bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Theory-based Educational Pamphlet With Low-residue Diet Improves Colonoscopy Attendance and Bowel Preparation Quality
Authors: Gausman Valerie , Quarta Giulio , Lee Michelle H. , Chtourmine Natalia , Ganotisi Carmelita , Nanton-Gonzalez Frances , Ng Chui Ling , Jun Jungwon , Perez Leslie , Dominitz Jason A. , Sherman Scott E. , Poles Michael A. , Liang Peter S.
Published: November 2018

Goals/Background:

Patients who “no-show” for colonoscopy or present with poor bowel preparation waste endoscopic resources and do not receive adequate examinations for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Using the Health Belief Model, we modified an existing patient education pamphlet and evaluated its effect on nonattendance rates and bowel preparation quality.

Study:

We implemented a color patient education pamphlet to target individual perceptions about CRC and changed bowel preparation instructions to include a low-residue diet instead of the previous clear liquid diet. We compared the nonattendance rate over a 2-month period before and after the introduction of the pamphlet, allowing for a washout period during which pamphlet use was inconsistent. We compared the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) in 100 consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy during each of the 2 periods.

Results:

Baseline characteristics between the 2 groups were similar, although patients who received the pamphlet were younger (P=0.03). The nonattendance rate was significantly lower in patients who received the pamphlet (13% vs. 21%, P=0.01). The percentage of patients with adequate bowel preparation increased from 82% to 86% after introduction of the pamphlet, although this was not statistically significant (P=0.44). The proportion of patients with a BBPS score of 9 was significantly higher in the pamphlet group (41% vs. 27%, P=0.03). There was no difference in adenoma and sessile serrated adenoma detection rates before and after pamphlet implementation.

Conclusions:

After implementing a theory-based patient education intervention with a low-residue diet, our absolute rate for colonoscopy nonattendance decreased by 8% and the proportion of patients with a BBPS score of 9 increased by 14%. The Health Belief Model appears to be a useful construct for CRC screening interventions.
Effect of Screening With Primary Cervical HPV Testing vs Cytology Testing on High-grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia at 48 Months: The HPV FOCAL Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ogilvie Gina Suzanne , van Niekerk Dirk , Krajden Mel , Smith Laurie W. , Cook Darrel , Gondara Lovedeep , Ceballos Kathy , Quinlan David , Lee Marette , Martin Ruth Elwood , Gentile Laura , Peacock Stuart , Stuart Gavin C. E. , Franco Eduardo L. , Coldman Andrew J.
Published: November 2018

(Abstracted from JAMA 2018;320:43–52)

There are only limited data in North American populations on the relative diagnostic effectiveness of cervical cancer screening with primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing alone compared with cytology.
Early Catheter Removal After Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Carter-Brooks Charelle M. , Zyczynski Halina M. , Moalli Pamela A. , Brodeur Peter G. , Shepherd Jonathan P.
Published: November 2018

(Abstracted from Int Urogynecol J 2018;29:1203–1212)

Traditionally, postoperative voiding function is evaluated by performing a retrograde or a spontaneous fill voiding trial on postoperative day 1. The impact of a day-of-surgery voiding trial on postoperative urinary retention in women undergoing major pelvic reconstructive surgery has not yet been examined.
Myths and Facts of In-Office Regenerative Procedures for Tendinopathy
Authors: Neph Alyssa , Onishi Kentaro , Wang James H-C.
Published: November 2018

Tendinopathy carries a large burden of musculoskeletal disorders seen in both athletes and aging population. Treatment is often challenging, and progression to chronic tendinopathy is common. Physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections have been the mainstay of treatment but are not optimal given that most tendon disorders seem to involve degenerative changes in addition to inflammation. The field of regenerative medicine has taken the forefront, and various treatments have been developed and explored including prolotherapy, platelet rich plasma, stem cells, and percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy. However, high-quality research with standardized protocols and consistent controls for proper evaluation of treatment efficacy is currently needed. This will make it possible to provide recommendations on appropriate treatment options for tendinopathy.
Shelf life of β-glucan microcapsules from the medicinal mushrooms (Phellinus baumii and Ganoderma lucidum)
Authors: Ryu Eun-Ah , Choi Ji-Hye , Kang Chang-Jae , Kim Ha-Na , Seong Gi-Un , Chung Shin-Kyo
Published: November 2018

This study was conducted to establish the shelf life of β-glucan microcapsules from the medicinal mushrooms (Phellinus baumii and Ganoderma lucidum). Changes in the quality attributes, including moisture content, color, and total bacterial count, of the β-glucan microcapsules were analyzed during storage for 5 months at 10℃, 25℃, and 40℃. The moisture content of β-glucan microcapsule from P. baumii did not show any significant difference during storage at 25℃ and 40℃, but decreased after 3 months storage at 10℃. The moisture content of the β-glucan microcapsule from G. lucidum showed slight increase and decrease during storage at 25℃ and 40℃, but at 10℃, showed an initial decrease for 3 months and then increased. ΔE values of β-glucan microcapsules from P. baumii and G. lucidum did not change during 5 months at various storage temperatures. The total bacterial count of the microcapsules from both P. baumii and G. lucidum maintained their initial values ​​without significant changes according to storage period and temperature. Overall, the shelf life of β-glucan microcapsule from P. baumii was determined to be 30.11 months according to the moisture content and β-glucan microcapsule from G. lucidum was determined to be 24.82 months according to the total bacterial count. Thus, it is desirable to establish the storage period of 24 months at 25℃.
Physicochemical characteristics and ginsenoside content of Korean traditional wine produced by fermentation of Panax ginseng sprouts
Authors: Pyo Min-Jung , Cho A-Ro , Kang Min-Jung , Kim Gyeong-Wha , Shin Jung-Hye
Published: November 2018

Panax ginseng sprouts are well known for their high ginsenoside content and are free from pesticide contamination. Therefore, we made liquor from Panax ginseng sprouts using different methods of fermentation: using ground Panax ginseng sprouts (GP), using an aqueous extract of Panax ginseng sprouts at 50±3℃ (WEP), and using an enzyme hydrolyzed extract of Panax ginseng sprouts (EEP), along with a control reaction using no Panax ginseng sprouts (CO). We evaluated physicochemical characteristics to define the optimal fermentation conditions. Our results showed that acidity, total phenol content, and ABTS radical scavenging activity increased and the pH and reducing sugar content decreased as fermentation progressed. The content of the ginsenoside Re was the highest, followed by Rg1 and Rh1; the other ginsenosides were present in minimal amount. Total ginsenoside content of WEP was higher than that of GP, EEP, and CP on the 6th day of fermentation. These data indicated that the physicochemical changes are similar between the various methods of Panax ginseng sprout liquor fermentation; however, aqueous extracts at 50℃ are the most ideal substrates to obtain a high ginsenoside content.
Optimization of extraction conditions of Corni Fructus for functional materialization
Authors: Kang Chang-Jae , Seong Gi-Un , Chung Shin-Kyo
Published: November 2018

In order to determine a proper extraction condition of Corni Fructus, antioxidant capacities and Hunter’s colors values of Corni Fructus powder (CFP) were evaluated as functions of the particle size, extraction solvents and extraction time. The antioxidant capacity was determined in terms of the total phenolic contents (TPC), total anthocyanin contents (TAC), and DPPH radical scavenging activity. CFP was classified as CFP-1 (25-45 mesh), CFP-2 (45-60 mesh), CFP-3 (60-100 mesh), and CFP-4 (>100 mesh). The antioxidant capacities and extraction yield, depending on the particle size of CFP, were the highest for CFP-2, with an extraction yield of 5.45%, a-value of 30.71, TPC of 3.52 μM GAE, TAC of 19.20 mg/L. Depending on the extraction solvent, the extraction yields were the highest to 60% ethanol, at 9.15% (p<0.05); further, antioxidant capacities were that TAC was highest to 90% EtOH with 12.18 μM GAE, whereas DPPH was not significantly different (p<0.05). Depending on the extraction time, extraction yields were highest (4.43%) for extraction in 3 h, and. TAC and DPPH were not significantly different (p<0.05). Therefore, the antioxidant capacity of CFP was excellent with 45-60 mesh (CFP-2), an extraction solvent of 90% EtOH, and extraction time of 3 h. The findings establish the proper extraction conditions of Corni Fructus for its use as a functional material.
Effect of harvest seasons and extraction methods on the nutritional and functional components of Seomcho (Spinacia oleraecea L.)
Authors: Lee You-Seok , Park Kang Yong , Ji Soo-Hyun , Jo Gyeong-Suk , Lee Sun-Kyung
Published: November 2018

Shinan spinach (Spinacia oleraecea L.) also known as Seomcho is primarily harvested in Shinan county, located in South Jeonnam Province. Fields are harvested in January and plowed under in April, despite the plants still being rich in lutein and other functional compounds. In this study, the effect of harvest seasons on the nutritional and functional properties of Seomcho were compared and the optimal conditions for extracting functional ingredients were determined. Among harvest seasons, January was best for yielding the highest levels of free sugars, minerals, and vitamins. Sucrose levels were 2-9 times higher than those of other sugars, and calcium and magnesium levels were higher than those of other minerals. Niacin, vitamin C, and chlorophyll levels were also highest in January. However, total phenolic compounds and lutein awere highest in April. We investigated the optimal conditions for extracting those compounds by comparing two extraction methods (alcohol or supercritical extraction) and three drying methods (freeze drying, hot air drying or blanch drying). Results showed that more lutein, β-carotene, and total phenolic compounds were extracted by freeze drying or hot air drying than by blanch drying, and more of those compounds were extracted by alcohol extraction than by supercritical extraction. In conclusions, when harvested in January Seomcho is a food rich in sugar, minerals and vitamins. When harvested in April, it can be a source of functional ingredients, which are best extracted via hot air drying and alcohol extraction.
Change in physicochemical properties, phytoestrogen content, and antioxidant activity during lactic acid fermentation of soy powder milk obtained from colored small soybean
Authors: Hwang Chung Eun , Cho Kye Man , Kim Su Cheol , Joo Ok Soo
Published: November 2018

This study investigated the changes in physicochemical properties, total phenolic and phytoestrogen (isoflavone) contents, and antioxidant activity, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,4,6-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), during the lactic acid fermentation of soy powder milk (SPM) with colored small soybean (CSS) by the potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum P1201. The pH decreased, while viable cell numbers and β-glucosidase activities gradually increased during lactic acid fermentation of SPM. The total isoflavone content of Pungsannamul soybean was higher than that of other CSS cultivars. The isoflavone glycoside (daidzin and genistin) contents decreased whereas, corresponding isoflavone aglycone (daidzein and genistein) content significantly increased during the fermentative processing. In particular, fermented SPM prepared from Pungsannamul soybean showed highest daidzein (87.37 μg/g) and genistein (51.29 μg/g) after fermentation for 60 h. Total phenolic contents (TPCs) of Dawon soybean was higher than that of other CSS cultivars. TPC also increased marginally from 1.44-2.92 mg/g (0 h) to 1.79-3.03 mg/g (60 h) during lactic acid fermentation of SPMs with CSS. Finally, fermented SPM extracts possessed potent DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and FRAP effects with change from 28.7-40.6 to 90-95.3%, 25.1-42.3 to 51.4-82.8%, and 0.73-1.54 to 0.98-1.79 (OD593 nm), respectively in pre-and post-fermented samples. Therefore, fermented SPM might contribute to enhance the value of CSS.
Properties of Yakju and pellet Nuruk inoculated with Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Jung Eui-Hyoun , Kim Yong-Suk , Jeon Jin-Ah , Yeo Soo-Whan , Jung Seok-Tea
Published: November 2018

Aspergillus oryzae 83-10 (AO) was inoculated in a wheat pellet with different concentrations of raw materials to produce Nuruk. The sterilized raw material (S) was found to be stable in the production of pellet-Nuruk and was suitable for the production of high enzyme power; high enzyme activity was obtained after fermentation for 32 h. The characteristics of pellet-Nuruk were investigated and the brewing characteristics were compared with those of the commercial SongHak (SH) Nuruk. The enzyme activities (dry base, unit/g) of S-AO (sterilized material and inoculated with A. oryzae) pellet-Nuruk (32 h culture) and the commercial SH Nuruk were compared. The activities of glucoamylase, α-amylase, and acidic carboxypeptidase were significantly higher in S-AO Nuruk. In terms of brewing characteristics, the soluble solid (°Brix) and total acid (%) were significantly higher in the SH mesh, and the amino acid content and alcohol content (%) were significantly higher in the S-AO mesh. The amount of Nuruk added for yakju fermentation was set at 30 unit/g × g of rice weight based on the glucoamylase activity. The enzymatic activity immediately after preparation was 26.69 unit/mL and 17.58 unit/mL for S-AO and SH, respectively. Based on these results, preparing pellet-type Nuruk should considerably save fermentation time compared with traditional Nuruk products.
Characteristics of freeze-concentrated apple cider fermented using mixed culture of non-Saccharomyces and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermivin
Authors: Wee Hyun-Jeong , Lee Sae-Byuk , Choi Kyu-Taek , Ham Ji-Yeon , Yeo Soo-Hwan , Park Heui-Dong
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to develop high quality no-sugar-added apple cider. Physicochemical characteristics of the apple cider fermented using a co-culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermivin and non-Saccharomyces yeasts (Pichia anomala JK04 and Issatchenkia orientalis KMBL5774) were investigated after freeze concentration (FC) until alcohol content reached 12% (v/v). Compared with others, JK04 cider showed delayed alcohol fermentation. Soluble solid, reducing sugar, total acidity, and total phenolic compounds including free-sugar content of JK04 cider were considerably increased after FC compared to those of other ciders. Malic acid content was the highest among organic acids in all ciders after FC, while lactic acid content remained unchanged. Methanol, acetaldehyde, and fusel oil content of all ciders increased after FC; but it was lower than the standard of Korean Food Standards Codex. Hue value decreased in Fermivin and JK04 ciders but increased in 5774 cider. Intensity values of all ciders increased. L and a values in all ciders decreased, whereas b value increased remarkably. In total, 20 types of volatile aromatic compounds were detected. High molecular weight compounds increased while low molecular weight compounds decreased after FC. JK04 cider got the highest color and flavor scores, while 5774 cider got the highest taste and overall preferences scores. Therefore, these data show that non-Saccharomyces yeasts and freeze concentration can be used to improve the overall quality of apple cider.
Quality changes in mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) due to storage temperature and packing film
Authors: Lee Ji-Hyun , Choi Ji-Weon , Chang Eun-Ha , Shin Il Sheob , Hong Yoon-Pyo
Published: November 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature and packing film with varying oxygen transmission rate (OTR) on the quality of Agaricus bisporus (mushrooms) to determine the optimum modified atmosphere package. Mushrooms were packed using 10 µm polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and 30 µm oriented polypropylene (OPP) films with the OTR ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 mL/m2/day/atm (OPP1000, OPP6000, OPP10000, and OPP20000). The quality parameters including weight loss, gas composition, cap opening rate, stipe elongation, firmness, and color of mushrooms were monitored at the following temperatures: 4℃, 8℃, 12℃, and 20℃. Overall, the mushrooms packed in OPP films showed less change in weight loss, cap opening rate, stipe elongation, and firmness than those of the control, however, these effects differed with the temperature and film OTR. Among the OPP films, OPP20000 did not exhibit any effect with respect to tissue growth inhibition. OPP1000 and OPP6000 were the most effective in suppressing the cap opening rate and stipe elongation but induced tissue damage and water soaking in the internal section. In contrast, the mushrooms packed in PVC film showed less change in weight loss, cap opening rate, and stipe elongation than those of the control, and browning of inside and outside of mushroom was less than that mushroom packed in OPP film.
A retrospective assessment of temperature trends in northern Europe reveals a deep impact on the life cycle ofIxodes ricinus(Acarina: Ixodidae)
Authors: Estrada-Peña Agustin
Published: November 2018

1. Abstract

This study modelled the changes in the development processes of the health-threatening tickIxodes acinusin northern Europe as driven by the trends of temperature (1950-2016). I used the ECA&D dataset of temperature interpolated at a resolution of 0.25oas the base data for further calculations, which were based on a previously developed process-driven model of the tick. I used the annual accumulated temperature in the period 1950-2016 to obtain the development rates of the oviposition, incubation, larva-nymph, and nymph-adult molts. Annual values were used to ascertain the trend in development rates of each stage. The ecological division of northern Europe (LANMAP2) was used to summarize results along large regions. The temperature in the years 1950-2016 clearly increased in every area of the target territory. The largest increase was observed for a wide territory eastern to Baltic countries, north-eastern Sweden and northern Finland. The development rates of every tested life cycle process had a trend to being faster throughout the time series. Moderate to high increase of the oviposition rates (70%-100% faster) resulted in central Sweden, Baltic countries, parts of Finland, and adjacent territories of Russia. Faster (70%-90%) incubation and molting rates were consistently observed in the same territories and also in large areas of western Norway. The trend of temperature in the period 1950-2016 shows a consistent inflection point around the year 1990, when the slope of the time series of temperature drastically rose. A comparison between 1950-1990 and 1991-2016 demonstrated that annual accumulated temperature was 86% and 26% higher in the Alpine regions, 7%-8% in the Atlantic and 157%, 10% and 16% in Boreal, Continental, and Nemoral regions, respectively. It is concluded that (i) accumulated annual temperature is clearly increasing in the studied territory, (ii) changes were larger since approximately the year 1990, and (iii) these changes have a deep impact on the life cycle of the tickI. ricinus.Faster development rates could be part of the processes driving the reported spread of the tick in the target area and should be considered as a serious thread to human health.
Centrosome Loss Triggers a Transcriptional Program to Counter Apoptosis-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Poulton John S , McKay Daniel J , Peifer Mark
Published: November 2018

Centrosomes play a critical role in mitotic spindle assembly through their role in microtubule nucleation and bipolar spindle assembly. Loss of centrosomes can impair the ability of some cells to properly conduct mitotic division, leading to chromosomal instability, cell stress, and aneuploidy. Multiple aspects of the cellular response to mitotic error associated with centrosome loss appears to involve activation of JNK signaling. To further characterize the transcriptional effects of centrosome loss, we compared gene expression profiles of wildtype and acentrosomal cells from Drosophila wing imaginal discs. We found elevation of expression of JNK target genes, which we verified at the protein level. Consistent with this, the upregulated gene set showed significant enrichment for the AP1 consensus DNA binding sequence. We also found significant elevation in expression of genes regulating redox balance. Based on those findings, we examined oxidative stress after centrosome loss, revealing that acentrosomal wing cells have significant increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS). We then performed a candidate genetic screen and found that one of the genes upregulated in acentrosomal cells, G6PD, plays an important role in buffering acentrosomal cells against increased ROS and helps protect those cells from cell death. Our data and other recent studies have revealed a complex network of signaling pathways, transcriptional programs, and cellular processes that epithelial cells use to respond to stressors like mitotic errors to help limit cell damage and maintain normal tissue development.
Spatial trophic cascades in communities connected by dispersal and foraging
Authors: García-Callejas David , Molowny-Horas Roberto , Araújo Miguel B. , Gravel Dominique
Published: November 2018

Pairwise interactions between species have indirect consequences that reverberate throughout the whole ecosystem. In particular, interaction effects may propagate in a spatial dimension, to localities connected by organismal movement. Here we study the propagation of interactions with a spatially explicit metacommunity model, where local sites are connected by dispersal, foraging, or by both types of movement. We show that direct and net effects of pairwise interactions may differ in sign when foraging across localities is prevalent. Further, the effect of a species over another in the local community does not necessarily correspond to its effect at the metacommunity scale; this correspondence is again mediated by the type of movement across localities. Networks of net effects are fully connected, indicating that every species in the metacommunity has a non-zero influence on every other species. Lastly, the magnitude of net effects between any two species strongly decays with the distance between them. These theoretical results strengthen the importance of considering indirect effects across species at both the local and regional scale, point to the differences between types of movement across locations, and thus open novel avenues for the study of interaction effects in spatially explicit settings.
Adaptations during maturation in an identified honeybee interneuron responsive to waggle dance vibration signals
Authors: Kumaraswamy Ajayrama , Ai Hiroyuki , Kai Kazuki , Ikeno Hidetoshi , Wachtler Thomas
Published: November 2018

Honeybees are social insects, and individual bees take on different social roles as they mature, performing a multitude of tasks that involve multi-modal sensory integration. Several activities vital for foraging, like flight and waggle dance communication, involve sensing air vibrations using antennae. We investigated changes in the identified vibration-sensitive interneuron DL-Int-1 in the honeybeeApis melliferaduring maturation by comparing properties of neurons from newly emerged and forager honeybees. Comparison of morphological reconstructions of the neurons revealed minor changes in gross dendritic features and consistent, region dependent and spatially localized changes in dendritic density. Comparison of electrophysiological properties showed an increase in the firing rate differences between stimulus and non-stimulus periods in foragers compared to newly emerged adult bees. The observed differences in neurons of foragers as compared to newly emerged adult honeybees indicate refined connectivity, improved signal propagation, and enhancement of response features important for the network processing of air vibration signals relevant for the waggle-dance communication of honeybees.
Inner Hair Cell and Neuron Degeneration Contribute to Hearing Loss in a Dfna2-Like Mouse Model
Authors: Carignano Camila , Barila Esteban Pablo , Rías Ezequiel Ignacio , Dionisio Leonardo , Aztiria Eugenio , Spitzmaul Guillermo
Published: November 2018

HIGHLIGHTS

KCNQ4 knock-out mouse shows hair cells and spiral ganglion neuron degeneration.

Inner hair cells and spiral ganglion neuron loss begin 30 weeks later than outer hair cells in Kcnq4-/- mice.

Inner hair cell loss kinetic is faster than that of outer hair cells in cochlear basal turn in Kcnq4-/-.

Outer hair cells from Kcnq4-/- mice degenerate slower in apical than in basal turn.

Kcnq4 knock-out allele expressed in C3H/HeJ strain reproduces the two phases of DFNA2 hearing loss.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Structural insights into substrate recognition by the SOCS2 E3 ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Kung Wei-Wei , Ramachandran Sarath , Makukhin Nikolai , Bruno Elvira , Ciulli Alessio
Published: November 2018

The suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) acts as substrate recognition subunit of a Cullin5 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. SOCS2 binds to phosphotyrosine-modified epitopes as degrons for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, yet the molecular basis of substrate recognition has remained elusive. We solved co-crystal structures of SOCS2-ElonginB-ElonginC in complex with phosphorylated peptides from substrates growth hormone receptor (GHR-pY595) and erythropoietin receptor (EpoR-pY426) at 1.98 Å and 2.69 Å, respectively. Both peptides bind in an extended conformation recapitulating the canonical SH2 domain-pY pose, yet capture different conformations of the EF loop via specific hydrophobic interactions. The flexible BG loop, for the first time fully defined in the electron density, does not contact the substrate degrons directly. Cancer-associated SNPs located around the pY pocket weaken substrate-binding affinity in biophysical assays. Our findings reveal insights into substrate recognition and specificity by SOCS2, and provide a blueprint for small molecule ligand design.
Tobacco exposure associated with oral microbiota oxygen utilization in the New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Study
Authors: Beghini Francesco , Renson Audrey , Zolnik Christine P. , Geistlinger Ludwig , Usyk Mykhaylo , Moody Thomas U. , Thorpe Lorna , Dowd Jennifer B. , Burk Robert , Segata Nicola , Jones Heidi E. , Waldron Levi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The effect of tobacco exposure on the oral microbiome has not been established.

Methods

We performed amplicon sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene V4 variable region to estimate bacterial community characteristics in 259 oral rinse samples, selected based on self-reported smoking and serum cotinine levels, from the 2013-14 New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Study. We identified differentially abundant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) by primary and secondhand tobacco exposure, and employed “microbe set enrichment analysis” to assess shifts in microbial oxygen utilization.

Results

Cigarette smoking was associated with depletion of aerobic OTUs (Enrichment Score test statistic ES = −0.75, p = 0.002) with a minority (29%) of aerobic OTUs enriched in current smokers compared to never smokers. Consistent shifts in the microbiota were observed for current cigarette smokers as for non-smokers with secondhand exposure as measured by serum cotinine levels. Differential abundance findings were similar in crude and adjusted analyses.

Conclusion

Results support a plausible link between tobacco exposure and shifts in the oral microbiome at the population level through three lines of evidence: 1) a shift in microbiota oxygen utilization associated with primary tobacco smoke exposure, 2) consistency of abundance fold-changes associated with current smoking and shifts along the gradient of secondhand smoke exposure among non-smokers, and 3) consistency after adjusting fora priorihypothesized confounders.

Highlights

Cigarette smoke was associated with microbial anaerobiosis in oral rinse specimens

The microbiome shifts associated with smoking and secondhand exposure were correlated

Shifts in oral bacterial oxygen utilization may mediate smoking and health outcomes

We propose “microbe set enrichment analysis” for interpreting shifts in the microbiome
A systems-level analysis highlights microglial activation as a modifying factor in common forms of human epilepsy
Authors: Altmann Andre , Ryten Mina , Di Nunzio Martina , Ravizza Teresa , Tolomeo Daniele , Reynolds Regina H , Somani Alyma , Bacigaluppi Marco , Iori Valentina , Micotti Edoardo , Botía Juan A. , Absil Julie , Alhusaini Saud , Alvim Marina K. M. , Auvinen Pia , Bargallo Nuria , Bartolini Emanuele , Bender Benjamin , Bergo Felipe P. G. , Bernardes Tauana , Bernasconi Andrea , Bernasconi Neda , Bernhardt Boris C. , Blackmon Karen , Braga Barbara , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Calvo Anna , Carlson Chad , Carr Sarah J. , Cavalleri Gianpiero L. , Cendes Fernando , Chen Jian , Chen Shuai , Cherubini Andrea , Concha Luis , David Philippe , Delanty Norman , Depondt Chantal , Devinsky Orrin , Doherty Colin P. , Domin Martin , Focke Niels K. , Foley Sonya , Franca Wendy , Gambardella Antonio , Guerrini Renzo , Hamandi Khalid , Hibar Derrek P. , Isaev Dmitry , Jackson Graeme D. , Jahanshad Neda , Kalviainen Reetta , Keller Simon S. , Kochunov Peter , Kotikalapudi Raviteja , Kowalczyk Magdalena A. , Kuzniecky Ruben , Kwan Patrick , Labate Angelo , Langner Soenke , Lenge Matteo , Liu Min , Martin Pascal , Mascalchi Mario , Meletti Stefano , Morita Marcia E. , O’Brien Terence J. , Pariente Jose C. , Richardson Mark P. , Rodriguez-Cruces Raul , Rummel Christian , Saavalainen Taavi , Semmelroch Mira K. , Severino Mariasavina , Striano Pasquale , Thesen Thomas , Thomas Rhys H. , Tondelli Manuela , Tortora Domenico , Vaudano Anna Elisabetta , Vivash Lucy , von Podewils Felix , Wagner Jan , Weber Bernd , Wiest Roland , Yasuda Clarissa L. , Zhang Guohao , Zhang Junsong ,   ENIGMA-Epilepsy Working Group, Leu Costin , Avbersek Andreja ,   EpiPGX Consortium, Thorn Maria , Whelan Christopher D , Thompson Paul , McDonald Carrie , Vezzani Annamaria , Sisodiya Sanjay M
Published: November 2018

The common human epilepsies are associated with distinct patterns of reduced cortical thickness, detectable on neuroimaging, with important clinical consequences. To explore underlying mechanisms, we layered MRI-based cortical structural maps from a large-scale epilepsy neuroimaging study onto highly spatially-resolved human brain gene expression data, identifying >2,500 genes overexpressed in regions of reduced cortical thickness, compared to relatively-protected regions. The resulting set of differentially-expressed genes shows enrichment for microglial markers, and in particular, activated microglial states. Parallel analyses of cell-specific eQTLs show enrichment in human genetic signatures of epilepsy severity, but not epilepsy causation. Post mortem brain tissue from humans with epilepsy shows excess activated microglia. In an experimental model, depletion of activated microglia prevents cortical thinning, but not the development of chronic seizures. These convergent data strongly implicate activated microglia in cortical thinning, representing a new dimension for concern and disease modification in the epilepsies, potentially distinct from seizure control.
Rgs12 enhances osteoclastogenesis by suppressing Nrf2 activity and promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Ng Andrew YH , Li Ziqing , Jones Megan M , Tu Chengjian , Oursler Merry J , Qu Jun , Yang Shuying
Published: November 2018

The Regulator of G-protein Signaling 12 (Rgs12) is important for osteoclast (OC) differentiation, and its deletion in vivo protected mice against pathological bone loss. To characterize its mechanism in osteoclastogenesis, we selectively deleted Rgs12 in OC precursors using the LysM-Cre transgenic line or overexpressed the gene in RAW264.7 cells. Rgs12 deletion led to increased bone mass with decreased OC numbers, whereas its overexpression increased OC number and size. Proteomics analysis of Rgs12-deficient OCs identified an upregulation of antioxidant enzymes under the transcriptional regulation of Nrf2, the master regulator of oxidative stress. We confirmed an increase of Nrf2 activity and impaired production in Rgs12-deficient cells. Conversely, Rgs12 overexpression suppressed Nrf2 through a mechanism dependent on the 26S proteasome, and promoted RANKL-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NFκB, which was abrogated by antioxidant treatment. We therefore identified a novel role of Rgs12 in regulating Nrf2, thereby controlling cellular redox state and OC differentiation.
PERPETUAL FLOWERING2coordinates the vernalization response and perennial flowering inArabis alpina
Authors: Lazaro Ana , Zhou Yanhao , Giesguth Miriam , Nawaz Kashif , Bergonzi Sara , Pecinka Ales , Coupland George , Albani Maria C.
Published: November 2018

The floral repressorAPETALA2(AP2) in Arabidopsis regulates flowering through the age pathway. TheAP2orthologue in the alpine perennialArabis alpina,PERPETUAL FLOWERING 2(PEP2), was previously reported to regulate flowering through the vernalization pathway by enhancing the expression of another floral repressorPERPETUAL FLOWERING 1(PEP1), the orthologue of ArabidopsisFLOWERING LOCUS C(FLC). However,PEP2also regulates flowering independently ofPEP1. To characterize the function ofPEP2we analyzed the transcriptomes ofpep2andpep1mutants. The majority of differentially expressed genes were detected betweenpep2and the wild type or betweenpep2andpep1, highlighting the importance of thePEP2role that is independent ofPEP1. Here we demonstrate thatPEP2prevents the upregulation of theA. alpinafloral meristem identity genesFRUITFUL(AaFUL),LEAFY(AaLFY) andAPETALA1(AaAP1) which ensure floral commitment during vernalization. Youngpep2seedlings respond to vernalization, suggesting thatPEP2regulates the age-dependent response to vernalization independently ofPEP1. The major role ofPEP2through thePEP1-dependent pathway takes place after vernalization, when it facilitatesPEP1activation both in the main shoot apex and in the axillary branches. These multiple roles ofPEP2in vernalization response contribute to theA. alpinalife-cycle.

HIGHLIGHT

TheArabis alpina APETALA2orthologue,PERPETUAL FLOWERING2, regulates the age-dependent response to vernalization and it is required to facilitate the activation of theA. alpina FLOWERING LOCUS Cafter vernalization.
Modeling the impact ofex-nidotransmitted parasites on ant colony dynamics
Authors: Quevillon Lauren E. , Hughes David P. , Conway Jessica M.
Published: November 2018

Infectious disease outbreaks are a common constraint of group living organisms. Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) live in large, dense colonies and are host to a diverse range of parasites and pathogens, facilitating the possibility of epidemic-induced collapse. However, the majority of parasites infecting ants require a period of development outside of the nest before they can transmit to their next ant host (‘ex-nido’ transmission) and the impact of these parasites on colony dynamics is unknown. Here we develop a mathematical model to assess ant colony dynamics in the presence of such parasites. We find that under field-realistic model conditions, such parasites are unlikely to cause the epidemic collapse of mature ant colonies, unless colony birth rate drops below 0.2328 ants/day. The preponderance ofex-nidotransmitting parasites infecting ants and their limited epidemiological impact on colony dynamics may partly explain why collapsed ant colonies are rarely, if ever, observed in natural populations.
Disordered breathing in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome
Authors: Kuo Fu-Shan , LoTurco Joseph L. , Chen Xinnian , Mulkey Daniel K.
Published: November 2018

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a form of epilepsy with a high incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Respiratory failure is a leading cause of SUDEP, and DS patients’ frequently exhibit disordered breathing. Despite this, mechanisms underlying respiratory dysfunction in DS are entirely unknown. We found that mice expressing a recurrent SCN1a missense mutation (A1783V) conditionally in inhibitory neurons (SCN1aA1783V/+; mixed C57B/6 background) exhibit spontaneous seizures, die prematurely and present a respiratory phenotype similar to DS patients including hypoventilation, apnea and a diminished ventilatory response to CO2. At the cellular level in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), we found inhibitory neurons expressing the SCN1a A1783V variant are less excitable, whereas chemosensitive RTN neurons, which are a key source of the CO2/H+-dependent drive to breathe, are hyper-excitable in slices from SCN1aA1783V/+ mice. These results show loss of SCN1a function can disrupt brainstem respiratory control including at the level of the RTN.
Illumina and Nanopore methods for whole genome sequencing of hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Authors: McNaughton Anna L , Roberts Hannah E , Bonsall David , de Cesare Mariateresa , Mokaya Jolynne , Lumley Sheila F , Golubchik Tanya , Piazza Paolo , Martin Jacqueline B , de Lara Catherine , Brown Anthony , Ansari M Azim , Bowden Rory , Barnes Eleanor , Matthews Philippa C
Published: November 2018

Advancing interventions to tackle the huge global burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection depends on improved insights into virus epidemiology, transmission, within-host diversity, drug resistance and pathogenesis, all of which can be facilitated by the large-scale generation of full-length virus genome data. Here we describe advances to a protocol to exploit the circular HBV genome structure, using isothermal rolling-circle amplification to enrich for HBV DNA and to generate concatemeric amplicons containing multiple successive copies of the same genome. We show that this product is suitable for Nanopore sequencing as single reads, as well as for generating short-read Illumina sequences. Nanopore reads can be used to implement a straightforward method for error correction that reduces the per-read error rate, by comparing multiple genome copies combined into a single concatemer and by comparing reads generated from plus and minus strands. Thus we can achieve improved consensus sequencing accuracy of 99.7% and resolve intra-sample sequence variants to form whole-genome haplotypes. The combination of isothermal amplification and Nanopore sequencing offers the longer-term potential to develop point-of-care tests for HBV, which could also be adapted for other viruses.
Dust or disease? Perceptions of influenza in rural Southern Malawi
Authors: Phiri Mackwellings , Gooding Kate , Peterson Ingrid , Mambule Ivan , Nundwe Spencer , McMorrow Meredith , Desmond Nicola
Published: November 2018

Background

Influenza virus infections cause between 291 243 and 645 832 deaths annually, with the highest burden in low-income settings. Research in high-income countries has examined public understanding of influenza, but there is little information on views and behaviours about influenza in low-income countries. We explored communities’ ideas about the severity, causes, prevention and treatment of influenza in Chikwawa district, Malawi.

Methods

We conducted 64 in-depth interviews with parents of children aged <5 years, and 7 focus groups with community health workers, parents, and traditional healers. Data were analysed thematically and using a framework matrix to compare views between groups.

Results

Respondents held varied ideas about influenza, and many were uncertain about its causes and treatment. Some parents, traditional healers and health workers thought influenza was not severe because they felt it did not cause death or limit activities, but others disagreed. Many saw influenza as a symptom of other conditions, especially malaria and pneumonia, rather than as a disease of its own. Most mentioned dust as the main cause of influenza and believed influenza could be prevented by cleaning the home thoroughly. Treatment seeking for influenza followed different stages, usually starting with home remedies followed by purchasing drugs from groceries and then visiting a health centre. Seeking a clinician tended to be triggered by severe symptoms like high fever or difficulty breathing, and suspicions of malaria or pneumonia. Community health workers provide health education for communities, but some lacked understanding of influenza.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest uncertainty about the causes and control of influenza among parents and varied levels of understanding among health providers. Strengthening the capacity of community health workers to provide relevant information about influenza prevention and treatment could address parents’ interest in further information and support informed health seeking and engagement with future influenza interventions.
Effect of simulated microgravity on gene expression during embryogenesis ofArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Švécarová Michaela , Kovalová Markéta , Ondřej Vladan
Published: November 2018

Gravitational force is one of environmental factors that influence growth and development of plants. Changes in this force, including microgravity, can be one of the stress factor which plants have to adapt to cope with. That kind of stress can lead to several abnormalities such as chromosomal breakage, morphological abnormalities or changes in gene expression. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of simulated microgravity on gene expression ofArabidopsis thalianaembryos by use Random Positioning Machine (RPM). RPM is laboratory facility that can generate conditions comparable to the true microgravity. This paper studies effect of simulated microgravity on expression of genes which are involved in plant embryogenesis (LEAFY COTYLEDON, LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT), antioxidative system (CATALASE), mechanical stimuli (TOUCH) and gravitropism (SCARECROW, SHOOT GRAVITROPISM2). Changes in gene expression were detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Several of tested genes had increased transcript levels after the influence of simulated microgravity. Specifically, catalase (CAT3), LECs (LEC1), touch (TCH2/CML24), and gravitropism (SGR2) genes achieved significantly increased relative expression (level ≥ 2). The changes in the levels of expression on embryos ofArabidopsisdepend on the type of genes and principally on the timing of the influence of the simulated microgravity.
Post-encoding stress enhances mnemonic discrimination of negative stimuli
Authors: Cunningham Tony J. , Leal Stephanie L. , Yassa Michael A. , Payne Jessica D.
Published: November 2018

Stress influences how we remember emotional events and how these events shape future behaviors. However, the impact of stress on memory specificity for emotional events has yet to be examined. To this end, the present study utilized a mnemonic discrimination task that taxes hippocampal pattern separation, the process of distinguishing between overlapping experiences, thereby allowing us to better understand the mechanisms by which stress affects gist versus detail memory of emotional events. Participants encoded scenes composed of negative or neutral objects placed on neutral backgrounds and then underwent a psychosocial stressor or matched control task. Twenty-four hours later during testing, objects were presented separately, with some identical old objects (targets), some new objects (foils), and some similar but not identical objects (lures). Target recognition was enhanced for negative compared to neutral objects in both the stress and control groups. Interestingly, post-encoding stress selectively enhanced mnemonic discrimination of negative versus neutral objects, which was not the case in the control group. Measures of salivary cortisol revealed a quadratic inverted U relationship between negative mnemonic discrimination and cortisol increase. These findings suggest that moderate cortisol release following stress is associated with enhanced memory precision for negative information.
Iron(II) complexes of dimethyltriazacyclophane
Authors: Lee Wei-Tsung , Zeller Matthias , Upp David , Politanska Yuliya , Steinman Doug , Al-Assil Talal , Becker Daniel P.
Published: November 2018

Treatment of the ortho-triazacyclophane 1,4-dimethyltribenzo[b,e,h][1,4,7]triazacyclonona-2,5,8-triene [(C6H5)3(NH)(NCH3)2, L1] with Fe[N(SiMe3)2]2 yields the dimeric iron(II) complex bis(μ-1,4-dimethyltribenzo[b,e,h][1,4,7]triazacyclonona-2,5,8-trien-7-ido)bis[(μ-1,4-dimethyltribenzo[b,e,h][1,4,7]triazacyclonona-2,5,8-trien-7-ido)iron(II)], [Fe(C20H18N3)4] or Fe2(L1)4 (9). Dissolution of 9 in tetrahydrofuran (THF) results in solvation by two THF ligands and the formation of a simpler monoiron complex, namely bis(μ-1,4-dimethyltribenzo[b,e,h][1,4,7]triazacyclonona-2,5,8-trien-7-ido-κN
7)bis(tetrahydrofuran-κO)iron(II), [Fe(C20H18N3)2(C4H8O)2] or (L1)2Fe(THF)2 (10). The reaction is reversible and 10 reverts in vacuo to diiron complex 9. In the structures of both 9 and 10, the monoanionic triazacyclophane ligand L1−
is observed in only the less-symmetric saddle conformation. No bowl-shaped crown conformers are observed in the solid state, thus preventing chelating κ3-coordination to the metal as had been proposed earlier based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Instead, the L1−
ligands are bound in either a η2-chelating fashion through the amide and one amine donor (for one of the four ligands of 9), or solely through their amide N atoms in an even simpler monodentate η1-coordination mode. Density functional calculations on dimer 9 revealed nearly full cationic charges on each Fe atom and no bonding interaction between the two metal centers, consistent with the relatively long Fe...Fe distance of 2.912 (1) Å observed in the solid state.
Copper(I) iodide ribbons coordinated with thiourea derivatives
Authors: Rosiak Damian , Okuniewski Andrzej , Chojnacki Jarosław
Published: November 2018

Two products of the reactions of CuI with 1-benzoyl-3-(4-bromophenyl)thiourea and with 1-benzoyl-3-(2-iodophenyl)thiourea have been obtained and characterized, namely poly[[[1-benzoyl-3-(4-bromophenyl)thiourea-κS]-μ3-iodido-copper(I)] acetone hemisolvate], {[CuI(C14H11BrN2OS)]·0.5C3H6O}
n
, and poly[μ4-iodido-μ3-iodido-[N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)benzamide-κN]dicopper(I)], [Cu2I2(C14H10N2OS)]
n
. Their structures, determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, exhibit different stoichiometries and molecular organizations; however, both compounds are polymeric and possess close Cu...Cu contacts. The first product contains a (CuI)
n
double chain supported by the thiourea derivative coordinated via the S atom. In the second case, the ligand undergoes dehalogenation and cyclization to form N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)benzamide that serves as the N-donor ligand which is connected to both sides of a (CuI)
n
quadruple chain. In both hybrid inorganic chains, I atoms bridge three or four Cu atoms. The coordination centres adopt more or less distorted tetrahedral geometries. The structures of the (CuI)
n
kernels of the ribbons are similar to fragments of the layers in high-pressure phase V copper(I) iodide. Only weak S...O, C—H...O, C—H...I and π–π interactions hold the ribbons together, allowing the formation of crystals.