bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalase-dependent H2O2consumption by cardiac mitochondria and redox-mediated loss in insulin signaling
Authors: Rindler Paul M. , Cacciola Angela , Kinter Michael , Szweda Luke I.
Published: September 2016

We have recently demonstrated that catalase content in mouse cardiac mitochondria is selectively elevated in response to high dietary fat, a nutritional state associated with oxidative stress and loss in insulin signaling. Catalase and various isoforms of glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxin each catalyze the consumption of H2O2. Catalase, located primarily within peroxisomes and to a lesser extent mitochondria, has a low binding affinity for H2O2relative to glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxin. As such, the contribution of catalase to mitochondrial H2O2consumption is not well understood. In the current study, using highly purified cardiac mitochondria challenged with micromolar concentrations of H2O2, we found that catalase contributes significantly to mitochondrial H2O2consumption. In addition, catalase is solely responsible for removal of H2O2in nonrespiring or structurally disrupted mitochondria. Finally, in mice fed a high-fat diet, mitochondrial-derived H2O2is responsible for diminished insulin signaling in the heart as evidenced by reduced insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation. While elevated mitochondrial catalase content (∼50%) enhanced the capacity of mitochondria to consume H2O2in response to high dietary fat, the selective increase in catalase did not prevent H2O2-induced loss in cardiac insulin signaling. Taken together, our results indicate that mitochondrial catalase likely functions to preclude the formation of high levels of H2O2without perturbing redox-dependent signaling.
Hyperaldosteronism induces left atrial systolic and diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Reil Jan-Christian , Tauchnitz Marcus , Tian Qinghai , Hohl Mathias , Linz Dominik , Oberhofer Martin , Kaestner Lars , Reil Gert-Hinrich , Thiele Holger , Steendijk Paul , Böhm Michael , Neuberger Hans-Ruprecht , Lipp Peter
Published: September 2016

Patients with hypertension and hyperaldosteronism show an increased risk of stroke compared with patients with essential hypertension. Aim of the study was to assess the effects of aldosterone on left atrial function in rats as a potential contributor to thromboembolism. Osmotic mini-pumps delivering 1.5 μg aldosterone/h were implanted in rats subcutaneously (Aldo, n = 39; controls, n = 38). After 8 wk, left ventricular pressure-volume analysis of isolated working hearts was performed, and left atrial systolic and diastolic function was also assessed by atrial pressure-diameter loops. Moreover, left atrial myocytes were isolated to investigate their global and local Ca2+ handling and contractility. At similar heart rates, pressure-volume analysis of isolated hearts and in vivo hemodynamic measurements revealed neither systolic nor diastolic left ventricular dysfunction in Aldo. In particular, atrial filling pressures and atrial size were not increased in Aldo. Aldo rats showed a significant reduction of atrial late diastolic A wave, atrial active work index, and increased V waves. Consistently, in Aldo rats, sarcomere shortening and the amplitude of electrically evoked global Ca2+ transients were substantially reduced. Sarcoplasmic reticulum-Ca2+ content and fractional Ca2+ release were decreased, substantiated by a reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase activity, resulting from a reduced CAMKII-evoked phosphorylation of phospholamban. Hyperaldosteronism induced atrial systolic and diastolic dysfunction, while atrial size and left ventricular hemodynamics, including filling pressures, were unaffected in rats. The described model suggests a direct causal link between hyperaldosteronism and decreased atrial contractility and diastolic compliance.
Traumatic brain injury-induced autoregulatory dysfunction and spreading depression-related neurovascular uncoupling: Pathomechanisms, perspectives, and therapeutic implications
Authors: Toth Peter , Szarka Nikolett , Farkas Eszter , Ezer Erzsebet , Czeiter Endre , Amrein Krisztina , Ungvari Zoltan , Hartings Jed A. , Buki Andras , Koller Akos
Published: September 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health problem worldwide. In addition to its high mortality (35–40%), survivors are left with cognitive, behavioral, and communicative disabilities. While little can be done to reverse initial primary brain damage caused by trauma, the secondary injury of cerebral tissue due to cerebromicrovascular alterations and dysregulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) is potentially preventable. This review focuses on functional, cellular, and molecular changes of autoregulatory function of CBF (with special focus on cerebrovascular myogenic response) that occur in cerebral circulation after TBI and explores the links between autoregulatory dysfunction, impaired myogenic response, microvascular impairment, and the development of secondary brain damage. We further provide a synthesized translational view of molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in cortical spreading depolarization-related neurovascular dysfunction, which could be targeted for the prevention or amelioration of TBI-induced secondary brain damage.
Solitary Spinal Epidural Metastasis from Gastric Cancer
Authors: Sako Taisei , Iida Yasuaki , Yokoyama Yuichirou , Tsuge Shintaro , Hasegawa Keiji , Wada Akihito , Mikami Tetsuo , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: September 2016

Solitary epidural space metastasis of a malignant tumor is rare. We encountered a 79-year-old male patient with solitary metastatic epidural tumor who developed paraplegia and dysuria. The patient had undergone total gastrectomy for gastric cancer followed by chemotherapy 8 months priorly. The whole body was examined for suspected metastatic spinal tumor, but no metastases of the spine or important organs were observed, and a solitary mass was present in the thoracic spinal epidural space. The mass was excised for diagnosis and treatment and was histopathologically diagnosed as metastasis from gastric cancer. No solitary metastatic epidural tumor from gastric cancer has been reported in English. Among the Japanese, 3 cases have been reported, in which the outcome was poor in all cases and no definite diagnosis could be made before surgery in any case. Our patient developed concomitant pneumonia after surgery and died shortly after the surgery. When a patient has a past medical history of malignant tumor, the possibility of a solitary metastatic tumor in the epidural space should be considered.
P-Selectin Targeted Dexamethasone-Loaded Lipid Nanoemulsions: A Novel Therapy to Reduce Vascular Inflammation
Authors: Simion Viorel , Constantinescu Cristina Ana , Stan Daniela , Deleanu Mariana , Tucureanu Monica Madalina , Butoi Elena , Manduteanu Ileana , Simionescu Maya , Calin Manuela
Published: September 2016

Inflammation is a common process associated with numerous vascular pathologies. We hypothesized that targeting the inflamed endothelium by coupling a peptide with high affinity for P-selectin to the surface of dexamethasone-loaded lipid nanoemulsions will highly increase their specific binding to activated endothelial cells (EC) and reduce the cell activation. We developed and characterized dexamethasone-loaded lipid nanoemulsions directed towards P-selectin (PLN-Dex) and monitored their anti-inflammatory effectsin vitrousing cultured EC (EA.hy926 cells) andin vivousing a mouse model of acute inflammation [lipopolysaccharides (LPS) intravenously administered in C57BL/6 mice]. We found that PLN-Dex bound specifically to the surface of activated EC are efficiently internalized by EC and reduced the expression of proinflammatory genes, thus preventing the monocyte adhesion and transmigration to/through activated EC. Given intravenously in mice with acute inflammation, PLN-Dex accumulated at a significant high level in the lungs (compared to nontargeted nanoemulsions) and significantly reduced mRNA expression level of key proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1. In conclusion, the newly developed nanoformulation, PLN-Dex, is functionalin vitroandin vivo, reducing selectively the endothelium activation and the consequent monocyte infiltration and diminishing significantly the lungs’ inflammation, in a mouse model of acute inflammation.
Computational Hemodynamic Analysis for the Diagnosis of Atherosclerotic Changes in Intracranial Aneurysms: A Proof-of-Concept Study Using 3 Cases Harboring Atherosclerotic and Nonatherosclerotic Aneurysms Simultaneously
Authors: Sugiyama Shin-ichiro , Endo Hidenori , Niizuma Kuniyasu , Endo Toshiki , Funamoto Kenichi , Ohta Makoto , Tominaga Teiji
Published: September 2016

This was a proof-of-concept computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study designed to identify atherosclerotic changes in intracranial aneurysms. We selected 3 patients with multiple unruptured aneurysms including at least one with atherosclerotic changes and investigated whether an image-based CFD study could provide useful information for discriminating the atherosclerotic aneurysms. Patient-specific geometries were constructed from three-dimensional data obtained using rotational angiography. Transient simulations were conducted under patient-specific inlet flow rates measured by phase-contrast magnetic resonance velocimetry. In the postanalyses, we calculated time-averaged wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index, and relative residence time (RRT). The volume of blood flow entering aneurysms through the neck and the mean velocity of blood flow inside aneurysms were examined. We applied the age-of-fluid method to quantitatively assess the residence of blood inside aneurysms. Atherosclerotic changes coincided with regions exposed to disturbed blood flow, as indicated by low WSS and long RRT. Blood entered aneurysms in phase with inlet flow rates. The mean velocities of blood inside atherosclerotic aneurysms were lower than those inside nonatherosclerotic aneurysms. Blood in atherosclerotic aneurysms was older than that in nonatherosclerotic aneurysms, especially near the wall. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that CFD analysis provided detailed information on the exchange and residence of blood that is useful for the diagnosis of atherosclerotic changes in intracranial aneurysms.
A Case of West Nile Encephalitis That Develops into a Disease of Deep White Matter on MRI over a Two-Week Span
Authors: Puchalski Adam , Liu Antonio
Published: September 2016

We present a case of serologically proved West Nile encephalitis. This patient had a normal MRI on admission. Given that the patient’s clinical picture had worsened during her admission, a repeat MRI was performed, which demonstrated diffuse disease in the deep white matter of the brain. This is a case of West Nice encephalitis presenting as a disease of deep white matter that developed over a two-week span.
Conservative Treatment of Carpometacarpal Dislocation of the Three Last Fingers
Authors: Jumeau Hélène , Lechien Philippe , Dupriez Florence
Published: September 2016

Posterior carpometacarpal (CMC) dislocation is a rare condition. Treatment is usually surgical though no strict consensus can be found upon literature review. If diagnosed early and no associated fractures are found, CMC dislocation could benefit from conservative treatment comprising closed reduction and splint immobilisation. We report the case of a 26-year-old man diagnosed with a posterior dislocation of the third, fourth, and fifth CMC joints after a fall of 1.5 meters, treated by external reduction under procedural sedation and immobilisation with a cast for 6 weeks. Evolution was excellent with no relapse observed during follow-up. Our aim is to increase physician awareness of CMC dislocation so that they seek this injury in the emergency department. Unrecognised CMC dislocation can lead to neurovascular injuries as well as chronic instability and early articular degeneration.
Shelf-Life Prediction of Extra Virgin Olive Oils Using an Empirical Model Based on Standard Quality Tests
Authors: Guillaume Claudia , Ravetti Leandro
Published: September 2016

Extra virgin olive oil shelf-life could be defined as the length of time under normal storage conditions within which no off-flavours or defects are developed and quality parameters such as peroxide value and specific absorbance are retained within accepted limits for this commercial category. Prediction of shelf-life is a desirable goal in the food industry. Even when extra virgin olive oil shelf-life should be one of the most important quality markers for extra virgin olive oil, it is not recognised as a legal parameter in most regulations and standards around the world. The proposed empirical formula to be evaluated in the present study is based on common quality tests with known and predictable result changes over time and influenced by different aspects of extra virgin olive oil with a meaningful influence over its shelf-life. The basic quality tests considered in the formula are Rancimat® or induction time (IND); 1,2-diacylglycerols (DAGs); pyropheophytin a (PPP); and free fatty acids (FFA). This paper reports research into the actual shelf-life of commercially packaged extra virgin olive oils versus the predicted shelf-life of those oils determined by analysing the expected deterioration curves for the three basic quality tests detailed above. Based on the proposed model, shelf-life is predicted by choosing the lowest predicted shelf-life of any of those three tests.
Intraluminal Bowel Erosion: A Rare Complication of Retained Gallstones after Cholecystectomy
Authors: Blair Alex B. , McQuay Nathaniel
Published: September 2016

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and cholelithiasis is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. Inadvertent perforation and spillage of gallbladder contents are not uncommon. The potential impact of subsequent retained gallstones is understated. We present the case of an intraperitoneal gallstone retained from a previous cholecystectomy eroding into the bowel and leading to intraluminal mechanical bowel obstruction requiring operative intervention. This case illustrates the potential risks of retained gallstones and reinforces the need to diligently collect any dropped stones at the time of initial operation.
Fundamental Characteristics of AAA+ Protein Family Structure and Function
Authors: Miller Justin M. , Enemark Eric J.
Published: September 2016

Many complex cellular events depend on multiprotein complexes known as molecular machines to efficiently couple the energy derived from adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis to the generation of mechanical force. Members of the AAA+ ATPase superfamily (ATPases Associated with various cellular Activities) are critical components of many molecular machines. AAA+ proteins are defined by conserved modules that precisely position the active site elements of two adjacent subunits to catalyze ATP hydrolysis. In many cases, AAA+ proteins form a ring structure that translocates a polymeric substrate through the central channel using specialized loops that project into the central channel. We discuss the major features of AAA+ protein structure and function with an emphasis on pivotal aspects elucidated with archaeal proteins.
The Yin and Yang of the Opioid Growth Regulatory System: Focus on Diabetes—The Lorenz E. Zimmerman Tribute Lecture
Authors: Sassani Joseph W. , Mc Laughlin Patricia J. , Zagon Ian S.
Published: September 2016

The Opioid Growth Regulatory System consists of opioid growth factor (OGF), [Met5]-enkephalin, and its unique receptor (OGFr). OGF inhibits cell division when bound to OGFr. Conversely, blockade of the interaction of OGF and OGFr, using the potent, long-acting opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone (NTX), results in increased DNA synthesis and cell division. The authors have demonstrated bothin vitroandin vivothat the addition of exogenous OGF or an increase in available OGFr decreases corneal epithelial cell division and wound healing. Conversely, blockade of the OGF-OGFr interaction by NTX or a decrease in the production of the OGFr increases corneal epithelial cell division and facilitates corneal epithelial wound healing. The authors also have demonstrated that depressed corneal and cutaneous wound healing, dry eye, and abnormal corneal sensitivity in type 1 and type 2 diabetes in animals can be reversed by OGF-OGFr blockade by NTX. Thus, the function of the Opioid Growth Regulatory System appears to be disordered in diabetic animals, and its function can be restored with NTX treatment. These studies suggest a fundamental role for the Opioid Growth Regulatory System in the pathobiology of diabetic complications and a need for studies to elucidate this role further.
Current Immunotherapies for Sarcoma: Clinical Trials and Rationale
Authors: Mitsis Demytra , Francescutti Valerie , Skitzki Joseph
Published: September 2016

Sarcoma tumors are rare and heterogeneous, yet they possess many characteristics that may facilitate immunotherapeutic responses. Both active strategies including vaccines and passive strategies involving cellular adoptive immunotherapy have been applied clinically. Results of these clinical trials indicate a distinct benefit for select patients. The recent breakthrough of immunologic checkpoint inhibition is being rapidly introduced to a variety of tumor types including sarcoma. It is anticipated that these emerging immunotherapies will exhibit clinical efficacy for a variety of sarcomas. The increasing ability to tailor immunologic therapies to sarcoma patients will undoubtedly generate further enthusiasm and clinical research for this treatment modality.
Molecular Evolution Patterns in Metastatic Lymph Nodes Reflect the Differential Treatment Response of Advanced Primary Lung Cancer
Authors: Um Sang-Won , Joung Je-Gun , Lee Hyun , Kim Hojoong , Kim Kyu-Tae , Park Jinha , Hayes D. Neil , Park Woong-Yang
Published: September 2016

Tumor heterogeneity influences the clinical outcome of patients with cancer, and the diagnostic method to measure the tumor heterogeneity needs to be developed. We analyzed genomic features on pairs of primary and multiple metastatic lymph nodes from six patients with lung cancer using whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing. Although somatic single-nucleotide variants were shared in primary lung cancer and metastases, tumor evolution predicted by the pattern of genomic alterations was matched to anatomic location of the tumors. Four of six cases exhibited a branched clonal evolution pattern. Lymph nodes with acquired somatic variants demonstrated resistance to the cancer treatment. In this study, we demonstrated that multiple biopsies and sequencing strategies for different tumor regions are required for a comprehensive understanding of the landscape of genetic alteration and for guiding targeted therapy in advanced primary lung cancer. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6568–76. ©2016 AACR.
Predicting Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Impact of Age
Authors: Corlateanu Alexandru , Botnaru Victor , Covantev Serghei , Dumitru Silvia , Siafakas Nikolaos
Published: September 2016

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity in the elderly population. COPD leads to a reduced health-related quality of life (HRQL), but the factors which contribute to this are not well understood. A better understanding of the factors which determine HRQL should lead to an improved care for such patients. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate possible age-related differences in HRQL in a population of patients with a similar severity of obstruction. Methods: A total of 180 consecutive COPD patients were enrolled into the study. We analyzed spirometric data, BODE index and its components, and comorbidities were assessed by the Charlson index. HRQL was assessed by the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Results: The cohort consisted of 93 ‘younger' patients (mean age 54.8 ± 3.1 years) and 87 older patients (mean age 73.1 ± 5.5 years). Patients in both groups had a similar severity of obstruction: FEV1 (% from predicted) was 39.9 ± 13.2% in the elderly group compared to 41.7 ± 11.7% in the younger group (p > 0.05). The forward stepwise regression analysis shows that the BODE index, the Charlson index, and the rate of exacerbations are important predictors of deterioration of HRQL in elderly COPD patients, which explains 29% of the total SGRQ score. In the younger COPD patients, the coefficient of determination R2 was 0.27, but the predictors were the BODE index and the rate of exacerbations. Conclusions: The BODE index, the Charlson index, and the rate of exacerbations were found to be the major determinants of HRQL in elderly COPD patients, while in younger COPD patients, the BODE index and the rate of exacerbations were influential factors.
Mouse Proepicardium Exhibits a Sprouting Response to Exogenous Proangiogenic Growth Factors in vitro
Authors: Niderla-Bielińska Justyna , Ciszek Bogdan , Jankowska-Steifer Ewa , Flaht-Zabost Aleksandra , Gula Grzegorz , Radomska-Leśniewska Dorota M. , Ratajska Anna
Published: September 2016

Angiogenesis contributes to the generation of the vascular bed but also affects the progression of many diseases, such as tumor growth. Many details of the molecular pathways controlling angiogenesis are still undefined due to the lack of appropriate models. We propose the proepicardial explant as a suitable model for studying certain aspects of angiogenesis. The proepicardium (PE) is a transient embryonic structure that contains a population of undifferentiated endothelial cells (ECs) forming a vascular net continuous with the sinus venosus. In this paper, we show that PE explants give rise to CD31-positive vascular sprouts in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and 2 isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), i.e. VEGF-A120 and VEGF-A164. Vascular sprouts exhibit differences in number, length, thickness and the number of branches, depending on the combination of growth factors used. Moreover, the ECs of the sprouts express various levels of mRNA for Notch1 and its ligand Dll4. Additionally, stimulation with bFGF/VEGF-A164 upregulates the expression of Lyve-1 antigen in the ECs in the sprouts. In summary, we present a new model for angiogenesis studies involving mouse PE as a source of ECs. We believe that our model may act as a supplementary assay for angiogenesis studies along with the existing models.
A Pseudo-Outbreak of Pseudomonas putida and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in a Bronchoscopy Unit
Authors: Botana-Rial Maribel , Leiro-Fernández Virginia , Núñez-Delgado Manuel , Álvarez-Fernández Maximiliano , Otero-Fernández Susana , Bello-Rodríguez Helena , Vilariño-Pombo Carlos , Fernández-Villar Alberto
Published: September 2016

Background: Endoscopes represent the medical devices most commonly linked to health care-associated outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks. Most of the recent outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks have resulted from contaminated automated endoscope reprocessors (AER) or the use of damaged or malfunctioning bronchoscopes or contaminated equipment. Objectives: We investigated a pseudo-outbreak of Pseudomonas putida and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia recovered from bronchial washing (BW) specimens obtained during bronchoscopy in a bronchoscopy unit. Methods: Samples were obtained from environmental surfaces in the endoscopy suite, bronchoscopes, and bronchoscopic dispensable material, and specimens of cleaning solutions, cleaning brushes, the AER, and the ultrasound system were sent for bacterial culture. Medical records were reviewed to identify possible infections after a bronchoscopy. Results:P. putida and S. maltophilia were isolated from BW samples of 39 patients. The bronchoscopy models Olympus BF-1T160 and BF-160 were contaminated. Both bronchoscopes and other contaminated material (cleaning brushes, diluted cleaning solutions, and the sink) were isolated, but new cases continued to appear. The AER was recently installed, and new connections were used for the water lines and new tubes were connected to the AER. Initially, specimens were obtained from the external circuits and the internal walls of the AER. Finally, cultures were made from the filters on the water lines, and growth of P. putida and S. maltophilia was found. The investigation revealed that the BW specimens were contaminated because sterile saline was injected by means of the biopsy port of the bronchoscope and was recovered through the same channel by means of the proximal suction port. No patients developed clinical signs or symptoms of infection, but the positive cultures did lead to treatment of 21 patients. Conclusions: We described a pseudo-outbreak related to a contaminated bronchoscope because of inadequate installation of the AER for used new water lines and because the new tubes were connected to the AER. The antibacterial filters of the AER used tap water, and this may have contained low levels of microorganisms. No serious clinical complications derived from this pseudo-outbreak.
Regional Lung Sound Asynchrony in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Authors: Mineshita Masamichi , Kida Hirotaka , Handa Hiroshi , Nishine Hiroki , Furuya Naoki , Inoue Takeo , Matsuoka Shin , Miyazawa Teruomi
Published: September 2016

Background: Regional lung sound distribution in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is reported to be asynchronous. Mathematical analyses using vibration response imaging (VRI), such as left and right lung asynchrony (gap index; GI) and regional lung asynchrony (asynchrony score; AS), are useful measures to evaluate lung sound asynchrony. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of lung sound asynchrony with pulmonary functions and emphysematous lesions in COPD patients. Methods: VRI recordings and pulmonary function tests were performed in 46 stable male COPD patients and in 40 healthy male smokers. Lung sound asynchrony was evaluated using GI, AS of the left and right lung (AS L-R), and AS of the upper and lower lung (AS U-L). In 38 patients, computed tomography taken within 6 months was available and analyzed. Results: AS L-R and AS U-L were significantly higher in COPD patients than in healthy smokers, with no significant difference in GI. There were no significant correlations with either AS and pulmonary functions, excluding a negative correlation between AS U-L and diffusion capacity. Although there were no significant correlations between both AS and severity of emphysema, significant positive correlations were observed between heterogeneity of emphysematous lesions and AS L-R (ρ = 0.38, p < 0.05) or AS U-L (ρ = 0.51, p < 0.005). Conclusions: Regional lung sounds are distributed more asynchronously in COPD patients than in healthy smokers, which correlates with the heterogeneous distribution of emphysematous lesions.
The Delta-Opioid Receptor Agonist D-Ala2-D-Leu2-Enkephalin Enhances Hypoxic Depression of Excitatory Synaptic Transmission and Improves Recovery of Rat Cortical Neurons from Hypoxia in vitro
Authors: Merkenschlager Andreas , Bloßfeld Marcus , Nieber Karen
Published: September 2016

We investigated the influence of the delta-opioid receptor-preferring agonist D-Ala2-D-Leu2-enkephalin (DADLE) in vitro during long- and short-term hypoxia on the single cortical neuron membrane currents, the postsynaptic currents (PSCs), and the postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) in rats. Rat cortical pyramidal neurons showed 2 distinct and prognostically relevant responses to hypoxia. Type A neurons that responded to hypoxia by an inward current, followed by a steady outward current, were shown to recover during subsequent reoxygenation. In contrast, type B neurons that responded by a steady inward current, indicative of gradual anoxic depolarisation, suffered irreversible membrane dysfunction and did not recover completely during reoxygenation. Pre-treatment with 1 µmol/l DADLE attenuated the hypoxic inward current and favored complete recovery of holding current and input resistance during reoxygenation, even when neurons were challenged by a second exposure to hypoxia. DADLE enhanced the inhibitory effect of hypoxia on PSPs and PSCs. We assume that this neuroprotective effect is transmitted by the additive effects of DADLE on the hypoxic PSP/PSC suppression, thereby inhibiting presynaptic glutamate release.
Spotlight on unmet needs in stroke prevention: The PIONEER AF-PCI, NAVIGATE ESUS and GALILEO trials
Authors: Hemmrich Melanie , Peterson Eric , Thomitzek Karen , Weitz Jeffrey
Published: September 2016

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major healthcare concern, being associated with an estimated five-fold risk of ischaemic stroke. In patients with AF, anticoagulants reduce stroke risk to a greater extent than acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with ASA plus clopidogrel. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are now a widely-accepted therapeutic option for stroke prevention in non-valvular AF (NVAF). There are particular patient types with NVAF for whom treatment challenges remain, owing to sparse clinical data, their high-risk nature or a need to harmonise anticoagulant and antiplatelet regimens if co-administered. This article focuses on three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that are investigating the utility of rivaroxaban, a direct, oral, factor Xa inhibitor, in additional areas of stroke prevention where data for anticoagulants are lacking: oPenlabel, randomized, controlled, multicentre study explorIng twO treatmeNt stratEgiEs of Rivaroxaban and a dose-adjusted oral vitamin K antagonist treatment (PIONEER AF-PCI); New Approach riVaroxoban Inhibition of factor Xa in a Global trial vs Aspirin to prevenT Embolism in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (NAVIGATE ESUS); and Global study comparing a rivAroxaban-based antithrombotic strategy to an antipLatelet-based strategy after transcatheter aortIc vaLve rEplacement to Optimize clinical outcomes (GALILEO). Data from these studies present collaborative efforts to build upon existing registrational Phase III data for rivaroxaban, driving the need for effective and safe treatment of a wider range of patients for stroke prevention.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ВПЛИВУ ЕЛЕКТРОМАГНІТНИХ ХВИЛЬ ВИДИМОГО ДІАПАЗОНУ НА ЖИВІ ОРГАНІЗМИ
Authors: Gulyar S. A. , Tamarova Z. A.
Published: September 2016

Our experimental studies and a set of the published data allow one to conclude that animals and humans can perceive visible light not only with mediation of the visual sensory system, but also due to the existence of specific extraocular photoreceptors. In the latter system, we can classify three separate stable levels of interaction with exogeneous electromagnetic waves (EMW) of the visible range. The first, most simple level is the cellular level (cells possessing sensor proteins reactable to EMW). The next, higher level is based on interaction of EVW with specialized electromagnetoreceptors; acupuncture points and meridians providing the maintenance of electromagnetic homeostasis of the organism cam be considered such a receptor system. Finally, the most complex level involves specialized sensory pathways and central brain structures controlling general homeostasis of the organism with mediation of the processes of metabolism.
Hospital Variation in Home-Time After Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: O’Brien Emily C. , Xian Ying , Xu Haolin , Wu Jingjing , Saver Jeffrey L. , Smith Eric E. , Schwamm Lee H. , Peterson Eric D. , Reeves Mathew J. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Maisch Lesley , Hannah Deidre , Lindholm Brianna , Olson DaiWai , Prvu Bettger Janet , Pencina Michael , Hernandez Adrian F. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose—

Stroke survivors identify home-time as a high-priority outcome; there are limited data on factors influencing home-time and home-time variability among discharging hospitals.

Methods—

We ascertained home-time (ie, time alive out of a hospital, inpatient rehabilitation facility, or skilled nursing facility) at 90 days and 1-year post discharge by linking data from Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Registry patients (≥65 years) to Medicare claims. Using generalized linear mixed models, we estimated adjusted mean home-time for each hospital. Using linear regression, we examined associations between hospital characteristics and risk-adjusted home-time.

Results—

We linked 156 887 patients with ischemic stroke at 989 hospitals to Medicare claims (2007–2011). Hospital mean home-time varied with an overall unadjusted median of 59.5 days over the first 90 days and 270.2 days over the first year. Hospital factors associated with more home-time over 90 days included higher annual stroke admission volume (number of ischemic stroke admissions per year); South, West, or Midwest geographic regions (versus Northeast); and rural location; 1-year patterns were similar. Lowest home-time quartile patients (versus highest) were more likely to be older, black, women, and have more comorbidities and severe strokes. Home-time variation decreased after risk adjustment (interquartile range, 57.4–61.4 days over 90 days; 266.3–274.2 days over 1 year). In adjusted analyses, increasing annual stroke volume and rural location were associated with significantly more home-time.

Conclusions—

In older ischemic stroke survivors, home-time post discharge varies by hospital annual stroke volume, severity of case-mix, and region. In adjusted analyses, annual ischemic stroke admission volume and rural location were associated with more home-time post stroke.
Grit Is Associated with Structure of Nucleus Accumbens and Gains in Cognitive Training
Authors: Nemmi Federico , Nymberg Charlotte , Helander Elin , Klingberg Torkel
Published: September 2016

There is a long-standing interest in the determinants of successful learning in children. “Grit” is an individual trait, reflecting the ability to pursue long-term goals despite temporary setbacks. Although grit is known to be predictive of future success in real-world learning situations, an understanding of the underlying neural basis and mechanisms is still lacking. Here we show that grit in a sample of 6-year-old children (n = 55) predicts the working memory improvement during 8 weeks of training on working memory tasks (p = .009). In a separate neuroimaging analysis performed on a partially overlapping sample (n = 27), we show that interindividual differences in grit were associated with differences in the volume of nucleus accumbens (peak voxel p = .021, x = 12, y = 11, z = −11). This was also confirmed in a leave-one-out analysis of gray matter density in the nucleus accumbens (p = .018). The results can be related to previous animal research showing the role of the nucleus accumbens to search out rewards regardless of delays or obstacles. The results provide a putative neural basis for grit and could contribute a cross-disciplinary connection of animal neuroscience to child psychology.
Firing Variability of Frontal Pole Neurons during a Cued Strategy Task
Authors: Tsujimoto Satoshi , Genovesio Aldo
Published: September 2016

In previous reports, we described neuronal activity in the polar (PFp), dorsolateral (PFdl), and orbital (PFo) PFC as monkeys performed a cued strategy task with two spatial goals. On each trial, a cue instructed one of two strategies: Stay with the previous goal or shift to the alternative. A delay period followed each cue, and feedback followed each choice, also at a delay. Our initial analysis showed that the mean firing rate of a population of PFp cells encoded the goal chosen on a trial, but only near the time of feedback, not earlier in the trial. In contrast, PFdl cells encoded goals and strategies during the cue and delay periods, and PFo cells encoded strategies in those task periods. Both areas also signaled goals near feedback time. Here we analyzed trial-to-trial variability of neuronal firing, as measured by the Fano factor (FF): the ratio of variance to the mean. Goal-selective PFp neurons had two properties: (1) a lower FF from the beginning of the trial compared with PFp cells that did not encode goals and (2) a weak but significant inverse correlation between FF throughout a trial and the degree of goal selectivity at feedback time. Cells in PFdl and PFo showed neither of these properties. Our findings indicate that goal-selective PFp neurons were engaged in the task throughout a trial, although they only encoded goals near feedback time. Their lower FF could improve the ability of other cortical areas to decode its selected-goal signal.
Electrophysiological Evidence for Early and Interactive Symbol Access and Rule Processing in Retrieving and Combining Language Constructions
Authors: Lucchese Guglielmo , Hanna Jeff , Autenrieb Anne , Miller Tally McCormick , Pulvermüller Friedemann
Published: September 2016

The human brain stores an immense repertoire of linguistic symbols (morphemes, words) and combines them into a virtually unlimited set of well-formed strings (phrases, sentences) that serve as efficient communicative tools. Communication is hampered, however, if strings include meaningless items (e.g., “pseudomorphemes”), or if the rules for combining string elements are violated. Prior research suggests that, when participants attentively process sentences in a linguistic task, syntactic processing can occur quite early, but lexicosemantic processing, or any interaction involving this factor, is manifest later in time (ca. 400 msec or later). In contrast, recent evidence from passive speech perception paradigms suggests early processing of both combinatorial (morphosyntactic) and storage-related (lexicosemantic) properties. A crucial question is whether these parallel processes might also interact early in processing. Using ERPs in an orthogonal design, we presented spoken word strings to participants while they were distracted from incoming speech to obtain information about automatic language processing mechanisms unaffected by task-related strategies. Stimuli were either (1) well-formed miniconstructions (short pronoun–verb sentences), (2) “unstored” strings containing a pseudomorpheme, (3) “ill-combined” strings violating subject–verb agreement rules, or (4) double violations including both types of errors. We found that by 70–210 msec after the onset of the phrase-final syllable that disambiguated the strings, interactions of lexicosemantic and morphosyntactic deviance were evident in the ERPs. These results argue against serial processing of lexical storage, morphosyntactic combination and their interaction, and in favor of early, simultaneous, and interactive processing of symbols and their combinatorial structures.
A checklist of fungi in Oman
Authors: MAHARACHCHIKUMBURA SAJEEWA S. N. , AL-SADI ABDULLAH M. , AL-KHAROUSI MOZA , AL-SAADY NADIYA , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: September 2016

Mycologists and plant pathologists have long been documenting fungi in checklists or adding them to databases that list hosts and associated fungi. Most references to the fungi of Oman are scattered in journals, reports and university theses. A review of the fungal status of Oman is long overdue as soil-borne and plant pathogens have been studied to some extent. Although Waller & Bridge (1978) listed the fungal diseases on economically important crops in Oman, the present study is the first attempt to put together all hitherto recorded fungi from this part of the world. This paper presents a systematic checklist of 318 fungal species, in 173 genera, currently known to occur in Oman. A working checklist of accepted taxa in Oman is vital in progress of the systematics, agriculture, quarantine and many other applied scientific fields in the country.
Brasilianthus (Melastomataceae), a new monotypic genus endemic to ironstone outcrops in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: ALMEDA FRANK , MICHELANGELI FABIÁN A. , VIANA PEDRO L.
Published: September 2016

A new monotypic genus, Brasilianthus carajensis, is described from Carajás Mineral Province where it is restricted to campo rupestre vegetation on ironstone outcrops (canga) that form island-like lenses nestled in the Amazon rainforest of southeastern Pará, Brazil. Among neotropical capsular-fruited Melastomataceae, Brasilianthus is distinguished by a unique combination of characters: annual habit; haplostemonous, 4-merous flowers; tubulose-subcylindric hypanthia with erect, narrowly obovate deciduous calyx lobes that are widest distally and well-spaced basally; short cupulate-campanulate anthers with a wide truncate apical pore; biaristate ventral staminal appendages; 4-locular ovary with an apex crowned by four persistent ± deltoid appendages; absence of placental intrusions in mature capsules; and subcochleate seeds with a costate testa. These morphological characters are congruent with DNA sequence data that show Brasilianthus nested within the Marcetia alliance of the tribe Melastomeae where it is sister to Nepsera aquatica. These two genera are in turn sister to Ernestia pullei and Appendicularia thymifolia. A comprehensive description of Brasilianthus is presented together with diagnostic illustrations, images of plants in the wild, a distribution map, SEM images of seeds, a geospatial conservation assessment based on IUCN criteria, and comparisons with generic relatives in the Marcetia alliance.
Impatiens wawuensis (Balsaminaceae): a new species from Sichuan, China
Authors: DING BO , GADAGKAR SUDHINDRA R. , WANG JIA-CAI , ZHANG MEI , GUO HUI , YU SHENG-XIANG
Published: September 2016

We describe Impatiens wawuensis B. Ding & S. X. Yu, a new species from Mt. Wawu, Sichuan Province, China. The new species is superficially similar to I. oxyanthera in having an inflorescence consisting of two pink flowers with a reddish vein. Differences include smaller leaves and flowers, lower sepals with shorter and slightly incurved spur, lower petal of lateral united petals with an elongate linear auricle inserted into the spur, and a fusiform capsule that is sparsely verrucous. We also present for the new species its seed micromorphology and palynological features under Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Worldwide revision of the genus Fraseroscyphus Boero and Bouillon, 1993 (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa): an integrative approach to establish new generic diagnoses
Authors: SONG XIKUN , XIAO ZEFENG , GRAVILI CINZIA , RUTHENSTEINER BERNHARD , MACKENZIE MELANIE , WANG SHAOQING , CHEN JINJING , YU NAN , WANG JIANJUN
Published: September 2016

The morphological character of the hydrocladium and gonotheca origin from within the hydrothecal cavity has rarely been applied for generic diagnoses in hydrozoans. Its taxonomic value has been controversial for more than a century. The genus Fraseroscyphus Boero and Bouillon, 1993 (Hydrozoa: Sertulariidae) is a relatively recently debated case and it has been distinguished from Symplectoscyphus Marktanner-Turneretscher, 1890 based on this character. A review of this character in all published nominal species of the family Sertulariidae reveals that its occurrence is inconsistent at the genus level. However, phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial (16S) and nuclear (18S, 28S) genes support the position of Fraseroscyphus as a genus within the family Symplectoscyphidae Maronna et al., 2016. Comparisons of 16 morphological characters of 10 related species support the distinction of Fraseroscyphus from Antarctoscyphus and Symplectoscyphus by other characters in addition to the hydrocladial and gonothecal origin character. These new characters include the rarely-branched hydrocaulus, the absence of an apophysis, and the absence of an axillary hydrotheca. Furthermore, a revision based on the morphological character complex mentioned above using type and topotypic material, demonstrated that Sertularella sinuosa Fraser, 1948 (type species of Fraseroscyphus) and Symplectoscyphus huanghaiensis Tang & Huang, 1986 are junior synonyms of F. hozawai (Stechow, 1931) comb. nov. The assignment of Sertularella irregularis Trebilcock, 1928 and Sertularella macrogona Trebilcock, 1928 to Fraseroscyphus is also supported. In addition, sequence polymorphism of mitochondrial genes even within a single hydroid fragment was detected by the molecular cloning method, and is probably in part attributable to errors introduced by PCR, mitochondrial heteroplasmy and/or nuclear mitochondrial DNA (NUMTs). The adoption of the cloning method may be crucial to improve the sequence accuracy for some colonial hydrozoans.
Description of the first Oriental species of the ant genus Xymmer (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Amblyoponinae)
Authors: SATRIA RIJAL , SASAKI OSAMU , VIET BUI TUAN , OGURI EMIKO , SYOJI KAZUTAKA , FISHER BRIAN L. , YAMANE SK , EGUCHI KATSUYUKI
Published: September 2016

The monotypic ant genus Xymmer Santschi, 1914 was established for X. muticus (Santschi, 1914) which has so far been known only from the West African subregion. The genus is easily distinguishable from the other amblyoponine genera by the anteromedian part of clypeus which is produced as a short rectangular lobe. Additional undescribed species had been found exclusively from Madagascar and Africa until recently. However, in March, 2015, a Xymmer colony was found in northern Central Vietnam. In the present paper Xymmer phungi sp. nov. is described as the first Oriental species of the genus. Although the worker of X. phungi is morphologically quite similar to that of X. muticus, the former is distinguishable from the latter by the following two characteristics of the worker: clypeal lobe 1/6 times as long as broad (vs. 1/3 times as long as broad in X. muticus); anterior margin of the lobe weakly concave (vs. almost straight in X. muticus). Xymmer phungi is well distinguished from Ethiopian Xymmer spp. for which 28S sequences are available from GenBank. Our observations suggest that the species feeds on geophilids (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha). An updated key to Vietnamese genera of the subfamily Amblyoponinae is also provided.
A new legskate, Sinobatis andamanensis (Rajiformes: Anacanthobatidae), from the Andaman Sea (northeastern Indian Ocean)
Authors: LAST PETER R. , BUSSARAWIT SOMCHAI
Published: September 2016

A new legskate, Sinobatis andamanensis sp. nov. is described from a small collection of specimens taken off Phuket (Thailand) during an exploratory survey of the Andaman Sea. It is the first species of Sinobatis and the only legskate known from the northern Indian Ocean. Sinobatis andamanensis sp. nov. has an especially long and narrowly pointed snout (preorbital length exceeding 23% TL) with an interorbital distance 7–9.5 in snout length (up to 6.7 in other Sinobatis species). Molecular data are unavailable for most members of the genus, but based on morphology it shares with S. caerulea bluish dorsal and ventral surfaces when fresh and a long ventral head (length 36–42% TL). As well as differing in several morphometric differences, Sinobatis andamanensis sp. nov. seems to be a much smaller legskate (males adult from 186 mm DW vs. still immature at 540 mm DW in S. caerulea). Sinobatis bulbicauda also has an expanded posterior tail, but S. andamanensis sp. nov. differs from that species in having a narrower disc (width at anterior orbit 3.7–4.9 vs. 5.2–7.8 times mouth width) and anterior pelvic-fin lobes (base width 2.7–5.0 vs. 1.7–3.2 in distance between pelvic-fin origins), and shorter and less-conical tooth cusps and fewer vertebrae (total centra 126–133 vs. 148–171).