuel R. , Ng Bernard , Godbolt David B. , Corte Tamera J.
Published: October 2018

Background and objective

Current guidelines for the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) provide specific criteria for diagnosis in the setting of multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). We evaluate the utility and reproducibility of these diagnostic guidelines, using clinical data from the Australian IPF Registry.

Methods

All patients enrolled in the registry undergo a diagnostic review whereby international IPF guidelines are applied via a registry MDD. We investigated the clinical applicability of these guidelines with regard to: (i) adherence to guidelines, (ii) Natural history of IPF diagnostic categories and (iii) Concordance for diagnostic features.

Results

A total of 417 participants (69% male, 70.6 ± 8.0 years) with a clinical diagnosis of IPF underwent MDD. The 23% of participants who did not meet IPF diagnostic criteria displayed identical disease behaviour to those with confirmed IPF. Honeycombing on radiology was associated with a worse prognosis and this translated into poorer prognosis in the ‘definite’ IPF group. While there was moderate agreement for IPF diagnostic categories, agreement for specific radiological features, other than honeycombing, was poor.

Conclusion

In clinical practice, physicians do not always follow IPF diagnostic guidelines. We demonstrate a cohort of IPF patients who do not meet IPF diagnostic guideline criteria, based largely on their radiology and lack of lung biopsy, but who have outcomes identical to those with IPF.
Measuring lnequality in the Middle East 1990–2016: The World’s Most Unequal Region?
Authors: Alvaredo Facundo , Assouad Lydia , Piketty Thomas
Published: October 2018

In this paper we combine household surveys, national accounts, income tax data and wealth data in order to estimate income concentration in the Middle East for the period 1990–2016. According to our benchmark series, the Middle East appears to be the most unequal region in the world, with a top decile income share as large as 64 percent, compared to 37 percent in Western Europe, 47 percent in the US and 55 percent in Brazil (see Alvaredo et al. 2018). This is due both to enormous inequality between countries (particularly between oil‐rich and population‐rich countries) and to large inequality within countries (which we probably under‐estimate, given the limited access to proper fiscal data). We stress the importance of increasing transparency on income and wealth in the Middle East, as well as the need to develop mechanisms of regional redistribution and investment.
Estimating market power using a composed error model
Authors: Karakaplan Mustafa U. , Kutlu Levent
Published: October 2018

We present a maximum likelihood based composed error model to estimate market powers of firms. In our model, the stochastic part of the supply relation includes two random components: the conventional two‐sided error term and a random term, which is capturing firm‐specific conducts. Moreover, we provide a generalization of scaled Stevenson stochastic frontier model in the context of doubly truncated normal distributions. We estimate the market powers of Chicago based airlines as an empirical example that is showing the applicability of our estimation procedure.
Effect of Games Including Physical Activity on Digital Game Addiction of 11-14 Age Group Middle-School Students
Authors: Hazar Zekihan , Hazar Muhsin
Published: October 2018

In this study, it was investigated that effect of games including physical activity on digital game addiction of 11-14 age group middle-school students. Along with the determination of digital game addiction, conducting applied experimental study is important regarding showing results of application with theoretical knowledge towards solving problem. Within this framework, it was thought that “games including physical activity” will be important tool for decreasing the level of digital game addiction. Experimental Design method was used in the study in which was adopted Quantitative Research model. When 11-14 age group students who addicted digital games consisted of the population of the study, the sample of the study consisted of 29 girls and 51 boys who have studied. In the study, personal information form and digital game addiction scale that was developed by the researcher were used as measurement tools. During data collection period, by accepting applied pre-test to students as criterion sample process, students who have high addiction level (total scale score is 49 and above) were detected and control (n = 40) and experimental (n = 40) groups were created with unbiased assignment method. After the 12-weeks period “games including physical activity” training, the data which was collected from the control and experimental groups by taking post-test data was evaluated with SPSS 20 packaged software. It was found that there was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test of both sub-dimensions and total addiction scores and post-test scores were lower than pre-test scores. It was shown that post-test addiction scores were significantly higher than pre-test addiction scores in control group. When investigating post-test addiction scores of control and experiment groups, it was shown that addiction level of experimental group significantly decrease comparing control group. It was determined that pre-test/post-test scores of experimental group students did not show significant differences in terms of gender, age, education level of mothers, education level of fathers, number of siblings. It was also found that pre-test/post-test addiction scores of experimental and control groups showed significant differences regarding playing digital game duration. When playing digital game duration decreased in experimental group, playing game duration increased in control group. Therefore, it was concluded that addiction levels of students who are digital game addict decreased because of interesting games including physical activity. As a result; physical moving games and sports can be said to be an important tool in dealing with digital game addiction. It can also be said that an important way to protect children from such addictions is to do sports.
Super-rigid affine Fano varieties
Authors: Cheltsov Ivan , Dubouloz Adrien , Park Jihun
Published: October 2018

We study a wide class of affine varieties, which we call affine Fano varieties. By analogy with birationally super-rigid Fano varieties, we define super-rigidity for affine Fano varieties, and provide many examples and non-examples of super-rigid affine Fano varieties.
Effectiveness of maternal dietary interventions for improving mother and infant health outcomes: an umbrella review protocol
Authors: Watterson Cheryl , MacDonald-Wicks Lesley , Collins Clare , Hutchesson Melinda , Shrewsbury Vanessa , Vincze Lisa , Heslehurst Nicola , Follong Berit
Published: October 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this umbrella review is to determine the characteristics of dietary interventions delivered any time before, during or after pregnancy for women living in developed countries, identified in quantitative systematic reviews as effective for improving mother and infant health outcomes and feasible for translation into practice.

Specifically, the review will address the following questions:

i) For which mother and infant health outcomes are dietary interventions occurring before, during or after pregnancy most effective and what harms are associated with dietary interventions in this population?

ii) For each mother and infant health outcome in this population, what is the overall certainty in the findings and strength of recommendations which may assist in applying the research findings into practice?

iii) What are the characteristics of effective dietary intervention in this population that have led to improvements in outcomes and may be feasible for translation into practice?

For the purpose of this overview, dietary interventions encompass the broad scope of dietary manipulations, including the direct provision of food and/or nutrients to participants, nutrition education, nutrition counseling, nutrition care teams, or any combination of these four intervention types.

Both a narrative and quantitative summary on the effect of maternal dietary interventions on maternal and infant health outcomes as compared with usual care will be provided. The quantitative summary of the maternal and infant outcomes will be supported by an appraisal of the certainty of evidence of the effects and the strength of the recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.
1
Many listeners cannot discriminate major vs minor tone-scrambles regardless of presentation rate
Authors: Mednicoff Solena , Mejia Stephanie , Rashid Jordan Ali , Chubb Charles
Published: October 2018

A tone-scramble is a random sequence of pure tones. Previous studies have found that most listeners (≈ 70%) perform near chance in classifying rapid tone-scrambles composed of multiple copies of notes in G-major vs G-minor triads; the remaining listeners perform nearly perfectly [Chubb, Dickson, Dean, Fagan, Mann, Wright, Guan, Silva, Gregersen, and Kowalski (2013). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 134(4), 3067–3078; Dean and Chubb (2017). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 142(3), 1432–1440]. This study tested whether low-performing listeners might improve with slower stimuli. In separate tasks, stimuli were tone-scrambles presented at 115, 231, 462, and 923 notes per min. In each task, the listener classified (with feedback) stimuli as major vs minor. Listeners who performed poorly in any of these tasks performed poorly in all of them. Strikingly, performance was worst in the task with the slowest stimuli. In all tasks, most listeners were biased to respond “major” (“minor”) if the stimulus ended on a note high (low) in pitch. Dean and Chubb introduced the name “scale-sensitivity” for the cognitive resource that separates high- from low-performing listeners in tone-scramble classification tasks, suggesting that this resource confers sensitivity to the full gamut of qualities that music can attain by being in a scale. In ruling out the possibility that performance in these tasks depends on speed of presentation, the current results bolster this interpretation.
An enzymatic approach reverses nicotine dependence, decreases compulsive-like intake, and prevents relapse
Authors: Kallupi Marsida , Xue Song , Zhou Bin , Janda Kim D. , George Olivier
Published: October 2018

A bacterial enzyme that eats nicotine reverses addiction-like behaviors and offers a new strategy to help smokers quit.
GPR40 modulates epileptic seizure and NMDA receptor function
Authors: Yang Yong , Tian Xin , Xu Demei , Zheng Fangshuo , Lu Xi , Zhang Yanke , Ma Yuanlin , Li Yun , Xu Xin , Zhu Binglin , Wang Xuefeng
Published: October 2018

GPR40 modulates epileptic seizure and NMDA receptor function through the regulation of NR2A and NR2B surface expression.
Robotic ecology: Tracking small dynamic animals with an autonomous aerial vehicle
Authors: Cliff Oliver M. , Saunders Debra L. , Fitch Robert
Published: October 2018

Estimation algorithms for wildlife tracking with an autonomous aerial robot are supported by field validation with wild swift parrots.
The 50th anniversary of
2001: A Space Odyssey
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: October 2018

Fifty years later, HAL is hiding in plain sight on Earth.
Avidity-based binding to HER2 results in selective killing of HER2-overexpressing cells by anti-HER2/CD3
Authors: Slaga Dionysos , Ellerman Diego , Lombana T. Noelle , Vij Rajesh , Li Ji , Hristopoulos Maria , Clark Robyn , Johnston Jennifer , Shelton Amy , Mai Elaine , Gadkar Kapil , Lo Amy A. , Koerber James T. , Totpal Klara , Prell Rodney , Lee Genee , Spiess Christoph , Junttila Teemu T.
Published: October 2018

T cell–dependent bispecific antibodies with bivalent low affinity binding to HER2 are more selective for tumor cells that overexpress the target.
In utero priming of highly functional effector T cell responses to human malaria
Authors: Odorizzi Pamela M. , Jagannathan Prasanna , McIntyre Tara I. , Budker Rachel , Prahl Mary , Auma Ann , Burt Trevor D. , Nankya Felistas , Nalubega Mayimuna , Sikyomu Esther , Musinguzi Kenneth , Naluwu Kate , Kakuru Abel , Dorsey Grant , Kamya Moses R. , Feeney Margaret E.
Published: October 2018

Fetal malaria-responsive effector CD4
+
T cells provide protection from childhood malaria in infants born to mothers with placental malaria.
Retrospective Observational Study from a Chinese Network of the Impact of Combination Therapy versus Monotherapy on Mortality from Carbapenem-Resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
Bacteremia
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Wang Qi , Cao Bin , Sun Shijun , Zhang Yawei , Gu Bing , Li Binbin , Liao Kang , Zhao Feng , Jin Liang , Jin Chunmei , Yang Chunxia , Pei Fengyan , Zhang Zhijie , Wang Hui
Published: October 2018

Data for a total of 164 bloodstream infection cases due to carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) from 2013 to 2017 were retrospectively collected from 36 tertiary hospitals in 19 provinces in China to evaluate the outcomes and risk factors for mortality by univariable and multivariable analysis. The most frequent infecting species was
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(69.5%, 114/164).
Effects of Antimicrobial Peptide GH12 on the Cariogenic Properties and Composition of a Cariogenic Multispecies Biofilm
Authors: Jiang Wentao , Wang Yufei , Luo Junyuan , Li Xinwei , Zhou Xuedong , Li Wei , Zhang Linglin
Published: October 2018

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic infectious diseases worldwide, with substantial economic and quality-of-life impacts.
Streptococcus mutans
has been considered the principal pathogen of dental caries. To combat dental caries, an antimicrobial peptide, GH12, was designed, and its antibacterial effects on planktonic
S. mutans
and the monospecies biofilm were confirmed. As etiological concepts of dental caries evolved to include microecosystems, the homeostasis between pathogenic and commensal bacteria and a selective action on cariogenic virulence have increasingly become the focus. The novelty of this research was to study the effects of the antimicrobial peptides on a controlled cariogenic multispecies biofilm model. Notably, the role of an antimicrobial agent in regulating interspecific competition and composition shifts within this multispecies biofilm was investigated. With promising antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, the use of GH12 might be of importance in preventing and controlling caries and other dental infections.
Rapid Identification of Clinically Relevant
Mycobacterium
Species by Multicolor Melting Curve Analysis
Authors: Xu Ye , Liang Bin , Du Chen , Tian Xueshan , Cai Xingshan , Hou Yanjie , Li Hui , Zheng Rongrong , Li Junlian , Liu Yuqin , Wang Kaili , Ammar Athar Muhammad , Tan Yaoju , Li Qingge
Published: October 2018

The sustained increase in the incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection and the difficulty in distinguishing these infections from tuberculosis constitute an urgent need for NTM species-level identification. The MeltPro Myco assay is the first diagnostic system that identifies 19 clinically relevant mycobacteria in a single reaction based on multicolor melting curve analysis run on a real-time PCR platform.
Genome Sequencing of Sub-Arctic Mesomycetozoean Sphaeroforma sirkka Strain B5, Performed with the Oxford Nanopore minION and Illumina HiSeq Systems
Authors: Ducluzeau A.-L. , Tyson J. R. , Collins R. E. , Snutch T. P. , Hassett B. T.
Published: October 2018

The Mesomycetozoea branch near the animal-fungal divergence and are believed to be important to understanding the origins of multicellularity. In 2012, a free-living saprotrophic mesomycetozoean was isolated from the sub-Arctic Bering Sea.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus johnsonii Strain Byun-jo-01, Isolated from the Murine Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Kim Dongjun , Cho Mun-ju , Cho Seungchan , Lee Yongjun , Byun Sung June , Lee Sukchan
Published: October 2018

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Lactobacillus johnsonii
strain Byun-jo-01, which was isolated from the murine gastrointestinal tract. The genome was determined using both PacBio and Illumina sequencing.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Leptospira mayottensis Strains from Tenrecs That Are Endemic in the Malagasy Region
Authors: Cordonin Colette , Toty Céline , Mavingui Patrick , Tortosa Pablo
Published: October 2018

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by
Leptospira
, a diversified genus containing more than 10 pathogenic species. Tenrecs are small terrestrial mammals endemic in the Malagasy region and are known to be reservoirs of the recently described species
Leptospira mayottensis
.
Metropolitan W135 meningococcal compressive pericarditis treated with intrapericardial fibrinolysis
Authors: Garin Aude , Bavozet Florent
Published: October 2018

Meningococcal pericarditis is a rare but severe form of acute purulent pericarditis. It is a classic complication of Neisseria meningitidis of serotype W135, usually occurring in pilgrims to Mecca and their household contacts. This severe form of meningococcaemia is difficult to diagnose and evolves frequently and gradually towards a tamponade, requiring emergency drainage. We report a case of meningococcal pericarditis caused by N. meningitidis W135 in an immunocompetent patient, without any other organ involvement especially meningeal, requiring pericardium drainage in emergency and then intrapericardial fibrinolysis.
Fits, feet and HIV: lessons from a case of coexisting epilepsy and neuropathy in a patient with perinatally acquired HIV-1 infection
Authors: Freeman-Romilly Nell , Mewasingh Leena , Coomer Annette , Foster Caroline
Published: October 2018

An 18-year-old black African man with well-controlled perinatally acquired HIV-1 was diagnosed in late adolescence with the unrelated diagnoses of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A), epilepsy due to polymicrogyria and subsequently developed severe depression. The CMT1A diagnosis occurred after transfer of care from a local paediatric HIV service to a tertiary paediatric referral centre and was precipitated by recognition of a history and neurological signs not typically associated with perinatal HIV. The case resulted in the establishment of a quarterly combined paediatric HIV and paediatric neurology multidisciplinary team clinic to assess children and adolescents living with HIV with neurological symptoms.
Sinus arrest with prolonged asystole due to the trigeminocardiac reflex during application of local anaesthetic in the nasal mucosa
Authors: Meuwly Cyrill , Leibundgut Gregor , Rosemann Thomas , Schaller Bernhard
Published: October 2018

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is defined as a sudden onset of parasympathetic dysrhythmias during stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. We describe a peripheral variation of TCR during manipulation of the nasal mucosa. A 42-year-old patient suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnoea was scheduled for surgical treatment. After inducted anaesthesia, the surgeon infiltrated the nasal mucosa with a local anaesthetic. The patient immediately showed an asystole and was treated with ephedrine and five chest compressions, despite spontaneous sinus rhythm return after ceasing of manipulation. Treatment with atropine established this TCR episode and ensured an event-free surgery.

The authors present here, for the first time, a prolonged asystole caused by the TCR, triggered by minimal manipulation of the nasal mucosa. This severe manifestation of peripheral TCR demonstrates its importance in daily clinical business. This case was treated according to a modified treatment algorithm for all subtypes of TCR which is presented here.
A Rare case of recurrent Guillain-Barré syndrome without albuminocytological dissociation
Authors: Yelam Anudeep , Nagarajan Elanagan , Govindarajan Raghav , Bollu Pradeep C
Published: October 2018

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated polyneuropathy, often preceded by an illness. It is a self-limiting illness in most of the cases, but recurrence is rare and can be seen in about 1%–6% of patients. GBS is characterised by progressive, symmetrical, proximal and distal weakness. Areflexia and sensory disturbances are also common. Patients with GBS usually have albuminocytological dissociation on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. This is a case of a 69-year-old woman with recurrent GBS and normal CSF findings.
Newer technologies for detection of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zungsontiporn Nath , Link Mark S
Published: October 2018

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that is associated with increased risk of stroke, which can be reduced with appropriate anticoagulation treatment. However, it remains underdiagnosed in contemporary clinical practice using conventional detection methods, resulting in missed opportunities to implement appropriate treatment. Newer technologies developed in recent years can potentially enhance the detection of atrial fibrillation and overcome certain limitations of the conventional methods. However, uncertainties remain about their use and the significance of atrial fibrillation detected by some of these newer technologies. This review examines the evidence supporting the use of some of these technologies and evaluates their applications in certain clinical scenarios.
High-intensity interval exercise induces greater acute changes in sleep, appetite-related hormones, and free-living energy intake than does moderate-intensity continuous exercise
Authors: Larsen Penelope , Marino Frank , Melehan Kerri , Guelfi Kym J. , Duffield Rob , Skein Melissa
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) on sleep characteristics, appetite-related hormones, and eating behaviour. Eleven overweight, inactive men completed 2 consecutive nights of sleep assessments to determine baseline (BASE) sleep stages and arousals recorded by polysomnography (PSG). On separate afternoons (1400–1600 h), participants completed a 30-min exercise bout: either (i) MICE (60% peak oxygen consumption) or (ii) HIIE (60 s of work at 100% peak oxygen consumption: 240 s of rest at 50% peak oxygen consumption), in a randomised order. Measures included appetite-related hormones (acylated ghrelin, leptin, and peptide tyrosine tyrosine) and glucose before exercise, 30 min after exercise, and the next morning after exercise; PSG sleep stages; and actigraphy (sleep quantity and quality); in addition, self-reported sleep and food diaries were recorded until 48 h after exercise. There were no between-trial differences for time in bed (p = 0.19) or total sleep time (p = 0.99). After HIIE, stage N3 sleep was greater (21% ± 7%) compared with BASE (18% ± 7%; p = 0.02). In addition, the number of arousals during rapid eye movement sleep were lower after HIIE (7 ± 5) compared with BASE (11 ± 7; p = 0.05). Wake after sleep onset was lower following MICE (41 min) compared with BASE (56 min; p = 0.02). Acylated ghrelin was lower and glucose was higher at 30 min after HIIE when compared with MICE (p ≤ 0.05). There were no significant differences between conditions in terms of total energy intake (p ≥ 0.05). HIIE appears to be more beneficial than MICE for improving sleep quality and inducing favourable transient changes in appetite-related hormones in overweight, inactive men. However, energy intake was not altered regardless of exercise intensity.
Decoupling outmigration from marine survival indicates outsized influence of streamflow on cohort success for California’s Chinook salmon populations
Authors: Michel Cyril J.
Published: October 2018

Historically, marine survival estimates for salmon have been confounded with freshwater seaward migration (outmigration) survival. Telemetry studies have revealed low and variable survival during outmigration, suggesting marine mortality may not be the primary source of variability in cohort size as previously believed. Using a novel combination of tagging technologies, survival during these two life stages was decoupled over 5 years for Sacramento River Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Outmigration survival ranged from 2.6% to 17%, and marine survival ranged from 4.2% to 22.8%. Influential environmental drivers in both life stages were also compared with smolt-to-adult ratios (SAR) for three Chinook salmon populations over 20 years. Streamflow during outmigration had higher correlation with SAR (r2 > 0.34) than two marine productivity indices (r2 < 0.08). The few SAR estimates that were poorly predicted by flow occurred during years with the lowest marine productivity, suggesting most interannual SAR fluctuations are explained by outmigration survival, but abnormally poor marine conditions also reduce SAR. The outsized influence of flow on SAR provides managers with a powerful mitigation tool in a watershed where flow is tightly regulated.
One-time application of biosolids to ungrazed semiarid rangelands: 14 yr soil responses
Authors: Avery E. , Krzic M. , Wallace B. , Newman R.F. , Smukler S.M. , Bradfield G.E.
Published: October 2018

Biosolids have been shown to improve forage production and soil quality on semiarid rangelands in the short term, but less is known about longer-term impacts of one-time biosolids applications. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a single, surface biosolids application (at 20 dry Mg ha−1) on stability of soil aggregates, bulk density, total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), permanganate-oxidizable carbon (POXC), polysaccharides, pH, nutrient availability, and soil water content (all at 0–7.5 cm depth) 14 yr following application to ungrazed rangelands in the Central interior of British Columbia. Fourteen years following the biosolids application, aboveground plant biomass was almost two times greater with biosolids application than on control, while exposed mineral soil and microbiotic crust significantly decreased in biosolids plots. Despite differences in aboveground biomass, there was no difference in total soil C and N, POXC, and polysaccharides between biosolids and control plots. Biosolids-amended soil did exhibit significantly greater mean weight diameter of water-stable aggregates, lower pH, increased spring soil water content, and increased availability of Fe3+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and phosphate ions. These findings indicate that the long-term improvements to soil on ungrazed rangeland are possible even from a single biosolids application.
Some comments on the paper of Khuangsatung and Kangtunyakarn
Authors: Wongchan Kanokwan
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we discuss the validity of the result of Khuangsatung and Kangtunyakarn [Existence and convergence theorem for fixed point problem of various nonlinear mappings and variational inequality problems without some assumptions, Filomat 32(1) (2018) 305–309].
Categorical equivalence of clones of operations preserving a nontrivial n-equivalence
Authors: Noppakaew Passawan , Supaporn Worakrit
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we showed that any clone of operations preserving a nontrivial [Formula: see text]-equivalence on a finite set is categorically equivalent to the clone of operations preserving a nontrivial [Formula: see text]-equivalence on a set having the cardinality of [Formula: see text].
Facile hydrothermal synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticle and effect of crystallinity on performances for supercapacitor
Authors: Xu Yue , Zhang Ying , Song Xiaolan , Liu Hanjun
Published: October 2018

Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method using triethanolamine. Effects of reaction times (2–8[Formula: see text]h) on crystallinity and electrochemical performances of Fe3O4 were investigated. Samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption, scanning electron microscope, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and cyclic voltammetry. Results showed that the crystallinity of Fe3O4 was increased with hydrothermal time, and the sample prepared at 2[Formula: see text]h displayed amorphous structure with small grain size and large surface area of 165.0[Formula: see text]m2[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]. The sample exhibited typical pseudocapacitive behavior with capacitance of 383.2[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at 0.5 Ag[Formula: see text] in Na2SO3 electrolyte. After 2000 cycles, the capacitance retention of Fe3O4 at 2[Formula: see text]h was recorded as 83.6%, much higher than 26.3% for sample at 8[Formula: see text]h. It indicated that hydrothermal method was an effective approach to obtain amorphous Fe3O4, implying the potential application for preparing metal oxide electrode for supercapacitors.
Critical Lines of Action for Vulnerability and Resilience Research and Practice: Lessons from the 2017 Hurricane Season
Authors: Eakin Hallie , Muñoz-Erickson Tischa A. , Lemos Maria Carmen
Published: October 2018

The unprecedented number of devastating disasters recently experienced in the United States is a clarion call to revisit how we understand our vulnerability in the face of global change, and what we are prepared to do about it. We focus on the case of Hurricane María’s impact in Puerto Rico to underscore five critical concerns in addressing vulnerability and adaptation planning: (i) vulnerability as a product of flows; (ii) how our beliefs about the capacities of ourselves and others affect local vulnerability; (iii) the role uncertainty, politics, and information access play in amplifying vulnerability and complicating adaptation; (iv) the need for a better distribution of risk and responsibility in adaptation; (v) and the challenge of seizing the opportunity of disasters for transformative change. These five issues of concern were particularly evident in the case of Puerto Rico where Hurricane María’s 155 mph winds exposed existing infrastructural vulnerabilities, institutional incapacities, and socio-economic disparities. We argue that addressing these issues requires fundamental shifts in how we prepare for environmental change and disasters in the 21st century. We discuss promising approaches that may assist researchers and practitioners in addressing some of the underlying drivers of vulnerability, stemming from cross-scalar dynamics, systemic interdependencies, and the politics and social relations associated with knowledge, decision-making and action. We argue that society needs to broach the difficult topic of the equity in the distribution of risk in society and the burden of adaptation. Addressing these challenges and response imperatives is a central task of this century; the time to act is now.
Photoperiodic Regulation of Reproduction in Vertebrates
Authors: Nakane Yusuke , Yoshimura Takashi
Published: October 2018

Organisms use changes in photoperiod for seasonal reproduction to maximize the survival of their offspring. Birds have sophisticated seasonal mechanisms and are therefore excellent models for studying these phenomena. Birds perceive light via deep-brain photoreceptors and long day–induced thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotropin) in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland (PT), which cause local thyroid hormone activation within the mediobasal hypothalamus. The local bioactive thyroid hormone controls seasonal gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion and subsequent gonadotropin secretion. In mammals, the eyes are believed to be the only photoreceptor organ, and nocturnal melatonin secretion triggers an endocrine signal that communicates information about the photoperiod to the PT to regulate TSH. In contrast, in Salmonidae fish the input pathway to the neuroendocrine output pathway appears to be localized in the saccus vasculosus. Thus, comparative analysis is an effective way to uncover the universality and diversity of fundamental traits in various organisms.
Pathophysiology of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Sundd Prithu , Gladwin Mark T. , Novelli Enrico M.
Published: October 2018

Since the discovery of sickle cell disease (SCD) in 1910, enormous strides have been made in the elucidation of the pathogenesis of its protean complications, which has inspired recent advances in targeted molecular therapies. In SCD, a single amino acid substitution in the β-globin chain leads to polymerization of mutant hemoglobin S, impairing erythrocyte rheology and survival. Clinically, erythrocyte abnormalities in SCD manifest in hemolytic anemia and cycles of microvascular vaso-occlusion leading to end-organ ischemia-reperfusion injury and infarction. Vaso-occlusive events and intravascular hemolysis promote inflammation and redox instability that lead to progressive small- and large-vessel vasculopathy. Based on current evidence, the pathobiology of SCD is considered to be a vicious cycle of four major processes, all the subject of active study and novel therapeutic targeting: ( a) hemoglobin S polymerization, ( b) impaired biorheology and increased adhesion-mediated vaso-occlusion, ( c) hemolysis-mediated endothelial dysfunction, and ( d) concerted activation of sterile inflammation (Toll-like receptor 4– and inflammasome-dependent innate immune pathways). These molecular, cellular, and biophysical processes synergize to promote acute and chronic pain and end-organ injury and failure in SCD. This review provides an exhaustive overview of the current understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of SCD, how this pathophysiology contributes to complications of the central nervous and cardiopulmonary systems, and how this knowledge is being harnessed to develop current and potential therapies.
Molecular Genetics of Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Bell Daphne W. , Ellenson Lora Hedrick
Published: October 2018

Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic malignancy in the United States. Endometrioid endometrial carcinomas constitute approximately 85% of newly diagnosed cases; serous carcinomas represent approximately 3–10% of diagnoses; clear cell carcinoma accounts for <5% of diagnoses; and uterine carcinosarcomas are rare, biphasic tumors. Longstanding molecular observations implicate PTEN inactivation as a major driver of endometrioid carcinomas; TP53 inactivation as a major driver of most serous carcinomas, some high-grade endometrioid carcinomas, and many uterine carcinosarcomas; and inactivation of either gene as drivers of some clear cell carcinomas. In the past decade, targeted gene and exome sequencing have uncovered additional pathogenic aberrations in each histotype. Moreover, an integrated genomic analysis by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) resulted in the molecular classification of endometrioid and serous carcinomas into four distinct subgroups, POLE (ultramutated), microsatellite instability (hypermutated), copy number low (endometrioid), and copy number high (serous-like). In this review, we provide an overview of the major molecular features of the aforementioned histopathological subtypes and TCGA subgroups and discuss potential prognostic and therapeutic implications for endometrial carcinoma.
Blockade of prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 ameliorates nephrotoxic serum nephritis
Authors: Aringer Ida , Artinger Katharina , Kirsch Alexander H. , Schabhüttl Corinna , Jandl Katharina , Bärnthaler Thomas , Mooslechner Agnes A. , Herzog Sereina A. , Uhlig Moritz , Kirsch Andrijana , Frank Saša , Banas Miriam , Pollheimer Marion , Eller Philipp , Rosenkranz Alexander R. , Heinemann Akos , Eller Kathrin
Published: October 2018

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling is known to modulate inflammation and vascular resistance. Receptors of PGE2 [E-type prostanoid receptors (EP)] might be an attractive pharmacological target in immune-mediated diseases such as glomerulonephritis. We hypothesized that selective EP4 antagonism improves nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTS) by its anti-inflammatory properties. Mice were subjected to NTS and treated with the EP4 antagonist ONO AE3-208 (10 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1] or vehicle starting from disease initiation. In one set of experiments, treatment was started 4 days after NTS induction. Tubular epithelial cells were evaluated in vitro under starving conditions. EP4 antagonist treatment significantly improved the NTS phenotype without affecting blood pressure levels. Remarkably, the improved NTS phenotype was also observed when treatment was started 4 days after NTS induction. EP4 antagonism decreased tubular chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand ( Cxcl) 1 and Cxcl-5 expression and thereby subsequently reduced interstitial neutrophil infiltration into the kidney. In vitro, tubular epithelial cells increasingly expressed Cxcl-5 mRNA and Cxcl-5 protein when treated with PGE2 or an EP4 agonist under starving conditions, which was blunted by EP4 antagonist treatment. Together, EP4 antagonism improves the NTS phenotype, probably by decreasing mainly Cxcl-5 production in tubular cells, thereby reducing renal neutrophil infiltration.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Use in Human Models of Disease and Development
Authors: Karagiannis Peter , Takahashi Kazutoshi , Saito Megumu , Yoshida Yoshinori , Okita Keisuke , Watanabe Akira , Inoue Haruhisa , Yamashita Jun K. , Todani Masaya , Nakagawa Masato , Osawa Mitsujiro , Yashiro Yoshimi , Yamanaka Shinya , Osafune Kenji
Published: October 2018

The discovery of somatic cell nuclear transfer proved that somatic cells can carry the same genetic code as the zygote, and that activating parts of this code are sufficient to reprogram the cell to an early developmental state. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) nearly half a century later provided a molecular mechanism for the reprogramming. The initial creation of iPSCs was accomplished by the ectopic expression of four specific genes (OCT4, KLF4, SOX2, and c-Myc; OSKM). iPSCs have since been acquired from a wide range of cell types and a wide range of species, suggesting a universal molecular mechanism. Furthermore, cells have been reprogrammed to iPSCs using a myriad of methods, although OSKM remains the gold standard. The sources for iPSCs are abundant compared with those for other pluripotent stem cells; thus the use of iPSCs to model the development of tissues, organs, and other systems of the body is increasing. iPSCs also, through the reprogramming of patient samples, are being used to model diseases. Moreover, in the 10 years since the first report, human iPSCs are already the basis for new cell therapies and drug discovery that have reached clinical application. In this review, we examine the generation of iPSCs and their application to disease and development.