bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interspecific differences in the tolerance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to freezing and drying
Authors: Klironomos John N , Hart Miranda M , Gurney Jane E , Moutoglis Peter
Published: June 2017

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in northern temperate ecosystems must function during extremes in environmental conditions. However, it is not known if arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that co-exist in soil communities have similar tolerances to stresses such as drought and freezing. The phenology of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was determined over one year in a community in southern Ontario, Canada. Five fungal species from the same community were then used to inoculate five plant species, in all possible combinations, and were subjected to either a freezing treatment or a drought treatment after which new seedlings were transplanted into the treated pots. The percent colonization of roots of each plant species was measured as the difference in mean colonization from the control. Freezing reduced percent colonization in almost every case, whereas drought resulted in both increased and decreased percent colonization. Fungal species responded differently to the treatments, and there was a pronounced plant × fungus effect. These results support the hypothesis that distinct functional groups of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi exist, and these may determine plant community structure.Key words: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, freezing, drying, functional diversity.
Characteristics of a disease of Sphagnum fuscum caused by Scleroconidioma sphagnicola
Authors: Tsuneda A , Chen M H , Currah R S
Published: June 2017

Scleroconidioma sphagnicola Tsuneda, Currah & Thormann, a dematiaceous hyphomycetous fungus, was found to cause a disease of Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr. Hyphae of S. sphagnicola penetrated into chlorophyllose cells of host leaves and caused degeneration of chloroplasts, resulting in chlorosis of the infected leaves. Parasite hyphae often grew inside the host cell wall, and cavities were created around the hyphae. The invaded cell wall of Sp. fuscum appeared swollen and showed wavy deformation. In advanced stages of disease development, infected leaf chlorophyllose cells and stem cortical cells were necrotic and the entire plant became brown, shriveled, and brittle. Hyphae of S. sphagnicola began to form microsclerotia during early stages of disease development. Microsclerotia either formed conidiogenous cells on their surface or remained metabolically inactive and did not form conidiogenous cells. It was concluded that S. sphagnicola is a necrotrophic pathogen of Sp. fuscum, and its morphological and phenological features show remarkable adaptations for dispersal and colonization as a pathogen in bog habitats.Key words: moss, fungal pathogen, pathogenesis, chlorosis, necrosis, microsclerotia.
Morphological differentiation in Medicago sativa s.l. in relation to ploidy
Authors: Small Ernest
Published: June 2017

A study was undertaken of the yellow-flowered and violet-flowered diploid (2n = 2x = 16) and tetraploid phases of Medicago sativa s.l., excluding the widespread hybrid derivatives between the two flower-colour variants. It was found that diploid and tetraploid yellow-flowered plants (M. sativa ssp. falcata collectively) exhibit substantially overlapping morphological variation. However, among violet-flowered plants, the examined samples of diploids (M. sativa ssp. caerulea) and tetraploids (M. sativa ssp. sativa) proved to be completely separable by discriminant analysis. Most characters of ssp. sativa are quantitatively greater than those of ssp. caerulea. This and other considerations are consistent with an autopolyploid origin.
Occurrence of hybrids between bigtooth and trembling aspen in Michigan
Authors: Barnes Burton V. , Pregitzer Kurt S.
Published: June 2017

Tree hybrids are commonly reported and described but little is known about their actual abundance compared with that of their parents. The hybrid between bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata Michaux) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux), Populus χsmithii Boivin, is one of the most common spontaneous woody plant hybrids. The purpose of the study was to determine the relative abundance of the hybrid and parents in three geographic areas of Michigan. In southeastern Michigan, 1.5% of all aspen clones were hybrids, whereas in northern Lower Michigan and in western Upper Michigan the proportions were only 0.04 and 0.05%, respectively. Bigtooth aspen is most common in northern Lower Michigan, trembling aspen is more abundant in the Upper Peninsula than in northern Lower Michigan, and both parents are relatively infrequent in southeastern Michigan. Hybrids are typically disease prone and short-lived, and both parents and hybrids are being replaced in southeastern Michigan by longer-lived species. Thus, the opportunity for gene flow between the parent species continues to decline.
Antifungal activity of some new fiavones and fiavone glycosides of Echinops echinatus
Authors: Singh U. P. , Pandey V. B. , Singh K. N. , Singh R. D. N.
Published: June 2017

Four phenolic compounds, viz., apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, echinacin, and echinaticin, were isolated from the whole plant of Echinops echinatus Roxb.; the latter two compounds were isolated for the first time. The two derivatives echinacin permethyl ether and apigenin-5,4′-dimethyl ether were obtained by methylation of echinacin and apigenin-7-O-glucoside permethylate, respectively. All the compounds were assayed against germination of conidia of Alternaria tenuissima (Kunz. ex Pers.) Wiltshire, which incites leaf blight disease in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.). All showed high efficacy against the pathogen at concentrations ranging from 25 to 150 μg mL−1. Echinacin, which was highly effective at 150 μg mL−1, is considered the most promising of these compounds and its use as a control measure against Alternaria blight of pigeon pea under field conditions has been suggested.
A new microcosm approach to litter decomposition studies
Authors: Taylor Barry , Parkinson Dennis
Published: June 2017

Microcosms, simplified analogues of natural ecosystems, are a useful tool for studies of litter decomposition. A literature review shows that if microcosms are carefully constructed to mimic nature accurately, they allow researchers to control and independently vary normally covarying environmental factors (temperature, moisture, soil animals) that influence decomposition rates, while maintaining a sufficiently natural situation so that results of laboratory tests may be extrapolated to the field situation with confidence. A simple, inexpensive system of laboratory microcosms for decomposition studies is described and evaluated in this paper. The microcosm, housed within an airtight PVC chamber, consists of a litter layer overlying a core of forest floor strata collected with a minimum of disturbance to physical structure and populations of soil organisms. The microcosms have been tested with soil and litter from an aspen woodland and a pine forest, at temperatures ranging from −6 to +26 °C, and have been maintained in the laboratory for up to 6 months without significant deterioration. The microcosm system provided decomposition estimates that were precise, replicable, and rapidly obtained by measuring either mass loss or CO2 efflux from litter samples. Problems with the method include rapid increases in populations of some soil animals, difficulty in controlling relative humidity, and acceleration of decay rates compared with those in litter in the field.
Responses of two hybrid Populus clones to flooding, drought, and nitrogen availability. II. Gas exchange and water relations
Authors: Liu Zhijun , Dickmann Donald I.
Published: June 2017

Repeated progressive drought and flooding stress were imposed on two hybrid poplar clones (Populus×euramericana 'Eugenei' and P. tristis × P. balsamifera 'Tristis') grown under two levels of nitrogen. Diurnal responses of gas exchange variables were measured periodically. Over a period of 18 days of flooding, plants displayed no reduction in photosynthesis during the initial days, followed by a midday depression, and finally whole-day declines as flooding was prolonged. Supplemental N enabled plants to resist the negative effects of flooding on photosynthesis and conductance. Under well-watered conditions, additions of N enhanced photosynthesis; when soil water was restricted, however, photosynthesis of high-N plants drastically decreased. The experience of one cycle of progressive drought substantially improved the capacity of plants to maintain a stable rate of photosynthesis during another drought cycle, whereas a 10-day period of stress interruption appeared to increase the physiological vulnerability of high-N plants to another drought cycle. Drought-stressed plants gained full and quick recovery of photosynthesis upon relief from stress. In contrast, flooded plants did not recover until 9 days after the removal of stress. Both flooding and two cycles of progressive soil drying of up to 10 days did not invoke midday leaf water deficits. After a period of water stress interruption followed by another drought cycle, stomata of 'Eugenei' tended to lose their sensitivity to declining soil moisture, resulting in moderate leaf water deficits. 'Tristis', on the other hand, appeared better able to maintain the adaptation produced by drought, even after stress was interrupted. Key words: photosynthesis, flooding, drought, nitrogen, water relations, Populus.
La pousse courte, un indicateur du degré de maturation chez le hêtre (Fagus sylvatica L.)
Authors: Nicolini Eric , Chanson Bernard
Published: June 2017

In beech, no external morphological characters that allow an understanding of how an individual stem gradually and continuously evolves from a juvenile vegetative stage toward a mature flowering stage, has ever been demonstrated. The only known traits are marcescence, indicating a juvenile stage, and flowering, indicating passage to adult stage. However, in young trees growing under a forest shadow, these markers are not visible since marcescence is not expressed and the trees are too young to flower. This study was conducted to find one or more external morphological characters that indicate the state of differentiation in beech. For that purpose, a simultaneous description of tree architecture and the short, 1-year-old, foliated growth units (u.c.) of the trees was completed. Analysis showed that the morphology of short u.c.'s evolved according to their localization in the plant, the age of the plant, and the environment where in which it is developping. Analysis also revealed that this evolution was directly related to growth in height of trees, but also and above all, to the degree of complexity reached during the trees' development. Thus, evolution of short u.c.'s is a scale on which some traits expressing internal plant potentialities (marcescence, flowering) can be localized.
A reflective-backing-free metamaterial absorber with broadband response
Authors: Xu Cuilian , Qu Shaobo , Wang Jiafu , Yan Mingbao , Pang Yongqiang , Wang Wenjie , Ma Hua
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we propose a polarization-independent and broadband perfect infrared (IR) metamaterial absorber (MA) without reflective backing. The proposed absorber is a periodic meta-atom array consisting of metal-dielectric-multilayer truncated cones which can absorb 80% EM wave from 50.70 to 81.87[Formula: see text]THz, while transmit 80% EM wave from 0 to 37.71[Formula: see text]THz. With the decreasing of frequency, the transmissivity increases, which is close to 100% from 0 to 5[Formula: see text]THz. We can broaden the absorption bandwidth of the MA by cascading multi-layers truncated cones. Furthermore, the proposed IR MA promises to be one desirable stealth material for radar-IR compatibility.
Endogenous Bioelectric Signaling Networks: Exploiting Voltage Gradients for Control of Growth and Form
Authors: Levin Michael , Pezzulo Giovanni , Finkelstein Joshua M.
Published: June 2017

Living systems exhibit remarkable abilities to self-assemble, regenerate, and remodel complex shapes. How cellular networks construct and repair specific anatomical outcomes is an open question at the heart of the next-generation science of bioengineering. Developmental bioelectricity is an exciting emerging discipline that exploits endogenous bioelectric signaling among many cell types to regulate pattern formation. We provide a brief overview of this field, review recent data in which bioelectricity is used to control patterning in a range of model systems, and describe the molecular tools being used to probe the role of bioelectrics in the dynamic control of complex anatomy. We suggest that quantitative strategies recently developed to infer semantic content and information processing from ionic activity in the brain might provide important clues to cracking the bioelectric code. Gaining control of the mechanisms by which large-scale shape is regulated in vivo will drive transformative advances in bioengineering, regenerative medicine, and synthetic morphology, and could be used to therapeutically address birth defects, traumatic injury, and cancer.
Advances in Imaging Brain Metabolism
Authors: Hyder Fahmeed , Rothman Douglas L.
Published: June 2017

Metabolism is central to neuroimaging because it can reveal pathways by which neuronal and glial cells use nutrients to fuel their growth and function. We focus on advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) methods used in brain metabolic studies. 17O-MRS and 31P-MRS, respectively, provide rates of oxygen use and ATP synthesis inside mitochondria, whereas 19F-MRS enables measurement of cytosolic glucose metabolism. Calibrated functional MRI (fMRI), an advanced form of fMRI that uses contrast generated by deoxyhemoglobin, provides maps of oxygen use that track neuronal firing across brain regions. 13C-MRS is the only noninvasive method of measuring both glutamatergic neurotransmission and cell-specific energetics with signaling and nonsignaling purposes. Novel MRI contrasts, arising from endogenous diamagnetic agents and exogenous paramagnetic agents, permit pH imaging of glioma. Overall, these magnetic resonance methods for imaging brain metabolism demonstrate translational potential to better understand brain disorders and guide diagnosis and treatment.
The neural mechanisms able to predict future emotion regulation decisions
Authors: Bendall Robert Colin Alan
Published: June 2017

Emotion regulation is crucial in maintaining healthy psychological well-being, and its dysregulation is often linked to a range of neuropsychiatric disorders including depression. The neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive reappraisal, an emotion regulation strategy, have been shown to include the amygdala and regions of the prefrontal cortex. A novel study by Doré, Weber, and Ochsner ( J Neurosci 37: 2580–2588, 2017) has demonstrated that neural activity in these regions during uninstructed visualization of affective stimuli can successfully predict which individuals are more likely to subsequently employ emotion regulation, and under what circumstances.
Long-interval intracortical inhibition is asymmetric in young but not older adults
Authors: Vallence A.-M. , Smalley E. , Drummond P. D. , Hammond G. R.
Published: June 2017

Aging is typically accompanied by a decline in manual dexterity and handedness; the dominant hand executes tasks of manual dexterity more quickly and accurately than the nondominant hand in younger adults, but this advantage typically declines with age. Age-related changes in intracortical inhibitory processes might play a role in the age-related decline in manual dexterity. Long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) is asymmetric in young adults, with more sensitive and more powerful LICI circuits in the dominant hemisphere than in the nondominant hemisphere. Here we investigated whether the hemispheric asymmetry in LICI in younger adults persists in healthy older adults. Paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to measure LICI in the dominant and nondominant hemispheres of younger and older adults; LICI stimulus-response curves were obtained by varying conditioning stimulus intensity at two different interstimulus intervals [100 ms (LICI100) and 150 ms]. We have replicated the finding that LICI100 circuits are more sensitive and more powerful in the dominant than the nondominant hemisphere of young adults and extend this finding to show that the hemispheric asymmetry in LICI100 is lost with age. In the context of behavioral observations showing that dominant hand movements in younger adults are more fluent than nondominant hand movements in younger adults and dominant hand movements in older adults, we speculate a role of LICI100 in the age-related decline in manual dexterity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In younger adults, more sensitive and more powerful long-interval intracortical inhibitory circuits are evident in the hemisphere controlling the more dexterous hand; this is not the case in older adults, for whom long-interval intracortical inhibitory circuits are symmetric and more variable than in younger adults. We speculate that the highly sensitive and powerful long-interval intracortical inhibition circuits in the dominant hemisphere play a role in manual dexterity.
Treatment of Severe Refractory Hematuria due to Radiation-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis with Dexamethasone
Authors: Nascimento José Carlos Rodrigues , Campelo Márcio Wilker Soares , Aragão Iuri Arruda , Moura José Fernando Bastos de , Silva Lúcio Flávio Gonzaga , Oriá Reinaldo Barreto
Published: June 2017

Treatment of pelvic neoplasms with radiotherapy may develop sequelae, especially RHC. An 85-year-old male patient was admitted to a hospital emergency with gross hematuria leading to urinary retention and was diagnosed with RHC. The urinary bladder was probed, unobstructed, and maintained in continuous three-way saline irrigation. During 45 days of hospitalization, the patient underwent two cystoscopic procedures for urinary bladder flocculation, whole blood transfusions, and one platelet apheresis. None of these interventions led to clinical resolution. As the patient hematological condition was deteriorating, dexamethasone (4 mg i.v., bolus of 6/6, 12/12, and 24 h during five days) and epoetin alpha (1000 IU, 1 ml, s.c., for four weeks) were administered which led to the remission of the urinary bleeding. Dexamethasone therapy may be considered for RHC, when conventional treatments are not effective or are not possible, avoiding more aggressive interventions such as cystectomy.
Comparative Therapeutic Effects of Minocycline Treatment and Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Transplantation following Striatal Stroke
Authors: Souza Celice C. , Silva Michelle Castro da , Lopes Rosana Telma , Cardoso Marcelo M. , Souza Lucas Lacerda de , Santos Adriano Guimarães , Santos Ijair Rogério dos , Franco Edna C. S. , Gomes-Leal Walace
Published: June 2017

We explored the comparative effects of minocycline treatment and intrastriatal BMMC transplantation after experimental striatal stroke in adult rats. Male Wistar adult rats were divided as follows: saline‐treated (N = 5), minocycline‐treated (N = 5), and BMMC‐transplanted (N = 5) animals. Animals received intrastriatal microinjections of 80 pmol of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1). Behavioral tests were performed at 1, 3, and 7 days postischemia. Animals were treated with minocycline (50 mg/kg, i.p.) or intrastriatal transplants of 106 BMMCs at 24 h postischemia. Animals were perfused at 7 days after ischemic induction. Coronal sections were stained with cresyl violet for gross histopathological analysis and immunolabeled for the identification of neuronal bodies (NeuN), activated microglia/macrophages (ED1), and apoptotic cells (active caspase‐3). BMMC transplantation and minocycline reduced the number of ED1+ cells (p < 0.05, ANOVA‐Tukey), but BMMC afforded better results. Both treatments afforded comparable levels of neuronal preservation compared to control (p > 0.05). BMMC transplantation induced a higher decrease in the number of apoptotic cells compared to control and minocycline treatment. Both therapeutic approaches improved functional recovery in ischemic animals. The results suggest that BMMC transplantation is more effective in modulating microglial activation and reducing apoptotic cell death than minocycline, although both treatments are equally efficacious on improving neuronal preservation.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Gastric Ulcer: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Al Juboori Alhareth , Kaur Satinder , Reddy Atigadda
Published: June 2017

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 3% of all adult malignancies. True gastrointestinal metastases, specifically to gastric wall, have been rarely observed. Herein we describe a case of delayed metastasis to gastric wall occurring more than a decade after previously curative nephrectomy for RCC. A 67-year-old male with history of right radical nephrectomy in 2001 for RCC was found to have an asymptomatic right lower lobe solitary lung mass upon routine follow-up in 2011, with final biopsy results showing metastatic RCC for which he was treated accordingly. In 2014, patient was evaluated for dyspepsia with microcytic anemia and underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. EGD revealed a solitary one-centimeter atypical ulcer in the posterior mid gastric body with biopsy results being consistent with metastatic RCC. Our literature review has yielded thirty-six reported cases of RCC in association with gastric wall metastases.
Evaluation of the Sealing Ability of Three Obturation Techniques Using a Glucose Leakage Test
Authors: Olczak Katarzyna , Pawlicka Halina
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of three different canal filling techniques. Sixty-four roots of extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were prepared using ProTaper® rotary instruments. The specimens were then randomly divided into 3 experimental groups (n=16) and 2 control groups (n=8). The root canals were filled using cold lateral compaction (CLC group), continuous wave condensation technique using the Elements Obturation Unit® (EOU group), and ProTaper obturators (PT group). For the negative control group, 8 roots were filled using lateral compaction as in the CLC group, and the teeth were covered twice with a layer of nail varnish (NCG group). Another 8 roots were filled using lateral compaction, but without sealer, and these were used as the positive control (PCG group). A glucose leakage model was used for quantitative evaluation of microleakage for 24 hours and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 weeks. No significant difference in the cumulative amount of leakage was found between the three experimental groups at all observation times. The lateral condensation of cold gutta-percha can guarantee a similar seal of canal fillings as can be achieved by using thermal methods, in the round canals.
First Insight into a Nationwide Genotypic Diversity ofMycobacterium tuberculosisamong Previously Treated Pulmonary Tuberculosis Cases in Benin, West Africa
Authors: Affolabi Dissou , Sanoussi N’Dira , Codo Sergio , Sogbo Fréderic , Wachinou Prudence , Massou Faridath , Kehinde Aderemi , Anagonou Séverin
Published: June 2017

Background. Molecular studies on tuberculosis (TB) are rare in low-resource countries like Benin, where data on molecular study on previously treated TB cases is unavailable.Materials and Methods. From January to December 2014, all smear- and culture-positive previously treated pulmonary TB patients from all TB clinics were systematically recruited. Drug susceptibility testing and spoligotyping were performed on all isolates.Results. Of the 100 patients recruited, 71 (71.0%) were relapse cases and 24 (24.0%) were failure cases, while 5 (5.0%) were default cases. Resistance rate to any first-line drug was 40.0%, while 12.0% of strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and no strain was extensively drug-resistant (XDR). A total of 40 distinct spoligotypes were found to be corresponding to a genotypic diversity of 40.0%. ST61 was the most predominant spoligotype with prevalence of 33.0%. In all, 31 single spoligotypes and nine clusters were observed with 2 to 33 strains per cluster giving a clustering rate of 69.0%. Euro-American (Lineage 4) was the most prevalent lineage (74.0%) and Lineage 2 was associated with resistance to streptomycin.Conclusion. This first insight into genetic diversity of previously treated pulmonary TB patients in Benin showed a relatively high genetic diversity ofMycobacterium tuberculosis.
The Effect of Partnership Care Model on Mental Health of Patients with Thalassemia Major
Authors: Shamsi Afzal , Amiri Fardin , Ebadi Abbas , Ghaderi Musab
Published: June 2017

Background. Thalassemia major has become a public health problem worldwide, particularly in developing and poor countries, while the role of educating the family and community has not been considered enough in patients’ care.Objectives. This study examines the impact of partnership care model on mental health of patients with beta-thalassemia major.Materials and Methods. This experimental study, with pretest and posttest design, was performed on patients with beta-thalassemia major in Jiroft city. 82 patients with beta-thalassemia major were allocated randomly into two groups of intervention (41 patients) and control (n=41) groups. Mental health of the participants was measured using the standard questionnaire GHQ-28 before and after intervention in both groups. The intervention was applied to the intervention group for 6 months, based on the partnership care model.Results. There were significant differences between the scores of mental health and its subscales between two groups after the intervention (P<0.05).Conclusions. The findings of the study revealed the efficacy and usefulness of partnership care model on mental health of patients with beta-thalassemia major; thus, implementation of this model is suggested for the improvement of mental health of patients with beta-thalassemia major.
Arbitrary Order Fractional Difference Operators with Discrete Exponential Kernels and Applications
Authors: Abdeljawad Thabet , Al-Mdallal Qasem M. , Hajji Mohamed A.
Published: June 2017

Recently, Abdeljawad and Baleanu have formulated and studied the discrete versions of the fractional operators of order0<α≤1with exponential kernels initiated by Caputo-Fabrizio. In this paper, we extend the order of such fractional difference operators to arbitrary positive order. The extension is given to both left and right fractional differences and sums. Then, existence and uniqueness theorems for the Caputo (CFC) and Riemann (CFR) type initial difference value problems by using Banach contraction theorem are proved. Finally, a Lyapunov type inequality for the Riemann type fractional difference boundary value problems of order2<α≤3is proved and the ordinary difference Lyapunov inequality then follows asαtends to2from right. Illustrative examples are discussed and an application about Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue problem in the sense of this new fractional difference calculus is given.
An Unexpected Cause of Bradycardia in a Patient with Bacterial Meningitis
Authors: Ioannou Petros , Velegraki Magdalini , Soundoulounaki Stella , Gikas Achilleas , Kofteridis Diamantis P.
Published: June 2017

Sinus bradycardia which is a sinus rhythm with a resting heart rate of less than 60 bpm is caused by intrinsic cardiac disorders like sick sinus syndrome or inferior myocardial infarction, metabolic and environmental causes (such as hypothyroidism and electrolyte disorders), medications (such as beta-blockers and amiodarone), infection (such as myocarditis), increased intracranial pressure, and toxic exposure, while it can sometimes be a normal phenomenon, especially during sleep, in athletes, and during pregnancy. Symptomatic sinus bradycardia should warrant a thorough work-up in order to identify any reversible causes; otherwise, placement of a permanent pacemaker could be needed. We present the case of a patient who was admitted due to confusion and fever and was found to have pneumococcal meningitis and bacteremia, and during his hospital stay he developed symptomatic sinus bradycardia that was of intractable cause and persistent. Placement of a permanent pacemaker was chosen until the night staff of the hospital discovered by chance the neglected cause of his bradycardia.
What Kind of Doctor Do You Want to Be? Geriatric Medicine Podcast as a Career Planning Resource
Authors: Byszewski Anna , Bezzina Kathryn , Latrous Meriem
Published: June 2017

Introduction. For optimal direction in career paths and postgraduate training, students can benefit from information to guide them through options. Using geriatric medicine as a template, the goal was to develop a multimedia podcast resource that can give a clearer picture of what a specialty entails. Methods. The project included a survey of existing resources and needs assessment of medical students at the University of Ottawa, Canada. This survey assessed students’ knowledge of geriatrics and interest in the field and explored what they foresee as being important to be informed on when considering application to programs. Based on this, interview questions and content were developed for a podcast which was then evaluated. Results. Interviews were conducted with physicians and residents nationwide. Relevant resources and links were added to the podcast. Evaluation demonstrated improved student understanding and interest in geriatric medicine as a career. Point-by-point format for a template on how to develop similar podcasts was developed to assist other specialties looking to develop similar information. Conclusions. As no such framework currently exists, results of this project can serve as a template for other postgraduate programs in developing a multimedia resource for informing prospective trainees.
Experimental Verification of CAPN1 and CAST Gene Polymorphisms in Different Generations of Da-Heng Broilers
Authors: Zhou Yu-Guang , Xiong Yong , Yang Chao-Wu , Jiang Xiao-Song , Ran Jin-Shan , Jin Jie , Wang Ye , Lan Dan , Ren Peng , Hu Yao-Dong , Liu Yi-Ping
Published: June 2017

The micromolar calcium activated neutral protease (CAPN1) and calpastatin (CAST) have been widely regarded as genes related to muscle growth and meat tenderness. The objective of this study was to verify the association of SNPs of CAPN1 and CAST genes with carcass and tenderness traits and search the possible change patterns of SNPs in CAPN1 and CAST genes in six generations of broiler breeding process for growth rate, efficiency, and reproduction, during the third generation and the ninth generation, respectively. We found that, for CAPN1, genetic effects between SNPs (G3535A, C7198A) and meat tenderness were similar in different generations, while SNP3 (G7324A) was a novel polymorphism and had significant association with carcass and tenderness traits (P<0.05) in this study. Furthermore, there was significant association between SNP4 (G9950A) and carcass indexes instead of tenderness traits (P<0.05) which was consistent in the two generations. Moreover, although SNP6 (G37868A) of CAST had no relevance to carcass traits or tenderness traits in the third generation, it showed significant association with LW and CW in the ninth generation (P<0.05).
Lyme Carditis Buried Beneath ST-Segment Elevations
Authors: Michalski Basia , Umpierrez De Reguero Adrian
Published: June 2017

Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and is carried to human hosts by infected ticks. There are nearly 30,000 cases of Lyme disease reported to the CDC each year, with 3-4% of those cases reporting Lyme carditis. The most common manifestation of Lyme carditis is partial heart block following bacterial-induced inflammation of the conducting nodes. Here we report a 45-year-old gentleman that presented to the hospital with intense nonradiating chest pressure and tightness. Lab studies were remarkable for elevated troponins. EKG demonstrated normal sinus rhythm with mild ST elevations. Three weeks prior to hospital presentation, patient had gone hunting near Madison. One week prior to admission, he noticed an erythematous lesion on his right shoulder. Because of his constellation of history, arthralgias, and carditis, he was started on ceftriaxone to treat probable Lyme disease. This case illustrates the importance of thorough history taking and extensive physical examination when assessing a case of possible acute myocardial infarction. Because Lyme carditis is reversible, recognition of this syndrome in young patients, whether in the form of AV block, myocarditis, or acute myocardial ischemia, is critical to the initiation of appropriate antibiotics in order to prevent permanent heart block, or even death.
Effect of Sugar versus Mixed Breakfast on Metabolic and Neurofunctional Responses in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Codella Roberto , Benedini Stefano , Paini Stefano , Caumo Andrea , Adamo Michela , Terruzzi Ileana , Ferrulli Anna , Macrì Concetta , Andreoni Luca , Sterlicchio Michele , Luzi Livio
Published: June 2017

We investigated the effects of glucose and diverse breakfasts on glucose increment and ghrelin suppression and cognitive processing of sensory information assessed by frontal P300 evoked potentials. In a randomized crossover design, 12 healthy individuals (6M/6F; BMI 22.2 ± 0.4 kg/m2; 27 ± 1.3 years, mean ± SEM) underwent 50 g OGTT (A) and 3 breakfasts (B1: milk and cereals; B2: milk, apple, and chocolate cream-filled sponge cake; B3: milk, apple, bread, and hazelnut chocolate cream) to assess plasma glucose-, insulin-, and ghrelin excursions. An electroencephalography was performed before and 100 min after consumption of each load to measure the latency of frontal P300 evoked potentials as index of cognitive performance. Breakfasts B1 and B2 exhibited significantly lower glycemic and insulinemic responses as compared to A. Breakfast B3 exhibited significantly lower glycemic, but not insulinemic response, as compared to A. Final plasma ghrelin inhibition was more pronounced, albeit not significantly, in all breakfasts with respect to A. P300 latency tended to decrease following each of the three breakfasts, but B3 was the only breakfast capable to elicit a statistically significant reduction in P300 latency with respect to A (p<0.01), suggesting ameliorated cognitive performance. Such amelioration was correlated with the 2-hour final inhibition of plasma ghrelin concentration (r=0.61,p=0.01).
Autonomous Orbit Determination for Lagrangian Navigation Satellite Based on Neural Network Based State Observer
Authors: Gao Youtao , Zhao Tanran , Jin Bingyu , Chen Junkang , Xu Bo
Published: June 2017

In order to improve the accuracy of the dynamical model used in the orbit determination of the Lagrangian navigation satellites, the nonlinear perturbations acting on Lagrangian navigation satellites are estimated by a neural network. A neural network based state observer is applied to autonomously determine the orbits of Lagrangian navigation satellites using only satellite-to-satellite range. This autonomous orbit determination method does not require linearizing the dynamical mode. There is no need to calculate the transition matrix. It is proved that three satellite-to-satellite ranges are needed using this method; therefore, the navigation constellation should include four Lagrangian navigation satellites at least. Four satellites orbiting on the collinear libration orbits are chosen to construct a constellation which is used to demonstrate the utility of this method. Simulation results illustrate that the stable error of autonomous orbit determination is about 10 m. The perturbation can be estimated by the neural network.
IGH/MYC Translocation Associates with BRCA2 Deficiency and Synthetic Lethality to PARP1 Inhibitors
Authors: Maifrede Silvia , Martin Kayla , Podszywalow-Bartnicka Paulina , Sullivan-Reed Katherine , Langer Samantha K. , Nejati Reza , Dasgupta Yashodhara , Hulse Michael , Gritsyuk Daniel , Nieborowska-Skorska Margaret , Lupey-Green Lena N. , Zhao Huaqing , Piwocka Katarzyna , Wasik Mariusz A. , Tempera Italo , Skorski Tomasz
Published: June 2017

Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia cells carry t(8;14)(q24;q32) chromosomal translocation encoding IGH/MYC, which results in the constitutive expression of the MYC oncogene. Here, it is demonstrated that untreated and cytarabine (AraC)-treated IGH/MYC–positive Burkitt lymphoma cells accumulate a high number of potentially lethal DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and display low levels of the BRCA2 tumor suppressor protein, which is a key element of homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DSB repair. BRCA2 deficiency in IGH/MYC–positive cells was associated with diminished HR activity and hypersensitivity to PARP1 inhibitors (olaparib, talazoparib) used alone or in combination with cytarabine in vitro. Moreover, talazoparib exerted a therapeutic effect in NGS mice bearing primary Burkitt lymphoma xenografts. In conclusion, IGH/MYC–positive Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia cells have decreased BRCA2 and are sensitive to PARP1 inhibition alone or in combination with other chemotherapies.

Implications: This study postulates that IGH/MYC–induced BRCA2 deficiency may predispose Burkitt lymphoma cells to synthetic lethality triggered by PARP1 inhibitors.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/15/8/967/F1.large.jpg.

Mol Cancer Res; 15(8); 967–72. ©2017 AACR.
Quantitative Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography of Early Enamel Erosion in vivo
Authors: Austin Rupert S. , Haji Taha Maisalamah , Festy Frederic , Cook Richard , Andiappan Manoharan , Gomez Juliana , Pretty Iain A. , Moazzez Rebecca
Published: June 2017

Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) shows potential for the in vivo quantitative evaluation of micro-structural enamel surface phenomena occurring during early erosive demineralization. This randomized controlled single-blind cross-over clinical study aimed to evaluate the use of SS-OCT for detecting optical changes in the enamel of 30 healthy volunteers subjected to orange juice rinsing (erosive challenge) in comparison to mineral water rinsing (control), according to wiped and non-wiped enamel surface states. Participants were randomly allocated to 60 min of orange juice rinsing (pH 3.8) followed by 60 min of water rinsing (pH 6.7) and vice versa, with a 2-week wash-out period. In addition, the labial surfaces of the right or left maxillary incisors were wiped prior to SS-OCT imaging. An automated ImageJ algorithm was designed to analyse the back-scattered OCT signal intensity (D) after orange juice rinsing compared to after water rinsing. D was quantified as the OCT signal scattering from the 33 µm sub-surface enamel, normalised by the total OCT signal intensity entering the enamel. The back-scattered OCT signal intensity increased by 3.1% (95% CI 1.1-5.1%) in the wiped incisors and by 3.5% (95% CI 1.5-5.5%) in the unwiped incisors (p < 0.0001). Wiping reduced the back-scattered OCT signal intensity by 1.7% (95% CI -3.2 to -0.3%; p = 0.02) in comparison to the unwiped enamel surfaces for both rinsing solutions (p = 0.2). SS-OCT detected OCT signal changes in the superficial sub-surface enamel of maxillary central incisor teeth of healthy volunteers after orange juice rinsing.
Depressed Patients Hospitalized in Southeast-Facing Rooms Are Discharged Earlier than Patients in Northwest-Facing Rooms
Authors: Gbyl Krzysztof , Østergaard Madsen Helle , Dunker Svendsen Signe , Petersen Paul Michael , Hageman Ida , Volf Carlo , Martiny Klaus
Published: June 2017

Background and Aim: Improvement in patients admitted to inpatient wards with severe depression is slow, and such patients are often discharged with residual symptoms which put them at risk for relapse. New treatments that can speed up recovery are highly desired. This naturalistic follow-up study in a specialized affective disorders unit investigated the impact of daylight on the length of hospital stay and improvement of depression. Methods: For a period of 1 year, we collected data on sociodemographics, length of stay, vitamin D, and depression severity for patients in an inpatient affective disorders unit. The ward is located with one facade that faces southeast (SE); the opposite one faces northwest (NW) and receives far less light and no direct sunlight during winter. Results: SE-facing rooms received far more daylight than NW-facing rooms. The length of stay was significantly lower in the SE rooms, i.e., 29.2 (±26.8) versus 58.8 (±42.0) days in the NW rooms (p = 0.01). There was a statistically nonsignificant greater reduction of 52.2% in depression severity for the patients staying in the SE rooms compared to 42.2% in the NW rooms, which may nevertheless be clinically relevant. Conclusion: Due to the study design, no causality for the observed difference in length of stay can be given, but the results support findings in previous studies of the importance of architectural orientation providing natural daylight as a factor for improvement.
Neuropsychological Differences Related to Age in Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Nagahama Yasuhiro , Okina Tomoko , Suzuki Norio
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: To examine the influence of age on neuropsychological performances in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. Methods: We examined memory, executive, and visuo-constructional performances in 202 DLB patients and 236 AD patients. We divided the subjects into three age groups (65–74, 75–84, and 85–95 years old), and evaluated the differences in neuropsychological performances. Results: Recent memory in the DLB group was significantly better than that in the age-matched AD group when comparing the age groups 65–74 years and 75–84 years; however, memory impairment in the DLB patients in the age group 85–95 years was comparable with that in the age-matched AD patients. In contrast to recent memory, the other assessed neuropsychological performances, such as visuospatial and executive functions, showed no significant change in differences between the DLB and AD groups with advancing age. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the nature of memory impairment in DLB patients changes according to age. DLB patients in the young-old and old-old age groups showed significantly better memory performance than the age-matched AD patients, whereas memory performance of the DLB patients in the oldest-old age group was similar to that of the age-matched AD patients. This may be associated with the increased rate of coexisting AD pathology in DLB patients with older age.
ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ В УКРАЇНІ ОНОВЛЕНОЇ СИСТЕМИ ІНДИКАТОРІВ РАННЬОГО ЗАПОБІГАННЯ МЕДИКАМЕНТОЗНІЙ РЕЗИСТЕНТНОСТІ ВІЛ
Authors: Liulchuk M. H.
Published: June 2017

Вступ. Проведено одномоментні (поперечні) дослідження ретроспективно зібраних даних з 22 центрів СНІДу, які надають антиретровірусну терапію (АРТ) ВІЛ-інфікованим дорослим та дітям. Оцінювалися показники роботи закладів щодо ефективності формування у пацієнта прихильності до лікування (своєчасність отримання пацієнтом антиретровірусних препаратів (АРВП), а також щодо якості виконання програмних факторів (утримання пацієнтів під диспансерним наглядом, безперервність поставок АРВП, практика призначення моно- або бітерапії, максимальна вірусна супресія ВІЛ). Методи. Дані проаналізовані за допомогою електронного інструменту, розробленого Всесвітньою організацією охорони здоров’я (ВООЗ) – індикаторів раннього запобігання (РЗІ) медикаментозній резистентності (МР) ВІЛ. Результати. Встановлено, що в 2014-2015 рр. ВІЛ-інфіковані дорослі пацієнти своєчасно отримували АРВП тільки в 22,7 % центрів СНІДу, діти – у 36,4 % центрів. Утримати під наглядом більше 85 % пацієнтів вдалося 36,4 % центрів. У 9,1 % закладів зафіксовано дефіцит АРВП для дорослих пацієнтів, у 4,5 % – для дітей. Досягнуто максимальної вірусної супресії ВІЛ у дітей в 31,8 % закладів; по дорослим пацієнтам жодний центр СНІДу не зміг досягти цільового показника. Висновки. Впровадження щорічного збору та аналізу РЗІ в України допоможе своєчасно виявляти та вирішувати проблемні питання в системі надання послуг з АРТ, асоційовані з ризиком формування МР ВІЛ, як на рівні окремих закладів, так і на національному рівні.
Особливості змін основних клінічних показників у хворих на хронічний генералізований пародонтит залежно від методів комплексної терапії
Authors: Kuznyak N. B. , Dronyk I. I.
Published: June 2017

The article contains the results of changes of the main clinical signs in 98 patients with the diagnosis of chronic generalized periodontitis.The aim of the study – to conduct in vestigation and comparison of changes of the main clinical signs in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis depending on the suggested methods of treatment.Materials and Methods. 98 patients took part in the study diagnosed with chronic generalized periodontitis of the I and II severity, aged 25 to 50 years. Among them there were 51 women (57.1%) and 46 men (46.9%). Patients were included in the study answered the following selection criteria: age 25 to 50 years, diagnosed with chronic generalized periodontitis of the I and II severity, lack of infection-related inflammation, presence information consent for clinical, laboratory and therapeutic interventions.Results and Discussion. Obtained demonstrated that application of systemic enzymotherapy in addition to the scheme of a traditional comprehensive treatment creates optimal conditions for quick elimination of the main clinical signs of the disease in the periodontal tissue in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis.
Falling Man
Authors: Carbone Mauro
Published: June 2017

Undoubtedly, the tragedy of September 11, 2001 has been an unprecedented visual event. And yet, as was pointed out by an article published in Esquire in 2003, “in the most photographed and videotaped day in the history of the world, the images of people jumping were the only images that became, by consensus, taboo.” This taboo looks like the other side of what Allen Feldman calls a “temporal therapy”: “the audience was being given temporal therapy by witnessing a mechanical sequence of events, over and over, which restored the linearity of time, which had been suspended with the assaults.” Still, images like the photograph that is well-known under the title of “Falling Man” could be, thanks to their peculiar temporality, a good antidote against this “temporal therapy,” which aims at the formation of a specific “collective memory, and therefore of collective forgetfulness.” On top of a study on this kind of pictures, this paper will take into account the late Merleau-Ponty’s idea of a mutual precession of reality and images as a useful tool for understanding the peculiar temporality of such pictures.
Molecular operational taxonomic units of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) collected in high Andean mountain ecosystems of Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: ROSERO-GARCÍA DORIS , BICKERSMITH SARA A. , SUAZA-VASCO JUAN DAVID , PORTER CHARLES , CORREA MARGARITA M. , CONN JAN E. , URIBE-SOTO SANDRA
Published: June 2017

Accurate taxonomic identification of highland mosquito species may be complicated because of the lack of comprehensive regional morphological keys and taxonomic specialists, particularly for mosquitoes of medical or ecological importance. We applied a multi-locus approach to explore the diversity of genera/species collected, to define the Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) and to perform phylogenetic clustering. Twenty MOTUs and three single sequences were revealed from 78 concatenated cox1 + ITS2 sequences, and the species name was allocated for five of these. This study provides molecular taxonomic information of culicid fauna present in high Andean mountain ecosystems in Antioquia, Colombia. However, future morphological and integrative taxonomic studies should be conducted to achieve the specific identity of all detected MOTUs.