bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematopoietic Id Deletion Triggers Endomyocardial Fibrotic and Vascular Defects in the Adult Heart
Authors: Chang Corey , Zhao Qingshi , Gonzalez J. Patrick , Kim Jung H. , Alzahrani Kamal , Del Re Dominic , Fraidenraich Diego
Published: June 2017

Inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) proteins play important roles in regulating cardiac development via paracrine signaling. Id1/Id3 knockout mice die at mid-gestation with multiple cardiac defects. Single Id knockout studies have not reported cardiomyopathies. To bypass embryonic lethality we used Tie2CRE-mediated recombination to conditionally delete Id1 against global Id3 ablation (Id cDKOs), which develops adult-onset dilated cardiomyopathy. We confirm upregulation of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) in Id cDKO hearts. Colocalization studies reveal increased TSP1 expression in the vicinity of endothelial cells and near regions of endocardial fibrosis/disruption. Downstream fibrotic molecules were upregulated. Endocardial capillary density was reduced with evidence of vascular distention. Treatment of Id cDKO cardiac explants with LSKL, a peptide antagonist of TSP1 activation of TGFβ, reversed the increased expression of fibrotic molecules. We conducted bone marrow transplant experiments in which we transferred bone marrow cells from Id cDKO mice into lethally irradiated WT mice. The majority of WT recipients of Id cDKO bone marrow cells phenocopied Id cDKO cardiac fibrosis 4 months post-transplantation. Injection of LSKL into adult Id cDKO mice led to downregulation of fibrotic molecules. The results prompt caution when bone marrow transfers from individuals potentially carrying mutations in the Id axis are applied in clinical settings.
The Connection of the Genetic, Cultural and Geographic Landscapes of Transoxiana
Authors: Zhabagin Maxat , Balanovska Elena , Sabitov Zhaxylyk , Kuznetsova Marina , Agdzhoyan Anastasiya , Balaganskaya Olga , Chukhryaeva Marina , Markina Nadezhda , Romanov Alexey , Skhalyakho Roza , Zaporozhchenko Valery , Saroyants Liudmila , Dalimova Dilbar , Davletchurin Damir , Turdikulova Shahlo , Yusupov Yuldash , Tazhigulova Inkar , Akilzhanova Ainur , Tyler-Smith Chris , Balanovsky Oleg
Published: June 2017

We have analyzed Y-chromosomal variation in populations from Transoxiana, a historical region covering the southwestern part of Central Asia. We studied 780 samples from 10 regional populations of Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Turkmens, Dungans, and Karakalpaks using 35 SNP and 17 STR markers. Analysis of haplogroup frequencies using multidimensional scaling and principal component plots, supported by an analysis of molecular variance, showed that the geographic landscape of Transoxiana, despite its distinctiveness and diversity (deserts, fertile river basins, foothills and plains) had no strong influence on the genetic landscape. The main factor structuring the gene pool was the mode of subsistence: settled agriculture or nomadic pastoralism. Investigation of STR-based clusters of haplotypes and their ages revealed that cultural and demic expansions of Transoxiana were not closely connected with each other. The Arab cultural expansion introduced Islam to the region but did not leave a significant mark on the pool of paternal lineages. The Mongol expansion, in contrast, had enormous demic success, but did not impact cultural elements like language and religion. The genealogy of Muslim missionaries within the settled agricultural communities of Transoxiana was based on spiritual succession passed from teacher to disciple. However, among Transoxianan nomads, spiritual and biological succession became merged.
Preparation and in vivo characterization of 51MnCl2 as PET tracer of Ca2+ channel-mediated transport
Authors: Graves Stephen A. , Hernandez Reinier , Valdovinos Hector F. , Ellison Paul A. , Engle Jonathan W. , Barnhart Todd E. , Cai Weibo , Nickles Robert J.
Published: June 2017

Manganese has long been employed as a T1-shortening agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications, but these techniques are limited by the biotoxicity of bulk-manganese. Positron emission tomography (PET) offers superior contrast sensitivity compared with MRI, and recent preclinical PET studies employing 52gMn (t1/2: 5.6 d, β+: 29%) show promise for a variety of applications including cell tracking, neural tract tracing, immunoPET, and functional β-cell mass quantification. The half-life and confounding gamma emissions of 52gMn are prohibitive to clinical translation, but the short-lived 51Mn (t1/2: 46 min, β+: 97%) represents a viable alternative. This work develops methods to produce 51Mn on low-energy medical cyclotrons, characterizes the in vivo behavior of 51MnCl2 in mice, and performs preliminary human dosimetry predictions. 51Mn was produced by proton irradiation of electrodeposited isotopically-enriched 54Fe targets. Radiochemically isolated 51MnCl2 was intravenously administered to ICR mice which were scanned by dynamic and static PET, followed by ex vivo gamma counting. Rapid blood clearance was observed with stable uptake in the pancreas, kidneys, liver, heart, and salivary gland. Dosimetry calculations predict that 370 MBq of 51Mn in an adult human male would yield an effective dose equivalent of approximately 13.5 mSv, roughly equivalent to a clinical [18F]-FDG procedure.
A comprehensive analysis and annotation of human normal urinary proteome
Authors: Zhao Mindi , Li Menglin , Yang Yehong , Guo Zhengguang , Sun Ying , Shao Chen , Li Mingxi , Sun Wei , Gao Youhe
Published: June 2017

Biomarkers are measurable changes associated with the disease. Urine can reflect the changes of the body while blood is under control of the homeostatic mechanisms; thus, urine is considered an important source for early and sensitive disease biomarker discovery. A comprehensive profile of the urinary proteome will provide a basic understanding of urinary proteins. In this paper, we present an in-depth analysis of the urinary proteome based on different separation strategies, including direct one dimensional liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), two dimensional LC/MS/MS, and gel-eluted liquid fraction entrapment electrophoresis/liquid-phase isoelectric focusing followed by two dimensional LC/MS/MS. A total of 6085 proteins were identified in healthy urine, of which 2001 were not reported in previous studies and the concentrations of 2571 proteins were estimated (spanning a magnitude of 106) with an intensity-based absolute quantification algorithm. The urinary proteins were annotated by their tissue distribution. Detailed information can be accessed at the “Human Urine Proteome Database” (www.urimarker.com/urine).
Alignment of liquid crystals by polymers with residual amounts of solvents
Authors: Parshin Alexander M. , Zyryanov Victor Y. , Shabanov Vasily F.
Published: June 2017

The homogeneous nematic layers in liquid crystal cells with treated surfaces are affected by orientational transitions in the electric, magnetic, or temperature fields. The liquid crystal structures formed on solid or liquid surfaces find limited application in identifying the liquid-crystal states by the textures observed in polarized light. The use of surfaces prepared from polymer solutions makes it possible to significantly broaden the range of application of the liquid crystal structures. We investigate the structures with the continuous transformation of the nematic director orientation from radial to planar, which were formed by the polycarbonate surface in the presence of different residual solvents. The structures contained the disclination lines that aligned either by a plate rubbed to provide the homogeneous planar orientation in the LC layer or by a magnetic field applied along the polycarbonate film during the structure formation. The orientational transitions caused by surface treatment, temperature, and electric or magnetic fields in these structures are observed. The comparison of temperature critical distance as well as electric and magnetic coherence lengths with equilibrium length calculated from the expression for the free energy of the nematic is performed. The electro-optical characteristics of the nematic structures are obtained.
Influence of rovibrational excitation on the non-diabatic state-to-state dynamics for the Li(2p) + H2 → LiH + H reaction
Authors: He Di , Yuan Jiuchuang , Chen Maodu
Published: June 2017

The non-adiabatic state-to-state dynamics of the Li(2p) + H2 → LiH + H reaction has been studied using the time-dependent wave packet method, based on a set of diabatic potential energy surfaces recently developed by our group. Integral cross sections (ICSs) can be increase more than an order of magnitude by the vibrational excitation of H2, whereas the ICSs are barely affected by the rotational excitation of H2. Moreover, ICSs of the title reaction with vibrationally excited H2 decrease rapidly with increasing collision energy, which is a typical feature of non-threshold reaction. This phenomenon implies that the title reaction can transformed from an endothermic to an exothermic reaction by vibrational excitation of H2. With the increase of the collision energy, the sideways and backward scattered tendencies of LiH for the Li(2p) + H2(v = 0, j = 0, 1) → LiH + H reactions are enhanced slightly, while the backward scattering tendency of LiH for the Li(2p) + H2(v = 1, j = 0) → LiH + H reaction becomes remarkably weakened. For the reaction with vibrationally excited H2 molecule, both direct and indirect reaction mechanism exist simultaneously.
Rapid on-site monitoring of Legionella pneumophila in cooling tower water using a portable microfluidic system
Authors: Yamaguchi Nobuyasu , Tokunaga Yusuke , Goto Satoko , Fujii Yudai , Banno Fumiya , Edagawa Akiko
Published: June 2017

Legionnaires’ disease, predominantly caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, has increased in prevalence worldwide. The most common mode of transmission of Legionella is inhalation of contaminated aerosols, such as those generated by cooling towers. Simple, rapid and accurate methods to enumerate L. pneumophila are required to prevent the spread of this organism. Here, we applied a microfluidic device for on-chip fluorescent staining and semi-automated counting of L. pneumophila in cooling tower water. We also constructed a portable system for rapid on-site monitoring and used it to enumerate target bacterial cells rapidly flowing in the microchannel. A fluorescently-labelled polyclonal antibody was used for the selective detection of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 in the samples. The counts of L. pneumophila in cooling tower water obtained using the system and fluorescence microscopy were similar. The detection limit of the system was 104 cells/ml, but lower numbers of L. pneumophila cells (101 to 103 cells/ml) could be detected following concentration of 0.5–3 L of the water sample by filtration. Our technique is rapid to perform (1.5 h), semi-automated (on-chip staining and counting), and portable for on-site measurement, and it may therefore be effective in the initial screening of Legionella contamination in freshwater.
Magnifying narrow-band imaging of gastric mucosal morphology predicts the H. pylori-related epigenetic field defect
Authors: Tahara Tomomitsu , Yamazaki Jumpei , Tahara Sayumi , Okubo Masaaki , Kawamura Tomohiko , Horiguchi Noriyuki , Ishizuka Takamitsu , Nagasaka Mitsuo , Nakagawa Yoshihito , Shibata Tomoyuki , Kuroda Makoto , Ohmiya Naoki
Published: June 2017

DNA methylation is associated with “field defect” in the gastric mucosa. To characterize “field defect” morphologically, we examined DNA methylation of non-neoplastic gastric mucosa in relation to their morphology seen by narrow-band imaging (NBI) with magnifying endoscopy. Magnifying NBI of non-neoplastic gastric body was classified as follows: normal—small and round pits with uniform subepithelial capillary networks; type 1—a little enlarged round pits with indistinct subepithelial capillary networks; type 2—remarkably enlarged pits with irregular vessels; and type 3—clearly demarcated oval or tubulovillous pits with bulky coiled or wavy vessels. Methylation of nine candidate genes (MYOD1, SLC16A12, GDNF, IGF2, MIR 124A1, CDH1, PRDM5, RORA and MLF1) were determined by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Infinium HumanMethylation450 array was used to characterize the methylation of >450,000 CpG sites. Mean Z score methylation of nine genes positively correlated with the changes of mucosal patterns from normal to types 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.0001). Genome-wide analysis showed that development of mucosal patterns correlated with methylation accumulation especially at CpG islands. Genes with promoter CpG islands that were gradually methylated with the development of mucosal patterns significantly enriched the genes involved in zinc-related pathways. The results indicates that gastric mucosal morphology predicts a “field defect” in this tissue type. Accumulation of DNA methylation is associated with “field defect” in the non-neoplastic gastric mucosa. Endoscopic identification of “field defect” has important implications for preventing gastric cancer. Our results suggest that magnifying NBI of gastric mucosal morphology predicts a “field defect” in the gastric mucosa.
The electromigration effect revisited: non-uniform local tensile stress-driven diffusion
Authors: Lin Shih-kang , Liu Yu-chen , Chiu Shang-Jui , Liu Yen-Ting , Lee Hsin-Yi
Published: June 2017

The electromigration (EM) effect involves atomic diffusion of metals under current stressing. Recent theories of EM are based on the unbalanced electrostatic and electron-wind forces exerted on metal ions. However, none of these models have coupled the EM effect and lattice stability. Here, we performed in situ current-stressing experiments for pure Cu strips using synchrotron X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy and ab initio calculations based on density functional theory. An intrinsic and non-uniform lattice expansion – larger at the cathode and smaller at the anode, is identified induced by the flow of electrons. If this electron flow-induced strain is small, it causes an elastic deformation; while if it is larger than the yield point, diffusion as local stress relaxation will cause the formation of hillocks and voids as well as EM-induced failure. The fundamental driving force for the electromigration effect is elucidated and validated with experiments.
Soil nematodes show a mid-elevation diversity maximum and elevational zonation on Mt. Norikura, Japan
Authors: Dong Ke , Moroenyane Itumeleng , Tripathi Binu , Kerfahi Dorsaf , Takahashi Koichi , Yamamoto Naomichi , An Choa , Cho Hyunjun , Adams Jonathan
Published: June 2017

Little is known about how nematode ecology differs across elevational gradients. We investigated the soil nematode community along a ~2,200 m elevational range on Mt. Norikura, Japan, by sequencing the 18S rRNA gene. As with many other groups of organisms, nematode diversity showed a high correlation with elevation, and a maximum in mid-elevations. While elevation itself, in the context of the mid domain effect, could predict the observed unimodal pattern of soil nematode communities along the elevational gradient, mean annual temperature and soil total nitrogen concentration were the best predictors of diversity. We also found nematode community composition showed strong elevational zonation, indicating that a high degree of ecological specialization that may exist in nematodes in relation to elevation-related environmental gradients and certain nematode OTUs had ranges extending across all elevations, and these generalized OTUs made up a greater proportion of the community at high elevations – such that high elevation nematode OTUs had broader elevational ranges on average, providing an example consistent to Rapoport’s elevational hypothesis. This study reveals the potential for using sequencing methods to investigate elevational gradients of small soil organisms, providing a method for rapid investigation of patterns without specialized knowledge in taxonomic identification.
Oxide-based nanomaterials for fuel cell catalysis: the interplay between supported single Pt atoms and particles
Authors: Lykhach Yaroslava , Bruix Albert , Fabris Stefano , Potin Valérie , Matolínová Iva , Matolín Vladimír , Libuda Jörg , Neyman Konstantin M.
Published: June 2017

Nanomaterials coated with atomically dispersed platinum on ceria are structurally dynamic and show high potential for applications in fuel cells.
One-pot construction of Fe/ZSM-5 zeolites for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides by ammonia
Authors: Yuan Enhui , Wu Guangjun , Dai Weili , Guan Naijia , Li Landong
Published: June 2017

A simple one-step hydrothermal approach is developed to construct Fe/ZSM-5 zeolites for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides by ammonia.
Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the pattern of oxylipins: a short review about the modulation of hydroxy-, dihydroxy-, and epoxy-fatty acids
Authors: Ostermann Annika I. , Schebb Nils Helge
Published: June 2017

Intervention studies on the effect of n3-PUFA supplementation on the oxylipin pattern are described. The study designs, n3-PUFA dose and trends in the lipid mediators are qualitatively compared and the observed changes in the oxylipin levels are quantitatively analyzed.
Ellagitannin-rich bioactive extracts of Tuberaria lignosa: insights into the radiation-induced effects in the recovery of high added-value compounds
Authors: Pinela José , Prieto M. A. , Antonio Amilcar L. , Carvalho Ana Maria , Oliveira M. Beatriz P. P. , Barros Lillian , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: June 2017

Functional extracts with the highest concentration of ellagitannins were obtained from samples irradiated at 5 kGy, extracted for 10 min.
Modeling of alcohol oxidase enzyme of Candida boidinii and in silico analysis of competitive binding of proton ionophores and FAD with enzyme
Authors: Khan Mohammad Wahab , Murali Ayaluru
Published: June 2017

This paper gives a residue level understanding of the inhibition mechanism of proton ionophores on AOX and FAD interactions by using variousin silicotools.
18α-Glycyrrhetinic acid monoglucuronide as an anti-inflammatory agent through suppression of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Li Bo , Yang Yongan , Chen Liuzeng , Chen Shichao , Zhang Jing , Tang Wenjian
Published: June 2017

18α-GAMG exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity through inhibiting the expression of iNOS, COX-2, and MAPKs, as well as activation of NF-κB.
High rate Li-ion storage properties of MOF-carbonized derivatives coated on MnO nanowires
Authors: Huang Zhen-Dong , Gong Zhen , Kang Qi , Fang Yanwu , Yang Xu-Sheng , Liu Ruiqing , Lin Xiujing , Feng Xiaomiao , Ma Yanwen , Wang Dan
Published: June 2017

Carbonized derivatives of ZIF-67 MOFs on MnO2 NWs are fabricated as high rate Li-ion storage anode materials.
Perovskite oxides – a review on a versatile material class for solar-to-fuel conversion processes
Authors: Kubicek Markus , Bork Alexander H. , Rupp Jennifer L. M.
Published: June 2017

The thermodynamic and defect chemical opportunities and challenges of perovskite oxides used for thermochemical water and carbon dioxide splitting are reviewed.
Self-assembled two-dimensional copper oxide nanosheet bundles as an efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst for water splitting applications
Authors: Pawar Sambhaji M. , Pawar Bharati S. , Hou Bo , Kim Jongmin , Aqueel Ahmed Abu Talha , Chavan Harish. S. , Jo Yongcheol , Cho Sangeun , Inamdar Akbar I. , Gunjakar Jayavant L. , Kim Hyungsang , Cha SeungNam , Im Hyunsik
Published: June 2017

Self-assembled CuO nanosheet bundles are fabricated on stainless steelviachemical bath deposition and optimized for efficient electrocatalysis.
New developments in crystallography: exploring its technology, methods and scope in the molecular biosciences
Authors: Helliwell John R.
Published: June 2017

Since the Protein Data Bank (PDB) was founded in 1971, there are now over 120,000 depositions, the majority of which are from X-ray crystallography and 90% of those made use of synchrotron beamlines. At the Cambridge Structure Database (CSD), founded in 1965, there are more than 800,000 ‘small molecule’ crystal structure depositions and a very large number of those are relevant in the biosciences as ligands or cofactors. The technology for crystal structure analysis is still developing rapidly both at synchrotrons and in home labs. Determination of the details of the hydrogen atoms in biological macromolecules is well served using neutrons as probe. Large multi-macromolecular complexes cause major challenges to crystallization; electrons as probes offer unique advantages here. Methods developments naturally accompany technology change, mainly incremental but some, such as the tuneability, intensity and collimation of synchrotron radiation, have effected radical changes in capability of biological crystallography. In the past few years, the X-ray laser has taken X-ray crystallography measurement times into the femtosecond range. In terms of applications many new discoveries have been made in the molecular biosciences. The scope of crystallographic techniques is indeed very wide. As examples, new insights into chemical catalysis of enzymes and relating ligand bound structures to thermodynamics have been gained but predictive power is seen as not yet achieved. Metal complexes are also an emerging theme for biomedicine applications. Our studies of coloration of live and cooked lobsters proved to be an unexpected favourite with the public and schoolchildren. More generally, public understanding of the biosciences and crystallography’s role within the field have been greatly enhanced by the United Nations International Year of Crystallography coordinated by the International Union of Crystallography. This topical review describes each of these areas along with illustrative results to document the scope of each methodology.
Shielding evaluation of on‐package conformal shields by numerical modelling and experimental measurement
Authors: Park H.H. , Seo K. , Kwon Y.‐K. , Park H.‐B.
Published: June 2017

A reliable numerical modelling for shielding evaluation of on‐package conformal shields based on the integrated circuit (IC)‐stripline method is presented. As a pilot test, the effects of the number of grounding pads and the thickness of a conformal shield on the shielding performance are investigated. For validation, the conformal shield is fabricated and measured by both the IC‐stripline method and TEM cell method.
Observer‐based non‐linear H∞ attitude control for a flexible satellite
Authors: Bai Huihui , Zhou Yanru , Sun Hongfei , Zeng Jianping
Published: June 2017

This study focuses on the observer‐based non‐linear H∞ (OBNH) attitude control for a flexible satellite with external disturbances and local state‐region constraints. By considering the structural features of the attitude system and applying Lyapunov stability theory, the solvable conditions of the OBNH attitude control problem are provided. An advantage of this study is that the state‐feedback controller and the reduced‐order state observer can be designed independently, thus significantly reducing the complexity of the attitude control algorithm. Furthermore, based on the polynomial sum of squares (SOSs) and the generalised S ‐procedure techniques, the above problem can be transformed into a convex optimisation problem with SOS constraints. This conversion can effectively overcome the computational difficulties widely present in the control problem of non‐linear systems. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach.
Compact ultrawideband MIMO dielectric resonator antennas with WLAN band rejection
Authors: Abedian Mohammad , Rahim Sharul Kamal Abdul , Fumeaux Christophe , Danesh Shadi , Lo Yew Chiong , Jamaluddin Mohamad Haizal
Published: June 2017

A new compact configuration of ultrawideband (UWB) multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs) with wireless local area network (WLAN) band rejection is proposed. The antenna arrangement consists of two identical inserted rectangular DRAs excited by two microstrip feeds, with an overall compact size of 29 × 29 × 5 mm3. To enhance isolation and improve impedance bandwidth, a stub connected to the ground is added to the bottom plane of the substrate. Further, to reduce interferences with WLAN systems, two L‐shaped parasitic strips connected to the dielectric resonators are added to create a band rejection between 4.98 and 6.08 GHz. The measurement results demonstrate that the proposed DRAs achieve satisfactory MIMO UWB performance, with an impedance bandwidth of around 106% excluding a rejection band for WLAN, low mutual coupling and a low envelope correlation coefficient across the whole desired frequency band.
Effect of silver nanoparticle ink drop spacing on the characteristics of coplanar waveguide monopole antennas printed on flexible substrates
Authors: Mohassieb S.A. , Kirah Khaled , Dörsam Edgar , Khalil Ahmed S.G. , El‐Hennawy Hadia M.
Published: June 2017

Inkjet printing is a low‐cost technique suitable to fabricate flexible electronic devices using solutions of conductive nanoparticles on any type of substrate without material waste as in conventional etching techniques. In this study, a low‐profile wideband coplanar waveguide‐fed monopole antenna operating at 20 GHz is designed and printed using silver nanoparticle ink on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and on Epson paper substrates. The effects of varying the drop spacing (DS) of the ink on the conductivity of the printed films as well as on the antenna parameters were fully investigated by numerical simulations and by measurements. A conductivity of 1.8 × 107 Ω−1 m−1 was obtained for the films printed on PET using a DS of 30 µm leading to superior antenna performance with an achieved gain and antenna radiation efficiency of 1.67 dB and 96%, respectively. In addition, the size reduction reached 99%. On the other hand, antennas on Epson paper substrate show an |S11| bandwidth <−10 dB extending from 17.18 up to 24.3 GHz, leading to a fractional bandwidth of 34.34%.
Correction of Tibial Valgus Deformity
Authors: Lustig Sebastien , Servien Elvire , Batailler Cecile , Neyret Philippe , Cerciello Simone
Published: June 2017

Valgus tibial malalignment may be the result of bony deformity, previous lateral meniscectomy, or lateral plateau fractures. The correction of such a problem is usually addressed through a tibial osteotomy, which affects the alignment both in flexion and extension. Two surgical options are available: medial closing wedge and lateral opening wedge. When planning a varisation osteotomy, it should be considered that the normal joint line is in 3 degrees of varus. Increasing this obliquity beyond 10 to 15 degrees ends up with increased loads on the patellofemoral joint and medial subluxation of the femur on the tibia. The aim of the present study was to discuss actual indications and contraindications for a varus-producing high tibial osteotomy and describe surgical steps of both medial closing wedge and lateral opening wedge techniques. In addition, the available literature has been searched to report functional outcomes and complications.
Intravenous Immunoglobulins for Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Scoping Systematic Review of the Pediatric Literature
Authors: Matuszczak M. , Teitelbaum J. , Kazina C. , Gillman L. , Zeiler F.
Published: June 2017

Our goal was to perform a scoping systematic review of the literature on the use of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) for refractory status epilepticus (RSE) in pediatric patients. Articles from MEDLINE, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Global Health, Healthstar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov (inception to June 2016), reference lists of relevant articles, and gray literature were searched. The strength of evidence was adjudicated using both the Oxford and Grading of Recommendation Assessment Development and Education (GRADE) methodology by two independent reviewers. We identified 21 original articles. Eighty-seven pediatric patients were described as having received IVIG therapy for RSE. The mean age was 7.8 years (range: 2–17.5 years). Seizure response occurred in 14 of the 87 patients (16.1%), with 3 (3.4%) and 11 (12.6%) displaying partial and complete responses, respectively. Seventy-three of the 87 patients (83.9%) failed to display any seizure response to IVIG therapy. No complications related to IVIG therapy were recorded. The majority of patients had moderate to severe neurological deficits upon follow-up. Oxford level 4, GRADE D evidence exists to suggest little to no impact on seizure control in pediatric autoimmune RSE. Routine use of IVIG for pediatric RSE cannot be recommended at this time and should be considered experimental.
Hands off: Schulter
Authors: Dölken Mechthild
Published: June 2017

Im gesunden Schultergelenk halten sich Mobilität und Stabilität die Waage.
Störungen dieses Gleichgewichts führen oft zu einer ventralen Instabilität.
Welche Übungen helfen, Stabilität wieder herzustellen, beschreibt dieser
Fachartikel.
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis Secondary to Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection Mimicking Extrapyramidal Symptoms: A Case Report
Authors: Cheng Chih-Chieh , Fan Hueng-Chuen , Chi Ching-Shiang , Huang Shih-Ting , Yeh Lang-Lung , Lee Chuen-Ming
Published: June 2017

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS), and it is difficult to diagnose clinically because of vague prodromal presentations. The therapeutic aim for ADEM is to inhibit the CNS inflammatory reaction as quickly as possible. Treatments may include high-dose corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant therapies such as plasmapheresis and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin. ADEM usually has a good prognosis. Here, we report a rare case of ADEM secondary to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection mimicking extrapyramidal symptoms.
Duplication of 19p13.3 in 11-Year-Old Male Patient with Dysmorphic Features and Intellectual Disability: A Review
Authors: Novikova Irina , Sen Paushpala , Manzardo Ann , Butler Merlin
Published: June 2017

We present a clinical report of an 11-year-old male patient with an interstitial duplication of 19p13.3 (829 kb in size) at genomic coordinates 3,804,495–4,033,722 bp (hg19) identified by chromosomal microarray analysis and review the literature from nine published reports adding knowledge regarding this chromosomal anomaly and clinical outcomes. The size of the duplication ranged from 0.83 to 8.9 Mb in the nine individuals. The young boy in our report was dysmorphic with microcephaly, abnormal craniofacial features, intellectual disability, aggression, and a heart murmur. All patients were found to have a psychomotor developmental delay and/or intellectual disability with the majority having microcephaly, intrauterine growth retardation, and hypotonia. Common craniofacial findings included a tall, prominent forehead, an elongated face, epicanthal folds, hypertelorism, prominent low-set ears, philtrum anomaly, and a small mouth. Other less common features included abnormal digits, sparse hair, and cardiac defects. Clinical features, chromosome duplication sizes, locations, and the number of genes will be summarized in a tabular form.
Expansion und Transplantation limbaler Stammzellen zur Regeneration der kornealen Oberfläche
Authors: Gericke Adrian , Wasielica-Poslednik Joanna , Zimmermann Marion , Musayeva Aytan
Published: June 2017

Die Regeneration des Hornhautepithels wird beim Menschen über das Stammzellreservoir des Limbus reguliert. Bei ausgedehnter Zerstörung der Limbusregion im Rahmen von Entzündungen, Verbrennungen oder Verätzungen kann sich eine limbale Stammzellinsuffizienz ausbilden, bei der es zu einer Vaskularisation und Eintrübung der Hornhaut mit funktioneller Beeinträchtigung kommen kann. Es stehen verschiedene Verfahren der autologen und allogenen Transplantation limbaler Stammzellen zur Verfügung. So können ganze Limbusabschnitte und kleine Limbusbiopsate direkt transplantiert oder aus kleinen Limbusbiopsaten stammende Zellen zunächst ex vivo auf Trägermembranen vermehrt und anschließend auf das betroffene Auge aufgebracht werden. In der Übersichtsarbeit werden die Physiologie des Hornhautepithels, die Pathophysiologie der limbalen Stammzellinsuffizienz und die verschiedenen Therapieverfahren dargestellt.
Simulation of wavelength selection using ZnO nanowires array
Authors: Li Lijie , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2017

A new nanometer sized optical device dividing a beam of multi-wavelength light into constituent spectral wavelengths based on ZnO nanowires arrays has been presented, inspired by the diameter dependent energy bandgap of the nanowires. The theoretical validations based on the quantum optics theory have been conducted. It is shown from the simulation results that the output optical spectrum changes upon the energy bandgap of the material, which is determined by the diameter of the wire. The intensity of the optical spectrum is modeled depending on the charge density of the material. Potential applications of the proposed device on pressure sensitive imaging are discussed.
Towards sustainable agriculture: Fossil-free ammonia
Authors: Pfromm Peter H.
Published: June 2017

About 40% of our food would not exist without synthetic ammonia (NH3) for fertilization. Yet, NH3 production is energy intensive. About 2% of the world's commercial energy is consumed as fossil fuels for NH3 synthesis based on the century-old Haber-Bosch (H.-B.) process. The state of the art and the opportunities for reducing the fossil energy footprint of industrial H.-B. NH3 synthesis are discussed. It is shown that even a hypothetical utterly revolutionary H.-B. catalyst could not significantly reduce the energy demand of H.-B. NH3 as this is governed by hydrogen production. Renewable energy-enabled, fossil-free NH3 synthesis is then evaluated based on the exceptional and continuing cost decline of renewable electricity. H.-B. syngas (H2, N2) is assumed to be produced by electrolysis and cryogenic air separation and then supplied to an existing H.-B. synthesis loop. Fossil-free NH3 could be produced for energy costs of about $232 per tonne NH3 without claiming any economic benefits for the avoidance of about 1.5 tonnes of CO2 released per tonne NH3 compared to the most efficient H.-B. implementations. Research into alternatives to the H.-B. process might be best targeted at emerging markets with currently little NH3 synthesis capacity but significant future population growth in markets such as Africa. Reduced capital intensity, good scale-down economics, tolerance for process upsets and contamination, and intermittent operability are some desirable characteristics of NH3 synthesis in less developed markets and for stranded resources. Processes that are fundamentally different from H.-B. may come to the fore under these specific boundary conditions.
Effects of high pCO2 on early life development of pelagic spawning marine fish
Authors: Faria Ana M. , Filipe Soraia , Lopes Ana F. , Oliveira Ana P. , Gonçalves Emanuel J. , Ribeiro Laura
Published: June 2017

The present study investigated the effect of elevated pCO2 on the development of early stages of the pelagic spawning marine fish Solea senegalensis, Diplodus sargus and Argyrosomus regius. Eggs and larvae were reared under control (pH 8.0, ~570μatm) and two elevated pCO2 conditions (pH 7.8, ~1100μatm; pH 7.6, ~1900μatm) until mouth opening (3 days post-hatching). Egg size did not change with exposure to elevated pCO2, but hatching rate was significantly reduced under high pCO2 for all three species. Survival rate was not affected by exposure to increased pCO2, but growth rate was differently affected across species, with A. regius growing faster in the mid-level pCO2 treatment compared with control conditions. S. senegalensis and A. regius hatched with smaller yolk sacs under increased pCO2 but endogenous reserves of D. sargus were not affected. Otoliths were consistently larger under elevated pCO2 conditions for all the three species. Differences among egg batches and a significant interaction between batch and pCO2 suggest that other factors, such as egg quality, can influence the response to increased pCO2. Overall, the results support the occurrence of a species-specific response to pCO2, but highlight the need for cautious analysis of potential sensitivity of species from unreplicated observations.
Simultaneous analysis of the LFP and spiking activity reveals essential components of a visuomotor transformation in the frontal eye field
Authors: Sendhilnathan Naveen , Basu Debaleena , Murthy Aditya
Published: June 2017

Significance

Converting a visual input into a motor output is a fundamental computation that nervous systems have evolved to perform. In the context of saccadic eye movements, several brain areas have been identified that exhibit the effect of visuomotor computations. Nevertheless, because of dense interconnectivity between these areas, the contribution of a particular brain area to the visuomotor transformation process has not been clarified. By simultaneously recording from the local field potential (LFP) that is thought to reflect input to an area, and spiking activity that reflects its output activity, we showed that frontal eye field neurons perform the necessary visuomotor transformation to generate a saccade plan internally. We also identify specific components of the LFP such as gamma oscillations that may enable such a visual-to-motor transformation.
SpaceScanner: COPASI wrapper for automated management of global stochastic optimization experiments
Authors: Elsts Atis , Pentjuss Agris , Stalidzans Egils
Published: June 2017

Motivation

Due to their universal applicability, global stochastic optimization methods are popular for designing improvements of biochemical networks. The drawbacks of global stochastic optimization methods are: (i) no guarantee of finding global optima, (ii) no clear optimization run termination criteria and (iii) no criteria to detect stagnation of an optimization run. The impact of these drawbacks can be partly compensated by manual work that becomes inefficient when the solution space is large due to combinatorial explosion of adjustable parameters or for other reasons.

Results

SpaceScanner uses parallel optimization runs for automatic termination of optimization tasks in case of consensus and consecutively applies a pre-defined set of global stochastic optimization methods in case of stagnation in the currently used method. Automatic scan of adjustable parameter combination subsets for best objective function values is possible with a summary file of ranked solutions.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/atiselsts/spacescanner.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Recent advances in childhood vasculitis
Authors: Ozen Seza , Acar-Ozen Nazire Pinar
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

The review aims to summarize the recent findings in vasculitis that may have an impact in our understanding or management of these diseases.

Recent findings

We are learning more about monogenic diseases that closely mimic the pediatric vasculitides. Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 can present with a polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)-like picture and should be included in the differential of all pediatric cases of PAN with a family history or in cases with early stroke, or in cases resistant to conventional therapy. Mutations in tumor necrosis factor α-induced protein 3 results in a disease that can present as Behçet disease called haploinsufficiency of A20. In fact, these patients would also fulfill the existing criteria for PAN and Behçet disease, respectively. Additional advances in Behçet disease pathogenesis come from a large genetic study of Turkish Behçet disease using data obtained from genotyping using the Immunochip. This confirmed the HLA-B-51 locus as the most significant association and identified new risk loci. Large Iranian and Japanese cohorts were used as replication cohorts. Best treatment of pediatric vasculitis remains a challenge as we continue to lack controlled studies. There are new reports in treatment on Henoch–Schönlein purpura/Immunoglobulin A vasculitis which is one of our most frequent childhood vasculitides. Small series of new treatments for central nervous system vasculitis and Takayasu disease will also be summarized. Diagnostic criteria have been reassessed in pediatric Behçet disease as well as adult and childhood forms of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-positive vasculitis.

The new pathways defined in monogenic diseases may help us better understand the pathogenesis and may help us design more targeted therapy. Although pediatric cases are being increasingly recognized, the relative rarity of the diseases presents an obstacle for studies. Thus, we can reach conclusive results for their management through multicenter studies only.
Polymerase δ-interacting Protein 2: A Multifunctional Protein
Authors: Hernandes Marina S. , Lassègue Bernard , Griendling Kathy K.
Published: June 2017

Polymerase δ-interacting protein 2 (Poldip2) is a multifunctional protein originally described as a binding partner of the p50 subunit of DNA polymerase δ and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. In addition to its role in DNA replication and damage repair, Poldip2 has been implicated in mitochondrial function, extracellular matrix regulation, cell cycle progression, focal adhesion turnover, and cell migration. However, Poldip2 functions are incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss recent literature on Poldip2 tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and function. We also address the putative function of Poldip2 in cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative conditions and in renal pathophysiology.
High-altitude illness in the pediatric population: a review of the literature on prevention and treatment
Authors: Garlick Vanessa , O’Connor Anne , Shubkin Catherine D.
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

Increasing numbers of children are now traveling to high-altitude destinations, and pediatricians often see these children prior to and immediately following their travels. Thus, pediatricians have the opportunity to provide guidance for the prevention of altitude illness and must treat high-altitude illness (HAI) in some circumstances. This review will examine guidelines for prevention and management of HAI in the pediatric population.

Recent findings

Recent research has examined children's short-term cardiorespiratory adaptation to high altitude, incidence of acute mountain sickness, hypoxic ventilator response, and maximal exercise capacity. Overall, studies indicate that children and adults are largely similar in these variables. Furthermore, studies suggest that heritability seems to be a component of response to altitude and development of altitude illness – a finding that may have implications for family vacation planning.

Increasing numbers of children are visiting high altitude destinations. Whereas most of these child travelers will only experience mild to moderate symptoms of HAI, a small percentage, particularly those with predisposing health conditions, may experience severe disease. Pediatricians should encourage preventive measures with an emphasis on gradual ascent and vigilance for onset of symptoms that should prompt immediate transport to medical care.
Description of Nurse Scientists in a Large Health Care System
Authors: Logsdon M. Cynthia , Kleiner Catherine , Oster Cynthia A. , Smith Claudia DiSabatino , Bergman-Evans Brenda , Kempnich Jodeena M. , Hogan Felicia , Myers John
Published: June 2017

Replicating a research study that described the work of nurse scientists in children's hospitals, the purpose of the study was to describe the role, activities, and outcomes of nurse scientists employed in a national health care organization. The characteristics of nurses filling the nurse scientist role in clinical settings and outcomes associated with the role have not been extensively described. The setting of this study is ideal since the organization includes facilities of various sizes located in rural, urban, and suburban areas in 18 states. Names and contact information of nurse scientists were obtained from nurse executives at each of the 110 affiliated organizations. Nurse scientists completed an anonymous survey. The primary role of the nurse scientists is to facilitate the work of others. Recommendations to strengthen the research infrastructure are provided.
Androgen Receptor Expression in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Zadeh Sara L. , Duska Linda R. , Mills Anne M.
Published: June 2017

Endometrial carcinoma (ECA) is frequently hormonally driven and can be treated with endocrine-based therapy, yet hormone receptor status is not routinely assessed. In particular, little is known about the significance of androgen receptor (AR) in ECA. Androgen has antiproliferative effects in the healthy endometrium and could serve a similar role to progesterone in curbing the progression of estrogen-dependent neoplasia. There may also be a subset of ECA that benefits from androgen antagonistic therapy. We herein investigate AR expression across ECA subtypes and compare its expression to estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR). Immunohistochemical staining for AR, ER, and PR was performed on an endometrial tissue microarray containing 50 ECA with a variety of morphologic subtypes as well as 20 benign and 9 atypical hyperplastic endometria. AR was expressed by 54% (27/50) of ECA including 60% of low grade endometrioid carcinomas, 70% high grade endometrioid carcinomas, 70% serous carcinomas, 50% carcinosarcomas, and 20% clear cell carcinomas. High AR expression was chiefly restricted to a subset of serous carcinomas (50%). AR expression occurred most often in concert with ER staining, although 5 high grade cancers (1 serous carcinoma, 4 carcinosarcomas) showed AR expression in the absence of ER. In summary, AR positivity is seen in over half of ECA in our study, including the majority of low grade endometrioid carcinomas, high grade endometrioid carcinomas, and serous carcinomas. High level expression is seen in half of serous carcinomas and a subset of serous carcinomas and carcinosarcomas show some degree of AR staining in the absence of ER, suggesting a possible role for androgen inhibition in treatment of these cases.
Invasive Extramammary Paget Disease of the Vulva With Signet Ring Cell Morphology in a Patient With Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Stomach: Report of a Case
Authors: Jeong Byung-Kwan , Kim Kyu-Rae
Published: June 2017

This report describes a rare case of invasive extramammary Paget disease of the vulva with signet ring cell morphology in a 58-yr-old woman with a history of signet ring cell carcinoma of the stomach. This case was initially misinterpreted as a metastatic gastric carcinoma to the vulva because an initial small, superficial biopsy specimen showed infiltration of signet ring cells in the dermis without intraepidermal Paget cells. However, a surgically resected specimen showed concordant immunophenotypes in both intraepidermal Paget cells and intradermal signet ring cell components with immunoreactivity to cytokeratin (CK) 7, CEA, and gross cystic disease fluid protein-15, and immunonegativity for CK20, MUC5AC, and MUC6. Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma showed immunoreactivity to CK7, CEA, MUC5AC, and MUC6, and immunonegativity for gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 and CK20. The diagnosis of primary invasive extramammary Paget disease of the vulva was also supported by a long interval after gastrectomy (7.5 yr), the solitary involvement of the vulva, and the absence of lymphovascular invasion. This case demonstrates that invasive extramammary Paget disease may have a signet ring cell morphology and immunohistochemical profile similar to those of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma, but the addition of gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 immunostain in the panel of markers is helpful in the differential diagnosis.