bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of a hypersaline subglacial lake complex beneath Devon Ice Cap, Canadian Arctic
Authors: Rutishauser Anja , Blankenship Donald D. , Sharp Martin , Skidmore Mark L. , Greenbaum Jamin S. , Grima Cyril , Schroeder Dustin M. , Dowdeswell Julian A. , Young Duncan A.
Published: April 2018

A possible analog for saline lakes on planetary ice bodies lurks beneath a Canadian Arctic ice cap.
Anatomy of Mississippi Delta growth and its implications for coastal restoration
Authors: Chamberlain Elizabeth L. , Törnqvist Torbjörn E. , Shen Zhixiong , Mauz Barbara , Wallinga Jakob
Published: April 2018

Prehistoric rates of land gain in a large portion of the Mississippi Delta are significantly outpaced by present-day rates of land loss.
RNase moonlights as a cancer instigator
Authors: Zhang Qing
Published: April 2018

RNase 5 is a bona fide EGFR ligand that promotes oncogenic transformation in pancreatic cancer.
Distinct Nitrite and Nitric Oxide Physiologies in Escherichia coli and Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Meng Qiu , Yin Jianhua , Jin Miao , Gao Haichun
Published: April 2018

Nitrite has been used as a bacteriostatic agent for centuries in food preservation. It is widely accepted that this biologically inert molecule functions indirectly, serving as a stable reservoir of bioactive nitric oxide (NO) and other reactive nitrogen species to impact physiology. As a result, to date, we know surprisingly little about
in vivo
targets of nitrite. Here, we carry out comparative analyses of nitrite and NO physiology in
Escherichia coli
and in
Shewanella oneidensis
, a Gram-negative environmental bacterium renowned for respiratory versatility. These two bacteria differ from each other in many aspects of nitrite and NO physiology, including NO generation, NO degradation, and unexpectedly, their contrary susceptibility to nitrite and NO. In cell extracts of both bacteria, most of the NO targets are also susceptible to nitrite, and vice versa. However, with respect to growth inhibition caused by NO, the targets are impacted distinctly; NO targets are responsible for the inhibition of growth of
E. coli
but not of
S. oneidensis
. More surprisingly, all proteins identified to be implicated in NO tolerance in other bacteria appear to play a dispensable role in protecting
S. oneidensis
against NO. These data suggest that
S. oneidensis
is equipped with a robust but yet unknown NO protecting system. In the case of nitrite, it is clear that the target of physiological significance in both bacteria is cytochrome heme-copper oxidase.

IMPORTANCE
Nitrite is toxic to living organisms at high levels, but such antibacterial effects of nitrite are attributable to the formation of nitric oxide (NO), a highly reactive radical gas molecule. Here, we report that
Shewanella oneidensis
is highly resistant to NO but sensitive to nitrite compared to
Escherichia coli
by approximately 4-fold. In both bacteria, nitrite inhibits bacterial growth by targeting cytochrome heme-copper oxidase. In contrast, the targets of NO are diverse. Although these targets are similar in
E. coli
and
S. oneidensis
, they are responsible for growth inhibition caused by NO in the former but not in the latter. Overall, the presented data, along with the previous data, solidify a proposal that the
in vivo
targets of NO and nitrite in bacteria are largely different.
Genome Sequences of Ilzat and Eleri, Two Phages Isolated Using Microbacterium foliorum NRRL B-24224
Authors: Ali Ilzat , Jones Acacia Eleri , Mohamed Aleem , Sivanathan Viknesh
Published: April 2018

Bacteriophages Ilzat and Eleri are newly isolated
Siphoviridae
infecting
Microbacterium foliorum
NRRL B-24224. The phage genomes are similar in length, G+C content, and architecture and share 62.9% nucleotide sequence identity.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Cronobacter sakazakii Isolates Obtained from Foods of Plant Origin and Dried-Food Manufacturing Environments
Authors: Jang Hyein , Addy Nicole , Ewing Laura , Jean-Gilles Beaubrun Junia , Lee YouYoung , Woo JungHa , Negrete Flavia , Finkelstein Samantha , Tall Ben D. , Lehner Angelika , Eshwar Athmanya , Gopinath Gopal R.
Published: April 2018

Here, we present draft genome sequences of 29
Cronobacter sakazakii
isolates obtained from foods of plant origin and dried-food manufacturing facilities. Assemblies and annotations resulted in genome sizes ranging from 4.3 to 4.5 Mb and 3,977 to 4,256 gene-coding sequences with G+C contents of ∼57.0%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aeromonas lusitana sp. nov. Strain DSM 24905
T
, Isolated from a Hot Spring in Vila-Real, Portugal
Authors: Colston S. M. , Navarro A. , Martinez-Murcia A. J. , Graf J.
Published: April 2018

Aeromonas lusitana
sp. nov. is an isolate derived from a study aimed at characterizing
Aeromonas
spp. from water sources used for recreation and agricultural purposes and assessing the implications these organisms have for human and animal health. We present here the 4.52-Mbp draft genome sequence of this novel species.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of the Fluorene-Degrading Sphingobium sp. Strain LB126, Isolated from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Augelletti Floriana , Tremblay Julien , Agathos Spiros N. , Stenuit Ben
Published: April 2018

We report here the draft whole-genome sequence of a fluorene-degrading bacterium,
Sphingobium
sp. strain LB126. The genes involved in the upper biodegradation pathway of fluorene are located on a plasmid, and the lower pathway that generates tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates is initiated by the
meta
-cleavage of protocatechuic acid that is chromosomally encoded.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas oceani DSM 100277
T
, a Deep-Sea Bacterium
Authors: García-Valdés Elena , Gomila Margarita , Mulet Magdalena , Lalucat Jorge
Published: April 2018

Pseudomonas oceani
DSM 100277
T
was isolated from deep seawater in the Okinawa Trough at 1390 m.
P. oceani
belongs to the
Pseudomonas pertucinogena
group. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
P. oceani
, which has an estimated size of 4.1 Mb and exhibits 3,790 coding sequences, with a G+C content of 59.94 mol%.
High-Quality Whole-Genome Sequences for 59 Historical Shigella Strains Generated with PacBio Sequencing
Authors: Kim Justin , Lindsey Rebecca L. , Garcia-Toledo Lisley , Loparev Vladimir N. , Rowe Lori A. , Batra Dhwani , Juieng Phalasy , Stoneburg Devon , Martin Haley , Knipe Kristen , Smith Peyton , Strockbine Nancy
Published: April 2018

Shigella
spp. are enteric pathogens that cause shigellosis. We report here the high-quality whole-genome sequences of 59 historical
Shigella
strains that represent the four species and a variety of serotypes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Strain B 225, an Iron-Depositing Isolate of the Genus Novosphingobium
Authors: Braun Burga , Künzel Sven , Szewzyk Ulrich
Published: April 2018

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Novosphingobium
sp. strain B 225, an iron-depositing bacterium isolated from a phenazone-amended naturally grown biofilm. This biofilm was grown in the Unteres Odertal National Park, Germany. Illumina NextSeq sequencing was used to determine the genome of the strain.
Draft Genomic Sequences of Chromobacterium sp. nov. Strains MWU13-2610 and MWU14-2602, Isolated from Wild Cranberry Bogs in Massachusetts
Authors: O’Hara-Hanley Kory , Harrison Alisha , Soby Scott D.
Published: April 2018

Chromobacterium
sp. nov. strains MWU13-2610 and MWU14-2602 were isolated from cranberry bogs in the Cape Cod National Seashore. These nonpigmented bacteria represent two new presumptive species of the rapidly growing genus
Chromobacterium
. Gene homologs are present for multiple antibiotic resistance, virulence functions, and prophages.
T Cell-Independent Gamma Interferon and B Cells Cooperate To Prevent Mortality Associated with Disseminated Chlamydia muridarum Genital Tract Infection
Authors: Poston Taylor B. , O'Connell Catherine M. , Girardi Jenna , Sullivan Jeanne E. , Nagarajan Uma M. , Marinov Anthony , Scurlock Amy M. , Darville Toni
Published: April 2018

CD4 T cells and antibody are required for optimal acquired immunity toChlamydia muridarumgenital tract infection, and T cell-mediated gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production is necessary to clear infection in the absence of humoral immunity. However, the role of T cell-independent immune responses during primary infection remains unclear. We investigated this question by inoculating wild-type and immune-deficient mice withC. muridarumCM001, a clonal isolate capable of enhanced extragenital replication. Genital inoculation of wild-type mice resulted in transient dissemination to the lungs and spleen that then was rapidly cleared from these organs. However, CM001 genital infection proved lethal forSTAT1−/−andIFNG−/−mice, in which IFN-γ signaling was absent, and forRag1−/−mice, which lacked T and B cells and in which innate IFN-γ signaling was retained. In contrast, B cell-deficient muMT mice, which can generate a Th1 response, and T cell-deficient mice with intact B cell and innate IFN-γ signaling survived. These data collectively indicate that IFN-γ prevents lethal CM001 dissemination in the absence of T cells and suggests a B cell corequirement. Adoptive transfer of convalescent-phase immune serum but not naive IgM toRag1−/−mice infected with CM001 significantly increased the survival time, while transfer of naive B cells completely rescuedRag1−/−mice from CM001 lethality. Protection was associated with a significant reduction in the lung chlamydial burden of genitally infected mice. These data reveal an important cooperation between T cell-independent B cell responses and innate IFN-γ in chlamydial host defense and suggest that interactions between T cell-independent antibody and IFN-γ are essential for limiting extragenital dissemination.
Research priority setting in childhood chronic disease: a systematic review
Authors: Odgers Harrison Lindsay , Tong Allison , Lopez-Vargas Pamela , Davidson Andrew , Jaffe Adam , McKenzie Anne , Pinkerton Ross , Wake Melissa , Richmond Peter , Crowe Sally , Caldwell Patrina Ha Yuen , Hill Sophie , Couper Jennifer , Haddad Suzy , Kassai Behrouz , Craig Jonathan C
Published: April 2018

Objective

To evaluate research priority setting approaches in childhood chronic diseases and to describe the priorities of stakeholders including patients, caregivers/families and health professionals.

Design

We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL from inception to 16 October 2016. Studies that elicited stakeholder priorities for paediatric chronic disease research were eligible for inclusion. Data on the prioritisation process were extracted using an appraisal checklist. Generated priorities were collated into common topic areas.

Results

We identified 83 studies (n=15 722). Twenty (24%) studies involved parents/caregivers and four (5%) children. The top three health areas were cancer (11%), neurology (8%) and endocrine/metabolism (8%). Priority topic areas were treatment (78%), disease trajectory (48%), quality of life/psychosocial impact (48%), disease onset/prevention (43%), knowledge/self-management (33%), prevalence (30%), diagnostic methods (28%), access to healthcare (25%) and transition to adulthood (12%). The methods included workshops, Delphi techniques, surveys and focus groups/interviews. Specific methods for collecting and prioritising research topics were described in only 60% of studies. Most reviewed studies were conducted in high-income nations.

Conclusions

Research priority setting activities in paediatric chronic disease cover many discipline areas and have elicited a broad range of topics. However, child/caregiver involvement is uncommon, and the methods often lack clarity. A systematic and explicit process that involves patients and families in partnership may help to inform a more patient and family-relevant research agenda in paediatric chronic disease.
Patient-reported outcome measures for patients with meniscal tears: a systematic review of measurement properties and evaluation with the COSMIN checklist
Authors: Abram Simon GF , Middleton Robert , Beard David J , Price Andrew J , Hopewell Sally
Published: April 2018

Objective

Meniscal tears occur frequently in the population and the most common surgical treatment, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, is performed in approximately two million cases worldwide each year. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarise and critically appraise the evidence for the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with meniscal tears.

Design

A systematic review was undertaken. Data on reported measurement properties were extracted and the quality of the studies appraised according to Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments.

Data sources

A search of MEDLINE, Embase, AMED and PsycINFO, unlimited by language or publication date (last search 20 February 2017).

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Development and validation studies reporting the measurement properties of PROMs in patients with meniscal tears were included.

Results

11 studies and 10 PROMs were included. The overall quality of studies was poor. For measurement of symptoms and functional status, there is only very limited evidence supporting the selection of either the Lysholm Knee Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form or the Dutch version of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. For measuring health-related quality of life, only limited evidence supports the selection of the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET). Of all the PROMs evaluated, WOMET has the strongest evidence for content validity.

Conclusion

For patients with meniscal tears, there is poor quality and incomplete evidence regarding the validity of the currently available PROMs. Further research is required to ensure these PROMs truly reflect the symptoms, function and quality of life of patients with meniscal tears.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017056847.
Rate of adherence to urate-lowering therapy among patients with gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yin Rulan , Li Lin , Zhang Guo , Cui Yafei , Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Qiuxiang , Fu Ting , Cao Haixia , Li Liren , Gu Zhifeng
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Reported adherence to urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in gout varies widely (17%–83.5%). Variability may partly be due to different adherence measurement methods. This review aimed to quantify ULT adherence in adult patients with gout.

Methods

This analysis examined studies in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI Scholar and WanFang databases from inception to January 2017. Papers were selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria in the context. Random-effect meta-analysis estimated adherence.

Results

22 studies were found by the inclusion criteria, which involved 1 37 699 patients with gout. Four ways to define adherence were reported. Meta-analysis revealed that the overall adherence rate was 47% (95% CI 42% to 52%, I2=99.7%). Adherence rate to ULT was 42% (95% CI 37% to 47%, I2=99.8%) for prescription claims, 71% (95% CI 63% to 79%) for pill count, 66% (95% CI 50% to 81%, I2=86.3%) for self-report and 63% (95% CI 42% to 83%, I2=82.9%) for interview, respectively. The influential factor on adherence rate was country of origin.

Conclusions

Among adult patients with gout, overall adherence rate to ULT was as low as 47%, which suggested that clinicians should pay more attention to medication adherence in patients with gout to effectively improve adherence to ULT.
Refugee maternal and perinatal health in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective population-based study
Authors: Wanigaratne Susitha , Shakya Yogendra , Gagnon Anita J , Cole Donald C , Rashid Meb , Blake Jennifer , Dastoori Parisa , Moineddin Rahim , Ray Joel G , Urquia Marcelo L
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Immigrants are thought to be healthier than their native-born counterparts, but less is known about the health of refugees or forced migrants. Previous studies often equate refugee status with immigration status or country of birth (COB) and none have compared refugee to non-refugee immigrants from the same COB. Herein, we examined whether: (1) a refugee mother experiences greater odds of adverse maternal and perinatal health outcomes compared with a similar non-refugee mother from the same COB and (2) refugee and non-refugee immigrants differ from Canadian-born mothers for maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Design

This is a retrospective population-based database study. We implemented two cohort designs: (1) 1:1 matching of refugees to non-refugee immigrants on COB, year and age at arrival (±5 years) and (2) an unmatched design using all data.

Setting and participants

Refugee immigrant mothers (n=34 233), non-refugee immigrant mothers (n=243 439) and Canadian-born mothers (n=615 394) eligible for universal healthcare insurance who had a hospital birth in Ontario, Canada, between 2002 and 2014.

Primary outcomes

Numerous adverse maternal and perinatal health outcomes.

Results

Refugees differed from non-refugee immigrants most notably for HIV, with respective rates of 0.39% and 0.20% and an adjusted OR (AOR) of 1.82 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.79). Other elevated outcomes included caesarean section (AOR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.08) and moderate preterm birth (AOR 1.08, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.17). For the majority of outcomes, refugee and non-refugee immigrants experienced similar AORs when compared with Canadian-born mothers.

Conclusions

Refugee status was associated with a few adverse maternal and perinatal health outcomes, but the associations were not strong except for HIV. The definition of refugee status used herein may not sensitively identify refugees at highest risk. Future research would benefit from further refining refugee status based on migration experiences.
Complications in breast augmentation with textured versus smooth breast implants: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Luan Jie , Panayi Adriana C , Orgill Dennis P , Xin Minqiang
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular aesthetic plastic surgeries worldwide. There are various types of breast implants, and these can be categorised into different broad groups based on their content, shape or surface, to name a few. When looking at the surface of the shell, they can be categorised into two main kinds: textured and smooth implants. To our knowledge, a literature review and meta-analysis of the complications of these two types of implants when used for aesthetic breast augmentation has yet to be written.

Methods and analysis

The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane electronic databases will be searched from their inception to 1 October 2017. Only cohort studies, case series, case–control studies and randomised controlled trials will be included. Identification of the articles for inclusion will be carried out by two independent researchers, and data will be extracted from these studies for analysis. This protocol defines the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as the primary and secondary outcomes. Statistical data analysis will be conducted in Review Manager V.5.3 from Cochrane Collaboration. The methodological quality of the included studies will also be assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will analyse secondary data collected from studies which are not linked to any specific individual. Once completed, the conclusions of the review could prove to be a valuable resource for plastic surgeons to conduct aesthetic implant procedures. The review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at various national and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017078727.
Safety and feasibility evaluation of tourniquets for total knee replacement (SAFE-TKR): study protocol
Authors: Wall Peter DH , Ahmed Imran , Metcalfe Andrew , Price Andrew J , Seers Kate , Hutchinson Charles E , Parsons Helen , Warwick Jane , Rahman Bushra , Brown Jaclyn , Underwood Martin
Published: April 2018

Introduction

This study is designed to determine whether a full randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining the clinical effectiveness and safety of total knee replacement surgery with or without a tourniquet is warranted and feasible.

Method and analysis

Single centre, patient-blinded and assessor-blinded RCT. A computer-generated randomisation service will allocate 50 participants into one of two trial treatments, surgery with or without a tourniquet. The primary objective is to estimate recruitment, crossovers and follow-up of patients. All patients will have an MRI scan of their brain preoperatively and day 1 or 2 postoperatively to identify ischaemic cerebral emboli (primary clinical outcome). Oxford Cognitive Screen, Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini-Mental State Examination will be evaluated as outcome tools for measuring cognitive impairment at days 1, 2 and 7 postoperatively. Thigh pain, blood transfusion requirements, venous thromboembolism, revision surgery, surgical complications, mortality and Oxford knee and five-level EuroQol-5D scores will be collected over 12 months.Integrated qualitative research study: 30 trial patients and 20 knee surgeons will take part in semistructured interviews. Interviews will capture views regarding the pilot trial and explore barriers and potential solutions to a full trial.Multicentre cohort study: UK National Joint Registry data will be linked to Hospital Episode Statistics to estimate the relationship between tourniquet use and venous thromboembolic event, length of hospital stay, risk of revision surgery and death. The study will conclude with a multidisciplinary workshop to reach a consensus on whether a full trial is warranted and feasible.

Ethics and dissemination

National Research Ethics Committee (West Midlands-Edgbaston) approved this study on 27 January 2016 (15/WM/0455). The study is sponsored by University of Warwick and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire. The results will be disseminated via high-impact peer-reviewed publication.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN20873088; Pre-results.
Coumarins improved type 2 diabetes induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin in mice via antioxidation
Authors: Yao Yuanfa , Zhao Xuqin , Xin Jinxia , Wu Yingqi , Li Hanbing
Published: April 2018

Coumarins extensively exist in plants and are utilized against diabetes in some folk medicines. Recent studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. We investigated the antioxidant ability of 3 coumarins (osthole, esculin, and fraxetin) in type 2 diabetes. After being fed a high-fat diet, ICR mice were exposed to low doses of streptozotocin and then treated with experimental coumarins for 5 weeks. We found osthole, esculin, and metformin significantly lowered fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR, and 3 blood lipids (total cholesterol, total triglyceride, free fatty acids), and increased insulin levels, while fraxetin only enhanced insulin levels and lessened free fatty acids. Both osthole and esculin had antioxidative effects in pancreas through elevating the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase; fraxetin, however, merely heightened catalase activity. By contrast, 3 coumarins significantly increased those antioxidase activities in liver. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed 3 coumarins, especially osthole, attenuated cellular derangement, blurry fringes of hepatic sinusoid and extensive vacuolization due to hepatocellular lipid accumulation, and lessened inflammatory infiltration in pancreas. The glomerular and islet structure of diabetic mice were improved, with reduced mesangial matrix and glomerular basement membrane thickening. Therefore, our study supports that coumarins could be promising candidates against type 2 diabetes through antioxidative mechanisms.
Diverse Palindromic Factorization is NP-Complete
Authors: Bannai Hideo , Gagie Travis , Inenaga Shunsuke , Kärkkäinen Juha , Kempa Dominik , Piątkowski Marcin , Sugimoto Shiho
Published: April 2018

We prove that it is NP-complete to decide whether a given string can be factored into palindromes that are each unique in the factorization.
Consensus Game Acceptors and Iterated Transductions
Authors: Berwanger Dietmar , van den Bogaard Marie
Published: April 2018

We study a game for recognising formal languages, in which two players with imperfect information should coordinate on a common decision, given private input words correlated by a finite graph. The players have a common objective to avoid an inadmissible decision, in spite of the uncertainty induced by the input.

We show that the acceptor model based on consensus games characterises context-sensitive languages. Further, we describe the expressiveness of these games in terms of iterated synchronous transductions and identify a subclass that characterises context-free languages.
Physiology and Engineering of the Graded Interfaces of Musculoskeletal Junctions
Authors: Bonnevie Edward D. , Mauck Robert L.
Published: April 2018

The connective tissues of the musculoskeletal system can be grouped into fibrous, cartilaginous, and calcified tissues. While each tissue type has a distinct composition and function, the intersections between these tissues result in the formation of complex, composite, and graded junctions. The complexity of these interfaces is a critical aspect of their healthy function, but poses a significant challenge for their repair. In this review, we describe the organization and structure of complex musculoskeletal interfaces, identify emerging technologies for engineering such structures, and outline the requirements for assessing the complex nature of these tissues in the context of recapitulating their function through tissue engineering.
Klotho plays a protective role against glomerular hypertrophy in a cell cycle-dependent manner in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Oh Hyung Jung , Nam Bo Young , Wu Meiyan , Kim Seonghun , Park Jimin , Kang Sukyung , Park Jung Tak , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kang Shin-Wook , Han Seung Hyeok
Published: April 2018

There are few studies on the effect of klotho on podocytes in diabetic nephropathy. Thus, we tested whether klotho exerts a protective effect against glomerular injury in diabetes. Mouse podocytes were cultured in media containing 5.6 or 30 mM glucose(HG) with or without 200 pM of recombinant klotho (rKL). Additionally, 32 mice were injected intraperitoneally with either diluent( n = 16, C) or with streptozotocin ( n = 16, DM). Control and diabetic mice underwent sham operation and unilateral nephrectomy, respectively. Eight mice from each control and DM group were treated daily with 10 μg·kg−1·day−1of rKL, using an osmotic minipump. Klotho was expressed in podocytes, and its expression was dependent on peroxisome proliferator-activateed receptor-γ (PPARγ). HG treatment increased the expression of cell cycle-related and apoptotic markers, and these were significantly attenuated by rKL; rKL inhibited the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1/2 and p38 signaling pathways in HG-induced podocyte injury. However, siRNA against klotho gene in HG-treated podocytes failed to aggravate cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. When HG-treated podocytes were incubated in the high-klotho-conditioned medium from tubular epithelial cells, cell injury was significantly attenuated. This effect was not observed when klotho was inhibited by siRNA. In vivo, the expressions of cell cycle-related and apoptotic markers were increased in diabetic mice compared with controls, which were significantly decreased by rKL. Glomerular hypertrophy (GH) and increased profibrotic markers were significantly alleviated after rKL administration. These results showed that klotho was expressed in glomerular podocytes that and its expression was regulated by PPARγ. Additionally, administration of rKL attenuated GH via a cell cycle-dependent mechanism and decreased apoptosis.
Temporal exploration in sequential movements shapes efficient neuromuscular control
Authors: Furuya Shinichi , Yokota Sayuri
Published: April 2018

The interaction of early and deliberate practice with genetic predisposition endows experts with virtuosic motor performance. However, it has not been known whether ways of practicing shape motor virtuosity. Here, we addressed this issue by comparing the effects of rhythmic variation in motor practice on neuromuscular control of the finger movements in pianists. With the use of a novel electromyography system with miniature active electrodes, we recorded the activity of the intrinsic hand muscles of 27 pianists while they played the piano and analyzed it by using a nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm and cluster analysis. The result demonstrated that practicing a target movement sequence with various rhythms reduced muscular activity, whereas neither practicing a sequence with a single rhythm nor taking a rest without practicing changed the activity. In addition, practice with rhythmic variation changed the patterns of simultaneous activations across muscles. This alteration of muscular coordination was associated with decreased activation of muscles not only relevant to, but also irrelevant to the task performance. In contrast, piano practice improved the maximum speed of the performance, the amount of which was independent of whether rhythmic variation was present. These results suggest that temporal variation in movement sequences during practice co-optimizes both movement speed and neuromuscular efficiency, which emphasizes the significance of ways of practice in the acquisition of motor virtuosity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A key question in motor neuroscience is whether “ways of practicing” contribute to shaping motor virtuosity. We found both attenuation of activities and alteration of coordination of the intrinsic hand muscles of pianists, specifically through practicing a movement sequence with various rhythms. The maximum speed of the finger movements was also enhanced following the practice. These results emphasize the importance of ways of practicing in facilitating multiple skills: efficiency and speed.
The Birth and Death of Platelets in Health and Disease
Authors: Pluthero Fred G. , Kahr Walter H. A.
Published: April 2018

Blood platelets are involved in a wide range of physiological responses and pathological processes. Recent studies have considerably advanced our understanding of the mechanisms of platelet production and clearance, revealing new connections between the birth and death of these tiny, abundant cells. Key insights have also been gained into how physiological challenges such as inflammation, infection, and chemotherapy can affect megakaryocytes, the cells that produce platelets.
Impaired Autophagy in Motor Neurons: A Final Common Mechanism of Injury and Death
Authors: Gonzalez Porras Maria A. , Sieck Gary C. , Mantilla Carlos B.
Published: April 2018

Autophagy is a cellular digestion process that contributes to cellular homeostasis and adaptation by the elimination of proteins and damaged organelles. Evidence suggests that dysregulation of autophagy plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases, including motor neuron disorders. Herein, we review emerging evidence indicating the roles of autophagy in physiological motor neuron processes and its function in specific compartments. Moreover, we discuss the involvement of autophagy in the pathogenesis of motor neuron diseases, including spinal cord injury and aging, and recent developments that offer promising therapeutic approaches to mitigate effects of dysregulated autophagy in health and disease.
Intermittent High Glucose Exacerbates A-FABP Activation and Inflammatory Response through TLR4-JNK Signaling in THP-1 Cells
Authors: Li Hui , Luo Han-Ying , Liu Qing , Xiao Yang , Tang Lin , Zhong Feng , Huang Gan , Xu Jun-Mei , Xu Ai-Min , Zhou Zhi-Guang , Dai Ru-Ping
Published: April 2018

Background. Glucose fluctuation confers additional risks on diabetes-related vascular diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Macrophage activation mediated by TLR4-JNK signaling plays an important role during the progress of diabetes. In the present study, we hypothesize that glucose fluctuation results in macrophage inflammation through TLR4-JNK signaling pathways. Methods. THP-1 cells were treated with normal glucose (5 mM), constant high glucose (25 mM), and intermittent high glucose (rotation per 6 h in 5 mM or 25 mM) for 24 h. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4, p-JNK, and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) were determined, and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β were quantified. Results. In constant high glucose, TLR4 expression and JNK phosphorylation levels increased, and this effect was more pronounced in intermittent high glucose. Accordingly, the expression of A-FABP and the release of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β also increased in response to constant high glucose, an effect that also was more evident in intermittent high glucose. The inhibition of p-JNK by SP600125 did not attenuate TLR4 expression, but totally inhibited both A-FABP expression and the production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in both constant and intermittent high glucose. Conclusions. Intermittent high glucose potentiates A-FABP activation and inflammatory responses via TLR4/p-JNK signaling in THP-1 cells. These findings suggest a more detrimental impact of glucose fluctuation on macrophage inflammation in diabetes-related vascular diseases than thus far generally assumed.
Chemerin, Inflammatory, and Nitrooxidative Stress Marker Changes Six Months after Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Cӑtoi Adriana Florinela , Pârvu Alina Elena , Mironiuc Aurel , Chiorescu Ştefan , Crӑciun Alexandra , Pop Ioana Delia , Cӑtoi Cornel
Published: April 2018

Background. Chemerin is a chemokine known to be increased in morbidly obese (MO) patients and correlated with markers of inflammation and nitrooxidative stress. We aimed to evaluate the changes of serum chemerin six months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and to asses if these changes are accompanied by variations of inflammatory and nitrooxidative stress markers. Material and Methods. We investigated the levels of chemerin, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), nitrite and nitrate (NOx), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant response (TAR), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in a group of 24 MO patients submitted to SG before and six months after surgery. The MO group was compared with 20 controls. Results. hsCRP (p < 0.001), NOx (p < 0.001), TOS (p < 0.001), TAR (p = 0.007), and OSI (p = 0.001) were significantly different between the two groups. Six months after surgery, we noticed significant changes (42.28% decrease) of hsCRP (p = 0.044) and OSI (p = 0.041) (31.81% decrease), while no significant changes were observed for chemerin (p = 0.605), TNF‐α (p = 0.287), NOx (p = 0.137), TOS (p = 0.158), and TAR (p = 0.563). Conclusions. Our study showed no significant changes of chemerin, and except for hsCRP and OSI, no other inflammatory and nitrooxidative stress markers changed six months after surgery.
Multiperiod Telser’s Safety-First Portfolio Selection with Regime Switching
Authors: Lin Chuangwei , Wu Huiling
Published: April 2018

This paper investigates a multiperiod Telser’s safety-first portfolio selection model with regime switching where the returns of the assets are assumed to depend on the market states modulated by a discrete-time Markov chain. The investor aims to maximize the expected terminal wealth and does not want the probability of the terminal wealth to fall short of a disaster level to exceed a predetermined number called the risk control level. Referring to Tchebycheff inequality, we modify Telser’s safety-first model to the case that aims to maximize the expected terminal wealth subject to a constraint where the upper bound of the disaster probability is less than the risk control level. By the Lagrange multiplier technique and the embedding method, we study in detail the existence of the optimal strategy and derive the closed-form optimal strategy. Finally, by mathematical and numerical analysis, we analyze the effects of the disaster level, the risk control level, the transition matrix of the Markov chain, the expected excess return, and the variance of the risky return.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors to Treat Malignant Lymphomas
Authors: Witkowska Magdalena , Smolewski Piotr
Published: April 2018

Genetic and/or epigenetic changes provide antigen-derived diversity in neoplastic cells. Beside, these cells do not initiate immune response of host organisms. A variety of factors are responsible for the resistant to treatment, including individual variations in patients and somatic cell genetic differences in tumors, even those from the same tissue of origin. Immune system is controlled by several controlling mechanisms. Recently, a significant progress in hematologic treatment has been made; however, majority of diseases still remain incurable. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has emerged as promising modality of antitumor treatment, showing marked response to several antigens, including cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associate protein-4 (CTLA-4) or programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD-1). In this review, we demonstrate actual knowledge on immune checkpoint function and its impact on development of new modality of antineoplastic treatment, using, for example, anti-CTLA-4 or PD-1/PD1 ligand (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies in malignant lymphomas.
Decreased Count and Dysfunction of Circulating EPCs in Postmenopausal Hypercholesterolemic Females via Reducing NO Production
Authors: Luo Ying , Yan Quan-Neng , Wu Wan-Zhou , Luo Fan-Yan
Published: April 2018

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to the endogenous endothelial repair program during hypercholesterolemia. EPC count and migratory and proliferative capacities remain unchanged in the premenopausal female with hypercholesterolemia. However, the changes of count and activity of circulating EPCs in the hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal females are unknown. Here, we find that the migratory and proliferative capacities of circulating EPCs were decreased in patients with hypercholesterolemia versus normocholesterolemia. No significant differences were found between postmenopausal females and age-matched males. NO production showed positive correlation with the activity and count of circulating EPCs in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is directly interrelated with EPC counts and function. Our findings reveal that decreased EPC count and endothelial dysfunction lead to less NO production in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal females. Maintaining the EPC numbers and activity might be emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular injury in elder women.
A Skeptical Approach to the Management of Persistent Oral Ulceration in a Child
Authors: Kartal Ibrahim , Dağdemir Ayhan , Elli Murat , Yıldız Levent , Yılmaz Ayşegül
Published: April 2018

The diagnosis of oral lesions is sometimes difficult due to both the clinician’s limited experience with the conditions that may cause the lesions and their similar appearances, especially in children. Correctly establishing a definitive diagnosis is of major importance to clinicians who manage patients with oral mucosal diseases. In patients with Fanconi anaemia (FA), oral ulcers occur frequently, which are quite variable, and may lead to a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose. Here, we report the case of a 15-year-old boy who was examined for squamous cell cancer of the tongue and diagnosed as having FA without any haematological manifestations. While surgery could not be done, both radiotherapy and chemotherapy had to be decreased. He died of progressive disease 6 months after the diagnosis. Unexplained ulcers in a child with a duration longer than 2 weeks should be further evaluated, especially for FA, even without the presence of anaemia.
ALK-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Potentially Fatal Presentation
Authors: Ibrahim Uroosa , Saqib Amina , Rehan Maryam , Atallah Jean Paul
Published: April 2018

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening disorder that can be familial in etiology or a result of infections, malignancy, and autoimmune or inflammatory disorders. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is common in patients admitted to intensive care units and can confound and delay the diagnosis of HLH. We present a case of a 69-year-old female who presented with dyspnea and malaise. Her condition declined rapidly with laboratory parameters consistent with DIC. In addition, she had a ferritin of 32,522 ng/mL, low haptoglobin, and elevated LDH, and bone marrow biopsy showed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytes. She was started on HLH-directed therapy, and later, a diagnosis of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma was made on an excisional inguinal lymph node biopsy specimen. Our case emphasizes the importance of prompt recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of HLH while workup for a primary disorder is still being pursued.
Criterion for Generalized Weakly Fuzzy Invex Monotonocities
Authors: Khan Meraj A. , Ahmad Izhar , Aljohani Abdulrahman
Published: April 2018

The present paper deals with the concepts of generalized fuzzy invex monotonocities and generalized weakly fuzzy invex functions. Some necessary conditions for weakly fuzzy invex monotonocities are presented. Moreover, the concept of fuzzy strong invex monotonocities and fuzzy strong invex functions are also discussed. To strengthen our definitions, we provide nontrivial examples of fuzzy invex monotonocities and weakly fuzzy invex functions.
Short‐Duration Swimming Exercise after Myocardial Infarction Attenuates Cardiac Dysfunction and Regulates Mitochondrial Quality Control in Aged Mice
Authors: Zhao Dajun , Sun Yang , Tan Yanzhen , Zhang Zhengbin , Hou Zuoxu , Gao Chao , Feng Pan , Zhang Xing , Yi Wei , Gao Feng
Published: April 2018

Background. Exercise benefits to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) following stable myocardial infarction (MI). The suitable exercise duration for aged patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains controversial, and the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. Methods and Results. 18‐Month‐old mice after stable MI were randomly submitted to different durations of exercise, including 15 and 60 min swimming training (ST) once per day, five times a week for 8 weeks. Compared to sedentary mice, 15 min ST, rather than 60 min ST, significantly augmented left ventricular function, increased survival rate, and suppressed myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis. 15 min ST improved mitochondrial morphology via regulating mitochondrial fission‐fusion signaling. 15 min ST regulated mitophagy signaling via inhibiting LC3‐II and P62 levels and increasing PINK/Parkin expression. 15 min ST also inhibited ROS production and enhanced antioxidant SOD2 activity. Notably, 15 min ST significantly increased sirtuin (SIRT) 3 level (2.7‐fold) in vivo while the inhibition of SIRT3 exacerbated senescent H9c2 cellular LDH release and ROS production under hypoxia. In addition, SIRT3 silencing impairs mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in senescent cardiomyocytes against simulated ischemia (SI) injury. Conclusion. Collectively, our study demonstrated for the first time that sustained short‐duration exercise, rather than long‐duration exercise, attenuates cardiac dysfunction after MI in aged mice. It is likely that the positive regulation induced by a short‐duration ST regimen on the elevated SIRT3 protein level improved mitochondrial quality control and decreased apoptosis and fibrosis contributed to the observed more resistant phenotype.
Study on the Load-Sharing Characteristics of an Aeronautical II-Stage Five-Branching Planets Gear Train Based on the Loaded Tooth Contact Analysis
Authors: Hao Dong , Fang Zong-de , Hu Ya-hui
Published: April 2018

The aeronautical two-stage five-branching planets gear train is widely used in the internal decelerator of aeroengines and the main decelerator of helicopters. In order to study the load-sharing characteristics of the aeronautical two-stage five-branching planets gear train, a static load-sharing calculation model for this system is established. The loaded tooth contact analysis method is introduced in the static load-sharing calculation model, and the time-varying meshing stiffness condition of each gear pair is obtained. According to the characteristics of the whole system’s power flow closed-loop characteristics, the twist angle deformation coordination condition of the system is established, which includes installation error, manufacturing error, and floating factor. Using the equivalent meshing error theory, the error of the gear manufacturing and the installation error of the system are analyzed. At the same time, the floating meshing error caused by the change of the meshing side gap caused by the floating of the sun gear and the inner ring gear is considered. The moment balance condition of the sun gear based on the floating of the spline gap is established. Combined with the coordination condition of torsion angle deformation, the torque of each gear pair is obtained. The load-sharing coefficient of the system is further calculated. The influence of the manufacturing error, the installation error, and the floating amount on the load-sharing coefficient is analyzed. The results show that the load-sharing coefficient of each planets gear varies with time when the manufacturing error and installation error alone affect the load-sharing characteristic. The sun gear floating can obviously improve the load-sharing performance. The correctness of the theoretical algorithm is verified by experiments. A new method of calculating the load-sharing characteristics of this system is put forward, which provides a theoretical basis for determining the load-sharing coefficient, reasonable allocation, and control tolerance on the design.
Lipid Accumulation in Peripheral Blood Dendritic Cells and Anticancer Immunity in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Arai Ryo , Soda Sayo , Okutomi Tomoko , Morita Hiroko , Ohmi Fumito , Funakoshi Tomoe , Takemasa Akihiro , Ishii Yoshiki
Published: April 2018

We studied the subsets of peripheral blood dendritic cells (DCs) and lipid accumulation in DCs to investigate the involvement of DCs in the decreased anticancer immunity of advanced lung cancer patients. We analyzed the population of DC subsets in peripheral blood using flow cytometry. We then determined lipid accumulation in the DCs using BODIPY 650/665, a fluorophore with an affinity for lipids. Compared with healthy controls, the number of DCs in the peripheral blood of treatment-naive cancer patients was significantly reduced. In patients with stage III + IV disease, the numbers of myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs were also significantly reduced. Lipid accumulation in DCs evaluated based on the fluorescence intensity of BODIPY 650/665 was significantly higher in stage III + IV lung cancer patients than in the controls. In the subset analysis, the fluorescence was highest for mDCs. The intracellularly accumulated lipids were identified as triglycerides. A decreased mixed leukocyte reaction was observed in the mDCs from lung cancer patients compared with those from controls. Taken together, the results show that lung cancer patients have a notably decreased number of peripheral blood DCs and their function as antigen-presenting cells is decreased due to their high intracellular lipid accumulation. Thereby, anticancer immunity is suppressed.