bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress corrosion crack depth investigation using the time reversed elastic nonlinearity diagnostic
Authors: Anderson Brian E. , Pieczonka Lukasz , Remillieux Marcel C. , Ulrich Timothy J. , Le Bas Pierre-Yves
Published: January 2017

Evidence of the ability to probe depth information of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) are presented using the time reversed elastic nonlinearity diagnostic (TREND). Depth estimation of SCC is important to determine when a stainless steel canister has been breached. TREND is a method to focus elastic energy to a point in space in order to probe that point for damage and its' depth penetration is used here to study depth information about SCC. High frequencies are used to probe near the surface, while low frequencies are used to probe deeper into a stainless steel section of a cylinder.
Observation of the Wigner-Huntington transition to metallic hydrogen
Authors: Dias Ranga P. , Silvera Isaac F.
Published: January 2017

Stamping hydrogen into metal

In 1935, Wigner and Huntington predicted that molecular hydrogen would become an atomic metal at a pressure of 25 GPa. Eighty years and more than 400 GPa later, Dias and Silvera have finally produced metallic hydrogen at low temperature. The metallization occurred between 465 and nearly 500 GPa at 5.5 K. Spectroscopic measurements verified that hydrogen was in the atomic state. The observation completes an unexpectedly long quest to find the metallic hydrogen that Wigner and Huntington predicted so long ago.

Science
, this issue p.
715
Draft Genome Sequences of Semiconstitutive Red, Dry, and Rough Biofilm-Forming Commensal and Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates
Authors: Cimdins Annika , Lüthje Petra , Li Fengyang , Ahmad Irfan , Brauner Annelie , Römling Ute
Published: January 2017

Strains of
Escherichia coli
exhibit diverse biofilm formation capabilities.
E. coli
K-12 expresses the red, dry, and rough (rdar) morphotype below 30°C, whereas clinical isolates frequently display the rdar morphotype semiconstitutively. We sequenced the genomes of eight
E. coli
strains to subsequently investigate the molecular basis of semiconstitutive rdar morphotype expression.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain CREA-C16 Isolated from Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Rhizosphere
Authors: D’Agostino Nunzio , Sorrentino Roberto , Scotti Riccardo , Salzano Melania , Aurilia Vincenzo , Zaccardelli Massimo
Published: January 2017

Herein, we report the draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas fluorescens
strain CREA-C16, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium that was isolated from the rhizosphere of
Pisum sativum
L. plants. The genome sequence is ~6 Mb in size, with a G+C content of 60.1%, and includes 4,457 candidate protein-encoding genes.
Beatrice Hill Virus Represents a Novel Species in the Genus
Tibrovirus
(
Mononegavirales
:
Rhabdoviridae
)
Authors: Wiley Michael R. , Prieto Karla , Blasdell Kim R. , Caì Yíngyún , Campos Lawson Cristine , Walker Peter J. , Chiu Charles Y. , Palacios Gustavo , Kuhn Jens H.
Published: January 2017

The rhabdoviral genus
Tibrovirus
currently has three official members assigned to two species: Bivens Arm virus and Tibrogargan virus (species
Tibrogargan tibrovirus
) and Coastal Plains virus (species
Coastal Plains tibrovirus
). Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a new putative member of this genus, Beatrice Hill virus. Although relatively closely related to the three classified viruses, Beatrice Hill virus represents a novel
Tibrovirus
species.
Draft Genome Sequence of Sorghum Grain Mold Fungus
Epicoccum sorghinum
, a Producer of Tenuazonic Acid
Authors: Oliveira Rodrigo C. , Davenport Karen W. , Hovde Blake , Silva Danielle , Chain Patrick S. G. , Correa Benedito , Rodrigues Debora F.
Published: January 2017

The facultative plant pathogen
Epicoccum sorghinum
is associated with grain mold of sorghum and produces the mycotoxin tenuazonic acid. This fungus can have serious economic impact on sorghum production. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
E. sorghinum
(USPMTOX48).
Draft Genome Sequence of Weissella confusa MBF8-1, a Glucansucrase- and Bacteriocin-Producing Strain Isolated from a Homemade Soy Product
Authors: Heng Nicholas C. K. , Yeh Chia-Wen , Malik Amarila
Published: January 2017

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Weissella confusa
MBF8-1, an isolate from a homemade fermented soybean product that produces sucrases and exhibits antibacterial (bacteriocin) activity. The draft genome of
W. confusa
MBF8-1 comprises a 2.2-Mbp chromosome and a 17.8-kbp bacteriocin-encoding plasmid. Two putative glucansucrase genes were also identified.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacillus
sp. FMQ74, a Dairy-Contaminating Isolate from Raw Milk
Authors: Okshevsky Mira , Regina Viduthalai R. , Marshall Ian P. G. , Schreiber Lars , Meyer Rikke L.
Published: January 2017

Representatives of the genus
Bacillus
are common milk contaminants that cause spoilage and flavor alterations of dairy products.
Bacillus
sp. FMQ74 was isolated from raw milk on a Danish dairy farm. To elucidate the genomic basis of this strain’s survival in the dairy industry, a high-quality draft genome was produced.
Draft Genome Sequence of Nocardioides luteus Strain BAFB, an Alkane-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from JP-7-Polluted Soil
Authors: Brown Lisa M. , Gunasekera Thusitha S. , Ruiz Oscar N.
Published: January 2017

Nocardioides luteus
strain BAFB is a Gram-positive bacterium that efficiently degrades C
8
to C
11
alkanes aerobically. The draft genome of
N. luteus
BAFB is 5.76 Mb in size, with 5,358 coding sequences and 69.9% G+C content. The genes responsible for alkane degradation are present in this strain.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Dairy Isolate Lactobacillus acidipiscis ACA-DC 1533
Authors: Kazou Maria , Alexandraki Voula , Pot Bruno , Tsakalidou Effie , Papadimitriou Konstantinos
Published: January 2017

Lactobacillus acidipiscis
is a Gram-positive lactic acid bacterium belonging to the
Lactobacillus salivarius
clade. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of
L. acidipiscis
isolated from traditional Greek Kopanisti cheese. Strain ACA-DC 1533 may play a key role in the strong organoleptic characteristics of Kopanisti cheese.
The Geomycology of Elemental Cycling and Transformations in the Environment
Authors: Gadd Geoffrey Michael
Published: January 2017

Geomicrobiology addresses the roles of microorganisms in geological and geochemical processes, and geomycology is a part of this topic focusing on the fungi. Geoactive roles of fungi include organic and inorganic transformations important in nutrient and element cycling, rock and mineral bioweathering, mycogenic biomineral formation, and metal-fungal interactions. Lichens and mycorrhizas are significant geoactive agents. Organic matter decomposition is important for cycling of major biomass-associated elements, e.g., C, H, N, O, P, and S, as well as all other elements found in lower concentrations. Transformations of metals and minerals are central to geomicrobiology, and fungi affect changes in metal speciation, as well as mediate mineral formation or dissolution. Such mechanisms are components of biogeochemical cycles for metals as well as associated elements in biomass, soil, rocks, and minerals, e.g., S, P, and metalloids. Fungi may have the greatest geochemical influence within the terrestrial environment. However, they are also important in the aquatic environment and are significant components of the deep subsurface, extreme environments, and habitats polluted by xenobiotics, metals, and radionuclides. Applications of geomycology include metal and radionuclide bioleaching, biorecovery, detoxification, bioremediation, and the production of biominerals or metal(loid) elements with catalytic or other properties. Adverse effects include biodeterioration of natural and synthetic materials, rock and mineral-based building materials (e.g., concrete), cultural heritage, metals, alloys, and related substances and adverse effects on radionuclide mobility and containment. The ubiquity and importance of fungi in the biosphere underline the importance of geomycology as a conceptual framework encompassing the environmental activities of fungi.
Nematode-Trapping Fungi
Authors: Jiang Xiangzhi , Xiang Meichun , Liu Xingzhong
Published: January 2017

Nematode-trapping fungi are a unique and intriguing group of carnivorous microorganisms that can trap and digest nematodes by means of specialized trapping structures. They can develop diverse trapping devices, such as adhesive hyphae, adhesive knobs, adhesive networks, constricting rings, and nonconstricting rings. Nematode-trapping fungi have been found in all regions of the world, from the tropics to Antarctica, from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems. They play an important ecological role in regulating nematode dynamics in soil. Molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that the majority of nematode-trapping fungi belong to a monophyletic group in the order Orbiliales (Ascomycota). Nematode-trapping fungi serve as an excellent model system for understanding fungal evolution and interaction between fungi and nematodes. With the development of molecular techniques and genome sequencing, their evolutionary origins and divergence, and the mechanisms underlying fungus-nematode interactions have been well studied. In recent decades, an increasing concern about the environmental hazards of using chemical nematicides has led to the application of these biological control agents as a rapidly developing component of crop protection.
Migrating coil
Authors: Tey Kai Rou , Aggarwal Avin , Banerjee Bhaskar
Published: January 2017

We describe a rare case of a 60-year-old man with known history of peptic ulcer disease who presented with melena and epigastric pain secondary to coil migration into duodenal mucosa 4 years after the initial therapeutic embolisation of the gastroduodenal artery. Upper endoscopy revealed oozing duodenal ulcer at the same site of the previously located duodenal ulcer 4 years ago and metal coil impacted at the duodenal mucosa. It is unclear if the coil migration is the effect or the cause of the bleeding duodenal ulcer. Our patient was treated by surgical intervention due to failed endoscopic haemostasis and medical management.
Peril of missing a double gall bladder: report of a patient who needed cholecystectomy two times over
Authors: Rangarajan Krithika , Chinna Sathya , Nair Nikhil , Das Chandan J
Published: January 2017

Gall bladder (GB) duplication is a rare anomaly, not often seen in regular clinical practice. Though a vestigial organ, the presence of calculi within the GB can cause the patient to be acutely symptomatic with right hypochondriac pain, which can even be life threatening if not treated. The presence of two GBs means this pathology can be seen in both the GBs, highlighting the importance of diagnosing this condition, lest the patient returns years after a cholecystectomy with cholecystitis yet again!
Very late rupture of a post-traumatic abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Abed Haneen , Ball William Robert , Stone Timothy , Houghton Andrew
Published: January 2017

Post-traumatic abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysms remain a rare yet severe complication of aortic injuries and may present many years later. Clinical presentations vary, from the traditional aneurysmal symptoms of abdominal and/or back pain with or without a pulsatile mass, to a fatal rupture. We present the case of a man aged 42 years, with a history of blunt abdominal trauma 14 years ago, presenting with symptoms of non-specific lower abdominal pain and a recent history of straining due to constipation. Clinical examination revealed umbilical bruising, in keeping with Cullen's sign, and extensive postsacral bruising. This case highlights some of the atypical manifestations of aneurysmal rupture and the importance of early recognition and management.
Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis arising in a patient with Graves’ disease
Authors: Yu Marc Gregory , Quisumbing John Paul Montinola
Published: January 2017

Although Graves’ disease and systemic sclerosis are both autoimmune disorders, their relationship is rarely reported. We present the case of a Filipino woman with goitre and thyrotoxic signs and symptoms. Diagnosed with Graves’ disease at the outpatient clinic, she took antithyroid medications and underwent radioactive iodine ablation with resultant hypothyroidism after 6 months, during which she began to experience skin tightness over the face, neck and fingers. Workup revealed limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, and the patient improved with methotrexate. This case highlights the increased prevalence of coincident autoimmune disorders in Graves’ disease.
Enhancing the removal of methylene blue by modified ZnO nanoparticles: kinetics and equilibrium studies
Authors: Elmorsi Taha M. , Elsayed Mohamed Hammad , Bakr Mostafa F.
Published: January 2017

This research aims to use modified ZnO nanoparticles to enhance the removal rate of the methylene blue (MB) dye. ZnO nanoparticles are modified by coating their surface with Congo red (CR) dye, henceforth referred to as ZnO/CR. This process is used to produce a Lewis acid on the surface of ZnO to attract any Lewis base such as a MB dye (MB+). Therefore, the stability of ZnO/CR improved, and it resists the change in pH value (from 3 to 9). Several analysis techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and BET method were used to characterize ZnO/CR. Nonlinear and linear regressions of pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order, and Elovich models were used to calculate the kinetic parameters of the adsorption process. The best-fit kinetic equation was investigated using three functions of error analysis: the sum of the squares of the errors, chi-square analysis, and the coefficient of determination. The intraparticle diffusion equation was used to study the diffusion process. The adsorption process of the MB followed the Langmuir model with a maximum capacity (qm) value of 43.5 mg/g. This value is six times greater than the value calculated with pure ZnO. Thermodynamic parameters ΔS•, ΔH•, and ΔG• were investigated at four temperatures (10, 20, 30, and 40 °C). The uptake process of the MB occurs spontaneously following endothermic process and an increase in the system disorder. The rate of adsorption was controlled mainly by a Lewis acid–base interaction and H bonding. Furthermore, the removal of the MB by ZnO/CR powder worked well as a chemical and physical adsorption process.
EFFECT OF HEAT INPUT AND POST-WELD HEAT TREATMENT ON THE MECHANICAL AND METALLURGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LASER-WELDED MARAGING STEEL JOINTS
Authors: KARTHIKEYAN R. , SARAVANAN M. , SINGARAVEL B. , SATHIYA P.
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the impact of heat input and post-weld aging behavior at different temperatures on the laser paper welded maraging steel grade 250. Three different levels of heat inputs were chosen and CO2 laser welding was performed. Aging was done at six different temperatures: 360[Formula: see text]C, 400[Formula: see text]C, 440[Formula: see text]C, 480[Formula: see text]C, 520[Formula: see text]C and 560[Formula: see text]C. The macrostructure and microstructure of the fusion zone were obtained using optical microscope. The microhardness test was performed on the weld zone. Tensile tests and impact tests were carried out for the weld samples and different age-treated weld samples. Fracture surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microhardness values of the fusion zone increased with increasing aging temperature, while the base metal microhardness value decreased. Tensile properties increased with aging temperature up to 480[Formula: see text]C and reduced for 520[Formula: see text]C and 560[Formula: see text]C. This was mainly due to the formation of reverted austenite beyond 500[Formula: see text]C. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of reverted austenite.
Notes on the brachiopod species from the Silurian of the Pentland Hills described by Lamont (1978)
Authors: Candela Yves , Harper David A. T. , Crighton William R. B.
Published: January 2017

Four Silurian brachiopod species from the Pentland Hills, previously ignored or designated
nomina dubia
, require some recognition on the basis of material identified in the collections of the National Museum of Scotland and a closer scrutiny of the published work with respect to the guidelines of the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature.
Optimal Discrete Slicing
Authors: Alexa Marc , Hildebrand Kristian , Lefebvre Sylvain
Published: January 2017

Slicing is the procedure necessary to prepare a shape for layered manufacturing. There are degrees of freedom in this process, such as the starting point of the slicing sequence and the thickness of each slice. The choice of these parameters influences the manufacturing process and its result: The number of slices significantly affects the time needed for manufacturing, while their thickness affects the error. Assuming a discrete setting, we measure the error as the number of voxels that are incorrectly assigned due to slicing. We provide an algorithm that generates, for a given set of available slice heights and a shape, a slicing that is provably optimal. By optimal, we mean that the algorithm generates sequences with minimal error for any possible number of slices. The algorithm is fast and flexible, that is, it can accommodate a user driven importance modulation of the error function and allows the interactive exploration of the desired quality/time tradeoff. We demonstrate the practical importance of our optimization on several three-dimensional-printed results.
Gait-Key
Authors: Xu Weitao , Javali Chitra , Revadigar Girish , Luo Chengwen , Bergmann Neil , Hu Wen
Published: January 2017

Recent years have witnessed a remarkable growth in the number of smart wearable devices. For many of these devices, an important security issue is to establish an authenticated communication channel between legitimate devices to protect the subsequent communications. Due to the wireless nature of the communication and the extreme resource constraints of sensor devices, providing secure, efficient, and user-friendly device pairing is a challenging task. Traditional solutions for device pairing mostly depend on key predistribution, which is unsuitable for wearable devices in many ways. In this article, we design Gait-Key, a shared secret key generation scheme that allows two legitimate devices to establish a common cryptographic key by exploiting users’ walking characteristics (gait). The intuition is that the sensors on different locations on the same body experience similar accelerometer signals when the user is walking. However, one main challenge is that the accelerometer also captures motion signals produced by other body parts (e.g., swinging arms). We address this issue by using the blind source separation technique to extract the informative signal produced by the unique gait patterns. Our experimental results show that Gait-Key can generate a common 128-bit key for two legitimate devices with 98.3% probability. To demonstrate the feasibility, the proposed key generation scheme is implemented on modern smartphones. The evaluation results show that the proposed scheme can run in real time on modern mobile devices and incurs low system overhead.
Silica nanoparticles induce cardiotoxicity interfering with energetic status and Ca2+ handling in adult rat cardiomyocytes
Authors: Guerrero-Beltrán Carlos Enrique , Bernal-Ramírez Judith , Lozano Omar , Oropeza-Almazán Yuriana , Castillo Elena Cristina , Garza Jesús Roberto , García Noemí , Vela Jorge , García-García Alejandra , Ortega Eduardo , Torre-Amione Guillermo , Ornelas-Soto Nancy , García-Rivas Gerardo
Published: January 2017

Recent evidence has shown that nanoparticles that have been used to improve or create new functional properties for common products may pose potential risks to human health. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) has emerged as a promising therapy vector for the heart. However, its potential toxicity and mechanisms of damage remain poorly understood. This study provides the first exploration of SiO2-induced toxicity in cultured cardiomyocytes exposed to 7- or 670-nm SiO2 particles. We evaluated the mechanism of cell death in isolated adult cardiomyocytes exposed to 24-h incubation. The SiO2 cell membrane association and internalization were analyzed. SiO2 showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration for the 7 nm (99.5 ± 12.4 µg/ml) and 670 nm (>1,500 µg/ml) particles, which indicates size-dependent toxicity. We evaluated cardiomyocyte shortening and intracellular Ca2+ handling, which showed impaired contractility and intracellular Ca2+ transient amplitude during β-adrenergic stimulation in SiO2 treatment. The time to 50% Ca2+ decay increased 39%, and the Ca2+ spark frequency and amplitude decreased by 35 and 21%, respectively, which suggest a reduction in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity. Moreover, SiO2 treatment depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased ATP production by 55%. Notable glutathione depletion and H2O2 generation were also observed. These data indicate that SiO2 increases oxidative stress, which leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and low energy status; these underlie reduced SERCA activity, shortened Ca2+ release, and reduced cell shortening. This mechanism of SiO2 cardiotoxicity potentially plays an important role in the pathophysiology mechanism of heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Silica particles are used as novel nanotechnology-based vehicles for diagnostics and therapeutics for the heart. However, their potential hazardous effects remain unknown. Here, the cardiotoxicity of silica nanoparticles in rat myocytes has been described for the first time, showing an impairment of mitochondrial function that interfered directly with Ca2+ handling.
Influence of sex on microvascular and macrovascular responses to prolonged sitting
Authors: Vranish Jennifer R. , Young Benjamin E. , Kaur Jasdeep , Patik Jordan C. , Padilla Jaume , Fadel Paul J.
Published: January 2017

Increased daily sitting time is associated with greater cardiovascular risk, and, on average, women are more sedentary than men. Recent reports have demonstrated that prolonged sitting reduces lower leg microvascular (reactive hyperemia) and macrovascular [flow-mediated dilation (FMD)] vasodilator function. However, these studies have predominately included men, and the effects of sitting in young women are largely unexplored. This becomes important given known sex differences in vascular function. Thus, herein, we assessed popliteal artery reactive hyperemia and FMD before and after a 3-h sitting period in healthy young women ( n = 12) and men ( n = 8). In addition, resting popliteal artery hemodynamics (duplex Doppler ultrasound) and calf circumference were measured before, during, and after sitting. Resting popliteal artery shear rate was reduced to a similar extent in both groups during the sitting period (women: −48.5 ± 8.4 s−1 and men: −52.9 ± 12.3 s−1, P = 0.45). This was accompanied by comparable increases in calf circumference in men and women ( P = 0.37). After the sitting period, popliteal artery FMD was significantly reduced in men (PreSit: 5.5 ± 0.9% and PostSit: 1.6 ± 0.4%, P < 0.001) but not women (PreSit: 4.4 ± 0.6% and PostSit: 3.6 ± 0.6%, P = 0.29). In contrast, both groups demonstrated similar reductions in hyperemic blood flow area under the curve (women: −28,860 ± 5,742 arbitrary units and men: −28,691 ± 9,685 arbitrary units, P = 0.99), indicating impaired microvascular reactivity after sitting. These findings indicate that despite comparable reductions in shear rate during 3 h of uninterrupted sitting, macrovascular function appears protected in some young women but the response was variable, whereas men exhibited more consistent reductions in FMD. In contrast, the leg microvasculature is susceptible to similar sitting-induced impairments in men and women.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that leg macrovascular function was consistently reduced in young men but not young women after prolonged sitting. In contrast, both men and women exhibited similar reductions in leg microvascular reactivity after sitting. These data demonstrate, for the first time, sex differences in vascular responses to prolonged sitting.
The history of the microsphere method for measuring blood flows with special reference to myocardial blood flow: a personal memoir
Authors: Hoffman Julien I. E.
Published: January 2017

We use many types of equipment and technologies to make our measurements but give little thought to how they developed. Evolution was once described as a series of recoils from blind alleys, and this is exemplified by the gradual development of the microsphere method of measuring blood flows. The microsphere method is one of the most frequently used methods for measuring blood flow to organs and portions of organs. The method can measure myocardial blood flow with reasonable accuracy (within 10%) down to samples weighing >50 mg but probably will not do so for samples weighing 1–10 mg. Microspheres with diameters from 10 to 15 μm provide the best compromise between accurate flow measurement and retention in tissue. Radioactive labels have been almst entirely replaced by fluorescent labels, but colored microspheres and neutron-activated labels are also used.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The contributions of the various individuals who developed the microsphere method of measuring regional blood flows and how these advances took place are brought to light in this paper.
NFAT regulation of cystathionine γ-lyase expression in endothelial cells is impaired in rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Gonzalez Bosc Laura V. , Osmond Jessica M. , Giermakowska Wieslawa K. , Pace Carolyn E. , Riggs Jennifer L. , Jackson-Weaver Olan , Kanagy Nancy L.
Published: January 2017

Sleep apnea is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and intermittent hypoxia (IH, 20 episodes/h of 5% O2-5% CO2 for 7 h/day) to mimic sleep apnea increases blood pressure and impairs hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-induced vasodilation in rats. The enzyme that produces H2S, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), is decreased in rat mesenteric artery endothelial cells (EC) following in vivo IH exposure. In silico analysis identified putative nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) binding sites in the CSE promoter. Therefore, we hypothesized that IH exposure reduces Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) activation of calcineurin/NFAT to lower CSE expression and impair vasodilation. In cultured rat aortic EC, inhibiting calcineurin with cyclosporine A reduced CSE mRNA, CSE protein, and luciferase activity driven by a full-length but not a truncated CSE promoter. In male rats exposed to sham or IH conditions for 2 wk, [Ca2+] in EC in small mesenteric arteries from IH rats was lower than in EC from sham rat arteries (Δfura 2 ratio of fluorescence at 340 to 380 nm from Ca2+ free: IH = 0.05 ± 0.02, sham = 0.17 ± 0.03, P < 0.05), and fewer EC were NFATc3 nuclear positive in IH rat arteries than in sham rat arteries (IH = 13 ± 3, sham = 59 ± 11%, P < 0.05). H2S production was also lower in mesenteric tissue from IH rats vs. sham rats. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation to acetylcholine (ACh) was lower in mesenteric arteries from IH rats than in arteries from sham rats, and inhibiting CSE with β-cyanoalanine diminished ACh-induced vasodilation in arteries from sham but not IH rats but did not affect dilation to the H2S donor NaHS. Thus, IH lowers EC [Ca2+], NFAT activity, CSE expression and activity, and H2S production while inhibiting NFAT activation lowers CSE expression. The observations that IH exposure decreases NFATc3 activation and CSE-dependent vasodilation support a role for NFAT in regulating endothelial H2S production.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study identifies the calcium-regulated transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells as a novel regulator of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). This pathway is basally active in mesenteric artery endothelial cells, but, after exposure to intermittent hypoxia to mimic sleep apnea, nuclear factor of activated T cells c3 nuclear translocation and CSE expression are decreased, concomitant with decreased CSE-dependent vasodilation.
Vagal innervation is required for pulmonary function phenotype in Htr4−/− mice
Authors: House John S. , Nichols Cody E. , Li Huiling , Brandenberger Christina , Virgincar Rohan S. , DeGraff Laura M. , Driehuys Bastiaan , Zeldin Darryl C. , London Stephanie J.
Published: January 2017

Human genome-wide association studies have identified over 50 loci associated with pulmonary function and related phenotypes, yet follow-up studies to determine causal genes or variants are rare. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in serotonin receptor 4 ( HTR4) are associated with human pulmonary function in genome-wide association studies and follow-up animal work has demonstrated that Htr4 is causally associated with pulmonary function in mice, although the precise mechanisms were not identified. We sought to elucidate the role of neural innervation and pulmonary architecture in the lung phenotype of Htr4−/− animals. We report here that the Htr4−/− phenotype in mouse is dependent on vagal innervation to the lung. Both ex vivo tracheal ring reactivity and in vivo flexiVent pulmonary functional analyses demonstrate that vagotomy abrogates the Htr4−/− airway hyperresponsiveness phenotype. Hyperpolarized 3He gas magnetic resonance imaging and stereological assessment of wild-type and Htr4−/− mice reveal no observable differences in lung volume, inflation characteristics, or pulmonary microarchitecture. Finally, control of breathing experiments reveal substantive differences in baseline breathing characteristics between mice with/without functional HTR4 in breathing frequency, relaxation time, flow rate, minute volume, time of inspiration and expiration and breathing pauses. These results suggest that HTR4’s role in pulmonary function likely relates to neural innervation and control of breathing.
Assessment of cardiac fibrosis: a morphometric method comparison for collagen quantification
Authors: Schipke Julia , Brandenberger Christina , Rajces Alexandra , Manninger Martin , Alogna Alessio , Post Heiner , Mühlfeld Christian
Published: January 2017

Fibrotic remodeling of the heart is a frequent condition linked to various diseases and cardiac dysfunction. Collagen quantification is an important objective in cardiac fibrosis research; however, a variety of different histological methods are currently used that may differ in accuracy. Here, frequently applied collagen quantification techniques were compared. A porcine model of early stage heart failure with preserved ejection fraction was used as an example. Semiautomated threshold analyses were imprecise, mainly due to inclusion of noncollagen structures or failure to detect certain collagen deposits. In contrast, collagen assessment by automated image analysis and light microscopy (LM)-stereology was more sensitive. Depending on the quantification method, the amount of estimated collagen varied and influenced intergroup comparisons. PicroSirius Red, Masson’s trichrome, and Azan staining protocols yielded similar results, whereas the measured collagen area increased with increasing section thickness. Whereas none of the LM-based methods showed significant differences between the groups, electron microscopy (EM)-stereology revealed a significant collagen increase between cardiomyocytes in the experimental group, but not at other localizations. In conclusion, in contrast to the staining protocol, section thickness and the quantification method being used directly influence the estimated collagen content and thus, possibly, intergroup comparisons. EM in combination with stereology is a precise and sensitive method for collagen quantification if certain prerequisites are considered. For subtle fibrotic alterations, consideration of collagen localization may be necessary. Among LM methods, LM-stereology and automated image analysis are appropriate to quantify fibrotic changes, the latter depending on careful control of algorithm and comparable section staining.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Direct comparison of frequently applied histological fibrosis assessment techniques revealed a distinct relation of measured collagen and utilized quantification method as well as section thickness. Besides electron microscopy-stereology, which was precise and sensitive, light microscopy-stereology and automated image analysis proved to be appropriate for collagen quantification. Moreover, consideration of collagen localization might be important in revealing minor fibrotic changes.
Modeling diseases in multiple mouse strains for precision medicine studies
Authors: Klein Andrés D.
Published: January 2017

The genetic basis of the phenotypic variability observed in patients can be studied in mice by generating disease models through genetic or chemical interventions in many genetic backgrounds where the clinical phenotypes can be assessed and used for genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This is particularly relevant for rare disorders, where patients sharing identical mutations can present with a wide variety of symptoms, but there are not enough number of patients to ensure statistical power of GWAS. Inbred strains are homozygous for each loci, and their single nucleotide polymorphisms catalogs are known and freely available, facilitating the bioinformatics and reducing the costs of the study, since it is not required to genotype every mouse. This kind of approach can be applied to pharmacogenomics studies as well.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Transplantation of Neural Stem Cells into the Porcine Spinal Cord
Authors: Lamanna Jason J. , Urquia Lindsey N. , Hurtig Carl V. , Gutierrez Juanmarco , Anderson Cody , Piferi Pete , Federici Thais , Oshinski John N. , Boulis Nicholas M.
Published: January 2017

Background: Cell-based therapies are a promising treatment option for traumatic, tumorigenic and degenerative diseases of the spinal cord. Transplantation into the spinal cord is achieved with intravascular, intrathecal, or direct intraparenchymal injection. The current standard for direct injection is limited by surgical invasiveness, difficulty in reinjection, and the inability to directly target anatomical or pathological landmarks. The objective of this study was to present the proof of principle for minimally invasive, percutaneous transplantation of stem cells into the spinal cord parenchyma of live minipigs under MR guidance. Methods: An MR-compatible spine injection platform was developed to work with the ClearPoint SmartFrame system (MRI Interventions Inc.). The system was attached to the spine of 2 live minipigs, a percutaneous injection cannula was advanced into the spinal cord under MR guidance, and cells were delivered to the cord. Results: A graft of 2.5 × 106 human (n = 1) or porcine (n = 1) neural stem cells labeled with ferumoxytol nanoparticles was transplanted into the ventral horn of the spinal cord with MR guidance in 2 animals. Graft delivery was visualized with postprocedure MRI, and characteristic iron precipitates were identified in the spinal cord by Prussian blue histochemistry. Grafted stem cells were observed in the spinal cord of the pig injected with porcine neural stem cells. No postoperative morbidity was observed in either animal. Conclusion: This report supports the proof of principle for transplantation and visualization of pharmacological or biological agents into the spinal cord of a large animal under the guidance of MRI.
Black Cohosh Hepatotoxicity with Autoimmune Hepatitis Presentation
Authors: Franco Diana L. , Kale Santosh , Lam-Himlin Dora M. , Harrison M. Edwyn
Published: January 2017

Herbal medicines have been used for the treatment of various ailments since time immemorial. Black cohosh (BC) is well known for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms, with conflicting evidence supporting its safety and benefits. We present a rare case of BC-induced autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with hepatotoxicity in a 69-year-old female. To our knowledge, this represents the third case of BC-induced AIH.
Robot-Assisted Choledochoduodenostomy: A Safe and Reproducible Procedure for Benign Common Bile Duct Obstruction
Authors: Gilbert Axel , Doussot Alexandre , Ortega-Deballon Pablo , Rostain Florian , Rat Patrick , Facy Olivier
Published: January 2017

Background: Choledochoduodenostomy (CD) is an option for treating choledocholithiasis and benign biliary obstruction after failure of endoscopic treatment. Nevertheless, this procedure is rarely performed using a mini-invasive approach because of its technical complexity. Robotic assistance could be a safer approach to overcome such technical issues. Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent a robot-assisted CD for benign biliary obstruction were included. Results: Between 2012 and 2016, 12 patients were operated on, 7 of whom had a body mass index over 25 (58%) and 7 were ASA class 3 (58%). The median age was 73 years (range 49-93). Median operative time was 140 min (range 105-208) and median blood loss was 90 mL (range 5-500). One patient presented with cholangitis 1 month after surgery (treated medically, Clavien-Dindo grade 2). Median length of stay was 7 days (range 3-8). None of the patients experienced severe morbidity after a median follow-up of 15 months. Conclusion: Robot-assisted CD is safe and feasible in benign biliary obstruction.
Prenatal Cocaine Exposure Alters BDNF-TrkB Signaling in the Embryonic and Adult Brain
Authors: McCarthy Deirdre M. , Mueller Kaly A. , Cannon Elisa N. , Huizenga Megan N. , Darnell Shayna B. , Bhide Pradeep G. , Sadri-Vakili Ghazaleh
Published: January 2017

Prenatal cocaine exposure remains a major public health concern because of its adverse effects on cognitive function. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying the cognitive impairment are not fully understood, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling via its receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) is emerging as a potential candidate. We used a mouse model to examine the impact of ongoing cocaine exposure on BDNF expression in the dorsal forebrain on embryonic day 15 (E15) as well as the long-term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on BDNF-TrkB signaling in the frontal cortex in early postnatal (postnatal day 16; P16) and adult (P60) male and female mice. We found that ongoing cocaine exposure decreased BDNF expression in the E15 dorsal forebrain, prenatal cocaine exposure did not alter BDNF or TrkB (total or phosphorylated) expression in the frontal cortex at P16, and that the prenatal cocaine exposure produced significant increases in BDNF, the activated (phosphorylated) form of TrkB, as well as Bdnf mRNA in the frontal cortex at P60. The increase in BDNF protein and mRNA expression at P60 was concurrent with hyperacetylation of histone H3 at the Bdnf promoter in the frontal cortex. The increase in frontal cortical BDNF and activated TrkB at P60 occurred in male but not female mice. Thus, our data demonstrate that ongoing cocaine exposure produces a decrease in BDNF expression in the embryonic brain, and that prenatal cocaine exposure produces a sex-specific increase in frontal cortical BDNF-TrkB signaling at P60 only in male mice. Lastly, hyperacetylation of histone H3 at the Bdnf promoter is one epigenetic mechanism mediating the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on Bdnf expression at P60 in male mice.
Genotype Distribution and Prevalence of Human Pegivirus among High-Risk Populations in Tunisia
Authors: Ben Dhifallah Imen , Ayouni Kaouther , Chouiha Anissa , Sadraoui Amel , Hogga Nahed , Hammami Walid , Ben Yahya Ahlem , Triki Henda
Published: January 2017

Objective: A recently discovered non-A-E hepatitis virus has been designated as human Pegivirus (HPgV). HPgV is prevalent in high-risk groups such as patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and it is of interest for patients who are at risk for transmitted infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPgV as well as the genotype distribution among patients in the Tunisian population who are infected with HCV and also in multitransfused patients. Methods: A total of 144 patients were screened using RTPCR/nested PCR of the 5′-untranslated region (UTR); 14 cases were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. Results: Seven (14.9%) subjects from the multitransfused group and 7 (7.2%) patients infected with HCV, respectively, were found positive for HPgV RNA. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 14 cases revealed that genotype 2a was the main genotype circulating in Tunisian patients. Genotype 2b was found in the amplified samples of 2 HCV-infected patients. Conclusion: This study enriches the limited data on HPgV prevalence in Tunisia, and shows, for the first time, the molecular epidemiology of the circulating strains in this country.
Atmosphere: On the Phenomenology of “Atmospheric” Alterations in Schizophrenia - Overall Sense of Reality, Familiarity, Vitality, Meaning, or Relevance (Ancillary Article to EAWE Domain 5)
Authors: Sass Louis , Ratcliffe Matthew
Published: January 2017

“Atmospheric” alterations are key aspects of altered subjectivity in mental disorder. Karl Jaspers famously described the “delusional mood”: a sense of uncanny salience and ominousness that often precedes the onset of schizophrenic psychosis or of delusions. Such experiences, he writes, involve “a transformation in our total awareness of reality” that often verges on ineffability. In psychiatry, these experiential alterations are often referred to in terms of “derealization.” Though derealization most obviously refers to a decline in the sense of objective presence or felt actuality, it can also refer to other unusual experiences in which things seem unlike normal or standard reality, including altered familiarity, vitality, meaning, or relevance. This paper first describes two complementary ways of approaching these phenomena: the notion of an “ontological” dimension (Sass) and that of “existential feeling” (Ratcliffe). It then offers a wider-ranging synopsis of work in phenomenological psychopathology that has sought to address atmospheric alterations believed to be especially characteristic of schizophrenia spectrum conditions, focusing on the themes of a diminished sense of reality, altered sense of meaning, disrupted feeling of familiarity, and diminished vitality and relevance.
Obesity and Density of the Crystalline Lens: Revisiting a Growing Dilemma
Authors: Mohammadi Seyed-Farzad , Afarideh Mohsen , Mehrjardi Hadi Z. , Mirhadi Sara
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: Obesity is believed to accelerate age-related cataractogenesis through various biomechanisms. On the contrary, there are also studies advocating the protective role of obesity against the cataract formation process. We investigate the correlation of body mass index (BMI) as a measure for obesity with crystalline optical lens density and opacity in a healthy adult population. Methods: In a cross-sectional setting, 93 consecutive disease-free adult individuals who were working staff of a university-based hospital were assessed for the association between crystalline lens density and opalescence [measured by the objective Pentacam HR lens densitometry and subjective Lens Opacity Classification System III (LOCS III), respectively] with the degree of obesity as defined by BMI. Results: LOCS III and crystalline lens density readings were positively correlated [Spearman rho CC (p value) = 0.224 (0.034)]. However, we found neither LOCS III nor crystalline lens density to be correlated with BMI [Spearman rho CC = −0.008 (p = 0.943) and −0.062 (p = 0.560), respectively]. Conclusions: Results from the present study indicate a lack of association between obesity and densitometry of the crystalline in the adult population group. Further studies are required to confirm the order of causality and pathogenesis of this finding.
Simultaneously Diagnosed and Successfully Treated Rectovaginal and Vesicovaginal Fistulae after Low Anterior Resection with Concomitant Resection of Female Genitalia
Authors: Takagi Chisato , Baba Hideo , Yamafuji Kazuo , Asami Atsunori , Takeshima Kaoru , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Takahashi Hidena , Kubochi Kiyoshi
Published: January 2017

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) and vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) are infrequent but distressing complications after pelvic surgery. However, their adequate treatment is not well described. Here, we simultaneously encountered and successfully treated RVF and VVF after radical surgery for rectal cancer. A 70-year-old woman underwent low anterior resection (LAR) combined with resection of the uterus, the bilateral adnexa, and the upper side of the vagina, as well as diverted ileostomy for rectal cancer. A month after the surgery, she developed urinary incontinence and underwent medical treatment, but her symptoms did not improve. Evaluation with contrast enema before stoma closure revealed the presence of RVF and VVF. We repaired the VVF and RVF via transabdominal and transperineal approaches. After 6 months, ileostomy was closed and the patient had no recurrence of cancer and fistula. In LAR with hysterectomy and resection of the vaginal wall, there is a risk of RVF and VVF. The excision and closure of the fistula tract and omental flap can be effective to treat both fistulae.
Does Braun Anastomosis Have an Impact on the Incidence of Delayed Gastric Emptying and the Extent of Intragastric Bile Reflux Following Pancreatoduodenectomy? - A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Fujieda Hironori , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Hirata Akihiro , Usui Hiroaki , Sakatoku Yayoi , Fukaya Masahide , Nagino Masato
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: This study investigated the impact of Braun anastomosis on the incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and on the intragastric bile reflux after pancreatoduodenectomy with Child reconstruction. Methods: Sixty-eight patients who underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy were included. Patients were randomly assigned to a group with or without Braun anastomosis intraoperatively. Twenty-four-hour intragastric bilirubin monitoring was performed to investigate the extent of intragastric bile reflux after surgery. The incidence of DGE and other complications was also monitored. Results: There were no differences between the non-Braun and Braun groups in terms of patient characteristics. The incidence rate of DGE was 29.4% (n = 10/34) in the non-Braun group and 20.6% (n = 7/34) in the Braun group (p = 0.401). Forty-six of the 68 patients consented to intragastric bilirubin monitoring. The fraction time of intragastric bilirubin reflux was comparable between the 2 groups. Although the fraction time of intragastric bilirubin reflux had no impact on the incidence of DGE, the incidence of pancreatic fistula was significantly higher in patients with DGE than those without DGE (47.1 vs. 21.6%, p = 0.043). Conclusion: The addition of Braun anastomosis after pancreatoduodenectomy did not effectively reduce the intragastric bile reflux and had minor impact in reducing the incidence of DGE.
Intermittent Chronic Telogen Effluvium
Authors: Rebora Alfredo
Published: January 2017

Chronic telogen effluvium is most often intermittent, alternating periods of spontaneous remissions with episodes of unexplained relapses. This article reports the case of a male who was able to graphically depict the sequence of emotional events and the corresponding severity of his telogen effluvium during 31 months. The case is interesting as it documents for the first time the intermittency of chronic telogen effluvium and the pathogenetic role of emotional strains, and it stresses the importance of the modified wash test in evaluating the severity of hair shedding.